Does fresh air lead to fresh ideas? It's hard to debate that there's something about an alfresco event that inspires meeting attendees to think differently. After all, how can attendees "think outside the box" if they're sitting inside one?
Here's a look at six non-traditional Southern outdoor venues—ranging from exotic gardens on the Gulf of Mexico to an atmospheric Kentucky cavern—sure to make a lasting impression on any group.
Naples Botanical Garden
www.naplesgarden.org
When it comes to outdoor spaces that transport a group to another place entirely, it's tough to top the Naples Botanical Garden, which showcases not one but six fresh-air offerings for colorful events. Its 170-acre setting in Naples, Fla., is abundant with exotic plant life, lakes, waterfalls, lawns and pavilions perfect for al fresco events.
"Very few locations offer the variety and authenticity that we do here at the Garden," says Shannon Palmer, communications manager for the venue. "Not only do you get to have an event in a garden designed specifically to represent the authentic plants and culture of Brazil, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean or native Florida, you have your choice of all of them in one location. Whether you choose one or several for an event, you'll feel the distinct and unique atmospheres in each, which truly make an event special."
Among the possibilities at these "Gardens with Latitude" are the Brazilian Garden's plaza, which is perched dramatically atop a waterfall and accommodates 50 people; the Lawn area, which holds up to 250; the waterside Caribbean Garden, enhanced by a whimsical "chattel" house and able to host up to 300 for a reception; and the spacious Event Plaza offering vistas and space enough for 1,000.
Several lodgings lie within a 10-minute drive, including the Naples Bay Resort, Bellasera Resort and the Inn on Fifth.
The Swag
www.theswag.com
Neighboring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and providing staggering views from its 5,000-foot-high mountaintop perch, The Swag in Waynesville, N.C., is a slice of luxury set amidst a landscape of pure serenity.
"We have several groups that hold their annual meetings here at The Swag on our 250-acre rustic retreat," says Innkeeper and Owner Deener Matthews. "The tranquility and privacy of our mountaintop enhances an inspiring and creative atmosphere for them. They can enjoy miles of hiking trails, both on our property and in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just steps from our back door. We provide beautiful accommodations, three meals a day and a wonderfully attentive staff."
Perhaps best of all is a breathtaking venue that is perfection in its simplicity: Gooseberry Knob, the highest point of elevation on The Swag property. With a large and lovely lawn area and vistas of North Carolina's six highest mountain ranges, the setting hosts The Swag's weekly Wednesday gourmet picnics and is also a frequent site for social and business events.
The property also boasts 14 regally rustic lodging units and dining focused on fresh regional cuisine. Guests can also partake in leisure outdoor offerings like hiking a 2.5-mile nature trail, playing croquet or just lazing in a hammock or hot tub.
Callaway Gardens
www.callawaygardens.com
Nestled on more than 13,000 acres of wilderness in Pine Mountain, Ga., Callaway Gardens offers outdoor activities and event spaces aplenty from its countryside setting in western Georgia. Renowned golf courses, gardening workshops and even acrobatic classes from the Florida State University Flying High Circus—which resides on-site each summer—are just a handful of the abundant activities.
Not your typical mountain resort by any stretch, Callaway is operated by the nonprofit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation and includes a protected 4,610-acre preserve that is sustainably managed and used for biological research and environmental education.
Among the property's numerous event areas are some superb outside settings, including Robin Lake Beach, the world's largest inland white-sand beach; the Sibley Horticultural Center, an indoor-outdoor structure complete with a 22-foot-tall waterfall; and the octagonal 1930s East Farm Barn adjacent to picnic areas ideal for a barbecue or casual catered event.
"What sets Callaway Gardens apart from most any other location is the natural beauty that surrounds us and the peace, serenity and renewal that comes from spending time here," says Perry Grice, director of sales. "There aren't many places that provide facilities for authentic experiences such as a dinner of regionally available products served in an actual vegetable garden; a scavenger hunt by bicycle through the acres and acres of gardens; a Lowcountry boil served on a beach; or an elegant dinner served within the manicured gardens of the Sibley Horticultural Center, just to name a few options."
For those seeking traditional meeting space, Calloway Gardens also offers a 54,000-square-foot conference center. There are also more than 600 lodging units in such properties as Mountain Creek Inn and Southern Pine Cottages.
W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center, Smith Mountain Lake, Va.
www.retreatatsmithmountainlake.com
Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the lakeside Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center in Smith Mountain Lake, Va., is a nonprofit facility that cut its teeth on providing learning programs for youth. But adult groups taking advantage of the supreme setting are bound to benefit from a visit as well.
"In addition to indoor conferencing facilities that can accommodate groups from 15 to more than 400, we also have an outdoor amphitheater, two outdoor picnic pavilions,one of which is on the lake; a low ropes course and several other outdoor recreational facilities," says Sales Manager Nina Brooks.
Another inviting venue is a substantial Campfire Circle area, bordered by tiered wooden seating, available for an evening of group singing, storytelling or just hanging out by the fire roasting marshmallows. And the lovely lake is a bastion of activity as well, with fishing, kayaking and canoeing all popular during the warmer months.
For additional options, the 120-acre Skelton Center also offers hiking trails and an unusual Shooting Sports Complex (firing range) that is a unique indoor/outdoor hybrid. Tennis, basketball, horseshoes and archery can be added to the outdoor agenda as well.
Plentiful lodging is also available, from standard hotel-style guest rooms to dormitory-style quarters that might be worth considering for an affordable company retreat.
Dallas Arboretum
www.dallasarboretum.org
They say everything's bigger in Texas, but it's the quality and quantity of the Dallas Arboretum's stunning settings that steal the show at this highly acclaimed public garden. Little wonder then that recent event-holding clients have included KPMG, the American Heart Association and Dr Pepper/Snapple.
"Because the Arboretum offers both indoor and beautiful outdoor venue space, it's easy to combine your day meeting with evening social or team-building breakouts in the gardens," says spokesperson Karla Neely, adding that day meetings are also a possibility even though the 66-acre enclave is open almost every day.
The most challenging aspect of hosting an event here might very well be the overwhelming variety of options. More than a dozen gorgeous garden settings include the formal 1.8-acre Woman's Garden; the 6.5-acre Jonsson Color Garden, with more than 2,000 varieties of azaleas; and the Boswell Family Garden, bordered by a gazebo and octagonal fountain and showing off rose trellises and an inviting circular lawn area.
Lost River Cave and Valley
www.lostrivercave.com
It doesn't get much less traditional than this 66-acre site in Bowling Green, Ky., boasting the largest cave opening east of the Mississippi and the state's only underground boat tour. Indeed, this fascinating enclave shows off elements ranging from gemstone mining to an enclosed butterfly habitat.
But it's the cavern that's at the heart of the attraction's singular allure. Groups can take a short historical walking tour or boat tour of the cave. They can also rent out the cavern—and the entire property—for events ranging from office parties to wedding receptions.
The Grotto, a one-of-kind venue outfitted with a sparkling chandelier and 1930s bar and bandstand, can host seated events for up to 350 people.
"An opening reception at Lost River Cave will get attendees in the right frame of mind for a successful meeting," says Lesley Corns, regional sales director for the Bowling Green Area CVB. "The natural beauty and the sound of rushing water will wash away all other distractions and stresses, and guests will love the wonderland feel of the trails and underground boat tour."
Lodging possibilities include the Holiday Inn Plaza or Hilton Garden University Inn, both within a 10-minute drive of the cavern.
