S E A S O N A L N E W S & N O T E S ~ W I N T E R 2 0 1 6

Mary Celeste Beall, Proprietor

As we shift into Winter in the Smokies, it’s as if Mother Nature says, “It’s time to slow down.” Lights come on earlier, pots of soup simmer on stoves, and our family’s hearth roars to life as a reading nook, an indoor s’mores station or even a stage, depending on the night. We drink hot chocolate, play more card games and linger longer over dinner. Meanwhile, our team of elves quietly transforms the farm for the holidays, a wonderland of holly, evergreens and twinkle lights. It’s magic, this season—but not just the holidays. Winter at Blackberry Farm is something special.

One of the easiest ways to discover that for yourself is on a Winter hike. I always encourage guests to try something active or adventurous during a cold-weather stay with us, because the exhilaration is so gratifying. My husband Sam had perfected the art of layering for Winter hikes (if you do it properly, you won’t break a sweat!), and we’d set off for a climb that never failed to give us some of the most breathtaking mountain views of the year. We’d come home tired, but exhilarated, rosy-cheeked and ready to relax in a steamy bath or by the fire. Venturing out during Winter is like a much-needed reset for your soul.

Of course, this time of year, the kitchen is glowing with warm ovens and crowded stoves. We stay busy cooking as new ingredients arrive from the garden and the FarmStead artisans—check out our recently released FarmStead catalog to get a taste! In between all the holiday prep and family traditions, I love a good slow-cooked dish, like braised lamb neck. It will be a first for me this year, as Sam was always in charge of that one. But after seeing him make it a million times, I know I can do it. Braising is one of the most forgiving methods, anyway. If you want to try it along with me, find the recipe in “The Blackberry Farm Cookbook” and let me know how it goes!

The year ahead at Blackberry Farm promises to be thrilling, with big events, big names and big ideas already on the calendar. And yet, I’m just as excited for slow nights by the fire or around the table. For peaceful mornings in the yoga studio or quiet hikes through fresh snow, always with people I love by my side. That’s a glow that lasts long after the Christmas lights come down. I can’t wait to share it with you this Winter.

WINTER’S GLOW

After a great year and earning a Gold Medal in the World Beer Cup this Spring, the Blackberry Farm Brewery was recently honored to win a Silver Medal at the Great American Beer Festival for its Barrel Series Brett Saison, a golden farmhouse ale fermented with Brettanomyces yeast and aged in French oak red wine barrels.

The brewery team is also thrilled to release five new beers for Winter. Look for them at your local stores and restaurants!

BRIGHT with

ANTICIPATION

Now that we’re all grown up, our anticipation

stretches far past the ribbon-and-paper chaos of

a happy Christmas celebration. We’re looking

forward to quiet, cozy, post-holiday Winter escapes

on the farm just as much. The crackling fires are

never more inviting, the mountain views never

more peaceful and the Wellhouse treatments never

more comforting than in this special season. Winter

in Walland has its own kind of magic. We hope

you’ll come share it with us.

AS KIDS, WE COULD HARDLY WAIT FOR THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS MORNING: STOCKINGS, SURPRISES, BIG FAMILY BREAKFASTS.

FAMILY TREE: CHEF CASSIDEE’S BLACK WALNUT ROLLS ARE INSPIRED BY A FAMILY CLASSIC.

ALBAN FARMHOUSE RED In collaboration with Alban Vineyards, this beer was aged in red wine barrels, then blended with fresh beer at bottling for tart acidity and oakiness, balanced by dark fruit and maltiness.

KING OF FALLING FRUIT Inspired by our friendship with artist Andrew Saftel, this special barrel-aged Saison is fermented with Brettanomyces and blended with local peaches and plums.

1976 This high-gravity Imperial Saison was brewed in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Blackberry Farm.

ROASTED CHERRY STOUT This dark and malty stout is fermented with wild native yeast from our farm and aged with tart and sweet cherries.

ABBEY QUAD This strong, Belgian-style ale is full-bodied, with rich maltiness and subtle phenolic spiciness.

FIND THE RECIPE AT BLACKBERRYFARM.COM/FRIENDS.

Frosty Winter mornings have even our chefs craving warm treats and familiar family recipes, like the black walnut rolls Chef Cassidee Dabney grew up enjoying. Her elevated take on the classic pastry isn’t just delicious—it’s a taste of Tennessee, thanks to black walnuts foraged from our farm. We asked Chef Cassidee to share what makes the star ingredient so special to her.

Black Walnut trees are abundant on Blackberry Farm, and their bounty has prompted our culinary team to experiment and explore. In addition to foraging, our garden team also taps the trees to collect their sap, which our chefs turn into walnut water or syrup. With a subtle fruity, musty flavor, black walnuts add complexity to baked goods. “I also like to pair them with bitter and spicy Winter greens or hearty herbs like rosemary and sage,” says Cassidee. Harvested from our garden or foraged on a walk in the woods, Tennessee ingredients continue to inspire Cassidee’s nuanced cuisine—even down to the traditional treats she likes to make for her family during the holidays.

“My grandmother only used black walnuts. She made bread every Saturday, always setting aside dough to have cinnamon rolls on Sunday morning, filled with a wonderfully sticky mixture of the nuts, sugar, butter and cinnamon.”

GOOD cheer GOOD beer

hough it’s hard to predict how each guest will arrive, how you depart after a wellness event is much easier

to describe. Much like watching the fog lift to reveal the sure presence of the mountains, the first 24 hours at Blackberry Farm reveal what guests need to restore a sense of balance.

Finding an excuse to play or permission to rest, feeling supported enough to test your limits, sinking into an afternoon of spa treatments—this is life-giving wellness. Laughing around the table, taking a chance on new acquaintances, experiencing mindfulness under the canopy, on your mat or even in your wine glass…this is what wellness looks like here.

It’s my joy to watch guests experience this for themselves. Every triumph is celebrated, but a few stand out in my mind: Thomas decided to celebrate his 50th birthday by doing 50 crunches—hanging upside down on the monkey bars in the woods. Tina

TThis Side ofTransformation

Wellness Expert Hope Parks gives

an inside look at the power of

Blackberry Farm wellness retreats.

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU!January 13–15

Consider this retreat your pep talk for the new year! Dive into an exhilarating mix of fitness activities, wellness sessions and goal-setting with Ayurveda Specialist Anna Russ and Blackberry Farm Wellness Expert Hope Parks. You will leave energized, educated and ready to take on new challenges.

WINTER RESTORE February 23–25

Treat your body and mind to a centering Winter wellness retreat. With Yoga Instructor Charlotte Hardwick and Herbalist Dr. Susan Fidler as our guides, we'll explore mindfulness, herbal health, restorative yoga, healthy cooking demos and journaling so you can come away utterly refreshed.

MOUNTAIN POSEMarch 5–8

Immerse yourself in a yoga retreat that will help your body and mind come alive. Yoga Instructor Philip Clift will lead high-energy yoga sessions focused on core strength and alignment, while Naturopathica Founder Barbara Close will share her secrets for a healthy glow, inside and out.

decided to slack line across Hesse Creek. After four days of discovering a new practice and refueling with farm-fresh meals and good company, Martha looked at me and declared, "I am in a new place, Hope."

I’ve witnessed some beautiful transformations blossom during our wellness retreats. It reminds me how powerful they are, because wellness at Blackberry is not a transformation through detox, or a system of canceling out sweat for calories. Rather, our retreats give you the space to pursue a balanced lifestyle—one we hope you crave long after you leave.

Helping our guests embrace balanced, fulfilling lives is our passion. When the 2016 Spafinder Wellness Travel Awards recognized that passion with four awards this year, we were honored. The Wellhouse earned awards in the following categories: Best for Families, Best for Girlfriend Getaways, Best for Going Solo and Best for Nutrition & Healthy Cuisine.

Call our Reservations Team soon to book because spots are limited.WINTER WELLNESS RETREATS

We think Winter is the perfect time of year to play ‘choose your

own adventure’—indoors or out. Our special Winter Activity Rates

make a wonderful excuse to fill a day with your favorites or try your

hand at something new. Find more to explore and plan your next

adventure at blackberryfarm.com/activities.

WINTER ADVENTURE

HIKINGWhether you explore our property or trek through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, be sure to layer up. These exhilarating hikes start off brisk, but you’ll quickly warm up as you go. A bonus? Bare Winter branches allow more expansive views of our beautiful Smokies.

SHOOTINGIn the mood for some friendly competition? Head out to our classic sporting clays range for some thrilling Winter shooting. You can test your marksmanship against others in a group, or challenge your own record with a private session.

HORSEBACK RIDINGAsk anyone who rides: everything looks different from a horse. Take in the lovely Winter landscapes with a leisurely FarmStead ride, or tackle a more advanced equestrian experience if you’re up for some adrenaline.

A DAY OF WELL-BEINGTreat yourself to a respite from Winter’s chill with a full day to rejuvenate in the spa. Leave skin and spirit glowing with a blissful facial or hot stone massage; replenish inner peace at a private yoga session. In our award-winning Wellhouse Spa, the options are endless.

WHISKEY OR WINE TASTINGThanks to our vast wine cellar and curated list of rare whiskeys, you’ll have plenty of new tastes to explore and discover. Choose from our popular tours and tastings, or ask us to put together a special tasting just for you.

FARMSTEAD TOURWinter may slow our garden a bit, but our artisans stay busy in the Creamery, Butchery, Preservation Kitchen and more. Meet the artisans, get a glimpse of what they’re making and have a taste!

When Blackberry Farm Land Manager Matt Smith first met Steve Hageman, Professor of Geology at Appalachian State University, the two men never expected they'd discover a 517 million-year-old fossil together at a nearby property managed by Blackberry Farm! The fossil is a trilobite, a distant relation of the horseshoe crab. In 1892, geologist Charles Doolittle Walcott left a clue about the ancient fossil’s location—a clue that sparked a three-year search for Hageman. In May 2016, directed by Hageman's expert intuition, it was only minutes before Smith found the first fossil. Since then, Hageman has discovered two more in the area. Blackberry Farm has donated the fossils to the Smithsonian Museum, but for now, they are being studied by the University of Chicago.

2016 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

T H E G I F T O F WA R M T H

Warmth means many things at Blackberry Farm. The joy of good company, of a farm-fresh spread and a bountiful

table, the familiar draw of a crackling hearth and steaming hot chocolate. We’ve captured and curated the farm’s many comforts in this holiday gift guide, so this year, you can give

cherished ones the very special gift of warmth.

H E A R T W A R M I N G W E E K E N D G E T A W A Y

Fill our spacious, nine-room Guest House with dear family and friends and experience the joy of being together for beautiful farm adventures—from memorable dinners in a private dining space to hours of exploring our corner of the Foothills.

Available December through mid-March. Weekend rate starting at $16,110.00 Call 800-557-8864 to learn more.

W E L L H O U S E R O B E

There’s no more perfect season for pampering than Winter. Give the perfect snuggle for spa day with our thick, luxe robe. $140.00

B L A C K B E R R Y F A R M

B R E A K F A S T C O L L E C T I O N

This mouth-watering collection of sunrise staples includes one pound of Blackberry Farm Coffee, Griddle Cake Mix, Biscuit Mix, Benton’s Bacon, honey, jams and Appalachian Maple Syrup. $105.00

A B L A C K B E R R Y S L U M B E R

Truly blissful sleep starts with our beloved bed and sleep system. Includes Hickory Chair Bed, Mattress and Foundation, feather topper, four pillows and our luxurious bedding.

King / $15,621.00 Queen / $13,940.00

G E N T L E M E N ' S W H I S K E Y

W E E K E N D

This once-in-a-lifetime weekend getaway spent tasting rare whiskeys is a gift sure to leave friends in high spirits.

Select dates apply. Rates starting at $2,990.00 Call 800-557-8864 to learn more.

M E R I N O W O O L T H R O W

Keep loved ones warm and cozy from dawn to dusk with this lush throw. $460.00

S M A L L G I F T S , B I G C H A R MStocking-ready gifts they’ll treasure, perfect as festive, petite

parcels for all the names on your holiday list.

F I N D M A N Y M O R E G I F T I D E A S O N L I N E A T B L A C K B E R R Y F A R M S H O P. C O M O R D O W N L O A D T H E B L A C K B E R R Y F A R M A P P.

P I C K L E D R A M P S $16.00 (7.75 oz)

B L A C K B E R R Y F A R M B R E W E R Y H A T $35.00

G R A I N & N U T $28.00 (2 lb. jar)

P E P P E R C H U T N E Y $13.00 (7.75 oz)

B L A C K B E R R Y F A R M G I F T C E R T I F I C A T E Few things top the thrill of opening a personalized Gift Certificate.

COUNTING DAYS

BEYOND BLACKBERRY: SPORTSMAN RETREAT

January 24–26 or January 27–29

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER featuring wine importer Martine Saunier

with wines of Henri Jayer March 8

COUNTING STITCHES: AN ALABAMA CHANIN WORKSHOP

January 27–29

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: JARED EMERSON

February 12–14

FOXHUNTING SEASON January 13–15

February 10–12 March 3–5

BEYOND THE BOOK: SHAUNA NIEQUIST

February 17–19

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: SUZANNE KASLER WITH KREIS BEALL

February 26–28

From cycling challenges to world-renowned chefs, the year ahead is so thrilling we can hardly wait. Here is just a little taste of a few events on the horizon. If you’re

just as excited as we are, visit blackberryfarm.com to learn more or reserve your event stay.

Starting December 10, the Blackberry Farm Pro-Am Classic hits the airwaves. Check your local listings to catch this high-adrenaline event.

Mark Your Calendar for 2017’s Most Fun ChallengeDon’t want to miss the 2017 Pro-Am Classic? Book your spot for the September 17–20 event and get ready to cycle the Smokies for a chance to win $30,000 in charity prize money!

2016 Blackberry Farm Pro-Am Classic Debuts on National TV

It’s no secret that some of the best family memories are made at Blackberry Farm. Plan to spend your Spring Break with us, and we’ll handle all the rest! Picture FarmStead tours, frogging adventures, handmade memory book creations and more for your littlest ones, while your older ones will be eager for the fun of canoeing, hiking, archery, fishing or ceramic arts. While they’re out adventuring with Camp Blackberry, you’ll be free to do some exploring yourself: all of our FarmStead, adventure, spa and culinary experiences are tailored for Spring. Days at Blackberry are filled with so much fun you’ll have a hard time convincing your family to leave—but you’ll go with a suitcase full of happy family memories.

SWEET FAMILY MEMORIES

DREAMING OF SPRING&

Winter on the farm brings so many memory-making opportunities: s’mores by the fire, mugs of piping hot chocolate, twinkly trees, visits with Santa, wide-open vistas. Come take it all in this December through mid-March and enjoy our annual Winter Rates.

N .o1HOTEL FOR FOOD LOVERS

Winter TogetherPerfect for cozy holiday brunches or out-of-town company, our limited-edition Farmstead Holiday Box is packed with warming Blackberry favorites, such as Biscuit Mix, Apple Butter, Benton's Bacon, Hot Cocoa and more. $195.00

A Spread of Cheer

CALL 800.557.8864 TO PLAN YOUR NEXT BLACKBERRY FARM ADVENTURE.