Just a few hours north of Atlanta, Tennessee offers visitors a wealth of experience, from mountaintops that soar above several neighboring states to deep caverns where waterfalls tumble out of rock walls. In between are legendary destinations such as Beale Street in Memphis, the aquarium in Chattanooga and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. All deserve a spot on a well-traveled bucket list. And with Valentine’s Day mere weeks away, add a dash of romance with a stay at one of the state’s most luxurious retreats. Go ahead, make tracks up I-75 north for a day, a long weekend or longer.
Blackberry Farm
This upscale resort in the Smoky Mountains boasts 4,200 acres of woodlands, lakes, fields and farmland. Snuggle under a pile of pillows in a posh guestroom, cottage or house on the grounds, then start the day with a yoga class in the cool morning mist. Take a horseback or carriage ride along forest paths, or unwind at the spa. Or work up an appetite with an afternoon of fly fishing, cycling or paddle boarding. As seductive as the Farm’s natural beauty is, its culinary landscape is just as enticing. Three restaurants, including the James Beard-winning Barn, serve fresh ingredients produced on site with local delicacies such as mountain trout, Benton’s ham or beef tenderloin. The menus are complimented by an extensive wine and beverage selection that has captured awards from Wine Spectator. The wine cellar is filled with more than 9,000 bottles, and more than 300 whiskies and brandies are available. Foodie couples can plan around a visiting chef’s class or sign up for a wine tasting or cooking demonstration. Throughout the year, the Farm also offers a variety of enrichment programs such as author’s lectures and photography workshops that focus on arts and culture.
1471 W. Millers Cove Road, Walland, Tenn., 37886. 865-984-8166, blackberryfarms.com, @blackberryfrm.
Guest House at Graceland
This new resort on the grounds of Gracelan opened in October. The Guest House is a 450-room hotel with two restaurants, indoor and outdoor seating, a theater, swimming pool and an events area. In addition, 20 themed suites, designed by Priscilla Presley, feature glamorous, contemporary bathrooms and living, dining and bedroom areas outfitted in vintage-inspired, midcentury décor popular during the King’s heyday. For example, the King’s Suite replicates the design of Elvis’s Graceland bedroom, with plenty of metallic accents amid the red and black furnishings. All of the rooms are just steps away from the entrance to Graceland, the home and burial site of the legendary singer. Free shuttles will also carry guests to and from Memphis’ famous Beale Street. Packages are also available that include admission to Graceland. The holiday ’Tis the Season special starts at $249 per night and comes with a Graceland tour, breakfast buffet and a swag bag of Elvis-inspired goodies.
3600 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis 38116. 800-238-2000, graceland.com/lodging, @VisitGraceland.
The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville
Step back into the last days of the Edwardian era with stay at the Beaux-Arts Hermitage, dating back to 1910. Its intricate European styling still remains, particularly in the lobby, where the Tennessee marble floor leads to a sweeping staircase, ballroom and mezzanine. But the main architectural attraction is the lobby’s painted glass skylight, surrounded by marble columns and carved wood beams. The most elegant of the hotel’s accommodations is the Presidential Suite, a 1,500-square-foot space with a king bedroom, formal living area, marble bath with spa, a dining table that seats eight and views of the state capitol and downtown. Six presidents and an array of celebrities have stayed overnight there. But you don’t need to be an A-lister to enjoy the services of the Bath Concierge, fitness center and spa. Head to the lowest level for a fine dining experience in the Capitol Grille, a four-diamond restaurant noted for its seasonal menu that highlights the bounty of the hotel’s 250-acre Double H Farm, about 45 minutes away. The dramatic groined ceilings are also impressive, as is the wood-paneled Oak Bar that boasts a selection of 180 different bourbons. Packages include a variety of perks, from a complimentary bottle of champagne to tickets to nearby attractions.
231 6th Ave., Nashville 37219. 615-244-3121, thehermitagehotel.com, @HermitageHotel.
Mayor’s Mansion Inn
This stately, three-stone stone mansion with its imposing 14 gables dates back to 1889, when it was the home of Edmond Watkins, who was elected mayor of Chattanooga in 1897. Today, it operates as a bed and breakfast that transports visitors back into the romantic Victorian era. Within its 13,000 square feet are five bedrooms and six suites, along with a ballroom and library. Throughout the house are architectural gems such as parquet floors made of five varying woods, coffered ceilings, curving walls of windows and stone fireplaces. Guest rooms are lavishly decorated, most with four-poster and canopy beds; the honeymoon suite boasts a 300-gallon soaking tub set in a bay window. Breakfast is an upscale, Southern affair of classic egg and sweet dishes, served in the formal dining room or in bed, if guests prefer. Romance packages allow guests to customize their getaway with frills such as in-room massages, chilled champagne and chocolates and treats. The mansion’s location in the Fort Wood historic district is within two miles of the Tennessee Aquarium and the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex, as well as some of the city’s leading restaurants. It’s also so close to the University of Tennessee’s Chattanooga campus that it’s earned the nickname of “UTC Parent Headquarters.”
801 Vine St., Chattanooga 37403. 423-265-5000, mayorsmansioninn.com.
Christopher Place Resort
Nestled on 200 private acres on the edge of the Smoky Mountain National Park, this Colonial-style resort is a romantic oasis where guests can be as active or idle as they desire. While away the morning in a rocking chair on the lawn or veranda as the mist slowly seeps away from the hillsides.Despite its proximity to Gatlinburg, which was severely damaged by recent wildfires, Christopher Place and the surrounding forests were untouched. There’s plenty to do on the property: Take a dip in the outdoor pool, play a round of tennis, workout in the fitness room, take a hike along wooded trails or unwind in the sauna. Whatever you choose, begin the day with abreakfast of favorites from eggs Benedict to Belgian waffles. In the evenings, gather in the paneled library for a cocktail before a dinner of Cornish hens or filet mignon in the Mountain View restaurant, illuminated by the glow of candles and fireplaces. Guests can request picnic and backpack lunches to take on their excursions.
1500 Pinnacles Way, Newport 37821. 423-623-6555, christopherplace.com.
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