We’re sitting at a table on the third-floor deck outside the dining room of Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa just north of Blairsville, Georgia. We prefer to dine out here where birds are singing, and the splendid view of the golf course and distant mountains soothe our eyes and minds. This is the last day of our first visit, and there’s a slight chill in the air as we sip coffee and discuss our experience here, making us want to stay longer.
“They have an equestrian center too,” Cindy notes, “and a gorgeous golf course. The grounds are immaculate. Landscaping is beautiful. The lodge looks a lot like the Grand Hotel in Point Clear. But, overall, it also reminds me of The Cove in Asheville, Highlands in North Carolina, and Calloway Gardens. It’s sort of a little compilation of the best of all of those.”
“And the rates here, at least for now, are really reasonable. Don’t you agree?” I ask.
“Yes. The resort is currently under renovation, but I’m told rates will not be going up after they’re finished. We only paid about $200 per night, which included breakfast.” (But we’re on the lowest floor with zero view. We have to traverse a long hallway to get to it. It may have been the only room available when we made the reservation. In any event, we strongly recommend asking for a room on a higher floor—3rd floor or above.)
During peak leaf season, their best room with a scenic view is about $600—that’s the last two weeks of October—and they’re already completely booked.
“They do a big business in meetings and gatherings here. This week they’re hosting the German American Chamber of Commerce,” I add. (We’ve met some of the Germans during our stay. They were quite amiable and polite.) I ask our waitress about them, and she raves about how much she likes them.
Weddings and conventions happen here too. There are ample meeting rooms on the first floor which you can’t, at first, see. One doesn’t realize all of this space is available when driving up to the entrance. It’s well-hidden below ground. But these are the mountains. Architecture is different from what we flatlanders are used to.
Cindy continues. “They have a pavilion—a beautiful pavilion—that will accommodate good-sized wedding parties. The pavilion features a big beautiful fireplace and a massive stone barbecue pit where the chef comes down and prepares the food on site. It all overlooks the golf course and the mountains. So pretty. A good idea for a family reunion, too.”
Yesterday, we strolled down a shady concrete lane, through dense woods, to be surprised by a gorgeous driving range. Along the way, we passed trails where horses and their riders cross. And we spied a quaint walking bridge over a creek—another enchanting feature.
We’re watching golfers on the putting green below us trying to nail uphill putts, no doubt reminding them they’re in the mountains. Their frustration is our amusement.
We met a couple of employees yesterday sitting in golf carts. They were so nice and courteous … “and obnoxious,” says Cindy, laughing. (One of them was a rabid Alabama fan. Cindy’s a rabid Auburn fan.)
Last night, during our open-air dinner, a mama cardinal hopped about close to our table, reminding us of a blue jay at Morrison’s Lodge in Oregon that would attempt to steal our butter. Afterward, we reveled at the glorious sight of lightning bugs, apparently celebrating America’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Speaking of dinner, we always thought Sinclair’s in Montgomery had the best She-crab soup in the world. Not so. The chef at this lodge has them beat! If you come here, you must try it! (It has sherry and two kinds of wine in it.)
Inside, the dining room has a big stone fireplace, and stacks of firewood are everywhere to be seen—in case of a cold snap.
There’s a beautiful garden right in the middle of the central outdoor area of the lodge that has a man-made stone waterfall that splashes down into a stream leading to a fishpond. And close by is a low stone wall featuring three swings where couples may sit and watch the sun go down. Then the sky turns red and blankets the dark blue mountains. It’s stunning.
The lodge lobby is a large octagonal-shaped space with a massive telescoping stone fireplace soaring up through post and beam construction. Two ginormous antler chandeliers hang down. All the walls and floors are, we think, pine planks. Cindy says the furnishings have a Ralph Lauren look, with lots of seating and low lamp light throughout. Super relaxing. Upholstery is solid but in “heathered mountain colors—blues and greens.” Two big dining room tables have jigsaw puzzles spread out on them. Out on the veranda, Adirondack “twig” furniture reinforces the mountain ambiance.
There are bars on two floors and a fire pit outside, ablaze in the evening.
The staff people here are super nice and helpful. The atmosphere is unhurried and laid back.
The resort is tucked in among a mantle of mountains once home to the Cherokee. During its development, beginning around 1995, much care was taken to preserve Cherokee artifacts now showcased on the first floor.
This resort and surrounding area offer a little something for everyone: history, fresh mountain air, wildlife, outdoor activities and exploration, great local restaurants, majestic views, rest and relaxation.
“I don’t want to go back to the flatland,” Cindy says.
“Maybe we should extend for a few days,” I suggest.
“A few weeks,” She replies.
Jeff Barganier is a novelist, travel writer and speaker. He travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. His novels include Lawson’s Bluff (2021); The Slash Brokers (1998). He also manages Cindy Barganier Interiors LLC at The Waters in Pike Road, Alabama. Contact Jeff at Jeffbarganier@knology.net. You may print out his features at www.jeffbarganier.com and take them with you when you travel!