I have fond memories of coming here in the summer with my extended family when I was growing up, so…read moreI may be better able to overlook some of this place's shortcomings with my rose-colored glasses. Still, I enjoyed my recent stay here and plan to return.
Barkley Lodge is arguably the grandest in the state park system. Perched high above the lake with a glistening blue pool, each room faces the lake and has a view of the sunset.
Speaking of rooms, they are currently renovating the east wing, but our west wing room looked refreshed. Renovations might still be a bit of a work in progress, as it looked like there was a space in the dresser for a mini fridge (but no fridge), and the updated counter in the bathroom was supported by a bare board with some visible screws. Housekeeping could use some improvements, as the toilet wasn't thoroughly cleaned when we arrived, and when I walked barefoot to the bed after my shower, I collected some animal hair on the bottoms of my feet. We also noticed that a couple of lightbulbs had burned out and not been replaced.
The meals in the lodge were disappointing. I remember delicious buffets and a carving station while Mae Perdue played the organ and servers scurried around in crisp uniforms. Their attire is more casual now, with many in Barkley t-shirts or polos, and the buffet seemed sad. We skipped the buffet the first night in favor of a local restaurant after we walked through and were unimpressed with what was being served, and we felt underwhelmed (and a bit ripped off) when we got breakfast there the following morning. I asked my parents if the food in the lodge had been "meh" when we used to go there, and they both said that we always used to get the buffet and that it had been very good. There used to be a small coffee shop in the downstairs of the lodge, but it has been turned into the game room, and the old game room is now a room with information on local wildlife.
What hasn't changed is the plethora of outdoor activities, the abundant wildlife, and the family-friendly activities all throughout the day. My husband and I were actually disappointed when we realized we had missed one of the educational sessions on local wildlife during our stay.
Despite its shortcomings, I have a love for this place that runs deep. I hope that renovations mean that they are improving all around, as I would love to see Barkley recapturing the glory of days gone by.