Why We Created a Totally Unique Airbnb Space for Large Groups and Families at the Brown County Barn Burner
I grew up going on road trips and large group vacations with my family, and we stayed everywhere from house boats to ski lodges and everything in between. Some of my best memories from childhood involve trips taken with close friends or extended family, and I’ve loved continuing those traditions now with my own kids, our families, and our close friends.
My husband Clint comes from a large family and is one of four kids, plus lots of cousins, and has his own tales of cross-country travels, family reunions, and the many memories made. Nowadays, if we get together with his parents, siblings, and all of our kids, it’s a group of 21 people, with 11 kids under the age of 12. You can imagine how hard it is to find a place that works well to host that group!
These memories - and the people in our lives - are a big part of why we designed and stocked the Brown County Barn Burner the way we did, and why we prioritize hosting large groups that are interested in booking the entire space (all four units) for their trip.
Why we love group and family reunion trips (but also know they can be tricky to plan….
In addition to those childhood memories, we’re now adults now with our own kids, and we can fully appreciate how hard it is to really catch-up and connect with your own friends, parents, or adult siblings during the typical short get-together at someone’s house. Once kids are in the mix, it seems like one of them always needs a snack, or a nap, or both and the adults end up pulled in different directions to manage those needs. While that time with the kids all together and playing is its own kind of fun with memories made, realistically you also want time to have an adult conversation and strengthen relationships of your own.
That’s why we are such huge proponents of group trips with your extended family or your friend group and their kids. I genuinely believe that this kind of time together is one of the quickest paths to deeper connection, stronger bonds, and lifelong memories for everyone. And, in our experience, if you plan things correctly it really can be a win-win situation!
But “planning things correctly” can be a big - and stressful! - hurdle that might be scaring you or holding you back, especially if you’ve never planned a trip for a large group before. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and there are just a few things that I find are especially important to keep in mind when you’re planning and picking a location and lodging:
Pick lodging with enough space for everyone
This means comfortable sleeping arrangements for adults AND kids, as well as enough space to gather together to eat and hang out (or to spread out and find a private corner to yourself occasionally, if that’s what you need)
Make a plan for food and meals, in advance
It’s a fact of the universe that we all have to eat, and as a mom and someone that generally enjoys cooking, I spend A LOT of my mental energy and time determining when and what my family is going to eat next. But figuring out food and meals for a large group on a trip is a whole different level of planning! Thankfully, if you do a few things in advance, it does not have to be stressful or break the bank during your trip.
Stick to a reasonable itinerary
No one of any age enjoys spending time with someone that is overtired, hungry, or cranky. But trying to cram too much to do, into too little time, is a sure-fire way to get to that point. So build in enough time and flexibility into your itinerary from the beginning and your entire trip will be better for it.
I’ll talk more about each of these guidelines in future posts, but these basics are a good place to start when you’re planning any trip, and we help check all of these boxes for our guests at the Brown County Barn Burner.
what types of groups are a great fit for the Barn Burner?
The Brown County Barn Burner was designed and built specifically with large groups in mind. Our four lodging units, plus Event Space, are all in the same building and have a total of 9 bedrooms (with 14 beds and 4 sofa beds) and 6 bathrooms. Each unit has its own kitchen, dining and living areas, laundry, on-site parking space, and access to the shared rooftop patio.
That means there’s plenty of space to spread out or come together, whatever you’re in the mood for. And since we’re located near walkable, downtown Nashville, Indiana, there are enough nearby activity options for everyone. Let’s take a closer look at some of the groups that we know from experience are a great fit for the Barn Burner:
Family Reunions
The Brown County Barn Burner can work for all types of groups, but special consideration has been given to groups and families that are traveling with kids. Each unit comes stocked with a Pack ‘n Play with sheets, a highchair, kid’s plates and utensils, a retractable gate on all stairways, blackout shades and curtains in bedrooms, plus a selection of blocks and games.
The separate units and bedrooms mean that kids can be put down for naps or bedtime while adults gather on the rooftop patio, or other spaces in the units, and actually have some time to themselves to slow down and catch-up.
Small Business & Executive Leadership Teams
Combining the lodging of the Brown County Barn Burner with the on-site Event Space can be a great option for small to medium sized teams that are looking for time to connect with one another.
The spaces work well together, regardless of whether you’ll be working on business objectives during your stay, or simply focused on building relationships and relaxing as a team.
Yoga, Wellness, Art & Music Retreats
The four lodging units, plus the Event Space, at the Brown County Barn Burner offer almost endless possibilities to accommodate whatever type of retreat you’re planning.
We’ve hosted yoga and meditation on the rooftop patio and in the Event Space, weeklong musician retreats with daily jam sessions in the Event Space, “Make It, Take It” style craft workshops, and much more.
Wedding Groups
If you’re planning a wedding in Brown County, chances are you also need some lodging for the wedding party or out-of-town guests and family members.
The Brown County Barn Burner offers the perfect space to bring together your families and friends, and provides spaces to get ready, take some of your initial pictures, and gather over the course of the festivities.
The on-site Event Space is a great option for your rehearsal dinner, welcome party, or a day-after-wedding brunch. We’ve even hosted small receptions on site.
Start planning your stay at the brown county barn burner today!
We have hosted so many different types of groups at the Barn Burner and we love seeing how flexible the spaces can be, depending on the different needs of each group. If you can dream it, we can help you figure out how to make it work at the Barn Burner.
So if you see the benefits of planning a large group or family reunion trip and are ready to consider the Brown County Barn Burner for your next event, let us help you start planning today! You can read more about our spaces here or contact us with any questions.
