My husband and I cancelled several trips this past year in the name of COVID. By the fall, we were itching to get out of town and do something, anything! After some friends told us about their experience at Blackberry Farms, we decided a local getaway would scratch our travel itch. While I’m sure Blackberry Farms is beautiful, we were looking for a more budget friendly option and landed on Evins Mill in Smithville, TN - and loved it.

To start, the food was stinkin’ good. I’m kind of a health nut. I’m also a transplant from outside the South. So, when we arrived at the resort and there wasn’t a menu, it was more of a here’s what we’re serving situation, I got nervous. The fact that the place is small, in rural TN and that there was only one other couple staying at the resort did nothing to assuage my anxiety. What was I going to eat for the next 72 hours?? Gravy?! But then, OMG. The best! I set my health nuttiness to the side and ate and ate and ate. Tenderloin. Trout. Biscuits (sans gravy). Cake. Everything that came our of the Evins Mill kitchen was fresh, made with top quality ingredients and simply delightful.

After breaking out of our food coma, we passed the time hiking, exploring and playing pool. The resort has several trails to hike, one that leads to a stunning waterfall. While the trails are somewhat short, there’s plenty of property to get some exercise on and pass the time. (Also, we found ourselves lost on one trail which made for an even more eventful afternoon). We followed our outdoor exercise with a relaxed afternoon sipping wine and playing billiards in the game lounge. One of Evins Mill’s strengths is the number of cozy common areas. Whether you’re looking to binge-watch a show or chat by the wood-burning fire, there’s something for you.

We arrived back in Nashville from our Evins Mill getaway relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated from finally having done something different. We stayed two nights and next time would go three to take in some sight seeing in Smithville or take in a bit more of the outdoors. I highly recommend Evins Mill if you’re looking for a relaxing break from the same-old Nashville routine. And, it’s only an hour or so away from the city. You won’t regret it!