Strawberry Swing
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Friday and Saturday of this past week, I experienced two of the absolute best, most magical days of my existence. There is truly no way for me to convey this endeavor in words (it would take me a week if I were to attempt it). I will say that I encountered some of the most beautiful views, food, and people ever in my short lifetime. All I can do is beseech you to visit the website, and try my best to convey my adventure as concisely as possible.
www.blackberryfarm.com (visit this site for background info, it’s crucial to understanding)...anyone that knows me will understand how in love I am.
~~
My mom got the email on a Tuesday: the rooms of the exclusive Blackberry Farm mountain resort were to be briefly reduced, but only for those on the emailing list. We have wanted to go for over a year now, but have never made it a priority. Encouraged by the exclusive rate, my mother booked us a room and on Friday morning we set off for a girls retreat weekend. As soon as we arrived to the sprawling farm and were seated for a beautiful lunch, I knew that I had reached my “locavores” nirvana. The days menu (the menus change every day according to what’s in season and harvest able) contained a quote proclaiming, “Nothing purifies the blood like a heaping plate of Spring’s fresh pulled greens.” Then I was promply greeted by a waiter who served me the surprise appetizer du jour : Broccolini with Marcona Almonds. I was home.
~~
Blackberry farm is the most local-centric place I have ever been. EVERYTHING there is made on the farm-they have even have a larder house for the dozens of cheese they make. The gardens and orchards are extensive. As we traipsed through them, on of the master gardeners picked plants for us to try- and they were truly wonderful! I especially enjoyed the flowering bud of arugula.
~~
I am trying very hard not to rant, but it is so so difficult! So much 'amazing-ness' happened this weekend! Perhaps the most astounding was was my interactions with the two master gardeners. After explain to them my passion for local living and the organic culture- they gave me a burlap bag of heirloom seeds! The eldest man, John, teared up as he told me the rich history held in these tiny seeds.
~~
All the meals were some of the very best I have ever tasted-even the snacks (a huge pre-super spread with their own home made cheeses, jams, peanut butter, breads, meats ect. was set up before supper...I also had fried black-eyed peas!) were phenomenal. My breakfast Saturday morning was indubitably the very best I have ever had- and I adore breakfast. The best part is, if you cannot decide between a few entrees, they let you try them all-perfect for someone as indecisive as me!! I will post up the menus later. Dinner in the gorgeous Farmhouse was incredible- I had the Spring Tasting menu which offered beautiful small bites of some of the Farm's best offerings. After dinner, a bonfire was blazing...of course s'mores were offered.
~~
Impressed with both my essays on the importance of local economics and my farmer’s market experiences as well as this very blog, they have asked me to apply for a summer job! They also want to post my essays on their website! What a blessing! I truly, truly feel like God blessed my mom and I during this short weekend escape.
The staff prepared us amazing,fresh boxed lunches for the ride home along with a giant bottle of sparkling water and we set off, sadly.(I had to be back in town for a tea party with friends- I made a baby spinach salad with fresh blueberries, feta, candied almonds, and organic mango vinaigrette)
~~
As I sit here and reminisce, I ache for the Blackberry Farm terrace and the radiating sun; I yearn for the crisp breeze in my hair and the fresh goat cheese on my plate. Soon.
Pictures of some of the equisitely beautiful and delicious foods.
Most Tender Beef Brisket EVER- and I don't even like meat!
All of my favorite things on one plate especially because I had Oatmeal Casserole on the side! Sheep's Milk yogurt cultured on the farm, fruit, and Blackberry Farm Granola
Oatmeal Casserole-Best thing I have ever eaten, hands down.
(we got the Recipe and made it Sunday evening)
Sheep's Milk Panna Cotta!
These were our wonderful deserts at the barn
www.blackberryfarm.com (visit this site for background info, it’s crucial to understanding)...anyone that knows me will understand how in love I am.
~~
My mom got the email on a Tuesday: the rooms of the exclusive Blackberry Farm mountain resort were to be briefly reduced, but only for those on the emailing list. We have wanted to go for over a year now, but have never made it a priority. Encouraged by the exclusive rate, my mother booked us a room and on Friday morning we set off for a girls retreat weekend. As soon as we arrived to the sprawling farm and were seated for a beautiful lunch, I knew that I had reached my “locavores” nirvana. The days menu (the menus change every day according to what’s in season and harvest able) contained a quote proclaiming, “Nothing purifies the blood like a heaping plate of Spring’s fresh pulled greens.” Then I was promply greeted by a waiter who served me the surprise appetizer du jour : Broccolini with Marcona Almonds. I was home.
~~
Blackberry farm is the most local-centric place I have ever been. EVERYTHING there is made on the farm-they have even have a larder house for the dozens of cheese they make. The gardens and orchards are extensive. As we traipsed through them, on of the master gardeners picked plants for us to try- and they were truly wonderful! I especially enjoyed the flowering bud of arugula.
~~
I am trying very hard not to rant, but it is so so difficult! So much 'amazing-ness' happened this weekend! Perhaps the most astounding was was my interactions with the two master gardeners. After explain to them my passion for local living and the organic culture- they gave me a burlap bag of heirloom seeds! The eldest man, John, teared up as he told me the rich history held in these tiny seeds.
~~
All the meals were some of the very best I have ever tasted-even the snacks (a huge pre-super spread with their own home made cheeses, jams, peanut butter, breads, meats ect. was set up before supper...I also had fried black-eyed peas!) were phenomenal. My breakfast Saturday morning was indubitably the very best I have ever had- and I adore breakfast. The best part is, if you cannot decide between a few entrees, they let you try them all-perfect for someone as indecisive as me!! I will post up the menus later. Dinner in the gorgeous Farmhouse was incredible- I had the Spring Tasting menu which offered beautiful small bites of some of the Farm's best offerings. After dinner, a bonfire was blazing...of course s'mores were offered.
~~
Impressed with both my essays on the importance of local economics and my farmer’s market experiences as well as this very blog, they have asked me to apply for a summer job! They also want to post my essays on their website! What a blessing! I truly, truly feel like God blessed my mom and I during this short weekend escape.
The staff prepared us amazing,fresh boxed lunches for the ride home along with a giant bottle of sparkling water and we set off, sadly.(I had to be back in town for a tea party with friends- I made a baby spinach salad with fresh blueberries, feta, candied almonds, and organic mango vinaigrette)
~~
As I sit here and reminisce, I ache for the Blackberry Farm terrace and the radiating sun; I yearn for the crisp breeze in my hair and the fresh goat cheese on my plate. Soon.
Pictures of some of the equisitely beautiful and delicious foods.
Most Tender Beef Brisket EVER- and I don't even like meat!
All of my favorite things on one plate especially because I had Oatmeal Casserole on the side! Sheep's Milk yogurt cultured on the farm, fruit, and Blackberry Farm Granola
Oatmeal Casserole-Best thing I have ever eaten, hands down.
(we got the Recipe and made it Sunday evening)
Sheep's Milk Panna Cotta!
These were our wonderful deserts at the barn
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