Sometimes you just need to retreat to the country, especially during the hectic holiday season. For city dwellers, suburbanites and exurbanites a Christmastime farm getaway might be in order. Whether you take the whole family or seek a more solitary or romantic escape, here are some places where you might be inclined -- even politely pressured -- to help gather freshly laid eggs, feed the livestock or pick herbs from the garden, all of which might end up on your plate for the next meal. But if you just want to relax and enjoy the quiet, pastoral spirit of the season, that's OK, too.
Blackberry Farm
Walland, Tenn.
Skirting the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park south of Knoxville, Blackberry Farm sits on 4,200 acres of hills, rolling pastures, woods and coves with mountain streams and creeks running through. December is a time for brisk morning hikes and gathering around the fireplace at the Main House or The Barn with new friends for cider and champagne toasts. Other holiday activities include gingerbread workshops, bean shelling in the garden shed and visits from Santa for the kiddies. Country star Jo Dee Messina is scheduled to perform a holiday concert at Blackberry Farm on Saturday, Dec. 18th. You can really get into the spirit of the season by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride. For the sportsman, skeet shooting and fly fishing are popular activities on the large country estate.
Stay
Accommodations at Blackberry Farm are available in rooms, cottages and houses. Rates include breakfast lunch and dinner for two and start at $795 a night. Reservations: 800-648-2348.
Eat
Meals are included for guests and served in the dining rooms of the Main House and the fine-dining establishment of The Barn. A fusion of Southern heritage country classics and gourmet haute cuisine known as "foothills cuisine" is served. Blackberry will even pack a picnic lunch for you to enjoy while exploring the grounds during the day.
Tourist info
Blackberry Farm. 1471 West Millers Cove Road, Walland, Tenn. 800-648-4252, www.blackberryfarm.com
Serenbe
Chattahoochee Hills
Serenbe is a farm, a community, an inn and a vision of sustainability and sensible development on the outskirts of a major urban area. In Chattahoochee Hills 25 miles southwest of Atlanta, the holiday season at Serenbe will feature bonfire marshmallow roasts each evening. In the mornings guests can enjoy hayrides and children will get a kick out of helping to feed the farm animals. Marie Nygren, co-founder and chef at Serenbe, will host a Christmas breakfast at the Inn. The community is an easily walkable hamlet in the woods with shops and galleries where many full-time residents live and work. For an equestrian experience for the whole family (ages 6 and up) head to Serenbe Stables from Tuesday-Saturday for a riding lesson.
Stay
The Inn at Serenbe. Book a room in the main house or your own private cottage on the grounds of the farm. Rates start at $130. 10950 Hutcheson Ferry Road, Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-2610, www.serenbeinn.com
Eat
The Farmhouse. Farm-to-table restaurant at the inn with a seasonal menu that changes weekly. Prices change too, but entrees generally start between $15.95-$17.95. 770-463-2622, www.serenbefarmhouse.com
Tourist info
Serenbe Farms. 8457 Atlanta Newnan Road, Chattahoochee Hills. 770-463-9319, www.serenbe.com
Fickle Creek Farm
Efland, N.C.
Fickle Creek Farm is a small 145-acre sustainable farming operation northwest of Chapel Hill that provides food to many area restaurants. This is more of a working farm than a vacation getaway spot, but proprietors Ben and Noah do run a small bed and breakfast, and guests are welcome to help out with easy farm tasks such as gathering eggs. Farm tours are also available by appointment. Holidays are casual at Fickle Creek, with no special events planned. It is a good time to enjoy the quiet of the farm. Be sure to stop and say "hey" to Jake and the other farm dogs standing guard over the livestock.
Stay
Accommodations at Fickle Creek Farm are limited to an efficiency apartment that sleeps three people and a room that sleeps two. Two-night minimum stay is required with a rate of $240 for the apartment and $190 for the room. Discounts for longer stays.
Eat
A farm-fresh breakfast is served each morning. Guests are welcome to help pick and gather the ingredients. No restaurant is on the premises, but the short drive into the Chapel Hill and Hillsborough areas will yield many dining options.
Tourist info
Fickle Creek Farm. 4122 Buckhorn Road, Efland, N.C. http://home.mebtel.net/~ficklecreek/
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