thanksgiving getaway...

Spent the thanksgiving holiday in the mountains, which certainly puts you in the mood for the holidays. A fire roaring, hikes in the crisp air, warm roasted meals and friends. I started my very own bonfire, roasted the world’s most perfect smores (if I say so myself), made time for some antiquing, and took in the obligatory football game or two. All in all, a nice holiday. (DeSoto Falls shown below)

But of course Im already dreaming of what adventures we can find next year, and have decided that Blackberry Farm sounds like the perfect Thanksgiving retreat. An intimate luxury hotel in the Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm is the perfect mix of remote escapism with luxurious extras. Their awards are too many to mention, but it should be noted that among their “best small hotel” awards sit many more for food and wine. On-site cheese mongers, butchers and farmers bring delicious food directly to the table (by way of some fabulous chefs, of course). Gourmands and outdoorsmen alike can find respite, excitement and palette pleasers.

Visit their webiste at www.blackberryfarm.com.

Spent the thanksgiving holiday in the mountains, which certainly puts you in the mood for the holidays. A fire roaring, hikes in the crisp air, warm roasted meals and friends. I started my very own bonfire, roasted the world’s most perfect smores (if I say so myself), made time for some antiquing, and took in the obligatory football game or two. All in all, a nice holiday. (DeSoto Falls shown below)

But of course Im already dreaming of what adventures we can find next year, and have decided that Blackberry Farm sounds like the perfect Thanksgiving retreat. An intimate luxury hotel in the Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm is the perfect mix of remote escapism with luxurious extras. Their awards are too many to mention, but it should be noted that among their “best small hotel” awards sit many more for food and wine. On-site cheese mongers, butchers and farmers bring delicious food directly to the table (by way of some fabulous chefs, of course). Gourmands and outdoorsmen alike can find respite, excitement and palette pleasers.

Visit their webiste at www.blackberryfarm.com.

outstanding tables...

Thanksgiving is here and the country is preparing. Work seems to have already shut down at a lot of companies (much to our dismay when we are trying to get your orders to you!), the grocery stores are packed with shoppers perusing the featured aisles stocked with cans of pumpkin, spices and marshmallows. Family members are preparing for travel and a few quiet days with family and friends around a splendid table. I am making a delicious spiced pumpkin layer cake with pralines and cream cheese frosting. Yum.

The table is the focus of Thanksgiving, really. Not just what’s on it but who’s at it. And with all of this thinking about preparing a splendid table of my own, I’m reminded of the fabulous company called Outstanding in the Field, who’s bringing delicious food and a truly amazing dining experience to foodies all across the country.

These self-described “culinary celebrations at the source” are held right on the farm at which the produce, meat and herbs were grown and raised. As they say, s et between the soil and the sky, Outstanding in the Field's long, linen-draped table beckons adventurous diners to celebrate food at the source. Bringing together local farmers and food artisans, chefs and winemakers, they explore the connection between the earth and the food on your plate.

While they normally focus on the east and west coasts, they recently made a dip through the southeast (we want more, please!), and friends who attended the events in Nashville and Birmingham had glowing praises of this gastronomic experience. But it is more than just food. It is an experience with friends and family, and making new friends too, around a beautiful and rustic table. Something reminiscent of the first Thanksgiving- celebrating life, food and togetherness.

http://www.outstandinginthefield.com/home.html

Happy Thanksgiving.