A Long Weekend Archives - Page 2 of 12

Lucy Buffett and Her Famous Fried Green Tomatoes

07/08/2019 By: CCPearson1 Comment

A few months ago, I was invited by USA Today’s 10Best.com to contribute a story about fried green tomatoes, specifically as they apply to Alabama. And it was strongly recommended that I try to interview Lucy Buffett since her green tomatoes, after all, were voted by readers to be the best in the state. (Scroll to the bottom to find a link to the story).

Naturally, I was thrilled to have the opportunity, but I was a little nervous about trying to talk to Lucy Buffett. Her flagship restaurant in Gulf Shores — Lucy Buffett’s LuLu’s — is phenomenally popular, even in the off season. Thousands of people wait in line for a table during peak summer months to get the freshest possible seafood, hear some great music, and, of course, sample her top-rated appetizer with WOW Sauce on the side. The parking lot is huge, and while visitors wait, they can browse the gift shop, stroll among gorgeous yachts and boats or let the kids play in the arcade and try their hand on the ropes course. It has become more than a restaurant. It’s a destination in itself. (If you’re going to be in Gulf Shores this summer and want to visit, I suggest you click here when you arrive in town and get your name on the list for the day you want to eat at LuLu’s).

Lucy Buffett’s Fried Green Tomatoes, voted best in Alabama. Photo used with permission from LuLu’s.

In recent years, Ms. Buffett has added two more restaurants — Destin, FL and North Myrtle Beach, SC.

How was I going to be able to actually TALK to someone so successful? Hallelujah for the help I was given by the great tourism folks at GulfShores.com, especially Mary Sargeant and Kay Maghan. They graciously agreed to get in touch with Ms. Buffett’s personal assistant, and an interview time was established. I started reading everything I could find about her and realized she has led an extremely interesting life. She’s worked very hard for her well-deserved success.

From the first “hello,” I felt as though I were talking to a long-time friend. Lucy was friendly, funny, forthcoming, helpful and oh-so-genuine. What I expected to last 10 minutes, went on for 30. It was delightful to learn that we have several things in common.

She, too, is a grandmother. Her twin granddaughters are deeply loved and immensely enjoyed.
We both play a musical instrument. In her case, it’s the ukelele! 🙂 She’s teaching herself to play and is insisting that her granddaughters learn an instrument of their choosing.

Lucy and her husband, as of about 10 years ago, no longer drink alcohol — not a drop. She does, however, enjoy an occasional, non-alcoholic, ginger beer. And, the pimento cheese she serves uses a little bit of honey ale brewed by Back 40 Brewing in Gadsden, but she’s never tasted the ale “straight.”

The recipe that sets her fried green tomatoes apart is found in her cookbook Gumbo Love and is NOT for someone who wants to whip them up right quick. The flour mixture alone has 10 ingredients, and the WOW Sauce she serves to accompany them adds another 5. But, believe me, her extra touches are what set them apart.

So, here’s my story. I’d love to read your thoughts.

https://www.10best.com/interests/food-culture/everything-you-want-to-know-about-fried-green-tomatoes/

FOLK POTTERY AND GRILLED TROUT IN HELEN, GEORGIA

07/01/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

FOLK POTTERY MUSEUM

There are only a small number of museums throughout the world solely dedicated to pottery. The Folk Pottery Museum, part of the Sautee Nacoochee Center (283 Georgia Highway 255 N in Sautee Nacoochee, GA) is one of them.

Pottery was originally made as an essential element in housekeeping but evolved into a distinctive art form. The Meaders family from White County is one of the most well-known of the local contributors to this. The work of many others is also on display at this museum.

The building was designed specifically for displaying the pottery exhibits and educating those who visit. Admission is $5.00, and the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. You can actually purchase pieces of folk pottery in the museum gift shop.

MULLY’S NACOOCHEE GRILL

Owner Greg Ash (“Mully”) may be the “face” of the restaurant, but he insists that Chef Fern Frechette and musician Kurt Johnson make up the soul of the place. Johnson played with Bon Jovi for 10 years. He now plays at Mully’s 5 times a week. He’s really good.

Mully, so nicknamed for always asking for a mulligan on the golf course, opened the restaurant when he was 60 years old and has now been in business for 6 years. Judging from the parking lot and the full dining room, he obviously found the recipe for success.

The building for Mully’s Nacoochee Grill was originally a rural farmhouse built in the early 1900’s. It certainly adds to the homey ambiance.

The North Carolina trout Mully serves is the bestseller on the menu, and I can attest that the grilled trout with collards and cheese grits was wonderful. Many diners also clamor for their shrimp and grits or baby back ribs. Many dishes are prepared in their wood-fired oven.

Grilled trout, collards and cheese grits.

I tasted blackberry bread pudding for the first time and was an instant convert.

You’ll enjoy the food, the atmosphere and the music at Mully’s.

Cleveland, Georgia: Babyland General and Clyde’s Table and Tavern

06/24/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

When you are visiting North Georgia, particularly the beautiful town of Helen, Georgia and White County, a great side trip is only a short drive away. You’ll find a gorgeous property and some mouthwatering smoked meat.

CABBAGE PATCH KIDS

Do you remember visiting Babyland General Hospital, Home of the Cabbage Patch Kids, 30-40 years ago when it was in a small location? That first address was actually the former Neal Clinic which was originally built in 1919, but in 1978, it became the home of the trademarked Cabbage Patch Kids.

Creator Xavier Roberts was born in Cleveland on Halloween in 1955. At the age of 21, he was an art student and became fascinated with the German technique of fabric sculpture. That process was joined with the quilting techniques passed down in the Appalachian Mountains. In 1977, Xavier created his Little People and started by dressing them in clothes he found at yard sales. He had a brilliant marketing idea of giving them names and having parents “adopt” them. By 1990, 65 million Cabbage Patch Kids had been adopted.

The phenomenal growth and popularity amazed everyone. In 2000, a Cabbage Patch Kids postage stamp was unveiled. Even famous painter, Andy Warhol produced a series with the Cabbage Patch Kids as subjects.

Construction for a new 70,000 square foot building on 96 acres started in 2007, and the doors officially opened on November 21, 2009. The number of acres grew to 650 along the way. The grounds are immaculate, and the interior gleams. Admission is free.

For children, grandchildren, or “kids at heart,” Babyland General Hospital is a delightful place to visit.

CLYDE’S TABLE AND TAVERN

Located on the square in the tiny town of Cleveland, you’ll probably smell the aromas before you see the building for Clyde’s Table and Tavern because many of the menu items are prepared in the smokers out back.

Owner Ward Gann’s hunting dog, Clyde, was the inspiration for the restaurant’s name and interior decor. When I was there in May, it had been open for 7 months and is already quite a hit. There is seating for 40 inside and 30 more on an outside deck. Plans are already in the works to expand the deck.

The 5-alarm wedge salad is highly recommended as are the deviled eggs and avocado fries. Yes, avocado fries. REALLY delicious.

I had the mac and cheese topped with brisket and wished so much for a way to take my leftovers home. It was awesome.

So, by all means, plan a a few hours for a meal at Clyde’s and a visit to Babyland when you’re in Helen, Georgia.

A Birthday Getaway to Greenwood, Mississippi

06/17/2019 By: CCPearson6 Comments

While we were building our new house last year, I heard about Viking appliances made in Greenwood, Mississippi and the cooking school conducted by Viking representatives using their stoves, cooktops and equipment, etc. Further, I heard great things about the Alluvian Hotel directly across the street from the cooking school. I hatched a plan to ask for a stay at the Alluvian and a couples cooking class for my birthday this year, and my sweet Silver Fox agreed.

Greenwood, as it turns out, is also where the movie “The Help” was filmed in 2010. Viking actually hosts a cooking class based on dishes mentioned in “The Help” — particularly fried chicken and Minnie’s mysterious fudge pie. Those classes are extremely popular and are sold out months in advance.

“THAT’S AMORE” COOKING CLASS

Our particular class was called “That’s Amore” and was billed as a perfect date night. Our class of 12 divided into three teams of 4 each and spent 2 solid hours preparing an amazing meal of shrimp scampi with parmesan truffle bread, filet mignon with a porcini mushroom demi-glace, arancini (which are cheese-stuffed risotto balls rolled in a savory breading and fried (Oh mercy, they were good!) and individual raspberry tarts. The staff had prepared Caesar salads and a fabulous dressing ahead of time.

Gleaming kitchen at the Viking Cooking School

Getting started with our couples cooking class

Stirring the raspberry filling for dessert tarts

We measured, chopped, stirred, stuffed, rolled out dough, sauteed and baked under the careful direction of our teacher, Loren LeFlore — who obviously had a ton of experience.

Loren Leflore, our instructor for the cooking class

The ingredients provided were the highest quality imaginable, and the equipment was a dream to work with. We were ravenously hungry by the time we sat down to eat — even with a few sneaky tastes from time to time.

The smells coming from the kitchen as we worked were incredible. And the meal was everything we hoped it would be.

Ready to finally dig in and enjoy our dinner

You don’t just eat a meal. You enjoy a completely immersive, memorable occasion.

ALLUVIAN HOTEL

The Alluvian Hotel is surprisingly sleek and modern with a big city look and vibe, in spite of being situated in the small town of Greenwood. The name comes from the alluvial flood plain in the Mississippi Delta made up of soil drenched over time in minerals.

There are only 45 guest rooms and 5 suites, each decorated luxuriously.

Well-appointed guestroom at the Alluvian Hotel.

The breakfast served daily and included in the price is a full, hot buffet consisting of cheese grits, home fries, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, frittata, scrambled eggs, scones, bagels, biscuits, coffee and juice. Diners are treated to REAL china and silverware with soft jazz playing in the background. An elegant start to your day.

We had a wonderful time. Check out The Alluvian here and the Viking Cooking School here.

A Fabulous Burger, a Gorgeous Shop and Some Surprising History in Clarksville, Tennessee

06/10/2019 By: CCPearson1 Comment

I didn’t expect to be so impressed with a burger and the vibe of a diner as I was with Johnny’s Big Burger near the campus of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. (For a fun side note that will particularly appeal to junior-high-aged boys, the cheer for Austin Peay is . . . you guessed it “Let’s Go, Peay!” and I have the souvenir car tag to prove it).

JOHNNY’S BIG BURGER

Johnny’s has been serving Austin Peay students and townspeople alike since 1965. The burger meat is said to be triple-ground, making it some of the smoothest and most tender you will ever eat. The fries are just as remarkable, as are the thick shakes. But, many students declare they there were able to continue all-night study marathons thanks to a “bun and cream” from Johnny’s. Translation: a honey bun that has been grilled in butter and topped with vanilla ice cream. The sugar rush alone could add 20 points to a test score. 🙂

The prices were, and still are, student-friendly. You’ll be lucky to find a table or a seat at the counter when you get a chance to visit.

JOURNEY’S EYE STUDIO

Journey’s Eye Studio, owned and tastefully stocked by Jodie Isaacs, is one of the prettiest home decor and boutique stores I have visited in a long time. You’ll find every wall, nook and cranny filled with beautiful and unusual items that call out, “Take me home. Take me home.” I just needed more time. I’ll definitely save up and go back.

A view of the main showroom at Journey’s Eye Studio.

An interesting display of goods at Journey’s Eye Studio.

Fascinating ceiling inside Journey’s Eye Studio

FORT DEFIANCE CIVIL WAR PARK

I wondered why so many antebellum homes and buildings were still intact around Clarksville when so many other cities in the South were torched by Union troops. What I learned is that Clarksville was full of wealthy tobacco farmers who knew the fate Clarksville faced if they engaged in battle. By that time (1862) they had heard about the destruction in so many other places and knew the odds weren’t good. So, they persuaded the powers that be to surrender and allowed themselves, their homes and property to be used by Union troops during the remaining years of the war. You can learn many more fascinating details when you visit Fort Defiance Civil War Park.

CUSTOMS HOUSE MUSEUM

This building reflecting a number of architectural styles was built in 1898 and to this day is one of the most photographed buildings in Clarksville. In addition to a gift shop and an extensive model train exhibit, you’ll find first class displays paying tribute to the successful citizens of Clarksville and many significant happenings through the years.

Be sure to look for the large collection of Boehm porcelain pieces — one of the largest collections in the southeast, in fact — and take children or grandchildren to see the Bubble Cave. They’ll love it!

Wedding gowns on display at the Customs House Museum.

What are you waiting for? You’ll be glad you planned a visit to Clarksville.

Dinner and a Show in Downtown Clarksville, Tennessee

06/03/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Avoid the heavy traffic and the high prices of Nashville by driving a short distance northwest to Clarksville, Tennessee. From North Alabama, get on I-840 West before you get to Franklin, for extra smooth sailing that will avoid ALL of the downtown Nashville craziness.

ROXY REGIONAL THEATRE

The Roxy Regional Theatre is the only professional theater within a 45-50 mile radius and offers performances 345 days a year. Check roxyregionaltheatre.org to see upcoming events. Ticket prices are generally $25 for adults and $15 for children with musicals costing $5 more per ticket. Performers are recruited from New York and Nashville in order to provide the highest possible quality. Ryan Bowie has been the Executive Director since 2016, and is bringing both energy and experience to this job. There are 153 seats in the Main Theatre, and sources tell me there’s not a single bad seat.

After 5:00 p.m. on week days and on weekends, parking is free on the street, in the lot beside the building and in two nearby garages. Be sure to notice the statue of Frank Sutton across the street. He became well-known through the Gomer Pyle sitcoms playing the role of “Sergeant Carter.”

You will want to plan lunch or dinner before a performance, since there are a number of great eating places within walking distance of the theater. Three that I recommend are: Roux Americajun (yes, you’ll think you’re in New Orleans when you read the menu), Edward’s Steakhouse (probably Clarksville’s most romantic restaurant), and Strawberry Alley Ale Works.

ROUX AMERICAJUN

Roux Americajun, 125 Franklin Street, lives up to its slogan: “New Orleans is just a bite away.” Boudin balls, crawfish bread, corn maque choux, and crawfish etouffee nachos stand out in the appetizer list with red beans and rice and seafood gumbo right behind. Po’ Boys, shrimp and grits, jambalaya, beignets and bread pudding continue the NOLA theme.

You’ll love the vintage look of the repurposed building.

Small portions from a Cajun sampler platter that I shared with a friend. Lots of NOLA flavor!

EDWARD’S STEAKHOUSE

Edward’s Steakhouse, 107 Franklin Street right across from the Roxy, has a similar look to Roux Americajun with its exposed brick walls and hardwood floors. Steaks may be the specialties at Edward’s, but there are a generous number of chicken, pork, lamb, seafood and pasta entree choices as well. And the appetizers range from raw oysters to fried green beans with just about everything you can name in between.

Edward’s looks unassuming on the outside but very cozy, attractive and inviting on the inside.

STRAWBERRY ALLEY ALE WORKS

Strawberry Alley Ale Works, at 103 Strawberry Alley, is just a few blocks away from the Roxy. Healthy options are noticeable on the menu, such as avocado toast, veggie burgers and power salads. But, they are alongside grilled salmon, jagerschnitzel, fried shrimp and chicken piccata. This place has a very interesting and varied menu.

For a special date night or a weekend getaway, there is much to see, do and taste in Clarksville, Tennessee.

A Memorial Day Salute to Fort Campbell, KY

05/27/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

A few weeks ago, I spent several days exploring Clarksville, Tennessee, to learn what made that town “tick” and what gave it its unique flavor and vibe. To be sure, Fort Campbell, which lies right on the Kentucky/Tennessee border, is a huge influence on Clarksville. Technically, it may have a Kentucky address, but from what I learned, most of the 105,000 acres are actually in Tennessee, and any babies born in the base hospital are issued Tennessee birth certificates.

In terms of base population, Fort Campbell is the second largest in the U.S. with a population of almost 235,000. Fort Bragg is larger with 238,000. Fort Campbell has the largest airfield of any military installation in the U.S. and the largest commissary in the Continental U.S. The base has 3 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 1 large high school. In fact, every service you might need can be found within the confines of the base property — swimming pools, theaters, a bowling alley, a daycare center, shopping mall, hotel, a veterinary hospital, post office, and even a remote campus of Austin Peay State University with some great programs targeting Army wives.

Fort Campbell is the home of the 101st Airborne Division Air Assault and its “Screaming Eagles.” It is also the base for the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.

Construction on the base was started just a few weeks after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, and many men and women who were sent from Fort Campbell have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

One of the largest and most heartbreaking losses occurred on December 12, 1985. After a deployment to Egypt on a peacekeeping mission, 246 service members and 8 members of the air crew crashed in Gander, Newfoundland, as they were returning home to their families for Christmas. Homes that had been decorated with lights, holiday trees laden with wrapped packages, and expectant, excited husbands, wives, sons and daughters were instantly forced to endure the worst reality of military commitment.

Quilt with embroidered signatures of fallen soldiers.

I toured Fort Campbell with a bright, articulate veteran whose family has been connected to the base for a couple of generations. I observed the comings and goings of our nation’s brightest and best. They, and those on ALL of our U.S. military bases, deserve our highest support, admiration and respect. And to those who have lost a loved one in defense of our country, I say thank you from the depths of my heart.

P.S. Civilians are allowed on the base to visit the Don F. Pratt Military Museum by showing your driver’s license.

2 (of many) Surprising Finds in Clarksville, Tennessee

05/20/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Recently, I had a chance to spend a few days in Clarksville, Tennessee and found it to be a completely captivating and enjoyable town. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some of the places, people and great food I encountered, and I believe you’ll want to check it out for yourself. (Just as a note for driving — if you’re in North Alabama headed up I-65, take I-840 West before you get to Franklin, TN. By doing that, you will avoid the horrible Nashville traffic altogether. A HUGE plus).

LIBERTY PARK

Liberty Park is a multi-use area surrounding a 10-acre fishing lake. You’ll find a playground, picnic pavilions, an event center, a 1.8-mile walking trail, sports fields and a popular restaurant, Liberty Park Grill, but notably, you will find tributes to two famous Clarksville women who excelled in sports.

I highly recommend the strawberry grilled chicken salad. It’s filled with fresh deliciousness.

Wilma Rudolph won three Olympic gold medals in track and field in the 1960 games in Rome, Italy, and was, in fact, the first woman to accomplish such a feat. The story becomes even more remarkable when you learn that she had polio as a child and was told she’d never walk again. While her father worked as a porter on railroad cars and her mother cleaned houses, Wilma’s older siblings dedicated themselves to the task of massaging her weak muscles day after day. The results astonished her doctors.

Also at Liberty Park stands the Pat Head Summitt Legacy Plaza, in honor and memory of the outstanding women’s basketball coach for the University of Tennessee in Knoxville from 1974 until 2012. When she retired she had the most career wins in college basketball history.

HISTORIC COLLINSVILLE PIONEER SETTLEMENT

Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement exists solely through the 43 years of hard work, financial backing and determination of JoAnn Weakley and her husband Glenn. JoAnn, who spent most of her professional life as an accountant but started out as a teacher, and Glenn, who was a farmer, believed that children and people of all ages needed a place to understand what life was like in the 1830-1870 period of history. They began the long, arduous process of locating buildings within a small radius of miles that had been constructed during that time and were still standing. In most cases, the logs and boards were numbered, the building was dismantled and taken to the settlement site and then reconstructed as it was originally. They also looked for furniture, implements, household goods, toys and artifacts appropriate to the 1800’s, in order to make the rooms come alive for visitors. Glenn, who was an avid hunter, was able to equip the Irby-Bumpus Wildlife Center on the grounds with examples of animals of Tennessee and around the world, as well as with Native American artifacts.

The settlement opened to the public in 1997 and has since hosted thousands of visitors, particularly school children on field trips. JoAnn and Glenn live in a house that adjoins the settlement and continue to have an active hand in the day-to-day operation, even though they sold the property to Montgomery County in 2018, and it is now maintained by Visit Clarksville. Imagine spending 43 years creating a place of learning and nostalgia for so many.

Historic Collinsville is open on Saturdays and Sundays and other days by appointment for groups of 6 or more.

Mrs. JoAnn Weakley demonstrating one of the hundreds of treasures inside the buildings of Historic Collinsville.

A baby tender, previously owned by Sarah Hale who wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

This scene reminds me of the verse :Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

4 Unusual Finds in Cincinnati

04/29/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

After two trips to Cincinnati in the past couple of years, I must say that I have become a huge fan of the city. Its vibrancy, architecture, fine arts, history, food (specifically its version of chili), and, of course, its passion for their Cincinnati Reds baseball are all contagious.

Camp Washington Chili – 5 way — spaghetti, meat sauce, cheese, beans and onions.

But, Cincinnati also has its fair share of quirky places, hidden gems reflecting the skills or the collections of individuals in the area. Allow me to introduce you to 4 of these.

Vent Haven Museum – The World’s Only Museum Dedicated to Ventriloquism

With over 900 ventriloquist dummies (and yes, that is the politically correct name for them), you’ll sense many eyes looking back at you when you walk in the door. Technically, Vent Haven is at 33 West Maple Avenue in Fort Mitchell, Kentucky, but that is considered to be part of the greater Cincinnati area. Founder W. S. Berger spent 40 years on this collection, which has been gathered from 20 different countries and has examples from 3 different centuries. Be sure to see the Edgar Bergen display as well as Shari Lewis and her beloved Lamb Chop.

It is only open from May 1 to September 30, and you’ll need to call ahead to schedule a tour. Click here for that link. A $10 per person donation is suggested. Be aware that there are no public restrooms at Vent Haven.

LUCKY CAT MUSEUM

For me, this is the kind of place that proves that you can find a passionate collector or person who is interested in just about anything you can name. The Lucky Cat Museum consists of hundreds, probably even thousands, of cat statues with a paw held up or waving — the kind found in virtually every Japanese or Chinese restaurant. These are considered to be lucky charms that bring prosperity to the person(s) displaying it.

The museum is inside Essex Studios at 2511 Essex Place in Cincinnati and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 3:00 to 6:00. Admission is free but donations are gladly accepted.

THE SWING HOUSE

The Swing House is one of the truly coolest things I’ve seen in a long time. It is actually an art project inside a 3-story house. Located at 1373 Avon Place in the Camp Washington section of Cincinnati, owner/artist Mark de Jong took out the interior walls and floors and suspended a 30-foot swing from a metal beam in the ceiling. I took a short turn in that swing and found it to be exceedingly smooth and exhilarating. Imagine swinging from over your bed to over your kitchen sink!! There is an Open House to visit on the first Saturday of every month from 12:00 to 4:00.

The house can actually be rented out as an AirBnB. Here is a link to that listing.

AMERICAN SIGN MUSEUM

The American Sign Museum is at 1330 Monmouth Avenue in Cincinnati, also in the Camp Washington section. It is open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 4:00 and on Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00. Admission is $15 per adult, but 3 children are free with each adult admission.

This Sign Museum is a colorful trip down memory lane with sights that will trigger images of your childhood. The 20,000-square foot space is filled with signs covering a 100-year time span.

Cincinnati is only about a 6 1/2-hour drive from North Alabama. It’s a great place. I strongly suggest that you think about visiting. Links to each website are embedded in the headings.

Pursell Farms: Blissful Retreat Setting

03/25/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Pursell Farms could easily be described as “3200 acres of natural beauty, creating a mecca for relaxation and retreat.” For the purposes of finding a place to get away for a few days to celebrate our wedding anniversary and relieve stress, we believe Pursell Farms near Sylacauga, AL was a great choice. It was only about a 2 1/2 hour drive from our house, the accommodations were gorgeous, and the on-site dining was outstanding.

As soon as we drove through the gates, we knew we were in for an exceptional experience. A herd of longhorn cows at the entrance was undisturbed as we drove past, watching the signs pointing to the inn.

Our deluxe room with a balcony displayed an uncommon attention to details and amenities, and the view was tranquil and bucolic.

We enjoyed several great meals right inside the inn — a casual supper at Ol’ Tom’s Pub and two outstanding breakfasts at Arrington. Plus, there were some welcome treats in the lobby that we grabbed a few times as we were going in and out. (Stay tuned for more about the dining at Pursell Farms in future posts).

Exploring for a few hours in a golf cart, we found photo-worthy spots all over the grounds.

We could see why so many come for the golf course. It is one of the best-manicured you’ll find anywhere. Steve chose instead to fish one afternoon and had several lakes to try that looked mighty fishy. My only regret is that I didn’t book a spa treatment. I will definitely do that during a future visit.

Orvis has a retail store on the property, which also serves as the headquarters for the shooting grounds at Pursell and the place to get a fishing permit. Another place to pick up a few souvenirs of your visit is at the Marble Valley Mercantile, inside the FarmLinks Club House near the inn.

Pursell Farms is a wedding venue extraordinaire. The ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, bachelors’ or bridesmaids’ weekends can all be held on the grounds. In fact, wedding season has begun in earnest. Once you see it, you’ll understand its popularity as a site for such special occasions.

On Friday, I’ll share more about the Pursell family and the influence of their very capable staff at the Farms. For now, check out the website here and enjoy the photos I’ve shared today.

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