When exploring the history of America’s settlers, I’ve often wondered why so many Scottish migrants settled throughout the southeast. With Scottish heritage myself and parents who have raved about their visits to the Scottish Highlands, I have become something of a Caledonophile (a big word that means lover of Scotland, or Scottish culture!). As I looked forward to our visit to Cloudland at McLemore, I asked myself, “Is it possible to visit Scotland without getting on a plane?”
My husband and I enjoyed the winding roads as we climbed Lookout Mountain, feeling the stresses of everyday life melting away with each mile. As we arrived at the resort, I was immediately astounded by the beauty of the property. Greeted by an exceptional valet staff, we barely lifted a finger and almost magically our luggage was in our room and our golf bags were stored until we needed them. Our room was spacious with stunning views overlooking the terrace, and offered plenty of storage for stowing all of our necessities–a feature I’ve come to appreciate deeply in accommodations while traveling as a family.
Upon checking in, we were treated to a tour through the property by the friendly and knowledgeable concierge. Learning about the intention behind every detail and the history of the property, I immediately saw that we were in for a sensational stay.
Inclement weather kept us indoors for our first evening, which gave us the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in the property’s dining and relaxation spaces. We enjoyed happy hour with complimentary drinks at The Pocket Cafe, housed between the lobby area and a beautiful veranda overlooking the pool terrace.
After sipping on a few of the tasty cocktail selections, we made our way down to Croft, one of Cloudland’s two restaurants located on the terrace level. Named after the small farms sprinkled across Scotland, the casual yet elevated feel, complete with a sunken bar and touches of tartan decor, set the mood for a relaxed dinner that wowed our tastebuds. We started our meal with cocktails, a Mountain Thyme for him and a Pink Clouds for me, and two appetizers. I fell in love with the Heirloom Tomato & Buffalo Mozzarella, served with a fluffy house focaccia, while my husband devoured the Cheddar and Cracked Black Pepper Cornbread Muffins, slathered in a subtly sweet honey butter. We could have happily ended our meal there, but thankfully we plunged ahead and ordered the Mountain River New Zealand Elk Rib Chops and the Pasta Primavera, topped with blackened chicken. The elk delighted us both, as it was tender like a filet mignon but with a more robust flavor profile than a traditional beef dish offers. The pasta’s sauce was light and creamy, perfectly complementing the array of veggies mingled in it, and the blackened chicken paired well with the flavors.
After dinner, we made our way to the library, where books and games beckoned to us. We enjoyed a game of Scrabble by the crackling fire, surrounded by others enjoying family time, reading stories, playing rousing board games, and savoring the ambiance.
The next morning, we emerged from our room ready to take on The Keep. Already making a national name for itself, The Keep was a must-visit for me and my husband, as golfers. Guests at the resort can enjoy unlimited use of the driving range and The Cairn, a six-hole short course. We took our time warming up at the driving range, then made our way to The Keep via shuttle.
The Keep’s beautiful views had me reaching for my camera as often as I reached for a club, which I’ll choose to believe is why I didn’t break 100 this round. From views over the valley that made us feel like we were golfing at the edge of the world to crags and crevices on the back nine that felt straight out of a Highlands-based movie set, I found myself constantly in awe of the course. And if I thought it was beautiful when it was sunny, that beauty was only rivaled by the arrival of a pop-up storm, whose rolling clouds and light drizzle completed the Scottish Highlands feel. With perfectly manicured fairways and greens, complimentary snacks and sandwiches, and a well-stocked beverage cart checking on us often, the biggest challenge with this course was keeping up our pace of play because we wanted to take our sweet time.
After a day of golf, we relaxed by the pool, which is heated, making it comfortable year-round. We enjoyed a pool-side dinner from the outdoor restaurant, Skyside, each opting for The Skyside Burger. A dip in the hot tub as the sun went down over the mountain followed by a game of chess in the Great Room brought our evening to the perfect conclusion.
Throughout our visit, at the resort and on the golf course, I could easily see why “Cloudland” was the perfect name for this mountaintop retreat. The puffy clouds were so close it felt like I could reach out and wrap them around me, much like the big fluffy robes guests can enjoy at Selah, the on-site spa.
While I may still dream of visiting Scotland in the future, Cloudland at McLemore feels like all of the glamour and convenience of a modern lodge placed right in the middle of the Scottish Highlands. It will continue to be my go-to destination for feeling close to kin, whether thinking of my settler ancestors or looking forward to bonding with my family on a vacation above the clouds.
*Side Bar*
For families:
- Ask the front desk about roasting s’mores
- The library offers a variety of children’s books and family friendly games
- Cornhole, a putting green, and a variety of other outdoor activities are available for play on the terrace
- Families with teens can enjoy e-biking on the community property
For more great eats:
- The Craig is perched atop the mountain near The Cairn, offering a delicious menu, extensive drink selections, and even cigars for those who enjoy them!
- Auld Alliance is located on the terrace level of Cloudland and offers a premium dining experience, plus tasting events. Auld Alliance isn’t open daily, so be sure to plan your visit around their hours if you’re interested in visiting.
