This Is the Best US Hotel for Food and Drink – Again
"A Tennessee stalwart at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, this culinary-driven resort has been delighting guests since the 1970s and sees more than 70% of visitors return, so expectations are high. Leadership emphasizes classic techniques and strict seasonality to deliver consistent quality, while recent investments—including the 2024 opening of Bramble Hall for private events and a return to producing 100% sheep milk cheese on the farmstead—show a commitment to both tradition and thoughtful evolution. Dining is central: The Main House serves beloved staples (biscuits and sausage gravy are a must), The Dogwood offers a shorter tasting menu with fan favorites like farm egg pappardelle with pine nut–lemon pesto, garden greens, and asparagus and a standout beef ribeye cap, and The Barn—overseen by James Beard Award–winning chef Cassidee Dabney—is a warm, converted-barn setting where the team leans into grilling, caramelized summer tomatoes, lamb with a carrot Romesco, and the liberal use of house preserves. Beyond food, guests can enjoy fly-fishing, clay-pigeon shooting with expert guides, farmstead and garden tours, and foraging with a world-famous pack of Lagotto Romagnolo truffle dogs; the larder sells cheeses, cured meats, and preserves (the bacon onion jam is a particular favorite) to extend the experience at home. Regular special programming and high-profile collaborations—upcoming summits, chef residencies, and winery weekends—reinforce the sense that a stay here is itself the special event and encourages repeat visits." - Corina Quinn
