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Sponsored by Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Drive up the entrance road. Hand over your bags to the bellman. Check in. Let the outside world disappear.
There is no need for it at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. This 503-acre property has everything you can possibly want for a relaxing mountain getaway, far from the chaos of your everyday life.
Brasstown Valley Resort opens the door for you to unplug and reconnect to those you love most.
What You Can Expect at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
As soon as you step into the foyer with its oak-vaulted ceilings, panoramic views of the mountains, comfortable couches with inviting games and puzzles beside a massive stone fireplace, you’ll know you’ve arrived at a place that knows how to perfectly blend rustic luxury with outdoor adventurous beauty.
Whether you’re looking for relaxation, outdoor adventure, natural beauty, or fine dining, all interests are covered.
You may think this is the place for romantic getaways or golfing trips – it is that – but it’s also a special destination for families as well.
The North Georgia Mountains location is perfect for Southeast USA explorers. It’s just south of the North Carolina border, and a two-hour drive from Metro Atlanta, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Asheville, NC.
We spent a wonderful three-days here in partnership with Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa on our Georgia road trip.
Below are the many wonderful activities you can enjoy at Brasstown including a few nearby attractions and experiences.
Relax at The Equani Spa
You cannot visit Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa without spending time at Equani Spa, a sanctuary for healing and restoration.
Equani means “Ridges” in local Cherokee, as the spa is located on Cherokee land who originally sought the land’s healing power. The Spa has carefully integrated design elements and activities indigenous to the tribe’s culture.
Many of the treatments at Equani are inspired by the Cherokee heritage, which has been blessed by former Chief of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, Joyce Dugan who says,
“Native people throughout this country have often been dishonored through misrepresentation of our cultural/traditional beliefs and customs, so it was with great relief and pleasure for me to visit The Equani Spa and witness for myself the tasteful and elegant representations of the Cherokee culture.”
From relaxation rooms to outside decks with hot tubs and forest views, you will have the serenity and disconnect you yearn for.
Lay back, sip on a mimosa, and have time to reflect. Then choose the treatment you love most.
Craig and I relaxed with a couples massage. Savannah enjoyed her pedicure and sparkling blue toes, and Kalyra and I had our first facial together- it will not be our last!
Activities at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
What we loved about our stay at Brasstown was the easy access to many different activities on the property.
Only a few steps from our room lead us to fun memory making experiences for us to share and talk about forever.
Take Golf Lessons with a Pro
I always thought that with golf, you either had it or you don’t. I stayed away from the greens, because clearly, I did NOT have it.
On my first game of golf many years ago, I threw down the club after hole three, heading straight for Hole 19 exclaiming how stupid it was.
At Brasstown Valley Golf Course I learned that while natural golfing talent is a thing, you can also learn how to swing a club AND connect to the ball to make it travel high and far.
When you have lessons with a golf pro, Anything is Possible.
One of my favorite activities at Brasstown Valley Resort, surprisingly, was our golf lesson with Steve Phelps, the resort’s Director of Golf and PGA Professional.
He helped me make sense of golf with his explanations of golf clubs and how they work, the perfect design of golf balls, and how to properly swing a golf club and hit the ball.
Steve was patient, kind, and supportive with specific feedback to how I was swinging (incorrectly!). With each new correction, I started to GET it, improve, and work on that muscle memory.
Most importantly, I started hitting the ball better AND began to actually consider that perhaps golf could be something I COULD enjoy and take up.
I mean, is there a more beautiful setting for an outdoor leisurely activity?
Craig, being the more natural sportsman, has always been able to hit the ball relatively straight and far, but not as consistently as he’d like and he’s never had a golf lesson before, so was looking forward to the tips and insights to improve his game.
With a few adjustments from Steve regarding his grip, stance, and backswing, he was hitting the ball more consistently, and as he likes to say, he likes golf, but LOVES it when he’s hitting his drives straight and getting his putts in!
Play a Round of Golf at Brasstown Valley Golf Course
Realizing my golfing limitations, I sped off on the golf cart after our lesson at the driving range, and left Craig to play a few holes with his new golfing friends without my air swings impeding on their fun.
One day, I’ll feel confident to join them.
The Brasstown Valley Golf Course has 18 holes of championship golf for all levels of play.
Both Golf Digest and Leading Golf Courses of America ranked Brasstown Valley Golf Course as one of the top golf courses in Georgia.
If you don’t want to play a round of golf, grab yourself a cocktail, stand on the lodge verandah and admire the beauty of the course while you watch others swing away merrily.
Check out their golf packages.
Horseback Riding at the Stables at Brasstown Valley
Horseback riding is a family adventure we often seek out when we travel and talk about long after the trip has ended.
The horses at the Stables at Brasstown Valley were the prettiest I’ve ever ridden. My palomino horse, Hermann, was my dream horse as a child and his willful, confident personality delighted me.
As soon as we finished our ride, Savannah shared with me her savings plan to one day buy the horse she rode, eBay.
Brasstown Stables has five miles of horse trails winding through hardwood forests, through open fields and beside crystal-clear streams. Let’s not forget the mountain views at every turn.
The Stables primarily offer one and two-hour guided mountain trail rides, accommodating all experience levels, from beginner to advanced.
Hiking the Appalachian Mountains
Enjoy the beauty of the hardwood forest, flowering plants, mountain scenery, and wildlife viewing by hiking in the Appalachian Mountains.
Brasstown Valley Resort has 9.2-miles of wilderness trails right at your doorstep.
The popular Miller Trek starts at the resort and winds its way into the Chattahoochee National Forest for approximately 6 miles. There is also a shorter 2.5-mile loop.
Enjoy the Resort Amenities
You can balance the resort activities with more sedate family time with the resort amenities.
Well, that depends on how rowdy you may get playing a game of air hockey against each other in the Arcade Games room.
Or how many laps you want to do in the indoor or outdoor pools. I was more content to soak in the hot tubs and lounge on the poolside chairs listening to the birds and soaking up the beauty of the views.
I was also happy to get a short workout on the treadmill in the fitness center. Running is usually not my thing, but the views of the garden took away all the “pain” of it.
My tip is to head straight for the Equani Spa after your workout!
Dining at Brasstown Valley
Enjoy the resort dining room with a signature cocktail before dinner on the verandah with stunning sunset mountain views.
Martini lovers will be very happy with the diversity of martinis on offer from classic Dirties to desert-like Godiva Chocolate.
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Godiva Chocolate -
For our kids, the hot chocolates and French Toast were a hit at breakfast time.
Move onto outstanding meals at dinner time such as Bang Bang Shrimp for your appetizer and mains with delicious choices like fresh Carolina Mountain Trout, Ribeye, Macadamia Chicken and Shrimp and Grits.
Don’t skimp out on the desert. Get ready to crack that Creme Brulee or devour a rich (and thick) slice of Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake.
On busier weekend nights, the resort often has seafood and prime rib buffets.
Brassies Grill
Brassies Grill is your 19th Hole, the more casual dining option for a quick lunch or cozy dinner. Relax at the bar, watch sport on TV, or play a game of pool or darts.
You’ll find favorites such as burgers, blackened quicken quesadillas, beer cheese and pretzels, and chili cheese tots.
I highly recommend the unique Smoked Salmon BLT. The mouthwatering salmon is smoked in house.
Verandah Fire Pit
Wrap up your day in one of our favorite ways – by the crackling fire on the verandah of the Fireside Lounge. It’s perfect for stargazing and conversations.
Rocking chairs line wide verandas for soaking up an expansive vista that includes Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest point.
Pro-Shop & Country Store
Not only can you get all your golfing gear at the Pro-Shop, but you can also find some unique homeware, gifts, and clothes at the Brasstown Valley County Store.
I was impressed, not just with the quality of products, but the reasonable resort shop price tags.
Downstairs you’ll also find the Emporium, a place to find locally made products such as cheeses, ice cream, wine, and home goods.
Accommodations at Brasstown Valley
From secluded cottage tranquility to modern suites amidst the hub of activity, Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa has an array of accommodation options to suit the purpose of your getaway.
No matter what accommodation style you choose, you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the North Georgia Mountains.
Lodge Rooms
Our legendary mountain lodge has 102 gorgeous guest rooms, including five, one-bedroom suites.
We had interconnecting rooms with a private sitting area in one, and two queen beds in the other. It was perfect for our family that loves the kind of space that helps us remote work and learn while we travel.
The gas fireplaces in the rooms were a lovely feature. Some rooms have private balconies. Ours looked over the pool area with great views of the mountains.
The Cottages
The Brasstown Valley cottages are tucked in the woods offering your family seclusion and immediate access to hiking trails and outdoor beauty. They cater to groups of various sizes.
You will love the kitchen, large wood-burning fireplaces in the living area, and the wraparound covered decks bringing you closer to nature.
Equani Spa’s Private Suite
For pure indulgence, why not stay at the private suite on the top level of the Equani Spa?
It’s an 825-square-foot suite with a private deck that has fantastic views of the North Georgia Mountains.
Inside you’ll find a jacuzzi tub and the biggest shower you’ve ever seen. We’re talking about an ‘Experience Shower’ providing a full-sensory experience with double-drench shower head, steam, aromatherapy, LED lights, marine speakers, and 12-head Swiss shower bars.
Now that’s a Brasstown Valley moment!
You also have a separate living area and stone stacked gas fireplace in the bedroom. The BEST feature is the short flight of stairs to spa rejuvenation.
Learn more about all their accommodation options here.
Experiences Outside of Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
You’re in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains so have endless opportunities to explore outside the Brasstown Valley Resort property.
While we were content to just enjoy what the resort had to offer, we did love experiencing a few nearby attractions.
Crane Creek Vineyards
A winery in Georgia? I was just as surprised.
The Southeast is known typically for sweet muscadine wines, which is not my preferred drop.
I was pleased to discover wines at Crane Creek Vineyards that were dry, light and refreshing, and paired with the kind of views you’d expect to see in Tuscany.
You can choose to enjoy them from the vineyard deck, while wandering past the grapevines, or from the Adirondack chairs in the garden.
Craig and I chose the latter with a tasting flight each – mine heavy on the whites, while Craig’s had a balance in color.
We recommend the Zusa for its light summery flavors of melon and mango. For those wanting more depth and spice, you can’t go past the Award winning red, Hellbender.
Every Friday, May-November, Crane Creek has live music out on the vineyard decks and delicious housemade seasonal appetizers.
Owner Eric Seifarth has created a wine tasting experience at Crane Creek to replicate the joy he experienced sampling Italian wines while he was stationed in Northern Italy.
Boating on Lake Chatuge
With over 130-miles of shoreline, Lake Chatuge is one of the larger open bodies of water in the Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains region.
Its picturesque setting of towering mountains surrounding its distant shores, and access to an abundance of lake recreation activities, makes it a popular place for visitors to the region.
We rented a pontoon boat, and a speedboat from the marina to enjoy an hour soaking up the views.
Stay a while longer. Throw in a line, swim, or pack a picnic lunch to eat in a secluded cove.
Anna Ruby Falls
Less than an hour’s drive from Brasstown Valley Resort, you’ll find the spectacular Anna Ruby Falls.
It quickly became one of my favorite waterfalls in the USA for its stunning lush forest setting and its twin falls thundering down.
You can read more about it in our post about our stay at nearby Unicoi State Park & Lodge.
Brasstown Bald
Only 20-minutes from Brasstown is Brasstown Bald, the tallest mountain in Georgia which offers views of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Up there you can just enjoy the views, or access four hiking trails ranging from 1/2 to 6 miles in length.
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