Nestled in the forested hills of nearby Dekalb County lies one of the mid-state’s most beautiful resort properties – Evins Mill. Just an hour’s drive from Nashville, the scenic retreat is the destination of choice for thousands of visitors each year. From weddings to corporate meetings to weekend getaways, Evins Mill has something for everyone.
Evins Mill has a storied history that dates back to 1824, when it was known as Lockhart’s Mill. Over the years, the property has had several owners, including the late Tennessee State Senator Edgar Evins, for whom the mill is named today.
“My father purchased the property in 1990 to use as a private retreat for our family and his business,” says William Cochran, Evins Mill owner and manager. “Four years later, we converted the property from private to public use, opening Evins Mill as a unique boutique resort.”
At first, the resort was used exclusively for corporate retreats and meetings. However, in the early 2000s, Evins Mill expanded its reach beyond the business community by beginning to host weddings, special events and couples’ getaways.
“Since we added the new services, we have seen our business continue to grow,” says William. “In a typical year, we now host over 100 business meetings, 20 weddings or other special events and well over 1,000 couples.”
Evins Mill’s lodging options are among the finest at any resort in the state. From individual rooms to a three-bedroom penthouse, the accommodations must be seen to be appreciated.
“We offer 20 rooms in several different styles spread across our three Creek Side guest houses and our beautiful Solstice Lodge,” says William. “All of our rooms have private decks with rockers and great views, most featuring the sights and sounds of the nearby water.”
Evins Mill also offers several thousand square feet of meeting and special event spaces, including private dining areas, conference rooms, outdoor decks and a spacious reception hall.
Along with its rustic accommodations, Evins Mill also offers fine dining served by a world-class team of chefs, waitstaff and bartenders. From breakfast to dinner, guests are treated to an outstanding array of epicurean delights, including such exotic dishes as Down Under Lamb Chops, Cumberland Pork Tenderloin and Gristmill Salmon.
“Our hospitality team provides breakfast, lunch and dinner to all overnight patrons at the mill as well as full break and bar service,” says William. “As can be seen in hundreds of on-line reviews, from TripAdvisor to Google to Facebook, the cuisine and service is a memorable highlight for most of our guests.”
When not dining or relaxing in their rooms, guests have access to a variety of activities on and around the mill property. Indoor happenings include billiards, ping pong, televisions and a full-service bar. Outdoor pursuits include hiking, fishing, photography and lawn games spread across the mill’s 40-acre expanse.
“At its core, Evins Mill is a nature lover’s delight,” says William. “As an official Tennessee State Natural Area, our property is home to several miles of moderate to challenging hiking trails along wooded bluffs that lead to Carmac Falls, a private 90 ft. waterfall with a swimming hole that is available exclusively for our guests.”
Evins Mill is also conveniently located near many sites of local interest across the Cumberland Plateau, including distilleries, wineries, nurseries and art galleries. It is also just a short drive to several popular recreational areas, including Edgar Evins State Park, Center Hill Lake and the RiverWatch Golf Course.
Over the past few years, Evins Mill has experienced significant growth in personal travel in which guests come to the resort for short stays to celebrate events such as anniversaries and birthdays.
“We use the term ‘leisure travel’ to describe individual couples who come to the mill to celebrate special occasions or to just get away for a spell,” says William. “While couples constitute most of our leisure business, we also host families, too. We also welcome guests who book day trip and/or dinner-only reservations, but who do not wish to stay overnight.”
Throughout the year, Evins Mill offers a variety of unique themed packages to help guests celebrate their special occasions. In 2022, the resort is offering a special getaway deal in honor of Valentine’s Day that will be in effect from Feb. 11 – 14. Featuring special menus, roses and enhanced turn-down services, Evins Mill is going out of its way to keep the spark of romance burning brightly.
This year, if you are looking for a perfect romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day or any other occasion, be sure to check out Evins Mill.
Evins Mill
1535 Evins Mill Road,
Smithville, TN 37166
615.269.3740
