Tag Archive for: getaway

BARNSLEY RESORT, ESCAPE TOGETHER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/28/24

Barnsley Resort, where John and I can Escape Together! ️ Just a little over an hour North of our Atlanta home, John and I spent Valentine’s weekend enjoying Barnsley Resort and each other. You feel so far away here from the city but are so close! Everything from the stunning Manor House Ruins and garden, tree-covered walkways, cute and cozy cottages, immersive historical tours, lovely dining options, golf, activities, and so much more, Barnsley Resort has something for everyone.  

Driving in, you’re greeted with a smile by the security guard at the gate! One-part welcome party, he sends you to the Inn at Barnsley to check in. The Inn has become the heart of the property since being completed in 2018. With gathering areas, warm wood, and beautiful English architecture, the Inn boasts 55 rooms. Downstairs in the lobby, join in on the 5pm whiskey tradition, or hang out near the fire pits. Also, don’t miss lounging in the lobby seating area by the fire or the fun key wall behind check-in.  

Our Room, Cottage 

On our weekend, we got to stay in one of the many cottages that dot the landscape around the town square. Walking through them is straight out of a Hallmark movie! Inside, you’re welcomed with a large living space, wood burning fireplace, and sweeping hardwood floors. The bedroom is tucked away behind a pair of French doors with a large comfy king bed, large oval window, and entrance to your own private porch. Then, attached to the bedroom is the luxurious bathroom with pedestal sink, ornate claw foot tub, standing shower and overlooking the tub is a large oval window. We stayed in a smaller cottage, but they have them in all sizes for any family large or small. 

Experiences and the property 

The first thing we did after we got settled in our room was the Wine, Cheese, and Love Stories historical tour where we explored the Barnsley Resort property. Here we literally learn everything there is to know about the property, all while enjoying Barnsley’s very own Santa Clara Valley Estate wine paired with a local farm’s cheeses! 

 We started back at the Inn at Barnsley Resort with Pimento Cheese and Santa Clara Valley Cab. We had a meet and greet with our tour guides and learned about the history of Barnsley, the new Inn building, and more. We find out that Prince Fugger bought the property in 1988 after many years of disrepair and turned it into what it is today, a resort destination, in the Southeast!  

 Our second stop is at the Rice House, which was moved from Savannah and brought to the property in 3 pieces. There we saw our guide Sabre off the top of Barnsley’s grand Cuvée Brut sparkling wine and got paired with a warm brie fondue and dark chocolate fondue. This is the best pairing! 

 Our third stop was the breathtaking Manor House Ruins! It is a must-see garden and ruins right in the middle of the property! Godfrey Barnsley brought his wife and children to the property in 1840s and started work on their lavish mansion. Julia, his wife, passed before it was completed. Work stopped. But he had a dream of her in the garden telling him to finish it for her. So, he did, it is his love letter to her. Then, in 1906 a tornado took off the roof and back wall and the family moved into the kitchen house, and it was never repaired. There we sampled the Monterey Chardonnay and had Tomme cheese, nuts, and fruit. 

 Our final spot was in the kitchen house where we saw the Barnsley decedents washer, wood stove, and where we heard the tale of Preston Saylor (KO Dugan), a prize fighter who later shot his brother and killed him. They have memorialized and enclosed the spot where the blood stain is to this day. There we enjoyed the Santa Clara Valley Meritage merlot and hard cheese spread with fruit! 

Other places you can explore and enjoy activities are the central beer garden where the staff says “the eternal flame” of the property is, the firepit! They are looking to expand and renovate it in the coming years. Attached to the Rice house is a wedding, concert, and large venue for any occassion. If you’re a golfer, they have a large 18 round golf course with a lake! Like out of the box adventures? They have everything from archery to horseback riding to skeet shooting. There is really something fun to do around every corner.  

Dining Experiences at Barnsley Resort 

We attended the Rice House’s incredible 5-course Valentine’s meal Friday evening paired with either carefully curated wine or crafted cocktails! We cannot say enough good things about how wonderful the food and drinks turned out and the impeccable staff! They really made you feel special. Here’s the full food review from our experience. 

We started with the delicious Amuse Bouche with Nicolas Feuillate Champagne, France. This is a meaty and divine meat pate that comes off smoky and creamy to the palate. This is paired with a tangy sauerkraut and a honey drizzle for a hint of sweet. The amuse bouche is served with bread. The perfect flavors of the light creamy meat with the bubbly champagne. 

Our first course started with the Truffle & Foie Gras Stuffed Quail with North Star Merlot, Washington. The Quail is savory, salty, rich, crunchy, earthy truffle, meaty foie gras stuffed and paired with a tangy dried fruit vinaigrette and creamy polenta. Divine! This was served with a light red wine to go with the earthy truffle and hearty meat. The other first course item we got was the Seasonal Beet Tart paired with the Attems Pinot Grigio from Italy. This dish is a crunchy, flaky, buttery tart filled with creamy and earthy beet and goat cheese then adorned with popping passion fruit pearls for a sweet, fruity burst, plus a bright salad on the side. 

You can’t go wrong with the second course, the homemade Mushroom Truffle Tagliatelle with Erath Pinot Noir, Oregon. This might just be the best pasta dish ever starting with the herbaceous and earthy, rich marinated locally foraged mushroom. Tender pasta stuffed with a delectable creamy, herbaceous sauce and topped with shaved truffle. Just wow! The light bodied Pinot Noir really brings out the rich flavors of the pasta.  

Of the entrees, John got the Seared Wagyu Tenderloin with Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, California. This amazing steak is perfectly cooked and flavorful with a rich and deep demi glaze served with a creamy dreamy potato cake. This went so well with the Cabernet Sauvignon’s deep flavor paired with the meat and demi glaze. I opted for the Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Scattered Peaks Fume Blanc California. This super light and buttery fish is crisped on the outside for a crunchy bite. The balance between the melt-in-your mouth fish and the champagne cream gives it a nice creaminess that’s bright yet light. The light bodied white pairs with the cream so well, and the lightness of the fish.  

As for the dessert, they brought out the Chocolate Espresso Mousse with the Decadent Cocktail. This rich chocolate mousse is super rich and decadent in an arrangement of different flavors from creamy to bold. The Decadent cocktail is their take on an espresso martini, and they were able to make this one decaf for me! Creamy, bold, rich, and literally melts into the flavors of the chocolaty mousse. Yum. 

Whiskey Tradition in the lobby 5pm daily 

When we arrived, the front desk invited us to a special tasting, Whiskey Tradition. It is a tradition that is open to all guests at 5pm each day to try their smoked pecan infused Woodford Reserve whiskey! They take the Woodford and infuse it through smoked pecans right there in the lobby! The smoked pecans are smoked on property and when they change them out, the pecans go on their desserts! 

Woodlands Grill 

If you’re looking for something casual, we’d recommend the Woodlands Grill! A beautiful homey building right on the golf course with sweeping golf course and lake views! The morning we went, we enjoyed an intimate brunch featuring a sensational eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. These were paired with potatoes. John got the regular breakfast with eggs, bacon, and more. They also serve lunch, dinner, and drinks in Dugan’s bar. 

BOONE, NC: AWE INSPIRING

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/13/23

Fall is the best time to head to the mountains. Being only 4.5 hours from Atlanta, we traveled up to Awe inspiring Boone, NC. It was a blustery, clear weekend and the rolling hills and mountains were changing to red, orange, and brown all around us. Plus, the temperature was brisk just like you’d want it on a mountain weekend getaway. Beyond the beautiful views and weather, Boone boasts a lively downtown, all types of food and brew options, stellar hotel accommodations, as well as a skiing destination in the winter. Some of our favorite places that we will explore are the Graystone Lodge just 3 miles from downtown, Lost Provience downtown and Hardin Creek just outside town, Boonshine, Dan’l Boone Inn & Restaurant, and The Beacon Boone!  

Stay: Graystone Lodge 

The recently renovated Graystone Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection, is a cozy lodge inspired hotel where the minute you walk in you feel at home. You’re greeted with a large inviting stone fireplace to welcome guests, seating area with TV, and breakfast area where they serve the best complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Beyond that they’re close to shopping, restaurants, and only about 3 miles to downtown and 2 miles to App State.  

We got a large king room with a large comfy bed and plenty of room to lounge. One of the highlights of the room is the beautiful light-up Blue Ridge Mountains mural in the headboard. It looks just like the mountains blue and purple! In the bathroom, they’ve upgraded to beautiful floating vanity, upgraded shower and mirrors, as well as shiplap walls!  

The amenities abound as well at Graystone Lodge! In the lobby, there is a cozy fireplace with a reading area. The Lodge offers a hot buffet for breakfast with waffles, eggs, their own egg casserole bake, and even Dan’l Boone ham! They have a small market area for late night snacks and a large indoor pool great for swimming all year.  

Dining 

Dan’l Boone Inn & Restaurant 

Dan’l Boone Inn & Restaurant is as southern as banana pudding. Dan’l Boone Inn & Restaurant located in the heart of Boone is near App State and the essential family style spot for all your country cooking favorites. It is nestled in a beautiful white home with lush grounds and epic mountain views. Inside, after waiting in line on the porch, you’ll start out with cool salads and drinks followed by a smorgasbord of tasty fried chicken, warm, buttery biscuits filled with Dan’l Boone’s signature cured, salty, meaty ham (must try), and savory sirloin steak in gravy! Then, paired with a slew of trimmings like creamy, dreamy, mashed potatoes, ham drenched green beans, buttery corn, creamy coleslaw, and the best, sweet baked apples (must try)! For dessert choose between their must try creamy perfect banana pudding, rich chocolate cake or strawberry shortcake!  

Everything is included in the price, that is adults are $23.95 before tax and tip and kids vary by age. Breakfast has its own pricing, and they don’t take credit cards, so you’ll need to bring cash, check, or use their ATM. Don’t forget to check out the store for preserves and that epic Dan’l Boone ham so you can take home a slice of Boone with you! And whatever you do, plan some time to get into the restaurant! There WILL be a long line during peak hours especially on the weekend.  

Lost Provience Gastropub – Downtown Boone 

On our first night, we went Downtown Boone to indulge in Lost Province Brewing co.’s gastro pub! In an old brick building on the corner, this spot has a large bar, ample seating, a large woodfire pizza oven, and a large patio. From a plethora of beers on tap, to fun shared plates, to wonderful handhelds, and even pizza, this is a spot you could hang out and relax for a spell! We’d recommend heading out back to the patio for mountain views! 

For you beer lovers, you’ll really enjoy their wide variety of brews like The Great Pumpkin Ale, a light malted ale filled with fall spices, yet drinkable. John really loved the sweet, slightly hopped and light Bless Your Heart Blonde Ale. On our flight, we sampled: Awww Puddin, a banana pudding ale, light and refreshing with some banana flavor and sweet, the tangy and tart Up Schitt’s Creek fruited sour, a robust and toasted London Porter, and an earthy herbaceous blackberry sour, Word to the Wise.  

Don’t only go for some suds, you must stay for their wonderful food like the favorite dish of the night, Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich that is crispy yet juicy chicken in a sweet apricot and spicy jalapeño glaze on fresh bread. It is topped with spicy pickled jalapeños, cool slaw, and a tasty aioli! John opted for the Wood fired pizza. It is Napoleon style with very fresh mozzarella and fresh tossed dough, tangy sauce, and spicy pepperoni! He was happy!  

For our starters we got the Apple burrata salad that is creamy cool burrata atop a bed of poached apple, sweet, toasty pecans, earthy greens, raisins, and a sweet maple vinaigrette  

The best appetizer was the Jalapeño hushpuppies are spicy and rich inside and oh so crispy out. They are paired with hot pimento cheese that is warm, spicy, creamy and sharp. These are a must try with pimento cheese. Finally, we got the Wood fired pretzel. It is tender inside, crispy outside pizza bread with a light char and marinara for dipping.  

The Beacon Boone 

On our second night, we visited the wonderful The Beacon Boone. Located just outside downtown Boone and just a half mile from our hotel, The Beacon is an upscale eatery with cozy-lodge style vibes, sweeping vaulted ceilings, large stone fireplace, lounge area, and beautiful bar. On the menu is an array of seafood, meats, shareable charcuterie and salads, a whole butcher menu, and some of the best cocktails in the whole area!  

If we had to pick one food and drink pairing, we had, it has to be the stunning peppered beef carpaccio. It is meaty and savory rare beef, earthy mushroom, tangy radish and a little bit of balsamic to round it out. It even comes with a cheesy, crunchy Parmesan dome on top for crunch! Then, pair it with Heaven Wept gin cocktail with egg white, Thai Basil, and earthy lemongrass. It’s sweet yet earthy, creamy, and has a hint of spice!  

If you’re looking at their butcher bar, we’d highly recommend the New Zealand Lamb Chop. This set of chips are tender and juicy with a spicy, bright, herbaceous chimichurri on top. It is matched with Brussels sprouts underneath with a Ceasar dressing that’s tangy and creamy to juxtapose the earthiness of the sprout. Plus, a sweet yet hearty cast iron corn bread that is warm and soft inside, crunchy out. We paired this entree with the A shot in the Foot, a boozy bourbon cocktail with hot honey that’s spicy, plus, vanilla up front and the peach purée on the back for a bit of sweetness. A flavor train for sure!  

Some other highlights include their Spinach and brie salad is earthy and tangy, bright dressing, and crunchy, earthy brie. As well as the Charcuterie board has it ALL! Raisins, pickled veggies, assorted meats and cheese and a spicy spread, plus honeycomb and some herbaceous crackers! It’s loaded. 

Breweries 

Boonshine  

Just down the road from our hotel, we stopped by Boonehine Brew, a modern yet rustic brewery with a huge outdoor space. Sweeping mountain views and right next to a park, it doesn’t feel like you’re anywhere near a city. It’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the Boone air.  

They were having their annual Oktoberfest, so the first beer we tried was the malty and balanced Overlook Oktoberfest! Some of our other beer recommendations at Boonshine are the smooth and light East Boone Pils, a sweet and chocolatey Let Them Drink Cake Coffee Cake Blonde Stout, as well as the juicy Space Pegasus Hazy IPA! 

Lost Province at Hardin Creek 

Nestled in a small industrial area, Lost Province Hardin Creek is a hidden gem. Relaxed and chill vibes permeate this laid-back small brewery with a beautiful mural wall and cozy bar. Outside, they have a small patio that opens to the bar so you can sit and take in the scenery.  

Of the beers we tried our favorites were the coffee forward “The Walker” coffee Porter stuffed with Anchor Coffee, as well as the Friend of the Devil spicy habanero and earthy pepper cream ale. John adored the Kiss My Grits cornbread tasting lager, sweet, yet mellow. Everything we had there was delicious and recommended.  

FIND YOUR AHHH IN VALDOSTA, GA!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/11/23

Just a few hours south of Atlanta in South Georgia, Valdosta is the perfect stopping point to relax on the way to Florida or even better for a weekend getaway. They call it finding your “ahhh.” Downtown has everything you could imagine with delicious food destinations, a brewery, a wine bar, shopping, boutique hotels, a local playhouse, artwork to see, all wrapped up in a walkable adventure! Start with staying at the McKey boutique hotel, have dinner at 306 North, take a walking tour of the artwork and murals around downtown, stop for a brew at Georgia Beer Company, and stay for brunch at Downtown Social. So, whether you stop through or stay a while, it’s ahhhmazing. Let’s explore. 

The McKey 

Where can you stay in Valdosta that SOAKS up everything downtown has to offer? It’s The McKey! A brand new, luxurious 12-room boutique hotel in the historic McKey building. It is steps from restaurants, bars, and shopping. Fun fact: all the suites in the McKey are named after tenants that at one time we’re in the building, like restaurants, law firms, or historical facts like the year the building was constructed, or year the first pecan tree was planted. Each room has its own tribute and photos to go along with it!  

We stayed in the S&K Suite that is named after the S&K diner, a local hang out spot nicknamed “sit and kiss,” the suite is thought of as their bridal suite. Feast your eyes upon this one bed, one bath suite, with a spectacular bathroom boasting a massive soaker tub that has changed my mind about baths, a large full-length mirror and sitting area, two spacious vanities, a separated shower and toilet area. If I could have a bathroom at home, this would do! Then, on to the bedroom where there is a large, comfy long bed with a view of downtown right out the window! In the sitting area and kitchenette, it’s the perfect spot to relax with a glass of wine and chat about everything you want to do in downtown Valdosta!  

306 North 

Southern fare was on our mind, so we visited 306 North in downtown Valdosta! They have elevated traditional Southern dishes like fried green tomatoes, fried duck, salads, and even Tuna Tataki, all paired with a great cocktail menu, wine list, and beer selection.  

Starting with this fresh Tuna Tataki, the fish is lightly seared and surrounded by creamy, spicy mayonnaise, a wonderful cilantro soy vinaigrette, pickled ginger, and a spicy wasabi cream to round out the dish. It is a delicious start to our meal. Then, we paired it with their amazing fried green tomatoes. The tomatoes themselves are crunchy yet tender and topped with a sensational, sharp pimento cheese and a spicy, sweet pepper jelly. It’s a flavor train!  

To drink, we tried their Manhattan. This one is boozy with hints of cinnamon and cherry! A delicious accoutrement with our main, the duck breast! On the side, we started our main dish with the wedge salad. It is creamy and cool, crisp bacon, tomatoes, and peas atop a mild blue cheese dressing. The perfect pair for the Maple Farms Duck breast.  

The Maple Farms Duck Breast is lightly fried and crunchy out, tender and juicy in, then topped with a delicious and tangy, sweet blackberry jam reduction that is just stunning with the savory of the duck. On the plate with the duck, we got the Balsamic Mushrooms that are savory and deep, earthy and the honey-truffle sweet potatoes are sweet and tangy, tender, hints of truffle and honey!  

Georgia Beer Company 

After our scrumptious meal, we took a short walk to look at the murals and artwork around Valdosta, GA! All on the way to a great brewery, Georgia Beer Company! They have a large list of brews to choose from, like stouts, sours, IPAs, lagers, and everything in between. The space is large and open with a long bar, table seating, and a huge outdoor space with live music!  

Some of the beers we sampled included the Destress Express sensational coffee milk stout with a coffee forward nose and on the palate then mellowing into a creamy yet slightly bitter aftertaste. Being only 6.5% it is more like a cup of Joe than a boozy stout. Another favorite was the Blueberry Field Party Blonde Ale, a 5% blueberry forward beer on the nose and palate, very fruity. If you love sours, Grandmas Jelly Mayhaw Berry Sour is a 5.3% tangy and tart beer but not overpowering and refreshing. 

Of the rest we sampled, the Foggy Bottom is a 7% west coast IPA, large hops, bitter on the back, while Azalea City amber ale is a 5.5% malty yet balanced, mellow, and smooth amber. Dark 30 Black IPA is a 6% beer that’s both toasty and hoppy, while the Back Nine Lager is a smooth, sippable light beer that only has 130 calories! You really can’t go wrong with any of these beers from Georgia Beer Company! 

Downtown Social 

One morning, we were craving brunch, so we headed just around the corner from The McKey over to Downtown social. Their shareable brunch was right up our alley! Downtown Social is an incredible boutique bowling and game destination with a large full bar and shareable bite menu! We enjoyed the shareable brunch board, mimosa flight, breakfast empanadas, and even a bowl of tot-chos!  

We just couldn’t resist their shareable brunch board stuffed with all the brunch goodies like sweet and crispy waffles, crunchy, tender chicken tenders (Pro tip: make chicken and waffles), savory egg frittata, flaky, buttery biscuits with savory sausage gravy, sweet French toast sticks, fruit, jam, honey, and a helping of bacon and sausage on the side! It will blow your mind! To pair with this we got the super cool mimosa flight with sweet and floral pea flower, bright pineapple, sweet cherry, and tangy orange! 

The other two dishes we tried were the Breakfast Empanadas and the Tot-chos. The empanadas were crunchy outside warm in with spicy chorizo and jalapeño surrounded by egg, paired with bright pico and a sharp beer cheese. For our side, we got an amazing fruit bowl filled with blueberries and strawberries. Another fun dish is Tot-chos. Starting with a savory egg that’s over a bed of crispy warm Tots with sharp beer cheese, savory pulled brisket, and tangy peppers. Either way, you’re in for a treat. 

Valdosta has so much to do, you should get down there for a weekend trip and soak up all the relaxation and fun you can!