The Report
Farm food is food to live by and farm celebrations are purely unbeatable. Especially at Blackberry Farm, where luxury meets acres of farm land, barns, goats, horses and cows. From homegrown heirloom produce, wild flower honey, and farm-fresh eggs, to artisan cheeses from East Friesian sheep, you will indulge in the farming lifestyle without having to roll your up your sleeves. Sustainably harvested ingredients are the essence of the celebrated Foothills Cuisine served here, and the Farmstead is the ideal gathering place for both getaways AND celebrations. Whether you're planning a corporate retreat, a getaway, wedding, reunion or other special event, Blackberry Farm offers an idyllic setting. From small intimate gatherings to big blowout bashes, the award-winning staff will assist you in every aspect of creating a successful soiree.
PILLOW TALK: Blackberry Farm offers accommodations for 116 guests with a selection of luxurious accommodations from Estate Rooms, to Cottages, to Multi-Bedroom Homes. Depending on the size of your group, you may reserve individual guestrooms or all 58 accommodations and the entire 9,200 acre estate. *Events requiring five or more rooms may be eligible for preferred pricing.
STORY TIME:"In 1939, Mrs. Florida Lasier of Chicago snagged her silk stockings on a wild blackberry bramble while exploring the idyllic Smoky Mountain foothills, and the name Blackberry Farm was born. Thirty-six years later, the Beall family invested their hearts and souls in the same romantic site that has become their family home and lifelong passion. Today, one of America's most celebrated intimate luxury hotels beckons discerning guests who aspire to escape modern-day frenzy and slip into a Blackberry state of mind. Situated on a pastoral 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry will show you the many reasons why it is one of the top rated properties in the world."
HOW WILL MY GUESTS GET HERE?: Blackberry Farm is located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee. We are within a 3 hour drive from many southern cities as well a short 25 minute drive from the Knoxville airport which has direct flights from more than 19 different cities.
The Scoop
The FarmStead is a magical home-to-hotel gathering place for celebrations both large and small. Meals made of the farm’s bounty are served at The Barn by Executive Chef Joseph Lenn and his team. In addition to housing a dining venue, the 18th century Amish bank barn also hosts the series of culinary programs under the pitch of its Gambreled roof. Descending to where the livestock stalls once were, you will stumble upon grand cellar dining room flanked on both sides by a beautiful glass enclosed collection of wines. On the other side of The Barn lies the Farmhouse. This structure was built using reclaimed wood and materials drawing from historical architecture to create a farmhouse that captures the cozy charm of a bygone era.
There are many venue spaces at Blackberry Farm, which offers flexibility for your event and guest count. We have broken them down for you.
THE MAIN HOUSE: The house has 4 venue spaces within it - The Mountain Dining Room, Azalea Dining Room, Laurel Dining Room and The Rhododendron Dining Room. (photos of these venue spaces below). The breakfast and lunch experience is set in the Main House Dining Room, the original home on property which captures the warmth and pleasure of family and friends gathered around the table to share their favorite foods. The cuisine is Southern in every way and perfect for party throwers looking for a more relaxed setting.
THE BARN: There are four venue spaces within The Barn - Harvest Dining Room, Tack Dining Room, Barn Wine Cellar, and Gambrel. (all photos of these venue spaces below) These venue spaces are for the host/hostess who craves fine dining, a multi-course experience, and elegant service. The Barn is the quintessential dining experience at Blackberry Farm. Your party guests will experience a venue that has been designed with the most unique dining setting in mind with incredible tables, chairs and custom china.
OUTDOOR DINING: Let the most spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains serve as the backdrop for a casual outdoor dining experience. There are five venue spaces that you can throw a party or wedding at, while soaking in the nature of the Farm (photos below) - Yallarhammer is a creekside pavilion on the lawn with beautiful mountain views, the Main House Lawn is a sprawling lawn setting fit with wood picnic benches. The Garden is alsoset with stunning handcrafted picnic benches ina unique garden setting. The Hoop House is also set in a beautiful garden setting, this unique venue has a greenhouse feel. Boathouse is a spectacular and magical venue for up to 15 guests, set on Walland Pond this would be perfect for small wedding ceremonies and elopements.
Bonus
The farm is home to livestock, gardens, produce, orchards, incredible wine, food, activities and craft beer. Blackberry Farm also has a rare collection of artisans — the chef, the master gardener, the baker, the cheese maker, the forger, the butcher, the jam lady, the chocolatier, the restaurant manager, the sommelier — who blend their unique talents to create what visitors of the farm know as Blackberry Farm. The eclectic mix of these charming elements won't be found at many other resorts, hotels, or farms. All of these combine to make your event extra special.
STYLE FOR YOUR SETTING
1. We love these rustic screen printed fabric invitations via Oh So Beautiful Paper 2. Blackberry Farmhas it's own store and online shop! Utilize the barn plates at your event and buy or register for them afterwards so you can have the ultimate heirloom piece post event! 3. We love what Calder Clark Designsdid with the place settings of a wedding they designed for Blackberry Farms. They pulled in the deep reds and hand stitched each guests name. (photoA Bryan Photo)
Inside Scoop
For you design savvy folk, the interior design of The Barn was done by Suzanne Kasler. There is a new spa opening on the property in June 2014 and you can take culinary classes with a James Beard Award Winning Chef. Last, there are numerous activities on the Farm itself to partake in including – Fly Fishing, Spa, Sporting Clays, Horseback riding, carriage rides, cooking demonstrations, yoga, wine tasting, whiskey tasting, cycling, and hiking.
NOTABLE PRESS: Been featured in Oprah Magazine and Zagat honored The Barn as the #2 spot for hotel dining in America.
TIP: We were told that you can ask your sommelier about am impromptu cellar tour after dinner.
Highlight Reel
- The epitome of Farm-to-Fork dining.
- There are over 16 incredibly well designed venue spaces to choose from
- The Farm has a store that you can shop from and bring back fine china to pass down as heirloom pieces from your event!
- The Barn was honored by Zagat as the #2 spot for hotel dining in America
- You can go fly fishing, sporting, horseback riding, learn to cook, do yoga, and even go wine tasting on the Farm.
- The interior design in every single space is jaw dropping.
- The Farm has chefs, gardeners, jam makers, sommeliers, master chefs, butchers, and chocolatiers!
Around Town
Luckily there is so much to do at Blackberry Farms, you and your guests won't need to leave. Send the boys on a whiskey tasting adventure. Blackberry Farm's has a collection comprised of both American and international whiskey. Educate your mind and palate during a whiskey tasting with one of our beverage experts.
Clip-clop down a shady lane and amble through the countryside. Slow your pace of life. Experience scenic vistas and pure mountain streams from the cozy comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. If you are interested, your driver is well-versed in Blackberry history and local lore. Hoofbeats create a rhythm for a beautiful Blackberry memory.
Get a feel for the town and stop by the Smoky Mountain Antique Mall off of E Lamar Alexander Pkwy to snap up some fun souvenirs or decor for your event. There are over 40 vendors and over 5000 sq. ft. of collectibles, glassware, furniture, vintage decor, artifacts, old wagon wheels, old deco stoves, retro radios, longaburger baskets and more!
PHOTOS: Via Blackberry Farm // VENUE: Blackberry Farm
