“What the heck is chocolate, anyway?”
It’s an irresistible question. And it’s one guests will answer at Half‑Mile Farm during The Art of Chocolate, an immersive hosted weekend August 14 – 16.
Artisan chocolatier Jocelyn Debuke, founder of Jardi Chocolates, will pull back the curtain on chocolate, exploring its history, craftsmanship and endless possibilities before sharing the techniques behind her own vibrant, handcrafted confections.
Tastings, chocolate pairings, inspired breakfasts, hors d’oeuvres and live music come together in a weekend that’s every bit as delicious as it is illuminating.
Beyond chocolate, the weekend offers a glimpse into what has become one of Half‑Mile Farm’s most distinctive offerings. Over the past several years, the adults‑only retreat has developed a series of hosted experiences that invite guests to do more than simply relax.
The Hosted Events trace their beginnings to a visit from Allan and Sharon Benton, whose biscuit‑and‑bacon demonstration sparked an idea. Event Development Consultant Elizabeth McDonald suggested inviting other artisans and experts to spend time with guests, expanding the concept beyond a single event.
The pandemic slowed that momentum, but when Paige Tillung became Half‑Mile Farm’s Hotel Manager, she and McDonald started shaping the eclectic lineup of Hosted Events guests enjoy today.
Today, Tillung and McDonald brainstorm ideas together while McDonald reaches out to people she knows who simply do something fascinating – an accomplished fly fisherman, a winery, a distiller, a well‑published author, a matcha producer or a gifted chocolatier like Debuke.
Each brings a different expertise, but they all have one thing in common: an infectious enthusiasm that’s impossible not to share.
That philosophy comes to life during The Art of Chocolate. Debuke’s colorful, small‑batch confections are beautiful to behold, but the real treat is watching an artist explain her process, answer questions and share the inspiration behind every creation. Her afternoon presentation flows naturally into Half‑Mile Farm’s Social Hour with hors d’oeuvres, chocolate pairings and live music by Paul Jones, while chocolate‑inspired breakfast specialties extend the experience throughout the weekend.
For proof of the success of these weekends, look no further than last December’s SEC Championship Tailgate with Chef Kyle Bryner. What began as a celebration of football and barbecue – with a smoker perfuming the air, boiled peanuts, a Bloody Mary bar and a Cowboy Cauldron crackling on the driveway – became one of Half‑Mile Farm’s most talked‑about Hosted Events. Before the weekend was over, guests were already asking about Bryner’s return this December and reserving rooms.
Looking ahead, Hosted Events include this December’s SEC Tailgate Weekend and February 2027’s collaboration pairing Sangiacomo Wines of Sonoma County with Chef Kevin Ouzts of Atlanta’s The Spotted Trotter. To explore the complete calendar of upcoming Hosted Events and begin planning your next stay, visit HalfMileFarm.com/hosted-events.
Though exceptional accommodations may first draw guests to Half‑Mile Farm, it’s the people they meet and the stories they take home that bring them back.
Favorites Count: 0