A Weekend Away

Story By Ann Cipperly Photos Contributed By Pursell Farms

Located amid the rolling Appalachian foothills in Sylacauga, Pursell Farms provides a picturesque, idyllic setting for a weekend away with first-rate accommodations, top-notch restaurants, a spa, resort activities and a highly ranked golf course. Whether it is a romantic getaway, girls’ weekend for pampering or relaxing in comfort, the resort offers amenities for an enjoyable weekend, and it’s only a short drive away.

Longhorn steer grazing in pastoral lands at the entrance to the resort is a reminder of the farmland owned for generations. When Pursell Farms’ founders, the late Chris and Jimmy Pursell, settled into a restored 1852 farmhouse in the early 1970s, they didn’t know the scenic landscape and pristine lakes would one day become a resort with an award-winning golf course, as well as a wedding and corporate venue.

Jimmy, an Auburn graduate, had been instrumental in the family business at the Sylacauga Fertilizer Co., which was founded in 1904. As the company grew, the focus changed from serving farmers to providing high-tech fertilizers for golf courses, nurseries and homeowners on a national level. It became Pursell Technologies and moved to Pursell Farms.

Jimmy’s son David, CEO and co-founder, envisioned the sweeping acreage as the perfect site for a golf course, which would allow customers and golf superintendents to experience cutting-edge agronomic practices. Constructed in 2003, FarmLinks became the world’s only research and demonstration golf course.

After the fertilizer business sold in August 2006, Pursell Farms was transformed into a 3,200-acre family resort. The resort has continued to grow and expand, with a variety of handsome accommodations, three restaurants, outstanding golf and other activities.

FarmLinks has been named Alabama’s top-rated course by GolfWeek for 10 years. The bunkers on the course were recently renovated. A fitness center is located at the inn, while the swimming pool provides another option for working off extra calories.

Other recreational activities include hiking or biking nearly 3 miles of FarmLand trails. Horseback riding, a UTV mountaintop experience, axe throwing and 3D archery are other fun activities to enjoy. Then, relax at the Spring House Spa or on the sun deck.

The resort is also home to the only ORVIS Shooting Grounds in the South, offering sporting clay shooting, wing shooting and flyfishing schools.

Restaurants

Arrington

Arrington is the resort’s signature restaurant with a prix fixe dinner Friday and Saturday nights. Executive Chef Joe Truex has an impressive resume of culinary experience, including training under famed Chef Daniel Boulud at Le Cirque while attending the Culinary Institute of America in New York. After graduating, he worked at the Swissotel La Plaza in Basel, Switzerland.

Truex then returned to New York and worked at various upscale restaurants. He was owner and executive chef at Repast in Atlanta. As the restaurant received national attention, Martha Stewart invited him to cook on her television show. He was also executive chef and managing partner at Watershed, a famed Atlanta restaurant, and many others. Truex came to Pursell Farms in 2020. He works with farmers for the freshest ingredients in creating his seasonal dishes.

At Arrington, dining is available in the attractive dining room or outdoors on the terrace with sweeping views of the golf course bordered by the deep forest. Soft lighting is provided by small lights overhead, hung zigzag across the terrace. The prix fixe dinners on Friday and Saturday nights feature four upscale courses from appetizers to desserts. Arrington is also open for breakfast seven days a week.

Pastry Chef John Scourlas is an expert in chocolate, pastry, cake decorating, sugar artistry and scratch baking. He creates desserts for restaurants, weddings and special events.

Scourlas also has an impressive resume. He was senior head pastry chef for the Georgia World Congress Center, as well as other restaurants in Phoenix, Arizona, and Glacier Bay, Alaska. He has created desserts for the Grammy Awards, Kentucky Derby and Super Bowl, among others.

His flawless desserts cap an enchanting evening at Arrington. After dinner, take the last sips of wine and relax around the fire pit. Enjoy star gazing with an astronomer on Thursday and Friday evenings.

Old Tom’s Pub

Serving lunch and dinner daily, Old Tom’s Pub overlooks the 18th green with a menu of American favorites. The restaurant is named in honor of famed Scottish golfer Old Tom Morris, born in 1821 in St. Andrews, Fife.

In the pub, the vintage pool table was donated by a longtime Pursell family friend, the late Jim Nabors, also known as Gomer Pyle. A wall of photos showcases celebrities who played pool at Nabor’s Bel Air home. These included President Ronald Reagan, Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball, among many others.

The pub offers a wide variety of menu items, including salads, sandwiches, pizza and hearty fare. Choices include chicken and waffles, shrimp po boy, strip steak, braised short ribs and more.

The setting in the pub is comfortable and relaxing.

The Grille

Another choice for breakfast or lunch is the Grille, open daily in the Golf Clubhouse.

Accommodations

The Inn at Pursell Farms

Built in 2018, The Inn is reminiscent of a country estate furnished with antiques and fine furnishings. Framed photos reflecting the area’s history are displayed in hallways.

The rooms are well decorated. A coffee bar at the entrance features a painting over the chest. An antique-style desk offers space for a laptop, while ornate lamps provide soft lighting.

Arrington and Old Tom’s Pub are located at the inn.

Cabins, Cottages, 1830 Orvis Farmhouse, Hamilton House

Along with the 40-room inn, accommodations also include cabins, cottages, an eight-room lodge and two restored historic homes, the circa-1830 Orvis Farmhouse and circa-1852 Greek Revival-style Hamilton House, which was the home of Chris and Jimmy.

Each cottage provides a large living space with a fireplace, a full kitchen and four guest suites, each with a private bath. Cabins are on Masters’ Row, just off the golf course on the 18th and 11th fairways.

Historic Hamilton Place offers two bedrooms, three baths, a living room and a full kitchen. The Orvis farmhouse is the oldest property on the resort with three bedrooms, a living room and a full kitchen.

Parker Lodge With a stunning view of the 17th green and Lodge Lake, Parker Lodge offers a rustic setting with comfortable seating around a stone fireplace in the spacious living room.

Families will enjoy spending time downstairs in the game room or watching football on the large-screen television. The full kitchen is stocked with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Two screened porches and a patio provide areas for relaxing and enjoying views.

Hamilton Place Wedding and Event Venue

Hamilton Place is a 22-acre wedding and event venue, featuring a 4,600-square-foot air-conditioned event space that includes a grand ballroom accommodating up to 350, formal gardens and a ceremonial lawn and aisle. Receptions and seated dinners may also be held on the lawn with live music and tents.

Romantic Sunset at the Secret Place

A romantic evening can be arranged at Sunset at the Secret Place. Couples meet in the lobby of the inn before being shuttled to the top of Chalybeate Mountain with 360-degree views for a sunset experience in a serene setting. Wine and snacks are served. Another option is the “Get Out Of Town” package that includes a bottle of champagne.

Pursell Farms is located at 386 Talladega Springs Road in Sylacauga. For further information, visit www.pursellfarms.com or call 256-208-7600.