Watch this new episode of MoCo Pride as we tour Tusculum Farm in Laytonsville, MD with host Phillip Alexander Downie and Haymaker Trish Schectman to see how their operations have adjusted since the the start of the pandemic. One big change has been their cleaning protocols. Like other businesses in the county they have adopted cleaning practices recommended by the CDC and some of their trade organizations. The Inn at Tusculum Farm is still offering the perfect array of accommodations to meet guests needs during this time. Currently Tusculum Farm only allows one group on the property at a time regardless of the amount of people, so guests are comfortable and able to practice social distancing. Many groups and families have come to escape and let their kids run with no worries on this beautiful 500 acre farm.
They have evolved Micro Weddings to a whole new level. What is a MicroWedding? A MicroWedding at Tusculum Farm is as the name suggest a small intimate wedding with the bride, groom, officiant, photographer, flowers, and catering for a private dinner for 2. When Montgomery County guidelines and restrictions lessened they had upwards of 20 people attending the Micro Weddings enjoying the 500 acres of never-ending picturesque views.
With all the Pandemic changes how have the state and local government been? Trish and the staff at Tusculum Farm are grateful for the grants they received from both State and County Government. The part that has been challenging is the gathering size limitations set forth by the county, they do not have an exact formula and this as effected so many things in the business. Telling a potential customer that they can’t have 50 people attend their wedding on 500 acres is a hard thing to interpret and explain. Each week Jerome Fletcher the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer for Montgomery County Government and Kelly Groff, CDME , President and CEO of VisitMontgomery.com meets with members of Hospitality, Event Venues, and Arts & Humanity to listen and hear what they have to say and educate with the workgroups Kelly teaches.
Trish has some tips for her fellow industry partners:
- Be a part of a convention or tourism bureau. They’re the voice that can get to the table of the right people.
- Pay attention to County government its important to know what’s going on in your community.
For more information visit TusculumFarm.com. Watch this episode of MoCo Pride below and subscribe to our Youtube channel.