STAX MUSEUM OF
AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC
www.staxmuseum.com
The soulful style of the Stax Museum is changing the way groups host events, just as Stax Records altered the American musical landscape of the 1960s. The unique venue is well-suited for both intimate events on the museum’s historic dance floors and larger events where guests can mingle throughout the 17,000-square-foot museum and enjoy the numerous interactive exhibits, galleries and memorabilia. After-hours corporate mixers are especially popular, and group tour rates are available.
DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS
www.dixon.org
Centered on an exquisite Georgian-style residence built in 1942, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens offer a tranquil oasis close to the bustling heart of Memphis. The 17-acre property has two main rental facilities: the Winegarden Auditorium inside the museum and the Hughes Pavilion nestled within the gardens. The Winegarden Auditorium fits 250 for a standing reception or 140 seated, while the slightly smaller Hughes Pavilion has room for 100 theatre style. The museum’s fine art exhibitions change frequently, and visitors can stroll the beautiful grounds of the arboretum or enjoy an educational tour. Groups have the option to reserve both spaces and move between them throughout an event.
SHELBY FARMS PARK
www.shelbyfarmspark.org
A penal colony until 1965, Shelby Farms Park covers 4,500 acres and is currently one of the largest urban parks in the country. It is home to a herd of bison and miles of trails, and is a Memphis hot spot for adventurous activities. Groups can book indoor facility space and smaller outdoor shelters with easy access to the park’s many activities, which include paddle boating, horseback riding and hiking. Shelby Farms is also home to Agricenter International, the world’s largest urban farm, which boasts 80,000 square feet of exhibition space, an amphitheater with seating for 575 and banquet space for up to 1,500.
MIRIMICHI GOLF COURSE
www.mirimichi.com
One of only a handful of public golf courses in the Memphis area, Mirimichi, a Native American phrase meaning “place of happy retreat,” offers a luxurious setting for corporate retreats, team-building events and golf outings. Bought and restored by Memphis native Justin Timberlake and his family, the championship course hopes to attract beginners and professionals alike, as well as draw championship matches to Memphis in the future. Thoughtful details such as rainwater irrigation, native landscaping and solar-powered electric golf carts aim to set a new standard for environmentally friendly courses.
HILLWOOD AT DAVIES MANOR PLANTATION
www.daviesmanorplantation.org
Groups seeking Southern charm and a glimpse into pioneer life should consider the Davies Manor Plantation. The historic home was built in 1831 and was originally a one-room log cabin. The Davies family, whose lineage can be traced back to the Revolutionary War, purchased the house and surrounding property in 1851. Modern-day amenities are located just down the road at Hillwood, a contemporary facility that has 6,000 square feet of space for up to 400 guests and is ideal for weddings, social receptions and business gatherings. Tours of Davies Manor can be booked in conjunction with events at Hillwood.
ROCK ’N’ SOUL MUSEUM
www.memphisrocknsoul.org
Developed by the Smithsonian Institution, Rock ’N’ Soul is the only museum in Memphis to paint a complete picture of the “The Home of the Blues” and the “Birthplace of Rock ’n’ Roll.” Historical audio tours spotlight over 100 rock songs from throughout the decades, and docent-led VIP tours can be arranged.
The museum offers discounted admission rates for groups of 20 or more and can accommodate private parties, receptions, seated dinners, buffets and corporate meetings. Groups can customize events with themes, live music and whimsical guitar centerpieces. The museum can accommodate receptions for up to 400 people, private meetings with theatre-style seating for 125 or seated dinners for 120.
GIBSON GUITAR FACTORY
www.gibson.com
Another option for groups looking to explore the musical side of Memphis is a visit to the Gibson Guitar Factory. Guided tours wind through the manufacturing plant, which primarily produces semi-hollow-body guitars such as the ES-335 model and B.B. King’s Lucille. Tour participants learn about the company’s history, follow the guitar-building process step-by-step and can even see factory workers assembling guitars during certain hours. Group ticket prices are available for the 30-minute tours.
