Four Score

October 11, 2010

Marta



Marika, Brian, Michael, Kathy, Jerome, Michelle, Pat, Will & Marta (front)

Four Score



It is a pretty rare thing to get my family together all at the same time, I suppose that this may be the case with a lot of families, but it seems other than marriages and funerals, we just haven’t been very good about bringing the family together. This week that all changed as the majority of our clan gathered in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains near Walland, Tennessee at a wonderful place called Blackberry Farm to celebrate a milestone birthday for my mother Marta.

Marta & Kathy

The Cove Cottage

Only my brother-in-law Jerome and nephew Christopher missed the celebration of our immediate family and while we certainly missed their presence, we managed to have an amazing weekend with Marta. Blackberry Farm is one of the most exclusive and consistently highest rated resort hotel properties in the world and also happens to be one of Marta’s favorite places. We are fortunate in that one of the partners in the property, Brad, is the brother of my sister Marika’s husband Brian and offered us the use of his private on property cottage, the Cove cottage, during our stay.



the Noel family



The property offers a wide array of activities from the Farmhouse Spa, the incredible garden, world-class fly-fishing in the beautiful Hesse Creek, miles of nature trails and the quaintness of the (mostly) working farm. They also are world famous for raising Italian truffle dogs and there was a wonderful litter of eight puppies there while we visited.

Will & puppy

Truffle Dog Puppy

Kathy

To describe the accommodations and grounds at Blackberry is not easy, the 4200 acre property is breathtakingly beautiful, the cottage itself was comfortable and elegant and the amenities are incredible. The entire experience was enhanced by the absolutely perfect beautiful Fall weather that blessed us throughout the weekend.







The farm is probably most renowned for the amazing gourmet cuisine and incredible wine collection. For Marta’s birthday we had reservations for nine at their amazing Barn restaurant which is open only for resort guests and features their signature meals that combines haute cuisine with the delightful foods found in the local Smoky Mountain foothills region. The restaurant features a chef, baker, chocolatier, cheese maker, butcher, jam lady and five sommeliers as well as a huge staff to make sure every aspect of the dining experience is perfect.

The Barn







But as marvelous as the place is, it was the company that really made the weekend. It is sadly such a rarity that we get to spend such quality time together as a family and that is what made the weekend so special. I feel so fortunate to have been able to see everyone in such a relaxing and enjoyable setting. I think my mother could not have been more pleased that we were all together to honor her birthday. And while the actual birthday is not until next week, Kathy & I want to wish her the happiest of birthdays and thank her for being the truly amazing person that she is. We love you Marta!!



Dinner at the Barn

The Blades family



Blackberry Farm website

GQ Article on Blackberry Truffle Dog