The 5 Secrets That Make Blackberry Farm Tennessee The #1 Luxury Resort In The South

Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee, is not just a resort; it is a meticulously crafted escape into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, and its recent accolades prove it remains the pinnacle of Southern hospitality. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the resort has cemented its status with major awards, including the prestigious Two Michelin Keys and being named the number one resort in the South by Travel + Leisure. This enduring success is built on a philosophy of "Foothills Cuisine," agrarian refinement, and an unparalleled commitment to the guest experience, making it a bucket-list destination for discerning travelers worldwide.

Spanning 4,200 acres in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Blackberry Farm offers a sanctuary where the frenetic pace of modern life melts away. The resort’s reputation for world-class dining, luxurious accommodations, and a deep connection to its farmstead roots is what truly sets it apart from other luxury destinations. It’s an immersive experience that celebrates the lost arts of Southern craft and cooking, all while providing five-star service.

The Beall Family Legacy and Blackberry Farm's Founding Story

Blackberry Farm’s rich history is intrinsically linked to the vision of one family, transforming a simple piece of land into a global luxury benchmark.

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• Location: Walland, Tennessee, USA (Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park)
• Size: 4,200 acres
• Original Purchase: 1930s (by Florida and Dave Lasier)
• Founders (Modern Resort): Sandy and Kreis Beall
• Year Acquired by Bealls: 1976
• Initial Concept: Family hideaway and eventual country inn
• Current Status: World-renowned Relais & Châteaux resort
• Sister Property: Blackberry Mountain (opened 2019)
• Culinary Philosophy: Foothills Cuisine (a blend of fine dining and traditional Southern cooking)
• Key Accolades (2024-2025): Two Michelin Keys, #1 Resort in the South (Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards), #1 Restaurant in Tennessee (Southern Living)
• Key Figure: Sam Beall (son of Sandy and Kreis, instrumental in developing the culinary program and Foothills Cuisine concept)

The story of the luxury resort truly began in 1976 when Sandy Beall, founder of the Ruby Tuesday restaurant chain, and his wife, Kreis Beall, purchased the property as a family retreat. They moved their young family to the nine-room inn, slowly cultivating the land and the concept of hospitality. It was their son, Sam Beall, who would later become the key driving force behind the resort’s acclaimed culinary program, formalizing the unique "Foothills Cuisine" philosophy that defines the dining experience today.

1. The Rise of Foothills Cuisine: A Culinary Phenomenon

The single most defining feature of Blackberry Farm is its devotion to its unique culinary identity: Foothills Cuisine. This concept, championed by the late Sam Beall, is a bridge between the rustic, traditional Southern cooking of the mountain region and the refined techniques of fine dining.

The food is a direct reflection of the property's working farmstead. The chefs utilize ingredients grown right on the property, from heirloom vegetables in the Garden to artisanal cheeses and cured meats produced in-house.

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The James Beard Award-Winning Dining Experience

The centerpiece of the culinary program is The Barn at Blackberry Farm. Housed in a beautifully restored turn-of-the-century bank-style barn, this restaurant has earned national recognition, including a prestigious James Beard Award.

Guests here savor multi-course menus that are constantly evolving based on the freshest seasonal ingredients. The experience is intimate, elegant, and perfectly encapsulates the farm-to-table movement. Beyond The Barn, dining options include The Dogwood, which offers a more casual, yet equally exquisite, setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, ensuring culinary variety throughout the stay.

The resort’s dedication to food extends beyond the plate. They have a full-scale Blackberry Farm Brewery and a renowned wine cellar, which boasts an impressive collection of over 160,000 bottles, providing expert pairings for every meal.

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2. Unparalleled Luxury Accommodations and Agrarian Refinement

Blackberry Farm’s luxury is not ostentatious; it is rooted in comfort, quality, and a sense of "coming home." The resort features approximately 68 luxury accommodations, each designed to connect guests with the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains foothills.

The lodging options cater to different preferences, all featuring plush king beds, expansive bathrooms with glass showers and jacuzzi tubs, and the resort's exclusive line of bedding.

• Historic and Estate Rooms: These are the original accommodations, providing a cozy, classic feel that harkens back to the resort's beginnings.
• Cottages: Offering more space and privacy, the Cottages are scattered across the property, featuring stunning views and often including amenities like screened porches and fireplaces.
• Houses: The largest and most private options, these luxury homes are perfect for families or groups, featuring multiple bedrooms and expansive living areas.

The property is a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, an association of the world's finest hoteliers, chefs, and restaurateurs, which speaks volumes about its commitment to singular indulgence and exceptional service.

3. Exclusive Artisanal Activities and Farmstead Immersion

A stay at Blackberry Farm is defined by the opportunity to participate in the "simple pleasures" of farm life, elevated to an art form. The resort’s Artisan Team leads a variety of unique, hands-on experiences that deepen the guest’s connection to the land and the culinary process.

• Farmstead Immersion: Guests can explore the Garden, meet the farm animals, and learn about sustainable farming and preservation methods.
• Artisan Cooking Demonstrations: These classes allow guests to work alongside the culinary team, learning how to create meals from the freshest ingredients picked that morning.
• Wellness and Adventure: The resort offers a full-service spa, the Wellhouse, alongside a wide array of outdoor activities, including fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails, and mountain biking through the scenic Walland, Tennessee landscape.

4. The Distinction from Blackberry Mountain

For those researching the resort, the relationship with its sister property, Blackberry Mountain, is a frequent point of curiosity. While both are luxury destinations in East Tennessee, they cater to slightly different intentions.

Blackberry Farm is the original, rooted in "agrarian refinement and culinary prestige." It is the destination for the ultimate food lover and those seeking a classic, refined Southern estate experience.

Blackberry Mountain, located about 30 minutes away, is often described as having more of a "wellness retreat" feel. It sits on 5,200 mountainous acres and focuses heavily on adventure, fitness, and spiritual well-being.

In the 2024 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards, Blackberry Farm took the #1 spot, with Blackberry Mountain following closely at #2, highlighting the Beall family's dominance in the luxury resort market.

5. The Two Michelin Keys and Global Recognition

The most significant recent honor for the resort is the new Two Michelin Keys award in 2024. The Michelin Key is a brand-new seal of quality that celebrates the world’s most exceptional hotels, mirroring the prestige of the Michelin Star for restaurants. Earning Two Keys signifies an "Exceptional Stay," recognizing the resort as a destination in itself that offers a memorable and unique experience.

This award, combined with being named the #1 Resort in the South for the 2024 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards and the #1 Restaurant in Tennessee by Southern Living, confirms that Blackberry Farm is operating at the absolute peak of global luxury hospitality.

Furthermore, the resort's commitment to the local community through the Blackberry Farm Foundation, which donated over $112,000 to East Tennessee charities in 2024 and announced 2025 grants totaling over $107,000, demonstrates a commitment to stewardship that goes beyond its gates.

Blackberry Farm is a testament to the power of a singular, focused vision: to combine world-class luxury with the humble, nourishing spirit of the farm. The resort’s dedication to its Foothills Cuisine, artisanal crafts, and the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains ensures its place as a cherished destination for years to come.