Pursell Farms: A relaxing escape with activities the whole family can enjoy!

Pursell Farms has been a special place to both Smylie and me for a very long time. When I was 9 years old, my family purchased our dog, a golden retriever that lived to be 16 years old, from the Pursell family at their farm. Smylie played a lot of junior golf at FarmLinks, the championship golf course at Pursell Farms. His fondest memory of FarmLinks came in 2011 when he won the Alabama State Amateur here! For us, it has been absolutely amazing to watch the transformation that has occurred on the farm. The Pursell Family and staff have created a Southern destination which has evolved into a luxurious, relaxing resort with activities the whole family can enjoy!

When Smylie and I were discussing options for celebrating our one year wedding anniversary, we easily decided on a quick getaway to Pursell Farms! Just a short 45 minute drive from Birmingham, AL, escaping to the farm had been on our radar for several months. Taking a vacation in the middle of golf season is tough, but Smylie loves playing FarmLinks and knew he could still get great work done while we enjoyed all the other amenities Pursell Farms has to offer.

Lately the term “glamping” has been used to reference glamorous camping adventures. I’m not sure what the word for glamorous farm life would be, but Pursell Farms has mastered that concept! Beautiful green pastures and lovely lodging, accompanied by Southern hospitality with glorious panoramic views are just a few of the components that make Pursell Farms an extraordinary leisure resort!

Accommodations:

Whether you are planning a get-away as a couple, a family, a golf group, or a retreat with your colleagues, Pursell Farms has a variety of accommodations!

The Inn

This stunning luxury property, The Inn at Pursell Farms, with 40 guest rooms opened March 1, 2018. It is situated along the 18th hole of FarmLinks golf course. The rustic farmhouse decor is chic, yet cozy. Our balcony overlooked the outdoor pool, the 18th hole, and the beautiful vast farmland! The breathtaking views from our balcony and the spacious, beautifully designed bathroom were my favorite aspects of our accommodations.

Cabins

There are 4 cabins on “Masters Row” which is located off of hole number 11 of Farmlinks. Each cabin has four double-occupancy rooms with private baths, a kitchenette, and a common area. In the back, they share a private putting green.

Cottages

There are 3 cottages on property, two that look out over the 18th hole and one on Masters Row. Each cottage has 4 suites with two queens beds and a private bath in each. Cottages have a great room, a full kitchen, and a dining room! You can even hire a chef to cook for your group!

Parker Lodge

This 14,000 square foot lodge overlooks the gorgeous 17th hole and is a great place to gather with a large group of friends, family, or even colleagues. There are 8 suites, a great room, a full kitchen, a dining room, and a GAME ROOM! There is also a conference room for companies that visit for corporate retreats! (Must be booked in its entirety)

The Orvis Farmhouse

The oldest house on property, this home was built in 1830. It has 3 lovely guest rooms, a full kitchen, dining room, and living room. (Must be booked in its entirety)

 

Dining:

Old Tom’s Pub

Old Tom’s Pub is a Scottish-American Gastropub with the coolest vibe! It’s a great spot to grab a drink, enjoy lunch, or visit for a casual dinner after an activity-filled day on the farm! The yummy cocktails at Old Tom’s Pub have such cute names, and of course I couldn’t pass up the “Fairway Fizz”! Smylie had the shrimp and grits pizza, yes you read that right, PIZZA! We thought it sounded crazy at first but our waiter convinced us how amazing it is and he was RIGHT! They serve all types of appetizers, creative (and traditional) pizzas, sandwiches (including an amazing burger Smylie had for lunch one day), salads, and entrees like steak and roasted chicken. I had the roasted chicken and it was delicious! (Seasonal veggies topped with balsamic-roasted chicken, so tasty!)

Plan to stay and hang out! Old Tom’s Pub has a pool table, shuffle board, and chess for your enjoyment. Also, you can sip on one of their yummy adult milkshakes while you play! (Non-alcoholic options available as well)

Arrington

Arrington is the fine dining restaurant at The Inn at Pursell Farms, open for breakfast and dinner with views of the 18th fairway to gorgeous green pastures. Smylie and I enjoyed breakfast on the patio at Arrington both mornings during our stay. The first day we ordered off of the menu: I had delicious avocado toast and fruit and Smylie had a truly southern breakfast plate of eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes and a biscuit. The second morning we ate from the extensive breakfast buffet which was pleasing to the eye and palette!
For dinner, Arrington offers a wonderful farm to table menu and a great wine list. I ordered grouper that was served with fresh, spring vegetables and a crawfish mash and Smylie had a delicious bone-in ribeye! We were both extremely pleased with our choices and the service and hospitality from the staff were fabulous!

Clubhouse Grille

For a quick breakfast or lunch option before golf, stop by the Clubhouse grille!

Activities:

Golf

(This section is written by SMYLIE!)

FarmLinks has always been one of my favorite golf courses to play in the state. As soon as you pull up to the clubhouse, folk music is playing and sets the mood for the property. The practice facilities are impressive and I love getting work done here.The golf course is very user-friendly meaning wider fairways, but the course can play very hard on a windy day, especially when you get to the scenic 5th hole which has a 172 foot vertical drop. Number 5 will be one of the most memorable golf holes you will ever play. It is very difficult to trust how far the shot is playing because of how large the drop is. Picking the correct club here is a must! There is a great mix of challenging Par 3s and fun Par 5s. It is a course that is great to bring a big group of friends and have a great time!

I really enjoyed staying on property and jumping in a golf cart from the Inn to head straight to the golf course. Not having to get in my car for several days was really nice.

Orvis Adventures

Pursell Farms is home to the ORVIS® Clubhouse and Shooting Grounds: a wonderfully unique adventure with options like shooting sporting clays on the 12-stand course or taking a fly-fishing lesson!

Spa

The Spring House Spa is a boutique spa housed in a quaint cottage on the Pursell Farms property. Offering an intimate and relaxing environment, Spring House Spa has a wide variety of  treatments for guests to choose from including massage, reflexology and body scrubs. Smylie and I enjoyed our massages and left feeling relaxed and refreshed!

UTV Rides and Horseback Riding 

Guests can take guided rides and tours of the expansive, gorgeous property on UTVs or up the mountain on horseback! 

Relax Poolside

Weather permitting, take the opportunity to lounge by the outdoor pool which overlooks the 18th fairway of Farmlinks!

Explore the property

The property of Pursell Farms is huge so don’t miss the opportunity to explore the vast farmland! Hop on a bike (complimentary to resort guests) to breathe the fresh air and take in the beautiful surroundings. Golf carts are available for hotel guests to rent as another mode of transportation around the grounds! Complimentary golf carts are included with Cabin and Cottage rentals.

Fishing

Fishing equipment is available from Orvis. Smylie took advantage of this and enjoyed using a fishing pole and tackle box from Orvis for some afternoon fishing on the property after playing golf earlier in the day!

Walk/Bike the Trails 

With almost 3 miles of trails on the farm, walking and biking are great activity options! This is a perfect way to get in your cardio while exploring the beautiful property all at the same time!

Yoga

Complimentary yoga classes are offered on Fridays and Saturdays on top of the mountain at the “Secret Place”.  Grab a mat (provided) and get ready to enjoy some tranquil bliss!

Enjoy the Lake

The newest activity offered at the farm is excursions on Lay Lake! The wonderful staff will help you with all the details to schedule your lake excursion. Boat cruises, kayaking, and tubing are available.

Wedding Venue 

Hamilton Place at Pursell Farms is a STUNNING event venue and a gorgeous setting for an extraordinary wedding!
Pursell Farms was the perfect getaway to celebrate our one year anniversary. The hospitable staff was amazing and genuinely invested in making our experience one we will never forget! We could not have been more pleased with our choice of Pursell Farms. It is an ideal, Southern-inspired destination to play, explore, celebrate, relax, and unwind. The panoramic views, friendly staff, beautiful accommodations, delicious food, and many choices of unique activities and experiences make this destination tough to beat!  We came away feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, grateful for our time at Pursell Farms. After our fabulous experience, I would highly recommend an “Escape to the Farm”, so that you, too, may experience the Southern hospitality of this top-notch luxury resort destination!
Always finding joy,
Francie

 

1 Comment

  1. Kayla Cook
    April 26, 2019 / 10:18 pm

    Such a great article !! Robert and Hunter keep the course in great shape ! Driving by it ever summer for the last 5 years has been great to see it all come together like it has. Can’t wait for more people to be able to experience everything they have to offer !

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