Beechwood Inn, Clayton

My husband and I traveled recently to the Beechwood Inn in Clayton, Ga. to particpate in their Wild Foods Banquet and we also stayed overnight. We went because we wanted to learn about wild foods but we were blown away by the delicious 5 course gourmet meal prepared under David's direction. The inn is in a beautiful and tranquil setting and has a rustic charm that really blends with the beautiful mountain setting. Our two room suite was lovely, quiet and very comfortable. and the inn keepers, Gayle and David, make you feel at home but are not intrusive. I loved the antique copper tub in our room and the beautiful big porch overlooking the mountains. We hope to return soon to stay again and take one of David's cooking classes.They have special event meals (fabulous) but no regular restaurant.

The Beechwood Inn was a wonderful experience. The food was over the top. Every aspect of the inn is just beautiful, with obvious attention to detail. Exceptionally clean and well maintained. The location is perfect. Very near to waterfalls, dining, galleries and hiking tails. Yet, the inn feels very secluded. The wine-thirty happy hour each day was a nice touch. we got to meet the innkeepers and other guests and learned much about the are. The outdoor porch is the perfet place to relax and enjoy the view of the mountains. We will defintely return.

The Beechwood Inn is a perfect sanctuary from the busy life-styles of the big city. The pace is slow and cordial, and the Inn is beautiful and spotlessly clean. We stayed over our anniversary for one of the Inn's gourmet dinner weekends, and the food was over the top. They had a guest chef who prepared what was probably the best Cajun Fried Turkey we ever tasted. One cannot go to the Ritz-Carlton and expect better food or service. And the pairings of wine with the dinner was the best ever. The inn's gardens were absolutely breathtaking despite the late fall season we visited. The view of Blackrock Mountain from our guest room was fabulous, and the fireplace only added to the wonderful ambiance. And, maybe best of all, Tennesse beat Georgia that weekend!!! We will go back again and again.

We visited the Beechwood Inn over Memorial Day Weekend and had a wonderful time. The weather was perfect, the inn was perfect and the location was ideal - just 90 minutes from Atlanta. The Inn offered a wine picnic on its porch along with live music. It was a romantic wonderful evening. A local young man from South Carolina (I was told he was from just across the Chattooga River) played guitar and sang mellow jazz and blues. I wish I had written down his name as I am sure he will be famous in a few years. My husband and I agree that he was better than anything on American Idol this year. He was quite good, and down to earth. His guitar playing was exquisite. The "picnic" turned out to be a gourmet wine dinner on the inn's huge and wonderful front porch. All the wines were terrific and the food was outstanding. As dusk arrived fireflies drifted across the porch and lit up nearby trees. Even the Innkeeper's dog was loving and adorable. She came and slept on our feet and made us feel special. Wow, what a great experience. Later that night after a wonderful evening we returned to our room. Our room was delightful. It was huge. We had a suite with living area, bedroom and our own screened balcony/porch. We purchased a bottle of Beechwood wine and lingered on rocking chairs on our personal porch watching the fireflies drift through the back pasture. And finally, we tippy-toed to bed and snuggled into some wonderful sheets. Great soft but cool sheets on a warm evening. The next morning's breakfast was spectacular. Fresh raspberry parfait, delicious muffins followed by some really decadent blueberry stuffed French toast (gosh, I need that recipe).

The front porch and view are wonderful. Very secluded feeling but it has in-town convenience. Once you step into the Inn, you see an old stone wood burning fireplace with many comfortable chairs and sofas to sit in and relax. There are plenty of places to sit and read, talk or just enjoy the view of the mountains. The terraced gardens on the side of the mountain give the inn some real character. Benches and chairs are strategically scattered around offering nooks to sit and relax. We did so with a glass of the Innkeeper's house wine made from Georgia grapes. It was surprisingly excelent. We took several bottles home and now wish we had bought a case (they can't ship). The Innkeeper Gayle took us on a tour of the Inn before showing us our room. Our large room had a gas fireplace, a deck overlooking the mountains, and a great bathroom with a large shower. We were not able to eat dinner at the inn as we had made other plans - but after hearing comments from other guests at breakfast the next morning we wish we had. The next time we go there, we will eat dinner there so we do not have to leave the Inn. The Beechwood is everything the other reviewers have said. It is a wonderful, relaxing, peaceful mountain retreat and I cannot wait to go back.

When I visit a Select Registry Bed and Breakfast Inn I expect superb accommodations, exemplary service and exquisite food and dining. The Beechwood Inn and its owners exceeded every one of my expectations. From the second you arrive you are greeted with charm, elegance and professionalism rarely experienced at even large expensive resorts. We participated in and much enjoyed the Romantic Valentine “Tuscan Weekend.” The weekend was inclusive of lodging, dining and wines. The food was exceptionally prepared and served, especially the Saturday evening Tuscan feast. I have never seen such lovely and attentive presentation – even at very expensive restaurants. The pairing of food and wine, along with the owners’ shared knowledge only served to romanticize an exquisite dining experience. The Inn, while having a rustic exterior, is impeccable in design, cleanliness and comfort. Every thought has been given to guest satisfaction. The rooms are lovely and warm, and not at all ostentatious. All the special details, family heirlooms and antiques add visual appeal and interest. The sheets are wonderful. You can tell they are extremely high quality and they have this wonderful but faint lavender scent. And fresh flowers in our guest room. Nice small touches like these are very welcome All the charm of the Inn was only accentuated by the warmth and hospitality of owners Gail and David Daragh. They saw to our every need and seemed to enjoy every aspect of our visit. They sat and conversed with all the guests and made us feel like we were old friends. Gail and David are also a wealth of local knowledge on shops, culture and special places to visit. Everywhere we went we were greeted as friends once we mentioned that we were staying at the Beechwood Inn. Hopefully few will read this review as we would prefer to keep the Beechwood Inn our secret.