Houston to Rockport, Maine, is a long drive, so we make quite an adventure out of the trip by stopping here and there to explore new places. A daughter in Tennessee provided a very good excuse for meeting at Blackberry Farm in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.
Blackberry Farm is one of those places that has been much written about, deservedly so as it is a spectacular location in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains where all thoughts of the outside world yield way to absolute delight. It is tranquility at its very best.
Like to fly fish? No problem. There’s a stream where you can cast your rod and maybe even be lucky enough to catch a trout.
If you arrive without proper gear, it’s there waiting for you.
One of my favorite spots is the boathouse where you can just sit quietly on the deck, enjoy a picnic lunch
or take to canoeing. I must confess to failing to get the hubby to serenade me under the moonlight!
Taking a stroll through the property, there’s no telling what you might see. It could be sheep in the meadow or chickens and turkeys strutting around or geese taking their young ones for a first swim. Though the animals are an attraction, they also provide much of the foodstuffs that are served at the inn.
My favorite animal? I fell in love with Lagotto Romagnolos, otherwise known as truffle dogs, an Italian breed that was the first water dog. I would have loved to take one with me, but they are quite expensive.
There are miles of trails to walk, and always there is something interesting to see. Maybe it’s the pastoral view of horses grazing in white fenced pastures
or a lovely little chapel nestled among the trees.
I love the moss covered wood fences that line the road,
the farm buildings
and quiet retreats.
Best of all is returning to our cottage porch after a most fun day and feeling at peace with the world.
Yes, there is much to like at Blackberry Farm, and I am saving the rest for a later post.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
Lulu's Musings 
That is one AMAZING place! I vote my farm the second best, but they take first for sure! Did you see the new little puppies on their Facebook page? Adorable! I want one! xoxo
I have seen many, many magazine features of this fabulous place and all that it offers…I remember reading about the owners and how they started this iconic retreat….one day!!
The owners have a real gift for hospitality.
What a lovely, peaceful place to go exploring, Lulu. The Truffle Dog is adorable. 🙂
I’ve read a lot of things about how wonderful Blackberry Farms was but have never had an opportunity to see it up close. Thank you. It looks very relaxing and a perfect way to break up your long drive north.
Sam
Ahhhh…. Does look very relaxing… Enjoy…
Gorgeous quiet scenes that wake my senses.
Well, that certainly puts me in a serene mood! Thanks for sharing this wonderful place. 🙂
What a great place to stop!! Great pictures…makes me long for a vacation!!
Though we were there only a few days, it felt like a real vacation because everything was so perfect.
What a wonderful stop along the way. Beautiful photos!
Thank you, Ellen, there was plenty of beauty to photograph.
“I love the moss covered wood fences that line the road,” What a gorgeous fence and surroundings!
You are SO not kidding! This is the ultimate in tranquil, relaxing, soul-healing!!!! I would be quite at peace here. I have never seen fences like that. I have lived in the Midwest pretty much all of my life, and I’ve visited farms from the time I was born, but never have I seen a magnificently rustic fence like that! My goodness! Just breathtaking! I like to get out on the road and just drive around when Ramon is working at clinics in small towns. It’s fun to see the barns and other outbuildings, the windmills, the weather vanes, the crooked creeks and the rickety bridges that hover over them. It’s all such a wonderful sight to see.
The little chapel just reminds me of something from a movie. The setting is so serene and beautiful.
Thank you so much for sharing this! This will calm my spirits for the rest of the evening. I’m suddenly no longer in such a hurry to go downstairs and clean out the fridge! 🙂
It is very easy to be at peace surrounded by so much tranquil beauty.
My favorite!!! Hope to go in the fall!
If you’re thinking about going, better make a reservation soon as fall is a very busy time.
Ahhh, the value and beauty in exploring! 🙂