Blackberry Farm Summer Newsletter 2017

SEASONAL NEWS & NOTES ~ SUMMER 2017

TO T H E F U LLE ST When the fireflies show up, Summer is officially here. My kids really know it has arrived when I propose staying up past bedtime to catch some fireflies, because school is out! Remember the joy of school letting out when you were a kid? When every Summer day felt like it lasted forever, full of possibilities?

That’s what Summer at Blackberry Farm can be, even if you’re long past your grade school days.

Choosing to live my life to the fullest led to my big wakesurfing adventure last Summer. On an early lake outing with MasterCraft, I realized my kids didn’t know me as very athletic, despite the hours I spent playing tennis in college. I decided I wasn’t just going to cheer them on this time—I was going to get on the water myself. Alex, our Activities Director, gave me a few pointers, and then I popped up on the wake surfboard. What a sensational feeling! Exhilarated by my wakesurfing, I decided to try slalom water skiing for the first time in five years. I was a little rusty getting up, but determined. It all came back to me, and I even pulled out a few of my old tricks for my kids. I felt like I was 16! It was great to be on the water again. And it was even better to have my family all together outside, enjoying the mountain lake with its fresh, clean water. It can be a challenge to find activities that entertain my whole crew, from age nineteen to age four—but boating is fun for everyone. A win for all of us! I hope you’ll give it a whirl with your own crew this Summer.

Off the water, there are so many quintessential Summer moments to soak up around here. Tasting the candy-like baby tomatoes straight from the garden. Rocking on the veranda with a good book and a Summer drink. (By the way, my go-to “hydrating cocktail” is tequila, coconut water, sparkling water and lemon juice on the rocks—try it!) Lingering over dinner in The Barn just because we can. And, of course, slipping away for a few refreshing hours in The Wellhouse.

I find that Summer is a good time to refocus on wellbeing. If you’re looking to recharge, please join me for our Summer Splash retreat this June 25–28. My friend Annie Favia-Erickson will bring her amazing wines to share with us, along with some exhilarating Summer activities like paddle boarding and cycling. Oh, the joy of Summer! However you choose to spend it, I hope you’ll press pause on life’s busyness and soak up happy Summer days with us. See you soon!

Mary Celeste Beall, Proprietor

SOAK UP

summer LO N G ER DAYS A R E TH E WO RLD’S WAY O F SAY IN G L I ST EN UP!

Every golden hour of Summer is an opportunity to live more fully, to squeeze every bit of joy out of a favorite season. On the farm, Summer’s pleasures are simple—sun-warmed tomatoes, splashing in the lake with your kids, glasses of crisp rosé—but they couldn’t be more satisfying. This time around, decide to take it all in. Turn your phone off; scrunch your bare toes through rich garden dirt.

Have a big picnic on the lawn; make a memory with your family.

We’ll be here to savor it with you.

GROWING CLOSE: A BLACKBERRY SUMMER TRADITION BRINGS FAMILIES TOGETHER

Josephine, Rose and friend

Mary Celeste and family circa 1980s

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Let’s face it: planning a vacation isn’t quite as easy as it might have been pre-kids. Back in the day, you picked a spot, booked a stay and spent your leisure time lounging with a drink in hand. Now, you’re more focused on making sure all of your kids have a blast.

As kids grow and interests change, it can be tricky to find a place where everyone enjoys their vacation—mom and dad included.

At age 8, Josephine Beall’s action-packed idea of a perfect Summer day goes like this: “Brunch at the Main House, then ride horses, then go on a hike, then a golf cart ride, then ride bikes, then Hickory Club room to play pool and get snacks, then to the Dogwood for a burger and fries or steak, mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts dinner.”

That is, unless you’re vacationing to Blackberry Farm. We started our Family Time tradition years ago because we quickly realized that there’s no destination more perfect for families than our slice of the Smokies. Family Time is special because it provides the best of both worlds: time together, but also time to fulfill individual needs and interests. Small children can enjoy Camp Blackberry and older kids can adventure out with our Blackberry Youth Discovery program while mom and dad take in a massage, a quiet bike ride or an afternoon wine tasting. Everyone will come back together with their world broadened.

With more than a decade on Josephine, Cameron Beall (the oldest) has a different vision of Summer perfection: “I’d like to cook breakfast with my family and have coffee on the porch, then take a walk and have quiet time on the boat house dock.

Later, I’d take a swim and read my book by the pool. Finally, watch the sun sink behind the Smoky Mountains as the sky turns pink.”

Best of all? In between the activities, your family will have lots of freedom to explore together. Whether you tackle a family hike or have a splashfest at the pool, you and your kids have all the elements you need to create your perfect Summer day—even when that definition changes as your kids grow older. Just ask the Beall kids.

Cameron

Cameron

We love that families have been returning to Blackberry every Summer for years.

We love watching your kids grow from toddlers to teenagers, and we love helping you make amazing memories every year along the way.

Interested in planning your family getaway to Blackberry? Call our Reservations Team for special Family Time rates and accommodations.

SOUNDS

of

SUMMER B LUE B I RD C A FE AT B L AC KB E R RY FA RM J U N E 1 8, J U LY 2 7, AU G U ST 10

Experience the ‘listening room’ atmosphere Blackberry-style as Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Cafe brings classic artists for an intimate concert series. On June 18, we will host Ashley Cleveland, Pam Tillis and Tricia Walker. Barry Dean, Luke Laird and Lori McKenna will perform on July 27. The series will finish on August 10 with Jessi Alexander, Jon Randall and Holly Williams.

The most magical concert experiences happen at Blackberry Farm.

Join us this Summer as our favorite stars serenade us.

J O SE P H J U LY 13

A Joseph concert is a dreamy immersion in pristine three-part harmony, traversing melodies and rhythms that are sure to captivate you.

This trio of sisters is one to watch!

D R EW H OLCOM B AUG UST 3

Equal parts folksinger, roots-rocker, country crooner and pop-hook provider, singer-songwriter Drew Holcomb will fill Bramble Hall with soulful sounds this August.

KAC E Y MUSGRAV E S J U LY 9

EM MYLOU AND FR IEND S AUG UST 1 8 –20

We are excited to welcome Kacey Musgraves back to Blackberry! In addition to topping charts, she has won a stack of Grammy and CMA awards. But it’s Kacey’s magnetic personality, coupled with her incredible talent, that makes her such a star.

Emmylou Harris’ annual trip to Blackberry is a highlight of the year.

The 12-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and storyteller brings her signature sound for a show that’s too good to be missed.

DINNER

Ou t

STEP UP YOUR AL FRESCO DINING THIS SEASON WITH OUR GUIDE TO THE PERFECT TABLE SET TINGS, FRESH MENU IDEAS AND SUMMERY DRINKS.

be t ter

OUT BACK

DON’T LET A MINUTE OF GLORIOUS SUMMER WEATHER GO TO WASTE! LET EXECUTIVE CHEF SARAH STEFFAN OF THE DOGWOOD HELP YOU SET COURSE FOR THE SEASON’S VERY BEST AL FRESCO DINING AND ENTERTAINING.

Q

W H AT T O S E R V E ?

My favorite Summer suppers are simple, delicious and easy to prep and execute—which leaves more time to party! They usually consist of heavily herb-marinated steaks or lamb and broccolini, cooked on a wood grill and served with Summer squash, heirloom tomato, ricotta and herb casserole. Macerated strawberries and whipped cream on vanilla ice cream make the perfect finish.

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S O W H AT A R E W E D R I N K I N G ?

Rosé all day! Or, I like to serve a refreshing gin cocktail that isn’t too sweet. For kids, I stir up iced chamomile, rooibos and lavender tea, sweetened with honey and garnished with fresh mint.

A NOTE FROM MARY C EL EST E

If you want to dress up your outdoor table, lay a vintage textile down before you set out plates and flatware. Old lace tablecloths from antique stores are perfect for this.

Q

BEST TIP FOR OUTDOOR E N T E R TA I N I N G ?

Music, lawn games, lighting and Aromaflage bug spray—it’s a perfume and bug spray in one, and it smells amazing!

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M U S T H AV E K I T C H E N T O O L S ?

Good tongs, big platters and beautiful serving spoons. A sous chef isn’t a bad idea either.

Q

W H AT ’ S T H E S E C R E T T O A N U N F O R G E T TA B L E N I G H T ?

The right company. Put together a group of friends that love to eat, drink, dance and laugh.

You’ll know it’s a good time when the air guitars come out.

DOGWOOD POTTERY

for E V E R Y D I N N E R

Choose a beautiful, versatile pottery that works as well for feasts with friends as it does for easy family dinners—then, let nature do the rest. Fresh greenery, cut flowers from the yard and simple votives are the only decoration you need.

Handmade by a local potter, our simple yet sophisticated Dogwood Pottery is a dusky blue inspired by Tennessee wildflowers.

Six 5-Piece Place Settings $1,152. (Individual place settings and larger service also available.) Shop Dogwood Pottery or this full tablescape look at blackberryfarmshop.com.

SAVOR EVERY MOMENT A NOTE FROM MARY CELEST E

In addition to just being pure fun, this adrenaline-packed lake adventure is a great way to connect with your teenage son!

S UMMER SPLASH JUNE 25– 2 8

B OATS AN D B OA R DS J U LY 3 0 – AU G U ST 2

Get a taste of all that Blackberry has to offer with this exciting Summer wellness adventure.

Dr. Wendy Bazilian will guide you through exhilarating fitness and nutrition experiences, while Viticulturist Annie Favia-Erickson will provide the perfect wines to complement vibrant, delicious meals.

This family-friendly Summer adventure with MasterCraft Boats celebrates all that we love about life on the lake. Enjoy boating adventures, clinics with wakeboard and wakesurf pros and a behind-the-scenes tour of MasterCraft’s facility—all capped off with a concert from surfer and musician Donavon Frankenreiter.

Master Your Kitchen Technique The slow days of Summer are the perfect time to sharpen your kitchen skills or try something new.

We’re excited to introduce our first Kitchen Sessions, a hands-on cooking series designed to help you master key techniques and have more fun in the kitchen. Don’t miss your chance to learn about cooking fundamentals with us this Summer! Eager to get started? Chef Cassidee Dabney shares three tips to elevate your Summer cooking at home.

Crushing It The brewery continues to grow at a rate that amazes even us, bringing us to another exciting milestone: the first cans for Blackberry Farm Brewery.

Perfect for boating, hiking and more, the new cans are great to pack along on your next adventure. The first release of the cans will include three new beers available in Tennessee only. Each can design features original art from regional artists, including Kent Ambler and our own John Coykendall.

The brewery is finalizing the series now, but so far, the series includes Screaming Cock, a pale ale; TN Times, a pilsner; and Coyote Tactics, an IPA. Try these new beers—and enjoy the incredible can artwork—at Blackberry Farm later this Summer or look for them at Tennessee grocery stores and bottle shops.

Kitchen Sessions Series

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When you first light the fire, you get brown-gray, billowy smoke. That’s the bitter smoke. Burn your coals down and wait for the smoke to become blue with a gentle ‘dance’ movement. That’s when you know your coals are ready.

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3

COOKING with JOANNE WEIR August 13–16 with Chef Joanne Weir

JA PA N ESE MA N DO LIN

The Japanese mandolin is your best friend in the kitchen. You don’t have to have a cutting board or a knife. You can make very quick work of any vegetable preparation with this handy tool.

Call our Reservations Team to book your spot!

FUNDAMENTALS with CASSIDEE July 16–19 with Chef Cassidee Dabney

GRILLIN G OVER COA LS

BRIN IN G

Brining is especially important for barbecues or smoking because it pulls the proteins to the surface. You’ll have great flavor on the outside and a delicious, moist inside. A cup of salt to a gallon of water is a standard brine, and it works well for most meats.

Fuel Your Fire C

ycling Coach Robbie Ventura has hundreds of races and rides under his belt, and he knows that Summer training comes with its own challenges and rewards: “It’s the season to enjoy the beauties of the outdoors while growing as an athlete. That might be learning to climb better, building endurance, improving bike skills or working on your pedaling cadence,” he explains. “The goal is to grow as a cyclist, enjoying the excitement of harder training sessions that will make you better.”

Embracing a more rigorous training schedule will be wasted effort if you fail to step up your nutrition. “Without the right kind and amount of fuel, we will not ride at our best,” stresses Robbie. “A good starting point is to consume 20 ounces of water with electrolytes per hour and 200–250 calories an hour on longer rides.”

Carbohydrates are the primary fuel used during cycling, and it’s critical to replace some of that fuel as you lose it. So as you plan long rides or tackle tough climbs, don’t head out before nailing down your nutrition/hydration plan. Figure out what works for you now, so that when you arrive at the Pro-Am, you’ll be all set.

“The goal is to grow as a cyclist, enjoying the excitement of harder training sessions that will make you better.”

Many cyclists fall in love with cycling again in the Summer—there’s something special about the sights, sounds and freedom the bike brings. If you need a few days away to focus on your training, we’d love to have you here. After all, Coach Robbie insists that the best recovery food he knows is “a great Blackberry lunch of freshly grilled veggies, beautifully barbecued meats and, of course, terrific Blackberry Farm Brewery beer!”

Happy riding this Summer. We look forward to seeing you September 17–20 for the Pro-Am. Want to sign up for the Pro-Am or learn more about Robbie’s training tips? Visit blackberryfarm.com or call our Reservations Team.

THE BLACKBERRY FARM PRO-AM CLASSIC IS JUST WEEKS AWAY (YES, WE’RE COUNTING THE DAYS!) WHICH MEANS WE’RE GETTING PUMPED FOR THE BIG FALL EVENT BY PUTTING IN PLENTY OF HOURS ON THE BIKE THIS SUMMER.

Reward for Riding Well

PA S S I N G the T O RC H Late Proprietor Sam Beall was passionate about the culinary arts, lending his support to rising vintners, chefs, producers and

It’s fair to say that the epicurean feasts at the end of each day’s ride are a Pro-Am highlight for most guests.

Beyond the great company and shared laughter, it’s important to plan meals that will refuel cyclists after long days of pedaling in the Pro-Am. Chef Lachlan McKinnon-Patterson of Frasca Food and Wine will partner with Blackberry Farm chefs to serve balanced, delicious meals designed to help riders relax and recuperate after each day of the event.

Frasca Food and Wine Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey and Wine Importer Todd Mathis of DNS Wines will be pairing

hospitality professionals. Now it’s our turn to honor Sam’s legacy with the launch of the Sam Beall Fellowship. Renowned Chef Daniel Boulud will join us to celebrate with a demonstration and dinner. Importer Billy Weiss will round out the meal with wine from European vintners. Proceeds will help

wines to complement the meals. Many of the great monuments of cycling are linked to the most acclaimed wine regions, creating a natural connection between the two. This team of food and wine experts knows how to balance athleticism with incredible food and wine for an unforgettable experience on the road and at the table.

passionate, hospitality-minded young people prepare to lead the industry.

“Coming together for a fantastic cause and working with one of the greatest chefs in the world allows for the possibility of great moments,” says Importer Billy Weiss. “We like to think the selections we have carefully

TAKE CARE OF YOUR MUSCLES After some serious cycling, treat your muscles to a little recovery and rebuilding with pro tips from The Wellhouse.

A N OTE F ROM MARY CELESTE

Sam loved the Arnica Muscle and Joint Gel!

MUSCLE MELT This restorative treatment incorporates vitamin A, E & F-rich ingredients to tone, strengthen and protect the skin. Relax and unwind during a full body massage concluding with a heated wrap. Book this rejuvenating treatment on your next visit.

ARNICA MUSCLE AND JOINT GEL

TURMERIC MUSCLE AND JOINT TINCTURE

Our Wellhouse team loves this breakthrough muscle and joint gel for soothing acute muscle soreness and easing bruising.

Find this soothing salve at blackberryfarmshop.com.

This anti-inflammatory liquid herbal supplement can help support healthy muscles and joints through training and racing season. Try this tincture and other muscle support supplements at blackberryfarmshop.com.

made for this weekend are just the type of wines Sam would have shared with his great joy and enthusiasm.”

To reserve your place at this extraordinary celebration or to read the rest of our interview with Importer Billy Weiss, visit blackberryfarm.com/friends.

PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID TMPD

N o. 1 HOTEL FOR FOOD LOVERS

ENJOY SUMMER FLAVORS The sunshine and the gardens are bountiful at the peak of a Smoky Mountain Summer. Book your Summer getaway to Blackberry Farm to savor the season’s most vibrant food and wine experiences and refreshing adventures.

SUMMER IS CALLING. SO CALL US.

800.557.8864