Day 2 of the Roadtrip
Day 2 started with an early morning drive to Knoxville, TN, our halfway point. We had scouted out breakfast spots the night before and decided on The French Market Creperie, a quick and delicious stop for authentic crepes and coffee—the perfect way to fuel up without losing time on the road.
Feeling satisfied from a delicious breakfast, we hit the road toward our highly anticipated destination—McLemore Resort in Rising Fawn, GA.
A Must-Play Destination: McLemore Resort
After learning about McLemore from my golf travel expert friend (shout out to Mike Pelliccione of Red Stag Travel Co.), I made it a point during our planning to adjust our route so we could experience this mountaintop gem. Fortunately, since Tina is also a golfer, she didn’t need much convincing.
As we neared the resort, the winding roads and steep switchbacks made it clear—we were ascending Lookout Mountain. With just minutes to our destination, we weren’t sure what we were more excited for: 18 holes on a sunny mid-60s day or 24 hours with no driving.
Arriving right on schedule with plenty of time before our 1:20 PM tee time, we checked in at the clubhouse, took a moment to browse plaques showcasing McLemore’s history, and popped into The Creag to grab some beverages for our round.
And then, it was time to tee off.
A Round to Remember
The first few holes were rather rough—a combination of rusty swings (first time on a real course in over a month!), winter course conditions, and learning a new layout. On top of that, the dormant brown fairways made it comically easy to lose track of our golf balls. Nevertheless, we were just happy to be out there.
Just as we found our rhythm, we reached Hole 6, a classic canyon hole featuring a sheer drop midway through the fairway. It was easily one of the most challenging holes I’ve ever played, but I committed to the shot and gave it my best effort. Even with a strategic layup, I stood at the edge of the cliff, staring out over the drop, knowing the real challenge was still ahead. Let’s just say things didn’t go quite as planned. But as we made our way down the winding cart path, the towering cliff now rising above us, I knew this was a hole I’d never forget.
The course continued to be a mix of challenging holes that incorporated the natural elements of the mountain and straightforward holes that were more my speed. For example, Hole 13—a 105-yard par 3. My ball landed just a foot from the hole, setting me up for a birdie. A definite high point of the round.
Well… until Hole 18.
Hole 18: The Grand Finale
McLemore saves the best for last. The final hole hugs the edge of a dramatic cliff, offering jaw-dropping views of the valley below. It truly felt like we were golfing above the clouds. We soaked in every second, snapping pics along the way of the amazing view, before wrapping up a truly memorable round.
A Cozy Stay at Cloudland
While our round at McLemore had ended, our stay at Cloudland was just beginning.
This stunning lodge-style resort, part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, was everything we hoped for and more. Upon check-in, we got a welcome surprise—we arrived just in time for happy hour and received two complimentary drinks each.
After a brief attempt at enjoying our drinks outside, we quickly retreated to the cozy lounge area, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoying our drinks while recapping the day’s highlights—the birdie on 13, the breathtaking 18th hole, and how lucky we were to experience this gem in the off-season.
Final Thoughts
McLemore and Cloudland were already exceeding expectations, from the stunning golf course to the warm hospitality. Though our stay would be brief, Day 2 had already made a lasting impression. I was eager to soak in every remaining moment before setting off on the next leg of our adventure.
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