Alabama's Ultimate Fall Weekend Getaway

Alabama's Ultimate Fall Weekend Getaway


Lifestyle, Feature,

Alabama's Ultimate Fall Weekend Getaway

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Lifestyle, Feature,

Alabama's Ultimate Fall Weekend Getaway

Alabama's Ultimate Fall Weekend Getaway

Lifestyle, Feature,

Alabama's Ultimate Fall Weekend Getaway

Published By:   •   October 18, 2021

Alabama's Ultimate Fall Weekend Getaway

Published By:

October 18, 2021

Lifestyle, Feature,


Pursell Farms kicks off fall with a slew of offerings perfect for the changing weather and recentering on what matters most.


PHOTO BY DON NAMAN

Although a mere two hours from Atlanta, the drive to and through the gates of Pursell Farms feels transformative, as the traffic fades to pastures of green and the busyness of the world seems to melt away. At the foothills of the Appalachians, guests meander through the 3,200-acre property upon their arrival, passing activity buildings of all sorts: certified Orvis Shooting Grounds, the only Orvis Shooting Grounds in the South and one of only three in the U.S.; holes from the award-winning golf course FarmLinks, the No. 1 all-access course in Alabama for eight years named by Golfweek magazine; multiple lodges; and a slew of Pursell Farms’ iconic longhorn cattle. At the heart of it all is David Pursell and his family members. This fall, offerings are better than ever, as the trees change from green to hues of amber. Made up of 81 beautifully appointed accommodations designed by the family’s very own Ellen Pursell, guests are invited to check in to the accommodation that best fits their situation —Pursell Farms can accommodate everything from a couples getaway to a wedding to a business retreat and more. In the morning, enjoy the chill of fall with a cup of coffee in the lobby. Then, as the day gets started, head out for a previously booked experience, all of which can include: Yoga on the Mountain, a spiritual practice held under endless skies on the mountaintop; the exciting UTV Mountain Experience, which will take you on a ride through the property’s old logging roads; or take a scenic hike or bike through all the meadows, lakes and natural terrain the property has to offer. Also included in the fall offerings are a variety of culinary classes led by chef Joe Truex, meant to explore the culinary profiles of fall flavors, as well as art classes that challenge you to try your artistic hand. Finally this October, whether you are a guest of the Farm or just want to visit for the day, be sure to check out the Orvis Game Fair and Sporting Weekend. Experience free fly-casting and shooting lessons; falconry, hunting dog and game cooking demonstrations; and a variety of hands-on activities for the kids. Plus, explore dozens of exhibitors and vendors including Barbour and more. Whatever can be found at the Farm—from activities and adventure to relaxing and escaping, or learning something totally new— you will be treated like family. Enjoy fall in a place where you can actually see it. Inn rooms from $299 to $449 per night, 386 Talladega Springs Road, Sylacauga, Ala., pursellfarms.com

The Inn at Pursell Farms King Room PHOTO BY DON NAMAN
The Inn at Pursell Farms King Room

Old Tom’s Pub is the Inn’s Scottish bar-pub featuring historic relics like the famous pool table played by the stars of old Hollywood PHOTO BY DON NAMAN
The exterior of the Inn at sunrise.


The exterior of the Inn at sunrise. PHOTO BY DON NAMAN
Old Tom’s Pub is the Inn’s Scottish bar-pub featuring historic relics like the famous pool table played by the stars of old Hollywood

 PHOTO BY DON NAMAN

Since the beginning, Pursell Farms has been a family affair, and each member has made a mark on its legacy. For Tim Spanjer (artofspanjer.com) and his wife, Vaughan Pursell Spanjer, art was always a method of expression for them. While Pursell Spanjer leans toward delicate pieces of nature, Spanjer’s art speaks more from a graphic, pop art standpoint that is bright, bold and nostalgic. “Almost all my subjects are recognizable and inspired by pop culture or a shared experience—whether it be obvious, like my piece ‘Great for Reads’ showcasing classic literature, or something a little more graphically abstract, like my paper airplanes which are an adaptation of a Hemingway short story,” says Spanjer. You can catch Art of Spanjer as his next exhibit titled “POPCLECTIC” running now through November.


Tim Spanjer, an artist at work PHOTO BY DON NAMAN
Tim Spanjer, an artist at work

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