An action-packed couples trip at Barnsley Resort makes the most of the Georgia foothills
As terrific as a girls getaway or a guy trip sounds, a couples vacation can be loads of fun, especially when the windshield time is just a few hours. Tucked between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Barnsley Resort is a noteworthy retreat, and the setting is stunning. A weekend away that leans into the outdoors is where Barnsley excels; the only issue may be narrowing down options. I tried numerous activities during a long weekend at the resort and came away with new experiences enjoyed with friends.
Upon arrival, get the lay of the land. Though the property includes 3,000 acres of pristine North Georgia vistas, the resort centers around a sprawling common space referred to as “the great lawn.” There are estate rooms at the hotel, but we recommend the cottages that open onto the lawn. Many offer multiple bedrooms, so plan for your group to stick together. It feels like a village center with porches spilling out onto the expanse with wide paths, split wood firepits encircled by Adirondack chairs, and a cheery beer garden with live music at sunset.
Luxurious History of Barnsley Resort
Barnsley is five miles from Adairsville, Georgia. The estate was home to British shipping tycoon Godfrey Barnsley and the manse was built in the Italianate style, something he greatly admired. Its gardens reflect the influence of Gothic Revival enthusiast Andrew Jack Downing, and the surviving boxwood parterre garden includes a secret fountain.
Located at one end of the resort, the remains of the original Manor House date to 1840. A walk there and back is studded with perennial beds, shaded walking paths through indigenous woods, and clusters of hidden hammocks. There are bikes to grab if you’d rather pedal, and nine holes of disk golf wind throughout the grounds.
The resort often hosts winemakers, so look for one on their calendar. Sonoma’s Bluerock Vineyard was in residence during my trip and our guided walk to the manor ruins included wine and local cheese pairings along the way. There’s also a not-to-miss bourbon experience in the lobby’s living room; a massive syphon is employed to imbue Woodford Reserve with smoked pecan for an enticing sip. Drink it neat or ask for the Pecan Smoked Old Fashioned.
There’s really more than a weekend’s worth to experience at Barnsley. Trying something new is often memorable, but it’s the act of being together, with friends who feel like family, that creates a lasting imprint.
Five Favorites
Beretta Shooting Grounds
During spring and summer, there’s nothing to kill but clay disks and targets at the Beretta Shooting Ground. Two 15-station courses offer both open field and rolling hillside posts to try your hand at sporting clays. There’s also a covered five-stand platform for group competition. The wonderful instructors can get anyone to hit a moving target (trust me on this). Take it one step further and sign up for the Swarovski 1,000 Yard Challenge. You’ll learn how to shoulder a precision long-range rifle and hit a stationary target more than 10 football fields away.
Trail Ride
Wake up for a guided group ride. Setting out from the resort stables, horses follow each other into the woods, skirting the property, passing misty forests, crossing the Fazio golf course, through mountain fed streams, and across a clomp-ity bridge. You’ll even spy an ultra-private restored 100-year-old cabin, available to rent for your next trip to Barnsley.
Lunch at the Farm
Often part of a winemaker’s visit, lunch is sometimes offered in the garden at the kitchen farm. If this is the case during your visit, sign up. Chef Andre Sattler sets a beautiful table at the restaurants on property, but there’s something about a garden party with ingredients picked in front of you that feels extra indulgent. Pop the bubbles!
UTV Driving
The trail-riding experience winds your group through 15 miles of dirt roads all over the acreage of Barnsley on Yamaha utility vehicles. Wilderness guides lead the way; there’s mud, steep inclines, and winding adventure. Occasional overlooks are worth a stop for group photos and breathtaking scenery.
Campfire Dreams
When you reserve a campfire ring for adults, a s’mores setup and the resort’s famous Hot Buttered Rum will await your group fireside. There may be no better backdrop than a bonfire with the Milky Way ablaze overhead to relive stories of the weekend’s adventures.
Barnsley Resort, 597 Barnsley Gardens Rd., Adairsville, Georgia, barnsleyresort.com
