The city of Atlanta, GA may be the quintessential hub for traveling the southern U.S., yet it can be poorly situated geographically when it comes to a quickie driving weekend escape.  Yes, you can fly most anywhere from Atlanta’s airport non-stop, but driving somewhere romantic requires a bit of creativity if you want to avoid a 5+ hour road trip to the beach or many other southern destinations.

Unassumingly located a few miles from a nondescript highway exit near Adairsville, GA, Barnsley Gardens is a true getaway destination that will ultimately surprise you. Better still, it is just a bit over an hour north of Atlanta by car.   You can read the website here to learn of the history and lineage of the property, but consider this a brief elaboration on the guest experience. 

If you are familiar with Garden and Gun magazine, you’ll immediately relate to Barnsley’s offerings.  Aside from the handsome standalone cottages and attentive groundskeeping, Barnsley is a comprehensive Southern country getaway.  Different from traditional high-end hotel offerings, the Barnsley experience is akin to visiting a friend’s lovely farm. 

our typical day may include taking one of many different walks throughout the expansive property, shooting clays with one of the knowledgeable and pleasant trappers, a bourbon tasting and cocktails in your cottage living room with friends by the fire.

36+ hours at Barnsley:

• Check in, then hit the path and take a long walk through the woods and around the various barns and fields of the property.
• Visit the outdoor club and challenge your skills on the sporting clays range.
• Pop by the beer garden, catch a game on the outdoor TV or hang out by the large fire pit.
• Pack a bottle (or two, or three) of wine and cheese for an hors d’oeuvre in your sitting room before dinner.
• Pack nicer clothes for a quiet, stately dinner out at The Rice House.
• Challenge the Wine Snob, as he is lovingly known, to bring you a wine you’ll never forget.
• After dinner, visit the romantically lit ruins and gardens. Bonus Tip: During the holidays, the gardens are adorned with thousands of twinkling lights.
• Have a nightcap outside under the stars by one of the many fire pits throughout grounds.

Written by guest blogger, David Shipps.

Photos provided by Barnsley Gardens.