Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast
Episode: Blackberry Mountain: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Host: Scott Becker

Introduction to Blackberry Mountain and Blackberry Farms

In the July 15, 2025 episode of the Becker Private Equity & Business Podcast, host Scott Becker delves into his personal experience with Blackberry Mountain and its sister property, Blackberry Farms—luxurious resort spas nestled in the Smoky Mountains. Founded by the Beal family, renowned for their success with the restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday, these establishments are celebrated for their upscale offerings and stunning locales.

The Good: Exceptional Amenities and Services

Scott begins by highlighting the numerous positives of Blackberry Mountain. He praises the resort's picturesque setting, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, extensive hiking trails, and, most notably, the exceptional culinary experiences offered.

"Beautiful fitness, beautiful hiking, incredible food, incredible meals. So that's the sort of good."
(00:45)

The quality of service at Blackberry Mountain also stands out, contributing to an overall luxurious and enjoyable stay. The resort's ability to provide top-tier amenities ensures guests have a memorable and enriching experience.

The Bad: Exorbitant Costs

Despite the high quality of services and amenities, Scott addresses a significant downside: the exorbitant costs associated with staying at Blackberry Mountain. He emphasizes that the pricing is unreasonably steep, even for a resort of such caliber.

"Incredibly expensive. Incredibly ridiculous."
(02:10)

Scott mentions that while he hesitates to specify exact figures, the expenses are far beyond what one would expect to pay for a vacation, even in the Smoky Mountains. This financial burden detracts from the otherwise positive aspects of the resort experience.

The Ugly: Hidden Fees and Unexpected Charges

The most troubling aspect of Scott's experience lies in the unclear and unexpected billing practices. He recounts instances where additional services incurred costs that were not transparently communicated upfront.

One such instance involved hiring a personal trainer. Initially, Scott was informed that the cost would be $170. However, upon receiving the bill, he discovered that this charge applied to each individual, doubling the expense unexpectedly.

"We agree, we'll do the personal trainer for 170... we get the bill and they charge you, you know, for two of you, 170 apiece."
(07:30)
"We end up spending for this personal trainer who is fine... a $340 for the personal trainer."
(08:15)

Similarly, Scott describes a guided hiking excursion that also carried unforeseen charges, despite the excellent quality of the guide and the experience itself.

"We took a hike with one of their guides... charge... terrific guide... incredible charges attached to that."
(11:45)

These experiences left Scott feeling deceived and financially strained, equating the unexpected charges to being "hit hard" both metaphorically and literally.

Policy Restrictions Between Blackberry Mountain and Blackberry Farms

Scott also touches upon restrictive policies that prevent guests of Blackberry Mountain from accessing Blackberry Farms and vice versa. This lack of flexibility limits guests' ability to fully enjoy both properties and adds to the overall frustration.

"BlackBerry Farms are a related property. Supposed to be fantastic too, but they're very tough on you can't go if you go to one, you can't stay at the other or have dinner at the other, etc."
(16:20)

Conclusion: A Mixed Experience

In summary, Scott Becker's visit to Blackberry Mountain and Blackberry Farms was a blend of exceptional quality and significant drawbacks. While the resorts offer unparalleled beauty, top-notch amenities, and excellent service, the prohibitive costs and opaque billing practices significantly mar the experience.

"When you leave and get the bill on the way out, you feel like somebody took a smack and put a pan across your head."
(21:10)

Scott likens the financial surprise to a harsh physical hit, emphasizing the emotional and monetary impact of the unexpected expenses.

Final Thoughts

Despite the luxuries and high standards of Blackberry Mountain and Blackberry Farms, potential guests should be wary of the hidden costs and strict policies that could detract from their stay. Scott's candid review serves as a valuable caution for those considering these upscale resort spas.

Notable Quotes:

• "Beautiful fitness, beautiful hiking, incredible food, incredible meals. So that's the sort of good." - Scott Becker (00:45)
• "Incredibly expensive. Incredibly ridiculous." - Scott Becker (02:10)
• "We agree, we'll do the personal trainer for 170... we get the bill and they charge you, you know, for two of you, 170 apiece." - Scott Becker (07:30)
• "We take a hike with one of their guides... incredible charges attached to that." - Scott Becker (11:45)
• "When you leave and get the bill on the way out, you feel like somebody took a smack and put a pan across your head." - Scott Becker (21:10)

This summary omits introductory and concluding remarks unrelated to the core discussion, focusing solely on the substantive content of Scott Becker's review of Blackberry Mountain and Blackberry Farms.