Whether you’re searching for a romantic retreat complete with massages, great wine and relaxation, or a riverside adventure, Wildwood Resort and Marina offers both, with everything in between.
On a recent last-minute getaway, my husband and I came across Wildwood Resort and Marina in Granville, instantly drawn to it online by their informational, well laid out website. Their branding was clean, amenities were extensive and their restaurant menus were enticing. The hardest part was choosing whether we wanted to stay in a lakefront cottage, tiny cabin, a floating cottage, the inn, or in the Airstream village. They also offer full size cabins that sleep far more than we needed, but we made a note for future family trips. We ultimately booked a stand alone waterfront cottage and could not have been happier with the choice.
Upon arrival, we found the resort to be just as promised online. Check-in was easy, a great market with snacks, ice cream, plus things you may have forgotten. The layout of the property made the accommodations feel secluded yet accessible at the same time.
We booked massages, drank actual Champagne from France and watched fish jump from the deck for hours. Read books, did some laptop work using the free Wi-Fi, and enjoyed live music in the evening. We debated a canoe, kayak, or paddle board rental, but decided to keep our trip less adventurous and a little more gluttonous, so we spent a lot of time with their dining menus. There are three dining options at the resort, including the cafe inside the market, a deckside food truck and the main Lakeside Restaurant. As foodies, and restaurant owners ourselves, we couldn’t have been happier. Since the resort is rather secluded, it was so nice to never have to leave the property and truly be satisfied with the options available. On our visit, we ordered almost everything on the seasonal menu, had dozens of cocktails and never wished for more.
Comfy beds, great amenities, blankets for evening firefly watching, food and wine, with hideaways throughout, Wildwood Resort and Marina is truly an all-inclusive property offering whatever experience you are looking for.
I caught up with the owners, John and Natasha Deane, to find out some of their inspiration and a little background. In January 2018, as long-time lovers of the area, and Granville residents, they purchased the old Granville Marina and immediately began the renovations that brought Wildwood to life. They strive to share their love for hospitality with their community and every guest that visits.
Wildwood is a four-season resort and though summer fun on the lake is considered the most popular time, the side seasons are what truly make the resort feel like a hidden gem. The natural quiet setting, hiking trails, Tennessee's longest boardwalk and nearby attractions in Granville keep Wildwood as a destination year-round for getaways, family and group gatherings and corporate retreats. There is free live music every weekend with activities like corn hole and bocce ball tournaments, yard ping pong, a new swimming beach area, and a well-maintained hiking trail.
Because I was super impressed with the wine list I had to know about how they curated it. Turns out, like me, John and Natasha are true wine lovers and world travelers who enjoy discovering new wineries and vineyards. They recently spent some time in the Bordeaux region and sent back several amazing bottles to offer on a specially curated wine list. But that doesn’t mean they forgot about the bar. The full spirit list and well-collected bourbons keep it balanced, along with great cocktails of course. John told us his favorite cocktail and menu items are the Manhattan and Sutton's Sirloin and for Natasha, it’s the Strawberry Basil Gimlet and Dillard Creek Salmon, and I would have to agree with all four choices.
