Lately I’ve had a real yearning for a trip to the mountains, which is a stark contrast to my actual surroundings. It’s about this time of the year when the mercury begins to hit triple digits, that many Dallasites day dream of cool breezes and overnight temperatures below 80 degrees. I don’t claim to be unique in this respect! Since getting away for a mountain retreat isn’t in the cards for me over the next couple of months, I’ll be basking in the Texas heat from patios across Dallas, preferably with a cool drink in hand.
One of the best things to come from this early Texas heat is blackberry season. For years my parents have grown fat, juicy, seedless blackberries in our standard sized, suburban backyards, and we’re all seriously addicted! My parents have even been known to bring blackberries on board flights in their carry on when visiting my sister or I across the country. These Texas blackberries are infinitely better than anything you can buy at Whole Foods and truly perfect straight off the vine and still warm from the sun. We typically have quite a crop (except for a few years after the move to a new house and one well-intended, but unfortunate over-pruning incident), but only once or twice have they ever made their way into a cobbler, crumble, or cake. The vehicle of choice for blackberry consumption is simple: vanilla ice cream. Another nice way to keep cool! Part of this year’s crop is shown above.
So with blackberry season rapidly coming to an end, my post today is about the blackberry inspired mountain retreat I’d love to take. Blackberry Farm, is located in the Great Smoky Mountains near Knoxville, Tennessee, and according to their website, Blackberry Farm “offers 63 guest accommodations, including Estate Rooms, Cottage Suites, Hill Cottages and houses, all beautifully appointed and furnished with fine antiques. Personal service and attention to detail are the defining elements of Blackberry Farm’s award-winning reputation.” Rooms starting at $995. According to my parents, who had been talking about this trip for years, the 4,200 acre estate is pure heaven for foodies and naturalists alike, and the service was above and beyond anything they could have expected. Browse the beautiful website to read about all the wonderful events they have planned and to learn about the family and the story behind this unique place.
Since my budget is slightly less robust than my parents’, my actual itinerary would look a little different, but a girl can dream (!), and I’ve officially added a stay at Blackberry Farm to my travel “bucket list”… 
My actual itinerary would probably include a stay at the equally scenic Butterfly Gap Retreat. Near Knoxville, but actually located “6 miles from downtown Maryville (scroll down for directions), this gorgeous property offers luxury, privacy, and convenience in a scenic hideaway that will have you counting the days until your next visit. From the distinctive architecture and supreme comfort of the secluded guesthouses to the spacious and stunning event spaces, the accommodations of Butterfly Gap guarantee a unique and unforgettable experience.” Rooms starting at $195. I think it looks like an amazing spot for a mountain retreat away from the demands of daily life! I’d definitely also want to try out the Foothills Milling Company – see a review here.
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