Susan's Cabinet: Tennessee's Chocolate Estate

Just over an hour from Huntsville, you can visit the Milky Way Farm, the estate of candy magnate Frank Mars. He bought the land in 1930, after the success of his Milky Way candy bar. It was introduced in 1923 and is one of the bestselling confections of all time. His company also went on to provide us with the joys of Snickers (named after one of his horses), 3 Musketeers, M&M’s, etc.

Frank and his second wife, Ethel, founded Mar-O-Bar Co (later Mars, Inc.) in Minneapolis in 1920, and they moved the company to Chicago in 1929. On a visit to Middle Tennessee, they fell in love with the rolling hills and fertile land and decided to build a world-class farm here. They bought 2,800 acres of farmland and, from 1931 to 1933, they employed 935 local men to build the estate. They became Giles County's largest employer during the desperate economic times of the Great Depression.

They built a 25,000 square foot Tudor Revival manor house with 20 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, and a dining table so big (12ft x 48ft) it had to be built in place.

They also built 30 barns, 70 cottages, and a horseracing track. The manor house and barns were built with wood from local mills and stone from the farm’s own quarry.

They planned to breed Herefords and Thoroughbred horses; however, Frank died in 1934. (He was buried in a mausoleum on the farm but was later moved to Minneapolis.) Ethel continued with their plans, and the farm became known for its prize Herefords, racehorses (one of which won the Kentucky Derby in 1940), sheep, amazing stone barns and beautiful views. The farm even had its own railway stop and was one of the largest magnolia plantations in the South.

When Ethel died in 1945, the farm was sold. The historic property then went through several owners. Much of the land was sold off and many of the outbuildings were lost over the years.

The current owners began restoration of the manor house and some of the barns in 2010 and now own over 1100 acres of the original property. Today they operate Milky Way Farm as a special event and corporate meeting facility (including meetings for Mars, Inc. which has no financial connection with the farm). They also host weddings, group tours, and a variety of public events such as “Sundaes with Santa,” “Be My Valentine,” an annual Easter egg hunt, and “A Walk Through Time.” During the tours they allow you to explore the house and the grounds on your own (and are available to answer questions). “A Walk Through Time” included a question and answer session with the owner over dessert at the massive dining table and then several hours for exploration.

It was so much fun exploring the house and the grounds. Even after three hours, I still needed more time. In addition to fabulous buildings, there are many ruins to discover (we never did find the remains of the swimming pool or the mausoleum). I need to visit again!