Blackberry Bucket List for May

Ever wondered what to do at Blackberry Farm? Here's what not to miss in May.

Sit on the Veranda and gaze at the Mountains. This time of year is breathtaking, with the clear blue skies, exotic florescent green leaves popping from the trees, and splashes of color from the seasons blooms! The Main House Veranda is a great spot to enjoy an afternoon tipple.

Enjoy the tasting menu with wine pairings at least one of the night’s during your stay. It's best to do this in the Spring when the Garden is just bursting with flavors and the chef’s excitement after a long Winter is at its peak.

Challenge your spouse at the Double Wobble. A new creation at the Smoky Mountain Sports Club, Blackberry’s private shooting grounds, is the Double Wobble. Two stands sit next to one another, and two wobble traps fire targets in unexpected directions right in front of you. This is the closest thing to a true bird hunt, but is also the best place to take on a friend or spouse for some friendly competition. Beware avid shooters, the novices win almost every time.

Have one of the older, well-aged Burgundy wines from Maison Leroy. These wines are most remarkable when consumed on somewhat humid and cool nights that are common during the mid-Spring season here.

Swing in the tree swing. Bring out the inner kid in you. Trust us; try it!

Kayak and picnic on Lake Chilhowee. Drive over the beautiful Foothills Parkway to lake Chilhowee, a small lake tucked in between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cherokee National Forest. Paddle back into a secluded area for a picnic in the wilderness, enjoying the leisure, scenery and the company of your guide along the way. The best time to go is either first thing in the morning, or around 10am for a picnic.

Experience the Galvalati. Named after the Cherokee word for “heaven”, this massage is 60-120 minutes of absolute bliss with two massage therapists working in sync to deliver an experience of a lifetime. With all of the active things to do on property, it is important to balance your life by taking care of your body after you push it.

Take a Carriage Ride to dinner. Once you check in, be sure to arrange a carriage ride to dinner. Whether you are looking to orient yourself to the property, learn some history and lore or find out what’s new, a carriage ride is a special way to experience Blackberry Farm and to travel to dinner in style. If you are looking for something romantic, ask for a bottle of champagne to kick the evening off right!

Cycle around Three Sisters Mountain. If you enjoy cycling, this is a must-do route. It features 45 miles, 2000’ of climbing, a six-mile descent, and some of the most scenic country back roads you will ever see. Make sure you get out in the morning while the air is crisp and before the afternoon winds.

Hike to White Oak Sinks. This little corner is an unmarked area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so unless you know about it, you may never find it. It is a favorite half-day hike, and in the Spring it is the absolute mecca for wildflowers, including several species of rare orchids. It's also home to waterfalls, caves and old homesteads, so make sure to grab a guide and explore this hidden secret.