Summer at Barnsley
We’re back from one of our favorite places – Barnsley Resort, just about an hour north of Atlanta. We’ve been coming here for years – and we create new and unique memories each trip. This was our first time celebrating 4th of July at Barnsley…and we all agree it’s a new family tradition.
Six months have passed since we last stayed at the property, but if 2020 has taught us one thing – it’s that A LOT can happen in half a year. Barnsley was our last getaway as a couple, and looking back I’m so thankful at what we didn’t know would be our “last hurray” for quite awhile!
Space to Spread Out
In today’s COVID-19 world, this has a lot of meanings, but I want to talk about traveling with kids. This was our first time visiting Barnsley for an overnight as a family of five. We made a day trip back in October to celebrate our anniversary with the girls and Crichton (just a newborn at the time). They were SO excited when we packed up the car and reminded them where we would be spending the weekend.
We opted for a private cottage this time so we could bring the pup (how awesome that the resort is dog friendly!?) and have enough room for all that comes along with a family of five. The cottages are picturesque – truly the perfect mix of upscale coziness. The girls slept on the pull out bed in the living room and we had our own room with a king. We slept so well and are kicking ourselves for forgetting to take a peek at what mattresses they use – because I’m telling you, SLEEPING ON CLOUDS. Crichton being the prefect angel baby he is, slept 12 hours straight in a pack n play in our room.
Fresh off a beach trip the week before – I’ll tell you this now so I don’t bury the lead…Barnsley Resort is a magical place where you can have three kids in tow and still relax. I love the beach, but good God that was an exhausting five days. Barnsley has the space to accommodate a family and besides clothes and bathing suits, everything else the property provides for you. No spending half your day schlepping a full campsite back and forth from the beach to your hotel room.
Back to the “Basics”
As we walked around Barnsley during the course of the weekend there was one thing missing – kids buried in devices. Instead, we saw them biking around the lawn, fishing by the lake and playing hide-and-seek in the gardens at the ruins.
This was our first time staying with bike-riding-aged kids and oh my goodness GAME CHANGER. We sat at the beer garden with Crichton and they just had a field day riding around…and we didn’t have to worry about busy roads and cars.
Bauer had her heart on fishing and to be honest, I fully expected this to be an epic fail. You can borrow fishing poles and purchase live bait (ew, worms!) from the Outpost Experience Center. The girls caught five fish in the first 10 minutes. I was shocked! Kelly was in heaven and already requested these special photos in frames for his desk.
A Lesson in History
Visiting the ruins of the Manor House is a personal favorite. The girls were old enough this trip to ask questions about the state of the ruins and the lives that were lived among the walls years and years ago. I sat on a bench with Kingsley and we Googled pictures of Godfrey Barnsley and talked about how he built the home for the woman he loved.
I’m a big history buff – the good and the bad – and look forward to more conversations as our girls get older.
4th of July
We try to make it to Barnsley at least once in the fall and once in the spring. It’s top on our list for special occasions and one of Kelly’s favorite golf courses for guys trips. Until this past weekend though, we had never thought of it as a 4th of July destination. Now I’m wondering if it’s too soon to book for next year? I’m determined to round up some of our best friends and make a big weekend of it!
The festivities were so great – both for the adults and children. Fireworks, 4th of July crafts, a bike parade and delicious meals with all the must-haves for a southern summer BBQ.
Barnsley has a variety of packages and special offers that can help you plan the perfect getaway – including “Freedom to Savor Summer” if you’re anxious to take a trip NOW!
Friends…life is weird right now. COVID-19 and social distancing are top of mind for so many of us. While I don’t think this will be our lives forever – and I look forward to returning to Barnsley and packing around the bar with friends for a mimosa – I want to acknowledge how beautifully the resort is handling this time.
Reservations are required for meals and the pool – allowing guests to enjoy both with space to breathe. The friendly-faces of the staff that make Barnsley so magical are covered with masks and sanitizing materials have found a home next to the outdoor games and fire pits.
I wish summer 2020 looked different for all of us, and know how blessed we are to have taken this trip. I’m thankful for the safe and relaxing getaway Barnsley Resort made possible for our family and I’m sure you’ll feel the worries of the world wash away for a day or two if you make a visit.
Thank you for hosting us Barnsley Resort. You truly make us feel home!