Barely an hour north of Atlanta in Adairsville, at Barnsley Gardens, you’ll feel a million miles from home. Or maybe more like a few thousand miles (since the resort is meant to resemble a European style village / country estate).
For those of you who have never heard of it – it’s a hidden gem. I highly recommend you peruse their website and see everything Barnsley Resort has to offer!
I’ve been to Barnsley on numerous occasions through the years – as a party guest at a formal evening event at the Ruins; for business conferences with large groups – and what a wonderful treat that is to offer employees; I’ve been on a romantic getaway with my husband to celebrate our anniversary. (The resort even has its very own Fairy Godmother for those wanting an extra dose of romance.)
But this time, I visited the resort with my kids, because despite being an incredibly romantic place for two, Barnsley can be just as special for entire families! And if you want to bring your dogs, go right ahead (for a fee). Even they will receive extra special treatment.
In July, we were guests of the resort for their special All American Weekend over the 4th of July holiday. It was such a perfect family getaway (minus the drenching rains – but then, there wasn’t much anyone could do about that!). Keep on reading and I'll tell you all about it!
ACCOMODATIONS
There are several different types of accommodations to choose from when traveling with your kids. The manor rooms have one king or two full beds, a spacious bathroom with a huge soaking tub, wet bar and more (note these are not pet-friendly rooms).
The most popular rooms are the suites, which are basically half a cottage, complete with master bedroom with a king bed, a separate living room with a wood burning fireplace, pine floors, 12 foot ceilings, private porch, period inspired bathroom with claw foot style soaking tub and tiled shower, and more.
A suite (like we stayed in) at Barnsley Resort
There are also a limited number of private cottages of varying sizes for larger groups.
Now back to our trip - ACTIVITIES!
We stayed in a manor suite (the kids slept on the sleeper sofa in the living room). It’s such a beautiful cottage that if it rains – no big deal! You can sit on a rocking chair on your front porch and simply relax, play games indoors, take a nap in the luxurious bed…..we didn’t mind those breaks a bit.
But the activities for kids and adults at Barnsley Resort are plentiful. And rain or shine, you’ll want to get out and enjoy them. Wander through the beautiful garden maze and ruins (or run if you’re a little one).
Play an assortment of lawn games on the green – from horsehoes to ladder ball, croquet and even lawn bowling! Near the activities center, you’ll also find a Bocce Ball Court. These games alone filled up hours of the boys’ time. (Bicycles are available for rent too.)
And if you’re wondering about the fire pits throughout the resort and on the lawn – just wait ‘til it gets dark, head over to the main lobby, and everything you need to make s’mores (chocolate, marshmellows, graham crackers and sticks) will be there for the taking. Yes, we made s’mores in July – in the drizzle – and it was awesome.
So many of the activities at Barnsley are free for overnight guests. From what I’ve mentioned above, to Frisbee Golf, the use of canoes and kayaks, and you an even borrow spin rods for fishing in the stocked ponds or lake (catch and release). Fishing was a HUGE hit with my kids, and even though they didn’t have any luck themselves…they did see plenty others who did! And they didn’t give up! Fishing lessons are also available for a fee.
Don’t forget the gorgeous swimming pool overlooking the golf course, the spa (need a massage??), fitness center and tennis courts too. We’d hoped to let the boys hit the driving range, but simply ran out of time. For golfers, however, Barnsley Resort is heaven.
And while my kids weren’t quite old enough for paintball or skeet shooting, it’s another activity offered to guests at the resort (fees apply). Drew’s ready to go back when he’s a little older for that. Whatever the case - visit the Sporting Club/Activities Center and talk to the incredibly helpful staff there, who can assist with most all your activity requests (plus it's a store..). You can even play giant checkers on the screened-in porch.
Last but certainly not least (and I’m sure I’ve missed a few things), are the horse stables. See the website for a compete list of options, ranging from wilderness rides to corral rides (great for kids), riding lessons and last but certainly not least – horse painting (for kids!). We actually did this previously in Montana. Really, the horses don’t mind a bit. We’re told they feel like they are getting a massage. And the kids get to spend some quality time with the horses. So fun!
Patriotic Horse!
I would be remiss not to mention the food. We skipped the fancier dining this time at the Rice House, but the Woodlands Grill (overlooking the golf course) has a fabulous menu to please all tastes. Our kids tried fried green beans for the first time and loved them! Of course my favorite will always be the weekend brunch buffets. I can’t get enough of a good breakfast! You can order a picnic lunch too.
We loved every minute of our stay at Barnsley Resort – and the kids, as you can see here, didn’t let the rain hold them back! While the 4th of July activities (concert and bbq) were moved to the covered pavilion, it didn’t stop anyone from having a good time. And as always, Fairy Godmother is there for the kids too – you never know what surprises she might have in store for your kids when they arrive (you can also call and make requests – CLICK HERE to read about her!).
LOCATION:
597 Barnsley Gardens Road
Adairsville, GA 30103
Toll Free 877- 320-7950
http://www.barnsleyresort.com
EVENTS AND SPECIALS
SO, the kids are back in school, or almost back in school and you’re wondering – when can we leave again??? It’s easy to go to Barnsley even for only one night. And they’ve extended their “Stay and Play Package” until Aug. 30th. But perhaps you might think ahead to Labor Day Weekend, when even more fun, family events are planned. See the details below! If you go, make sure to tell them that Macaroni Kid sent you!
Stay and Play Package
Receive a $100 resort credit for each night booked at the starting rate ($299 and up). ffer expires August 30th. Call for information.
Barnsley Resort Labor Day Weekend Fun
For a last blast of summer, head to Barnsley Resort for a getaway to celebrate the Summer Sendoff. This Labor Day weekend, August 30 – September 2, the resort will be offering three days full of music, food and fun to help the whole family make the most of the long weekend break.
Guests can relax and enjoy the warm weather with live entertainment in the Beer Garden throughout the weekend. The live music kicks off Friday evening with Scott Thompson performing from 5-9 p.m. On Saturday, the fun continues all day with a performance by Steve Guettler from 12-3 p.m. and by David Payton from 3-6 p.m.
On Saturday, gather up friends or family and enter the inaugural Battle of the Burgers grill-off. The contest will take place from 10 a.m. – noon and there is a $25 entry fee per team. The winning team’s burger will be served on Sunday in the Beer Garden.
At night, head over to the Tenth Tee for a screening of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. The screening is complimentary for resort guests, with a cash bar and movie snacks available. The movie will begin at dark.
No summer weekend at Barnsley Resort would be complete without a fishing trip on our 10-acre lake. On Sunday, September 1, the resort will host a Family Fishing contest with prizes for the biggest fish and more. The contest begins at 10 a.m. with registration open all weekend at SpringBank Sporting Club.
Finish the weekend with the End of Summer Block Party. This casual outdoor cookout will feature live music, a cash bar, and dinner buffet. The party will begin at 6 p.m. and will cost $35 for adults and $15 per child.
For more information or to make a reservation at Barnsley Resort, please call (770) 773-7480 or visit www.barnsleyresort.com.
Disclosure: We were guests of Barnsley Resort and were provided with complimentary accomodations and activities in return for this review. All opinions, however, are my own.
