“Would you and Nick want to join us for an overnight at Pursell Farms on Valentine’s Day?” My phone dings as my family walks out of the movie theater. We had just seen and loved Moana 2.
My heart thrums with the anticipation of a night away with my husband and close friends. I have heard beautiful, restful reports about Pursell Farms but have never had the opportunity to visit. My parents graciously offer to stay with our children.
We are in! I text back the next day.
Valentine’s Day arrives quickly, and after work on Friday, Nick and I load the car with our one bag and drive down 280 to Pursell Farms. In about an hour, we pull onto the property. Foothills surround us, trees decorate the grounds like candles on a cake. Emerald grass stretches as far as I can see. Couples pass us on bicycles and on foot. Little lakes nestle into the rolling hills. I cannot believe we are only 60 miles from Birmingham!
We check into the Inn, and the mix of old and new inspires me to decorate when I return home. During a special Valentine’s meal we enjoy live piano music and five courses. I sleep soundly on a comfortable mattress and enjoy coffee from a real cup in bed the next morning. After breakfast, we walk all over the property on winding trails past tree groves, gardens to come, ponds, and farm animals. I hear nothing except my own breath in and out and the chatter from our group. We end the trip with a facial and massage at the spa.
Although we were only gone for 22 hours, Nick and I return home completely refreshed. What a special night away!
If you are looking for a night or weekend away, two amazing options exist near Birmingham: Pursell Farms and Barnsley Resort. I loved Pursell Farms and can’t wait to visit the Barnsley Resort sometime!
Pursell Farms
Pursell Farms sits on 3500 acres in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains and is located in Sylacauga, AL (about an hour from Birmingham). The site boasts immaculately kept grounds that provide a reset, a retreat, and quiet for its visitors.
Several different accommodations exist, perfect for singles, friends, or larger groups.
- The Inn: “Ideally situated for panoramic views of the scenic foothills, the three-story country estate-style Inn features 40 beautifully designed guest rooms, a sparkling outdoor pool, two restaurants and fitness facility.”
- Parker Lodge: “The eight bedroom Parker Lodge is built of natural, quarried Alabama stone with red oak floors, ponderosa pine ceilings and hand-hewn west coast cedar trusses. The Lodge is infused with simple charm and rustic splendor and offers eight bedrooms and can sleep up to 16 guests.”
- Historic Hamilton House: “Restored by Jimmy and Chris Pursell, Hamilton Place was built in 1852 and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Along with two bedrooms for up to four guests, this magnificent Southern home.”
- Orvis Farmhouse: “Built in 1830, the Orvis Farmhouse is the oldest home on the Pursell Farms property. Today, you will find the Farmhouse restored with gracious details, exposed hand-hewn timbers, and beautifully appointed with 19th century textiles and antiques. The Farmhouse has three bedrooms, a full kitchen, and living room.”
- There are also cottages and cabins available!
You won’t run out of activities to try at Pursell Farms! You can play a round of golf on the #1 golf course in Alabama, relax at the spa, fly fish, drive UTVs on the property, try archery or axe throwing, play tennis and pickleball, bike, walk, play bocce ball, or unwind at the pool & sundeck.
Pursell Farms offers three different restaurants, all inspired by the nearby farmland and “all that grows and grazes upon it.” The chefs create seasonal menus “that celebrate classic, southern cuisine combined with farm fresh ingredients to make each dish uniquely Pursell Farms.”
Pursell Farms also hosts special events, like the Valentine’s Dinner we were able to attend.
Barnsley Resort
Barnsley Resort lives on 3,000 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is located in Adairsville, GA (less than three hours from Birmingham). Barnsley Resort’s property boasts a 10-acre lake, rolling hills, trees, and historic gardens. The wooded foothills offer guests the opportunity to celebrate nature’s beauty while enjoying many different activities.
Barnsley Resort offers two main types of accommodations:
- Cottages: “Rich in character and fine details, our cottages include fireplaces and private porches and range from one to seven bedrooms, welcoming private retreats and group getaways. In this serene village setting, guests can walk to everything — including the outdoor fire pit for nightly s’mores.”
- Inn: “Inspired by English country homes with hardwood floors and exposed beams, the Inn feels like a warm, welcoming country estate. Relax by the fire in the Living Room, or retreat to one of 55 perfectly appointed guest rooms and suites.”
Barnsley Resort has numerous fun and relaxing activities to try! You can hike a forest trail, indulge at the spa, canoe on the lake, shoot air rifles at the Beretta Shooting grounds, hike, go horseback riding, throw axes, play golf on one of the best courses in Georgia, play pickleball / disc golf / lawn games, bike, or go on a trail walk. You can also sit, relax, and enjoy the beautiful grounds!
Barnsley Resort offers three different dining options that celebrate the beauty of the season and range from to-go to casual to more formal.
It also hosts special events, such as its iconic “Swine & Wine” in the fall, featuring barbecue and wine pairings.
