Hidden In Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains Is A Charming, Rustic Resort With Vibrant, Nature-Inspired Style

If your only experience with Georgia is the greater Atlanta Metro area, you're missing out. Although Atlanta certainly has a lot going for it, northern Georgia is full of pristine views, charming towns, and decadent attractions. For example, if you head over to Dahlonega, you can experience Italy at a Tuscan-inspired winery. Or, if you go a bit further southwest, you'll discover a recently remodeled resort that feels like a quaint village: Barnsley Resort.

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Barnsley is just south of Adairsville, the city where you can experience outdoor adventures and family-friendly escapes. Although the resort isn't too far from Atlanta, it feels like a unique slice of paradise, complete with a massive luxury inn, 39 rustic cottages, and numerous outdoor activities to keep you and your travel companions entertained throughout your stay.

So, if the idea of escaping the big city while enjoying incredible modern amenities sounds appealing, now might be the best time to book a trip to Barnsley Resort. It's the perfect blend of natural beauty and immaculate accommodations.

As you pull up to Barnsley, you may feel like you're at a personal estate, a la the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. That's partially true, as the original manor building was built in the 1840s by Godfrey Barnsley for his wife, Julia. You can even tour the remains of the manor building, which resembles an old castle, during your stay. When booking a room, you can have an entire cottage to yourself or get a room at the Inn. The cottages were all recently renovated, so they're impeccably designed and ready to accommodate your every need. At the time of this writing, room rates are at least $680 per night for a cottage and around $400 for a room at the Inn.

Because Barnsley sits on 3,000 acres, there's more than enough room to stretch your legs (and feel free to bring your pets!). Outdoor activities include horseback riding, canoeing, axe-throwing, archery, skeet shooting, pickleball, and miles of trails for hiking and biking. If you want to stay in, Barnsley offers bourbon experiences, s'mores by the fire, or various lounging areas for reading and relaxation.

For dining, you don't have to venture into town to enjoy a nice meal. For fine dining, there's the Woodlands Restaurant, which features a mix of dishes, from lump crab cakes to pickle-brined fried chicken. If you're looking for something more casual, the Biergarten offers delicious sandwiches and barbecue dishes to accompany your pint.

The easiest way to get to Barnsley is to fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and drive about an hour and 40 minutes north. Along the way, you'll pass through Cartersville, the gateway to Atlanta with world-class museums. Barnsley is flanked by various gorgeous small towns, including Adairsville and Rome, the latter of which features incredible European-style architecture.

Spring and summer are the best times to visit Barnsley because the weather is warm and accommodating, and everything is open. For example, the resort has a saltwater pool that is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Additionally, if you want to participate in various outdoor activities, winter is often too cold and wet to do most of them.

Finally, Barnsley is home to a world-class golf course. If you happen to live in the area, you can purchase a membership and play whenever you get the urge. These memberships also cover access to the pool area, pickleball courts, and discounts on other activities like shooting and spa experiences. If you just want to take advantage of the shooting range, you can buy a separate membership for that only.