NJ HOSPITALITY & TOURISM
The Beach Plum Farm : A Garden State Getaway for 2022 Retreats
Plan a company meeting on a 62-acre working farm in New Jersey .
Compiled by John Joseph Parker Contributing Editor
Beach Plum Farm , Cape May ’ s idyllic 62- acre working farm , is launching new group offerings featuring immersive team-building experiences for corporate retreats and leadership events .
Located within driving distance from major cities on the East Coast , Beach Plum Farm provides unique and flexible outdoor meeting environments for group and leisure travelers . In 2022 , the farm will expand its offerings for executive and senior-level teams looking to reconnect in-person , strengthen relationships and spend time outdoors .
The farm ’ s natural outdoor space combined with comfortable and customizable luxury cottage accommodations creates a charming , relaxed retreat for group gatherings . From elegant farm-to-table dining and sightseeing excursions , to team-building and philanthropy activities , the farm will offer a variety of distinct activities with a range of topics and focus for group enrichment .
“ With many companies continuing hybrid and remote work models , it ’ s important , now more than ever , for businesses to offer options for teams to reconnect and get together in person ,” said Curtis Bashaw , managing partner of Cape Resorts . “ Conveniently located to nearby cities like New York and Philadelphia , Beach Plum Farm offers an escape with dynamic outdoor space and opportunities to participate in authentic farm and local programs that support team building as well as philanthropic efforts .”
The farm ’ s team building activities , which range from competition-style options to fun and educational opportunities , include everything from horseshoe crab rescue , fishing charters , beach clean-ups , drum circles , scavenger hunts , farm yoga , and even participating in integral farm operations like chicken harvesting .
The farm ’ s collection of five well-appointed cottages and barns sleep six to eight guests per cottage and offer completely customizable interior spaces featuring hotel-like privacy of separate bedrooms , as well as the convenience of shared cottage amenities like full kitchens , dining rooms and living rooms , each perfect for breakout sessions and team meetings .
Outside , beautiful settings abound — from brainstorming sessions at a table set up by the garden , to after-lunch walks around backfields .
Guests requiring more room may also take advantage of accommodations , dining and private rooms at nearby Cape Resorts properties including the historic Congress Hall , America ’ s oldest seaside resort and the adults-only boutique hotel , The Virginia Hotel and its luxury cottages .
Since 2008 , the 62-acre working Beach Plum Farm has grown more than 100 kinds of fruits and vegetables as well as chickens , eggs and hogs , providing ingredients to several local award-winning Cape May restaurants . In the past few years , Beach Plum Farm has expanded with its on-site luxury cottage accommodations , farm kitchen and market , and popular seasonal farm dinners held throughout the year .
More Than a Retreat
Created by owners Curtis Bashaw and Will Riccio , this farm , located less than two miles from Cape May ’ s famed historic downtown , has been providing food to Cape May restaurants since 2008 . The Ebbitt Room , Blue Pig Tavern ,
A sample of the many amenities offered by Beach Plum Farm .
Rusty Nail , The Boiler Room , Louisa ’ s Cafe and Exit Zero Filling Station are all served by the farm .
Right now , and the number is growing all the time , more than 100 varieties of fruits , vegetables , herbs , and flowers are grown and harvested for the restaurant ’ s kitchens . Three mornings a week , fruit and vegetables are hand-picked at the farm and delivered so the farm ' s chefs can develop daily menu specials .
At the Beach Plum Farm Market , visitors can browse two floors of fresh produce harvested from the farm , local artisanal products , plus cool , farm-inspired merchandise , from cookbooks to kitchen knick-knacks . Meanwhile , the Farm Kitchen is serving up ridiculously good breakfast sandwiches plus irresistible lunches .
Beach Plum Farm also welcomes overnight guests in five historic cottages and barns situated right on the farm . The cottages may sleep anywhere from six to twelve guests , making them perfect for family vacations , reunions or getaways with friends .
Photos : Courtesy of Cape Resorts
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