travel

GET AWAYTO THE COUNTRY

The Barnsley Resort in North Georgia boasts a countryside C ountryside cottages nestled in the North Georgia foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains beckon nature-loving families to the Barnsley Resort, where they’ll encounter Southern hospitality, village (which is also bicycle friendly) and is the ideal place to unplug and enjoy spending time together whether it’s making s’mores, connecting with nature or discovering a new activity,” says Barnsley Resort President David Friederich. The Barnsley Resort is a storybook setting setting with Southern charm. | BY JENNIFER THOMAS history, good cuisine and a plethora of activities, where Godfrey Barnsley started building the such as clay shooting, fishing, canoeing, biking estate in the 1840s for his wife Julia, who passed and exploring the resort’s grounds and ruins. away before the home was completed. Both the

“Families appreciate the variety of activities original manor, called Woodlands, and the elaboavailable on-site, as well as the resort’s walking rate gardens were inspired by landscape designer

Andrew Jackson Downing. As detailed in the resort’s story, some months after the passing of his wife, Godfrey began having dreams of Julia in the boxwood parterre gardens, asking him to finish construction of the estate for their children and future generations; and that’s exactly what he did. Today, the Manor House Ruins are one of the resort’s most iconic attractions.

The resort is a 3,000-acre historic Southern estate that offers 90 rooms among 39 individual cottages, which range from one to seven bedrooms per cottage. Each charming abode is unique while offering hardwood floors, wood-burning fireplaces and clawfoot bathtubs.

Due to the pandemic, the resort has implemented extra safety procedures.

“The health and safety of our guests, members and staff has always been and continues to be our top priority. The blueprint of Barnsley Resort is centered around spending time outdoors and connecting with nature, which guests have enjoyed since we reopened in June,” David says. “Of course, cottage rooms and suites have been very popular for families looking to enjoy all of the resort amenities and experiences while having a bit more dedicated private space during this time. The private cottages are a strong appeal to families, as it provides a home-away-from-home setting for the entire family to enjoy. Guests can even bring their family pets along for the adventure, as there are no weight limits for dogs and select cottages are pet friendly.”

Fort Myers resident and mom Audrey Lovell traveled to the Barnsley Resort with her family over the Christmas holiday a couple of years ago and stayed in one of the property’s cottages.

“We brought our own Christmas decor for the exterior porch and enjoyed the evenings on the swing,” she recalls. “The collection of cottages that were arranged in an English country village setting was picturesque to say the least. They have nightly fire pit with seating areas spread throughout the village along with cornhole and nightly s’mores.”

No matter how you spend the day, the best way to cap it off is by toasting s’mores at the outdoor firepits, David advises.

“Of course, we provide all of the ingredients in individual s’mores kits,” he says.

“Things may look a bit different this year, but that doesn’t mean guests can’t enjoy the opportunity to get away together in a safe and memorable resort environment.”

— DAVID FRIEDERICH

Audrey and her family selected the resort for their holiday getaway because it was off the beaten path in Northern Georgia and drivable from Southwest Florida.

“We decided to go to a location that would provide a unique holiday experience, but that we could drive to,” she says. “They had a wonderful Christmas ambience with a village-type charm. There was a unique candlelight Christmas Eve ceremony in their wood-framed church in the center of the village and a robust holiday buffet on Christmas Day. The holiday decorated historic ruins and gardens were free to roam while staying on-site and at night lit up with a thousand lights.”

For 2020, guests can expect a fun-filled holiday experience at Barnsley Resort with plenty of festivities for everyone in the group to join in on. During the time of Thanksgiving, guests can enjoy the annual “lighting of the ruins” event where guests count down to light up the Manor House Ruins for the holiday season.

The holidays are also a magical time for families with more than one million holiday lights and special crafting workshops, David says.

“We encourage everyone to look at the Calendar of Events list on the resort website for additional fun happen

ings throughout the year, such as intimate concerts with local musicians and educational Birds of Prey seminars,” he says. “Things may look a bit different this year, but that doesn’t mean guests can’t enjoy the opportunity to get away together in a safe and memorable resort environment.”

The resort describes its cuisine offerings as authentic Southern at its three on-site restaurants. Woodlands Grill is the staple restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily overlooking the award-winning golf course. The al fresco Beer Garden provides a laid-back dining option with barbecue dishes and grab-and-go items. Located in a 19th century farmhouse, the Rice House restaurant creates a garden-to-table experience where the menu changes weekly and incorporates local ingredients and seasonal items from the on-site kitchen garden.

Audrey dined at the Rice House during her stay; she recommends it for couples due to the menu and atmosphere. However, she says, “The Woodlands Grill was charming, as the food was moderately priced and had a unique Southern flair.”

Reflecting on her getaway, Audrey says what she loved most was the uniqueness of the resort, its grounds and the activities.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BARNSLEY RESORT

“The grounds were rolling hills and charming cottages. Nature trails across the property were well maintained. We truly enjoyed the history horseback riding experience throughout the property as well as the clay shooting,” she adds.

Families with tweens and older kids (11+) can take a sporting clays lesson at the Beretta Shooting Grounds or enjoy a guided horseback ride through the natural hillside of the resort, David says.

“While I enjoy each of the experiences the resort offers, my personal favorite is the Jim Fazio golf course and Golf Performance Center. It's a fan favorite all-around, not only for adults but for younger ones, too. Private instruction is available for golfers of all ages and levels,” David says. “Kids especially love the TrackMan radar systems since it provides visuals on how they can improve their game.”

Catch-and-release fishing is another memory making activity among families, as are the various lawn games.

“For younger ones, the Animal Canvases at The Farm is a fun and interactive way to be around the barnyard animals and gently paint them with nontoxic paint,” David recommends. “We’re expanding great family options this fall with the addition of archery, and adults will love the new option of axe throwing as we continue to enhance the resort experience.”

David also advises some off-property attractions for guests to explore.

“For science lovers, the Tellus Science Museum offers hands-on experiments with light, sounds, magnets and more. History fanatics should swing by the Booth Western Art Museum, the world’s largest permanent exhibition space regarding western art and culture,” David recommends. “Both museums offer hands-on, interactive family exhibits ideally suited for younger kids.

“As we look ahead, we’re pleased to continue to serve as a remote destination where families can escape for relaxation and outdoor adventure along with warm hospitality and first-class service. The resort activities that travelers have come to know and love are still available, with new protocols in place.”

UP YOUR GAME AT TIGER WOODS’ POPSTROKE

This place looks like it’s as much fun for adults as it is for kids. PopStroke, the Tiger Woods-backed golf-entertainment venue that opened last month in south Fort Myers, has two 18-hole putting courses designed by Woods and TGR Design that were created with both children and adults in mind. There’s also an outdoor dining area, cocktails, ice cream, outdoor games and a kids’ playground. Perhaps it will inspire the next Tiger Woods. PopStroke Fort Myers is at 5531 Six Mile Commercial Court, south Fort Myers. For details, call 239-323-4653 or visit popstroke.com.

Explore the trading posts of southern Florida

Before there were interstates or railways, Southwest Florida was peppered with trading posts where indigenous hunters and pioneers would sell pelts, plumes and hides that eventually made their way to the fashionable shops of the big cities. A new exhibit, “Trading Posts of South Florida,” explores the commerce and culture of the day at the Museum of the Everglades, itself an historic building that was built in 1927 as a commercial laundry during the days when the Tamiami Trail was created. Admission is free. The museum, at 105 W. Broadway Ave., Everglades City, is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Race in STARability Foundation's virtual 3K

The annual 3K Fun Run, Walk & Roll fundraiser for the STARability Foundation is going virtual this year. Participants sign up, invite family and friends to join them, schedule their walk, run or roll before October 10 and then share their story in a short video to be shown on race day. The videos will be released at 9 a.m. October 10 for all to celebrate. Registration is $30 for adults, $15 for children younger than 12. Sign up at starability.org/3k-fun. Watch the celebration at to givebutter.com/3k-fun-run.

SATURDAY, OCT. 3

Brick or Treat » On weekends in October, families can enjoy neighborhood-style trick-or-treating with candy, seasonal shows and exclusive Lego characters at Legoland Florida Resort. Kids can also help build an enormous Lego mosaic and participate in a competition build to win prizes. Included with general admission. legolandflorida.com Family Adventures » Explore everything fun at the Mound House in this outdoor activity led by staff. All participants must wear a mask. $2 per person, free for members. Takes place at 11 a.m. Saturdays, October 3, 10 and 24 at the Mound House, 451 Connecticut St., Fort Myers beach. Weather permitting. For ages 5 and older. 239-765-0865. moundhouse. org

TUESDAY, OCT. 6

Emerging Inventors: Get

Gardening » For children ages 18 months to 5 years, Emerging Inventors programs include story and music time, socializing with other children, educational activities, science experiments and exploration of the homes, gardens and museum at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. In this session, grab a watering can and play in the garden. Kids will have fun planting, making sweet paper, and learning how plants grow. Takes place 10-11 a.m. at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers. $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers; includes one adult (mask required) and one child (mask not required). Limit six per class. edisonfordwinterestates.org/ education/preschool-programs

SATURDAY, OCT. 10

Etiquette Class at Edison Ford »

Mina Edison was a gracious hostess and concerned with the well-being of children and the community. Following in her tradition, this twohour etiquette class teaches etiquette and social skills. For ages 6-12. Cost is $75 for members, $85 for nonmembers. Takes place 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 Mc Gregor Blvd., Fort Myers. 239-334-7419. edisonford.org FALL FESTIVALS & HALLOWEEN EVENTS For more fall and Halloween events, turn to page 33.

Walk for Wishes » The Make-AWish Southern Florida holds its Walk for Wishes 5K Walk to raise money to grant wishes to local children with critical illnesses. This year, the walk takes place in your neighborhood with a virtual celebration. Cost is $20 to participate. Get details at walkforwishessfla.net.

FRIDAY, OCT. 16

“James and The Giant Peach” »

Rescheduled from May, the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs Youth Players present this childhood favorite, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, October 16 and 17 and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, in the Hinman Auditorium at the Center of Performing Arts, 10150 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs. artcenterbonita. org

SATURDAY, OCT. 17

Family Fun Kayak Tour » This kayak tour guided by an environmental educator is fun for the whole family. See birds, dolphins, manatee and other wildlife while paddling through the Estero Bay mangroves. Each family must have a child between ages 6 and 11 to qualify. Masks required. $25 for ages 13 and older, $15 for ages 6-12; equipment included. Takes place 9 a.m. Saturday, October 17 and 31 at the Mound House, 451 Connecticut St., Fort Myers beach. Registration required. 239-765-0865. moundhouse.org

SUNDAY, OCT. 18

Taco Fest 2020 » More than 25 local restaurants and food trucks feature $2 tacos from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, October 18 at Riverside Park in Bonita Springs. $10 for ages 3 and older. facebook.com/ events/559739374674634

TUESDAY, OCT. 20

Emerging Inventors: Happy

Halloween » Grab a costume and join in some spooky tricks and Halloween treats. For children ages 18 months to 5 years, Emerging Inventors programs include story and music time, socializing with other children, educational activities, science experiments and exploration of the homes, gardens and museum at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Takes place 10 to 11 a.m. at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers. $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers; includes one adult (mask required) and one child (mask not required). edisonfordwinterestates.org/ education/preschool-programs.

THURSDAY, OCT. 22

Halloween Bat Kayak Tour » GAEA Guides leads kayakers along a North Fort Myers creek to see bats come out of their hiding places at dusk. 5-8 p.m. $50 per person; equipment included. Reservations required. 239- 694-5513. gaeaguides.com

SATURDAY, OCT. 24

Movie in the Park: “The Addams

Family” » Enjoy dinner from a food truck and a free movie with social distancing, 6-9 p.m. at Jim Jeffers Park, 2817 S.W. Third Lane, Cape Coral. Movie starts at about 7 p.m. Costume contest for the kids starts at 6:30 p.m. The event is free, but tickets required. Available through Eventbrite. facebook.com/ events/1470363299838437

SATURDAY, OCT. 31

2020 LCEC Goblin Gallop 5K Run/

Walk » Dress up in your Spooktacular best and run to raise money for United Way. Costumes not required. For safety, there will be no registration on race day. Race in person or virtually. As race day approaches, if large gatherings are not permitted, this event will be completely virtual. Packet pick up is October 29-30. In-person race is at Jaycee Park, 4125 S.E. 20th Place, Cape Coral. Registration: uw.lcec.net/SitePages/5k. aspx.

FRIDAY, NOV. 6

Fashion Show » Baby Basics of Collier County is hosting a virtual fashion show to raise money to help families in need. Tickets are $35. babybasicscollier.org.