Blackberry Farm (resort)

Blackberry Farm is a luxury resort in Walland, Tennessee, bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was rated the best small hotel in America by Zagat Survey in 2004. Blackberry Farm is part of the Relais & Châteaux association.

History
Blackberry Farm was built by Florida and David Lasier in 1940 and opened in May 1941. In 1952, the Lasiers sold the property to the Jarvis family who subsequently sold it to Ruby Tuesday restaurant founder Sandy Beall and his wife Kreis. In 1990 they turned the property into a hotel, initially with six rooms. Their son Sam Beall spent his earliest years at Blackberry Farm and served as its owner until his death in 2016.

From 1992 until 2007, John Fleer served as executive chef of the restaurant. Under Fleer's management, Blackberry Farm was rated by Zagat in 2003 and 2004 as number one small hotel and number two hotel dining in America.

Property
The grounds cover 4,200 acre, and the resort has 62 rooms. Blackberry Farm hosts culinary, musical and outdoor sporting activities and events on and off property. The property includes a timberframe barn from Pennsylvania, a dining and entertainment venue, a spa, an events hall, and guest cottages.

Popularity
The resort is popular amongst celebrities. Maren Morris, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Carrie Underwood, and couple Lily Aldridge and Caleb Followill have all reportedly stayed at Blackberry Farm. Country music singer Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland was married at Blackberry Farm on November 26, 2011. Kelly Clarkson and her former husband, Brandon Blackstock were married there on October 20, 2013. On April 23, 2022, golfer Dustin Johnson married Paulina Gretzky, daughter of Wayne Gretzky, on the property.

Publications