SEASONAL NEWS & NOTES ~ FALL 2015
FA M I LY T R A D I T I O N S Fall is awesome in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. But to be honest I am already thinking ahead—way ahead—to Winter and 2016! No doubt that I will personally enjoy the foliage and upcoming holiday season, but I try to balance between being present with guest needs and focusing on the future. I’m not only thinking about the next season, I’m envisioning what the next 3-5 years will hold—if not imagining the next 10-20 years. With that said, I keep many of those thoughts to myself. The common thread among all I’ve been mulling over these last few weeks is simple: the heart of Blackberry’s business is family, and anything we do is as a family. So what is your impression of a family business? To many people, I think it carries a stereotype. A parent might say, “kids should go out and earn or prove themselves first.” Some kids say, “I don’t want to work for my parents!” Society may say, “those kids couldn’t get a job on their own, so they had to take the family route.” On the contrary, a few other families have inspired me, where the parents say, “who better than our own children to know, protect, and genuinely care for our family’s business.” When the children respond, I see genuine excitement about the opportunity to contribute to and improve on generations of effort before them and create higher value with the presence of family members working together, because they are backed by a deep-rooted sense of care. I would, of course, love to see my five children working within the Blackberry Farm business. If all of them had interest, I can only imagine what new opportunities we would pursue, knowing we could maintain family presence and quality in this special family business. This is especially relevant now that Cameron, my oldest, will be done with college in less than 5 years! I want our guests to know that Blackberry Farm has always and will always have a family presence and passion behind all that we do. With our internal team, every decision we make, every service we add, it’s all done by a family committed to the very highest level of hospitality. Lodging, restaurants, activities, retail, design, beverage or new hotels are all distinct areas of focus that will be inspired by family for decades to come. Yes, I mentioned new properties; perhaps a conversation for later, but if that does come to pass, it will be with the idea that our family will maintain a clear identity wherever we are. Stay tuned! As for this Fall; the feeling of excitement is busting around here. The Dogwood Restaurant is settling in for our guests, the new Carriage House is incredible, the Event Center is sprouting out of the ground and the new kid’s camp will break ground in November! We are focused on service, sharing new facilities and experiences, and simply trying to “wow” you at every step during your stay. There is nothing we won’t do to try to make your time at Blackberry truly memorable.
Sam Beall, Proprietor
AUTUMN DAYS CAST A GOLDEN HUE OVER THE MOUNTAINS. THE SMOKIES SLOWLY CHANGE FROM THE DEEP GREENS OF EARLY SEPTEMBER TO THE TRIUMPHANT ORANGE AND YELLOW SHADES OF NOVEMBER.
THE FULLNESS OF FALL With the changing landscape comes new activity on the farm. We celebrate the harvest from our abundant gardens; take longer rides and runs savoring the cool mornings; and quietly prepare for the next season before us. It’s a time of good energy. An energy that moves us forward in preparation for the Winter, but also begs us to pause for the warm afternoons, glorious vistas and dynamic flavors of the season. As the season turns, we celebrate the pull toward progress—and we honor the roots that ground us in the farm we’ve always been.
Rooms with a View NEW VIEWS AS BREATHTAKING AS THE NEW CARRIAGE HOUSE SUITES
For the first time ever, guests can wake up to sunrises over our signature corner of the Smokies. These premium views are just one of the reasons the four suites in the Carriage House are already wowing fortunate first guests. Just open at the beginning of October, the Carriage House now offers some of our most luxurious rooms, while framing Blackberry Farm’s unmatched views of Appalachia beyond private verandas. Ready to slip away for a colorful retreat and experience the Carriage House for yourself? Call our Reservations team—availability for these special accommodations will go fast.
Autumn Retreat RENEW YOUR MIND AND BODY AT THE WELLHOUSE
The crisp air of the changing seasons inspires us to jump back on the bike, unroll a yoga mat and nurture our body for the days to come. As the golden days of Fall unfold, guests find that The Wellhouse is one of the most refreshing places to spend a few hours of this beautiful season.
RIDING FOR A CAUSE INAUGURAL PRO-AM A HIT
The inaugural Blackberry Farm Pro-Am Classic donated $30,000 to several featured charities. Check out blackberryproam.com to see the results from the competition! And if all this adrenaline gets you pumped for some Fall cycling of your own, let our Reservations team help you plan a Blackberry cycling getaway during some of the most beautiful days of the year.
AWARD-WINNING WELLNESS
The Wellhouse has only been open for a year, so we were floored when Organic Spa Magazine named us one of the “Top Ten Spas in the World.” Our spa was recognized for “emphasizing a balanced lifestyle through physical activity and renewal of the mind and body.” Thank you, Organic Spa Magazine! RAISING THE BAR SEASONALLY-INSPIRED SPA PRODUCTS
Our team has spent the past year creating a line of luxurious, natural spa products unique to Blackberry. The Wellhouse line will be offered in our rooms, the spa shop and online. Because seasons always lead Blackberry Farm, our spa products will feature two rotating scents: Bourbon & Lavender in Fall and Winter and Appalachian Hyssop in Spring and Summer.
Jump-start a healthier lifestyle by making plans to experience one of our wellness events. Stay tuned for the release of our inspiring 2016 events!
The Blackberry Farm Foundation is committed to raising funds for local, children- and foodways-focused charities. This year, we introduced our most adrenaline boosting fundraiser yet: the Blackberry Farm Pro-Am Classic, which generated $30,000 for several of the charities the Blackberry Farm Foundation supports. Teams competed against each other for the honor of donating their winning prize money to these impactful charities. Every mile pedaled made a difference in the lives of so many—and made this inaugural pro-am event one to remember.
Taste It All
FINDING THE
Blackberry introduces new opportunities to enjoy the farm’s cuisine.
What do European pubs have to do with dinner at The Barn? More than you might think.
Like artists, chefs find inspiration everywhere. For Executive Chef Cassidee Dabney, a 10-year Blackberry veteran, that inspiration is as likely to come from a trip to the garden as it is from a tour of bars, gastropubs and restaurants in Europe. Earlier this year, Cassidee spent a few weeks in London and Belgium with Proprietor Sam Beall and Food & Beverage Director Andy Chabot. Energized by the creative yet honest food she experienced there, Cassidee returned eager to translate natural presentations and intentionality of ingredients into her own cuisine at The Barn. You can taste Cassidee’s current inspiration for yourself in our thoughtful Fall menu, which showcases how she and The Barn’s creative culinary team are playing with a range of palette-pleasing ingredients and techniques. Some modern, some traditional and always local, these techniques do what Blackberry guests love most: celebrate farm-fresh tastes in ways they may not have expected but are sure to savor.
Traveling is a huge inspiration for me… experiencing how people cook, eat and entertain on a personal level is fantastic. —CA SSIDEE DA BNEY
We love giving our guests choices. Despite the mix of special dinners, meals at The Main House, the opening of The Dogwood Restaurant and The Barn, we realized that our guests may still enjoy more. So, in addition to our American Plan, which offers guests breakfast, lunch and dinner in our restaurants (The Main House, The Dogwood Restaurant and The Barn) as part of your reservation, we have added several additional delicious options. Now guests can also choose to enjoy snacks and dining experiences in their room, in The Dogwood during nontraditional dining hours or through dining experiences in an array of creative venues across property. Enjoy these exciting options next time you are on property, including Dinner and Lunch Afield and our NEW All Day menu (please call ahead for pricing and availability).
FULL PANTRY FULL HEARTS FALL IS THE PERFECT SEASON TO STOCK UP ON YOUR FARMSTEAD FAVORITES AND START HOLIDAY SHOPPING TO SURPRISE THE ONES YOU LOVE.
TREAT THEM WHETHER YOU WRAP THEM FOR CHRISTMAS MORNING OR ‘JUST BECAUSE,’ THESE GOODIES ARE SURE TO MAKE THEIR EYES TWINKLE. MUST HAVE:
Guanciale Our Guanciale is irresistible—just ask the “Today Show,” where it was featured earlier this year. Guanciale is essentially a super-flavored bacon crafted from Berkshire hog jowl that has been slow-cured with salt, sugar, spices and herbs. Its full, rich flavor adds a smoky accent to a variety of dishes and makes a gift that everyone loves. Seriously. (1–1 ½ lbs.) $18.00/lb.
BLACKBERRY’S BEST:
FarmStead Collection Club The new FarmStead Collection Club is our pick of the season’s best, shipped directly five times throughout the year. Each package is totally unique and only available for a limited time. If you sign up in 2015 for the entire annual club, you or your recipient will receive a Blackberry Farm Cookbook and a limited-edition apron. This gift is so good you might want to get one for yourself too! $750
TREAT YOURSELF NEW ARTISAN OFFERINGS FROM THE FARMSTEAD ARE A PERFECTLY GOOD REASON TO INDULGE…AND DON’T FORGET TO STOCK UP ON YOUR FAVORITES! SWEET NOTHINGS:
Southern Sorghum Shortbread Cookies
Nothing says ‘Blackberry Farm’ quite like these Southern Sorghum Shortbread Cookies with blackberry jam. Dainty, crumbly and tart, these cookies are reminiscent of teatime, porch swings and the fresh mountain air. (4 oz.) $13.00
PAMPER YOURSELF:
Blackberry Farm Bourbon & Lavender Spa Products
For our new spa line, we looked to the fields and forests around us to find inspiration in healing herbs, flowers and minerals. Our soothing Bourbon & Lavender products are made with natural ingredients and are paraben, sulfate, and gluten free. Shampoo (8 oz.) $25 Conditioner (8 oz.) $32 Body Wash (8 oz.) $25 Body Lotion (8 oz.) $42
SHOP ANY WAY YOU LIKE BY MAIL Call us old-fashioned, but we still like to receive good news in the mail. The 2015–2016 FarmStead Catalog will hit your mailbox later this season!
ON THE WEB If you can’t wait for the catalog, then go straight to our website. We have improved the shopping experience with more photos, more “ways to use” and better checkout and shipping options!
ON YOUR PHONE Shopping on the go? The Blackberry Farm app makes finding, saving and purchasing your FarmStead selections easy! Simply download the app to start.
Holiday Headstart Because quality is our focus, we can’t always make enough to satisfy all of our holiday shoppers. Long story short? Start shopping now to make sure you get your holiday orders in before we run out!
CHEERS WALLAND fr o m
Toasting the Rhône Hospice du Rhône is set for April 21–24, 2016!
UNTIL 1998, BLOUNT COUNTY WAS A DRY COUNTY. WHEN THAT CHANGED, Blackberry Farm embarked on a journey that would soon earn worldwide recognition for our small farm’s beverage program. When you consider our owner’s and team’s passion to create unforgettable food and beverage experiences, it’s no wonder our wine list has been named a Grand Award Winner by Wine Spectator every year since 2006. We’ve brought that same unmatched passion to beer with the Blackberry Farm Brewery. The world is beginning to take notice—our friend, designer Billy Reid, has been pouring our Classic and Fall Saisons in his stores this season, and the Great American Beer Festival® honored our Summer Saison with a Silver Medal in the 2015 American-Belgo-Style Ale category. We’re honored to share a taste with you. Cheers!
ON THE SHELF ON THE WAY BLACKBERRY FARM BEER
We can’t help but dream about Spring with an event like Hospice du Rhône on the horizon! It seemed only fair to release the event dates early to you especially once Chef Anne-Sophie Pic from Michelin three-star restaurant Maison Pic and Château Vernay were confirmed for this annual gathering. Not only will the wines and food be amazing, but reuniting with friends like Hospice du Rhône Founder John Alban is always a treat.
Want to experience this incredible event? Call our Reservations team to guarantee your spot.
Maybe you’ve seen it on a shelf near you, shared it with a friend or noticed it on Instagram. Well, good news: Blackberry Farm Brewery’s Classic Saison and Fall Saison are now available in select locations and restaurants across the country. Stop by blackberryfarm.com/brewery to find a bottle in your state. BLACKBERRY FARM WHISKEY
We know, we know…talking about our whiskey is such a tease. Luckily, we are getting close to finalizing the labels and releasing the first bottles. Stay tuned!
THE MONTHS TO COME LEXUS PRESENTS: WOMEN IN FOOD, WINE & MUSIC
December 6–9 This amazing weekend will honor some of today’s most exciting female figures in food, wine and music. The event opens with a spectacular concert from award-winning Country Artist and Cookbook Author Martina McBride. Guests will enjoy exceptional food from Lexus Culinary Master and James Beard Award-winning Chef Michelle Bernstein of Cena. She will be accompanied by Blackberry Farm Executive Chef Cassidee Dabney. Courses will be paired with wine from Viticulturist Annie Favia-Erickson of Favia Wines and drinks from Mixologist Alba Huerta of Anvil Bar & Refuge. Publisher Christina Grdovic of Food & Wine will host the weekend’s festivities.
N EW RID E We are pleased to offer private access to our exclusive fleet of Lexus vehicles, including the new sleek and luxurious RC F. Developed to satisfy the most demanding driving enthusiasts, it is the next expression of Lexus performance. Ask to take one for a drive during your next stay.
Best Seat in the House Come Summer of 2016, we will fling open the doors to our newest venue—a 9,000-square foot, barn-like building that will offer a variety of spaces to host concerts, cooking demonstrations, meetings, weddings and special gatherings. Over the years, we’ve created experiences across the property, from intimate songwriters’ rounds in the Yallarhammer to weddings on the Main House lawn. We combined the magic that each location brings with expanded services to create a venue that provides classic Blackberry Farm style with even more possibilities for events.
A G LIM P SE O F 2016 THE BEST PLACE TO START THE YEAR IS AT BLACKBERRY FARM…SO WE HEAR FROM OUR GUESTS. BECAUSE EVENTS FILL UP QUICKLY, IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START PLANNING YOUR 2016 GETAWAY.
E Q U E S T R I A N EXPERIE NCES at B LACKB ERRY
Trails lessTraveled If you have visited the farm, you’ve glanced across the pastures to see horses grazing or passed by a few riders as they amble down the trails. The Blackberry Farm Stables have offered a variety of equestrian programming for years, including natural horsemanship, trail rides, carriage rides, hunter pace courses and even fox hunting experiences. This September, the Blackberry Farm Stables moved to a new part of the property that gives the program a new home and more space to expand its offerings and experiences for our guests. Returning guests will enjoy a new set of trails and places to ride; first-time guests will discover a program dedicated to creating personally-tailored equestrian experiences. We cannot wait for you to try our new facility.
JANUARY 7–10, 2016
JANUARY 22–24, 2016
FEBRUARY 19–21, 2016
FEBRUARY 26–28, 2016
Taste of the South
Fox Hunt
Stave Puzzling
Il Raduno di Blackberry Farm
MARCH 3–12, 2016
MARCH 4-6, 2016
MARCH 20–23, 2016
MARCH 25–27, 2016
Fox Hunt Finale
Idea Series: Ann Patchett
Spring Tour de Smokies
Easter
S OUND the HORN Every equestrian has dreamed of galloping through fields after the call of the huntsman’s horn. The stables at Blackberry Farm offer that opportunity during Fall and Winter. Paying homage to tradition, while preserving animal welfare and land conservation, fox hunting at Blackberry is a beloved way to enjoy the land, animals and tradition with honor and safety. Join us in 2016 for a traditional fox hunt, Blackberry style!
JAN
FEB
MAR
22–24
19–21
11–12
BELOV ED TOM (2003–2015) We hand-picked Tom from a breeder in Italy in 2008. A constant companion of our dog trainer, Jim Sanford, he was not only the poster dog for Blackberry Farm, but perhaps the most recognized truffle dog in the country. Tom your wet nose, soft coat and gentle disposition will be missed. Thanks for passing along all your great traits to Bacci, who will carry on your legacy in our breeding program.
N o. 1 HOTEL FOR FOOD LOVERS
Plan your stay between January–March and enjoy our annual Winter rates. From blissful spa treatments to roaring fires, Blackberry Farm should not be missed during absolutely one of the loveliest times of the year.
800.557.8451
‘TI S THE SEASON The 2015–2016 FarmStead Catalog will hit mailboxes soon—bringing the farm-fresh, artisan-crafted classics you’ve come to love, along with new products and collections bound to make gift-giving even easier! Can’t wait? Visit blackberryfarm.com or download our app to start shopping a bit early.