Archive - Friends of Blackberry Farm

Sam’s Journal: Summer’s Heating Up on the Farm

Summer is in full swing and though it’s already halfway through the season, we have plenty of outdoor adventures and memorable celebrations planned here at Blackberry. We had an amazing start to the month with the Fourth of July annual BBQ Battle and a stunning fireworks display that evening. Grilling delicious barbeque alongside our very own chefs and guests is always fun, but nothing compared to seeing my kids’ eyes light up as they danced around the lawn with sparklers!

Summer fun continues later this month with our Smoky Mountain Table event (July 18-21), where our Garden Team and chefs take guests on a journey through the farm and garden and offer hands-on cooking demonstrations. The daily dose of sunshine that summertime brings to our heirloom gardens makes it a perfect time for us to kick off this meaningful celebration that showcases the very essence of Blackberry’s farm-to-table philosophy.  

Speaking of a daily dose, I’m getting my daily rides in for my upcoming race. For those of you that may remember, I’ll be competing in the Qualcomm Million Dollar Challenge this October, a six-day/670-mile race that supports the Challenged Athletes Fund. My training rides give me plenty of time to think of all the unique events we have coming up. The Epicurean Collector (July 23-25), which features the first name in antique collecting, Patrick Dunne, is just around the corner. Late July also brings a rare opportunity—an unforgettable evening with famous singer and songwriter Emmylou Harris. Join us as she takes center stage Saturday, July 24, at 9pm for an intimate set of her favorite songs.

 I hope you join us here at Blackberry as we continue to experience the exciting sights and sounds of Summer!

Best, 
Sam Beall, Proprietor
July 15, 2010

Heirloom Peanuts

Pull up a chair with Master Gardener John Coykendall as he shares the story of an heirloom peanut variety, dating back to 1850 in Pearl River County of Mississippi. To hear more from John, click here.

Ventures: Family Adventure Series

Like any kid growing up, I could not wait for summertime. With school being out, sports being over, and the days being long, it was a time for me redirect my energy and enjoy the outdoors with my family and friends. I would spend my summers camping in the local parks, paddling the rivers and lakes, hiking the mountains, and inevitably taking one or two big trips that would be the highlight of the summer break. Those times shaped me as a person, and arguably taught me more about life than any class I took. So naturally when I began working with the activities at Blackberry, I felt compelled to offer the same experience to our guests. A product of the effort has become the Family Adventure Series. The program is designed to highlight all of the amazing aspects of Blackberry Farm, and to create a wholesome and exciting summer adventure for each of its participants. All families have to do is look over the choices, choose the activities that sound most appealing to them, and book the package through the concierge. In return, we will create fun, adventurous, and enriching days that can be the highlights of this summer break.

Thomas Krajewski, Activities Manager
July 1, 2010

Click here to read about all the ways to choose your own adventure at Blackberry Farm this summer!

Camp Blackberry

“My favorite thing about Camp Blackberry is to see the excitement in the children's faces when they see something new. From dragonflies to spinning top gourds there is something new for every child to experience here on the farm.” - Miranda, Camp Counselor

Catching frogs. Making paint from rocks. Friendship bracelets. Playing in the creek. Experiencing the joys of creation in a beautiful place.

We are adventurers, discoverers, explorers. We are artists, inventors, storytellers. We are bakers, chefs, gardeners. Friend to farm animal and creek critter alike; we make new friends, and learn the values of teamwork.
We are Camp Blackberry!

In my first season as Camp Blackberry Coordinator, I have been blessed by experiencing life on the farm through the eyes of a child. Kids have a way of reminding you not to take yourself too seriously. There’s just too much fun to be had! With Farm Animal Day, Nature Day, and Outdoor Adventure Day, amazing discoveries and new experiences await. With Heritage Day and National Park Day, we venture back in time, or explore a world of wilderness and wildlife. And with Garden Day and Culinary Day, we get the inside scoop on one of the best parts about Blackberry: the FOOD!

I am also blessed to work with a fabulous team of Camp Counselors: Miranda, Heather, Jack, Meagan, Cassie, Alyson, Jessica, Katie, Dana and Peyton. They all love kids and are dedicated to giving our campers exciting new experiences while at Blackberry Farm.

We plan active, busy days, but we remember: always take time to look at the praying mantis crawling through the grass, to be amazed at the intricate spider web in the blackberry briar, and to appreciate the softness of a lamb’s nose.

Come see and hear, watch and do, smell and taste: Camp Blackberry!

Joy Bragg, Camp Blackberry Coordinator
July 1, 2010

Click here to read more about Camp Blackberry or call 800) 557-8864 to make your reservation and save a spot at Camp Blackberry for your kids!

Labor Day on the Farm

As we prepare to say farewell to Summer, join us Labor Day, September 3-6, for the last party of the season. Enjoy these days with the high sun, late evenings spent outside and the special musical talent that defines this holiday weekend. The festivities kick off with the annual Country Fair lunch at the Yallarhammer Pavilion. With a Cake Walk, Three-Legged Race, Watermelon Roll and so many other fun activities, the Country Fair is a child’s playground and the perfect chance to relive the nostalgic days of childhood summers! As the sun sets behind the Smoky Mountain horizon, we’ll save you a seat on the Main House Lawn for a concert under the stars. Send Summer off with Blackberry style this summer!

Click here to reserve your spot for the holiday!