Have a Great Time at Barnsley Gardens Resort

It wasn't what I had expected. I thought it would be heavy and hard to handle not to mention tough to operate and ear piercing once it actually operated. I'm writing about something I never thought I would write about: handling a shotgun. Indeeed, I played with toy guns as a kid and even simulated using them in the Super 8mm films that I created with my friends during adolescence. Many years ago, I had the opportunity to operate a gun at an indoor shooting range while working the sound for a video shoot. I passed. This time out, I was at a shooting range on the property of Barnsley Gardens Resort in Adairsville, Georgia. It was a last minute idea that my wife and I cooked up. We need a quick getaway and this resort one hour north of the Atlanta metro area went well beyond our expectations.

After checking in, we strolled over to the property's general store where guests may shop for gifts, toiletries and/or sign up for an activity. My folksy wife struck up a conversation with Mike, one of the part-time workers. Within minutes, she got Mike's life story plus a request for a quick shooting lesson complete with a shotgun and clay pigeons (discs) for target practice. I confess that I was squeamish while the wife was eager to get out on the range. Before I knew it, Mike drove us out to target practice in a Suburban where we met our veteran instructor, Stetson. After he offered up eye and ear protection, we were good to go. The wife went first.

"Put your right arm up like a chicken wing," Stetson instructed.

She obliged by performing the motion, holding the gun, pointing at the moving "pigeons" and squeezing the trigger. After a few attempts, she hit a few discs. The sound of the gun going off wasn't too bad. OK, I did have the earplugs in, but my heart didn't jump.

Stetson gave me the lesson as the sun was about to set on this crisp winter afternoon. I got used to the shotgun fast and was ready to go. I had visions of not being able to follow the target since I was terrible at it in video games. As soon as the discs went flying, I went following and with a little prodding from Stetson, I pulled the trigger. It was far more sensitive than I imagined. I didn't hit the discs on the first attempt.

"That was a bit low," Stetson observed.

By some instinct, I knew that I had to follow the discs dead-on and with the next several shots, I got many good hits. The lesson was exhilarating and a great way to begin my weekend visit to Barnsley Gardens. Unfortunately, our visit would be brief - leaving no time to try out the other activities and offerings on the property including golfing, fly fishing, canoeing, cycling, swimming, spa and fitness center visits. We could have spent four days here without getting bored.

Delicious Dinner

Dinner at the Rice House followed so we had to get back to our renovated one bedroom cottage. Upon entering through the cottage's front French doors, visitors are greeted with spacious guest quarters complete with comfortable furniture, a wood burning fireplace and widescreen TV. The bedroom is equally impressive as well as the bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and classic tub. Since Barnsley Gardens loves to spoil its guests, you may request someone to pick you up in a golf cart to take you to your destination. When we were ready for dinner, we were promptly picked up to go to the Rice House for our multi-course evening meal.

Chock full of history, employees make a point to show guests the Civil War bullet holes located on the front of the Rice House. Once inside, guests are treated to a collection of artwork and beautifully appointed dining rooms. While perusing the menu, we indulged in glasses of Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc wine, a delicious fruity variety which hails from New Zealand. As I sipped the wine and recalled my shooting adventure, I became inspired to order the quail, a grilled teriyaki-spiced bird served over a bed of risotto. My wife indulged in the well-spiced hearty scallops.

Even though our entrees filled us up, we noticed an offering at the next table: the Oyster Trio, a sampling of oysters served as shooters. The first shooter is the Bloody Mary with Capped Gemolata, an herbed compliment with garlic, parsley and lemon zest. Grilled Oyster Pancetta with Balsamic Mignonette is the second shooter followed up by a Fried Oyster Pernod with Sautéed Spinach and Hollandaise Sauce. I'm a bit disappointed that we passed up on the oyster shooters; we chose the Butternut Squash Soup instead - which is out of this world.

Much-needed R&R

The décor, service and overall atmosphere at the Rice House is first-rate in addition to being relaxing, which is what Barnsley Gardens is all about. The 1,400-acre property is a true respite filled with cozy cottages, an amazing workout facility and world-class spa. To get a true feel for the property, the "Fairy Godmother" (Denise Webb), toured us around with lively stories about Barnsley Gardens' rich history.

The Fairy Godmother's title was and "magical powers" were provided to her by Prince Hubertus Fugger of Bavaria. According to our colorful tour guide, the Prince, "sat me down on a very special rock in the woodland gardens and made me a Fairy Godmother." The Fairy Godmother's presence only adds to this sweet escape.

For my wife and me, Barnsley Gardens is an ideal retreat for couples - especially for Valentine's Day when it's extra quiet on the property. Nothing beats a stroll on a crisp sunny winter day here. Summer time is perfect for families. With spacious cottages, an outdoor salt swimming pool and loads of activities, Barnsley Gardens is a hit with youngsters. They are also a hit with the Fairy Godmother who is always on the search for "fairies in training." After an evening of relaxing at the cottage's fireplace and roasting S'mores, we woke to a gorgeous morning with beautiful vistas of the property's golf course. Knowing that brunch was going full steam, we walked over to where it was being served at the Woodlands Grill. The feast here seemed endless with omelets, hash browns, pancakes, French toast, fresh fruits, bagels, cereal, grits and much more.

While eating, I gazed out at the pristine golf course. This Jim Fazio-designed championship golf course is 378 acres of challenging play set against the mountains of North Georgia.

Well fed and rested, we were hesitant to head back to the big city, but knowing that Barnsley Gardens is close and accessible, I hope to return soon.

For more information:

Barnsley Resort
Phone: 770-773-7480