In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a 3,000-acre estate is betting families want their vacations to include both a turndown service and a trail map. Barnsley Resort is tucked into the Northwest Georgia countryside about an hour north of Atlanta.
A Luxury Resort Built Around Getting Outside
The resort’s approach reflects a broader shift in how American families choose to travel in 2026. After years of tech-driven itineraries and jam-packed theme park days, more parents steer their families toward destinations that unplug them, literally and figuratively, and hand them a fishing rod or a set of reins instead.
Guests can book horseback trail rides and beginner corral sessions at the property’s farm, paddle across a 10-acre lake by canoe or kayak, cast a line for catch-and-release fishing, or try their hand at fly fishing on a guided float trip. For families who want a little friendly competition, there’s disc golf, cornhole, pickleball and a UTV trail-riding experience through the resort’s wooded terrain.
Families Chase Outdoor Time in 2026
Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report found 58% of parents plan to build in no-screen-time moments during their travels this year, and 84% of travelers overall said they look for opportunities for the whole family to play together; 86% of respondents value experiences over material gifts.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, through its parent-facing site HealthyChildren.org, updated its digital media guidance to emphasize that screens shouldn’t crowd out the sleep, physical activity, free play and family time kids need to develop.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
