by Carmel L. Mooney
This gorgeous full service, family-friendly country club oasis is tucked in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains with nearby covered bridges and spectacular scenery, making it the perfect golf and horseback riding getaway. We were so glad a local recommended it to us or we might have missed this treasure.
The spa with its 20,000 square feet of sheer bliss is a beautifully designed world-class European day spa complete with a mineral pool, steam rooms, saunas, and lounges.
Facials and massages, manicures, pedicures, body treatments, and a full-service salon and spa boutique ensure that all the bases are covered for any family needing a little pampering.
My tween got her first pedicure there and loved every second of it.
Committed to allowing a heavenly and rejuvenating experience for guests of the Spa at Rock Barn, a full range of treatments are offered to accommodate for as little or as much time as one’s schedule allows. Even a Spa Day Pass is available to allow guests to lounge by the mineral pool with underwater music, take a dip in the whirlpool, or indulge in the massaging waterfall, sauna, or steam room.
Two signature golf courses offer spectacular views and a chance to be challenged. Home of the Ensure Classic and PGA Champion Tour Event held each year, one Robert Trent Jones Jr. course is ranked 15th best golf course in the state and the other course is a newly renovated Tom Jackson course awarded by Golf Digest 4.5 stars out of 5 possible.
An 80-acre equestrian center only adds to the splendor. A tennis and swimming complex and fitness center make this a resort with something for everyone in the family.
Since we love, golf, horses, and spas, we were in heaven.
Whether you’re in the mood for casual dining at Sue’s Grill for a delicious salad or appetizer, or fine, family-friendly dining at Alexander’s, you won’t be disappointed.
Alexander’s a dining favorite amongst the locals and for good reason. Every delicious entrée is prepared and presented impeccably and the ambiance is sheer class and comfort. The food was elegant but our kids felt comfortable and welcome. We noticed lots of local families dining around us.
Executive Chef Josh Wagoner creates wonderful nightly specials that complement signature items like Chicken Saltimbocca, Surf and Turf, and Prosciutto Wrapper Grouper.
At the other end of the spectrum even on the course’s edge, Lyle Creek Grill is famous for its build-your-own-burgers with both golfers and non-golfers.
The Spa Café offers even more healthy choices with a bountiful buffet of signature items guests can enjoy while relaxing in their robe and slippers throughout their spa stay.
We stayed at The Lodge at Rock Barn, our own private golf course home with beautiful views of the course. This choice provided all the amenities with numerous spacious bedrooms and baths, a full kitchen, and lots of room to unwind and enjoy. It truly felt like a home away from home.
Rock Barn Stay and Play packages offer luxury townhomes with family access to all the award-winning amenities such as the Rock Barn Golf Academy and private limousine service to name a few.
Beautiful Hickory, North Carolina with its gorgeous furniture and shopping, and nearby Statesville with its famous Balloonfest are within a short drive of Rock Barn.
We enjoyed a day at the Balloonfest and even got to take a ride! What a thrill!
Sheer luxury, relaxation, and excellent service are always on the menu at Rock Barn where time stands still and beauty abounds for those lucky enough to know of this hidden Carolina gem.
We loved our little sample of heaven at the Rock Barn and we’ll be back. It was a hit with our entire family
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Carmel L. Mooney is a travel columnist, author, and radio talk show host. She is the editor of Road Trips for Couples