When it comes to meetings and events, the best ideas don’t always happen under a roof. Across the South, gardens and outdoor venues offer a fresh and inspiring alternative to standard conference rooms and ballrooms. From manicured lawns shaded by centuries-old oaks to vibrant botanical gardens bursting with color, these open-air spaces bring a whole new energy to gatherings, resulting in more relaxed and more memorable events uniquely rooted in the region’s captivating charm.
Bellingrath Gardens & Home | Alabama
With sweeping river views, century-old oaks, and vibrant seasonal blooms, Bellingrath Gardens & Home in Theodore, near Mobile, offers a collection of outdoor spaces perfect for any type of gathering. The South Terrace overlooks the peaceful Fowl River, an elegant open-air setting ideal for cocktail receptions and even an alfresco speaker session for up to 200 guests. Nearby, the Live Oak Plaza delivers ambiance beneath a canopy of moss-draped branches—a breathtaking scene for everything from intimate dinners to large-scale celebrations complete with live music and dancing. For grander events, the Great Lawn’s 4.5 acres of manicured green space can easily host concerts, galas, or large corporate gatherings. For smaller, more personal affairs, the Summer House, Secret Garden, and North Terrace provide charming backdrops for dinners, teas, and breakout sessions.
Horsehead Lake Lodge | Arkansas
Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, Horsehead Lake Lodge blends rustic charm with modern comfort to create an unforgettable setting for outdoor events of all kinds. With panoramic lake and mountain views, this picturesque property offers multiple flexible spaces designed to keep nature front and center. The Ceremony Hall is a standout favorite, featuring massive sliding barn doors opening to reveal the lake beyond, creating a seamless and weatherproof indoor-outdoor experience. Just steps away, the Reception Hall offers 3,000 square feet of space plus a spacious covered patio and rooftop sky deck for gatherings under the stars. Between the two buildings, the Courtyard provides a casual, open-air space perfect for mingling, dining, or teambuilding activities. With lodging for up to 70 guests, a new swimming lagoon, pickleball and basketball courts, and even a lakeside micro venue, Horsehead Lake Lodge is ideal for groups wanting to combine the beauty of the outdoors with the convenience of full-service amenities.
Sunken Gardens | Florida
Sunken Gardens invites groups to step into a world of tropical tranquility, seemingly worlds away from the hustle and bustle of St. Petersburg. Once the city’s best-kept secret, this century-old botanical garden transforms after hours into a serene setting surrounded by lush greenery, colorful blooms, and the soothing sound of waterfalls. The venue’s flexible spaces make it easy to customize the flow of an event—attendees can be greeted with cocktails at the Fountain Plaza before strolling the pathways to the Oak Pavilion for a seated dinner or networking reception. Larger gatherings come to life beneath a tent on the Wedding Lawn, while the amphitheater provides a naturally beautiful spot for intimate presentations or live entertainment.
Callaway Resort & Gardens | Georgia
Surrounded by 2,500 acres of vibrant gardens, sparkling lakes, and towering Georgia pines, Callaway Resort & Gardens sets the stage for meetings and events that are anything but ordinary. This iconic destination in Pine Mountain, just an hour from Atlanta, offers a mix of outdoor spaces—from sweeping lakefront lawns and open meadows to intimate garden courtyards and scenic terraces—perfect for everything from corporate retreats to elegant receptions. The Beach Pavilion overlooking Robin Lake delivers a breezy, waterfront vibe, while the Ida Cason Callaway Memorial Chapel grounds and Discovery Center provide picturesque settings for gatherings both grand and intimate.
The Kentucky Castle | Kentucky
With storybook towers rising above Kentucky’s bluegrass hills, The Kentucky Castle seems straight out of a fairytale while being located just minutes from downtown Lexington. Set on more than 100 acres of farmland, the castle’s outdoor spaces are equally enchanting and unexpected. The courtyard invites groups to gather for yoga sessions, lawn games, or casual networking under the open sky, while the tented East Terrace offers a graceful setting for alfresco meetings or dinners for up to 200 guests. For a truly unforgettable experience, the rooftop terrace is a showstopper. Its sweeping views of the countryside pair perfectly with bourbon tastings, sunset receptions, or starlit concerts.
Longue Vue House and Gardens | Louisiana
Tucked away in the heart of New Orleans, Longue Vue House and Gardens offers a one-of-a-kind setting where history, horticulture, and hospitality come together to create an inspiring backdrop for meetings and events. Spanning eight acres of lush, meticulously designed gardens by famed landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman, Longue Vue provides a serene escape from the city’s bustle while remaining just minutes from downtown. Planners can pair elegant indoor spaces like the Whim House and Playhouse with outdoor venues, such as the Yellow Garden, a vibrant, sunlit courtyard perfect for breakout sessions, networking events, and cocktail gatherings overlooking the portico terrace; or the Spanish Court, a spacious green lawn ideal for wellness activities or open-air receptions.
Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion | Maryland
Just minutes from downtown Washington, D.C., yet surrounded by 40 acres of tranquil forest, Woodend Sanctuary & Mansion offers a rare balance of accessibility and natural serenity. The stately mansion provides indoor options like the library and conference room, perfect for meetings or breakout sessions, while the adjacent tented terrace (available April through November) and surrounding lawns extend the experience outdoors with ample room for networking, dining, or team activities under the canopy of trees. For a more immersive experience, attendees can explore Woodend’s scenic nature trails and peaceful pond boardwalk, ideal for wellness breaks or informal discussions in nature. Just minutes from Bethesda’s hotels and dining, Woodend Sanctuary combines the convenience of an urban venue with the restorative calm of the great outdoors.
Mississippi Museum of Art | Mississippi
In the middle of downtown Jackson, the Mississippi Museum of Art offers a refreshing and inspiring destination for outdoor meetings and events, blending creativity, culture, and connection. Surrounding the museum, a series of beautifully designed outdoor spaces—comprising 1.2 acres of green space—offers planners a distinctive mix of beauty and flexibility. The Art Garden serves as the centerpiece, featuring lush lawns, water features, and art installations reflecting Mississippi’s cultural spirit. Within it, the Native Plant Garden showcases one of the state’s largest collections of native flora, while the Gallery Garden provides a lively walkway and gathering space linking art and community. Just beyond, the Walker Garden—filled with heritage plants and greenery inspired by the gardens of Eudora Welty and William Faulkner—offers an intimate, shaded retreat ideal for receptions, small performances, or creative breakout sessions. Adding to the atmosphere is the colorful Payton Cutting Garden, with its beautiful blooms as a naturally artistic backdrop.
Jewel Box | Missouri
Perched within the sprawling greenery of St. Louis’ Forest Park, the Jewel Box is a showstopper for meetings and events, offering both historic architecture and lush garden surroundings. Built in 1936 in the Art Deco style, this glass-walled conservatory fills with natural light, showcasing seasonal flowers, tropical foliage, and a central fountain, while offering incredible views of the surrounding park. Outside, manicured gardens, a lily pond, and winding walkways provide spaces for networking, cocktail hours, or breakout sessions in the fresh air. Nestled on a 17-acre site within the 1,300-acre urban oasis, the Jewel Box also offers attendees an option for strolling the trails, enjoying nearby lakes, or taking in Forest Park’s cultural treasures like the St. Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Zoo, and Muny Theatre.
Biltmore Gardens | North Carolina
Courtesy The Biltmore Company
Tucked into the rolling hills of Asheville, the Biltmore Estate is more than just a grand mansion; it’s an outdoor venue destination seemingly tailor-made for meetings and events. While many consider Biltmore for weddings or tours, its garden spaces—like the manicured terraces, historic lawns, and the intimate Walled Garden—provide an unexpectedly elegant backdrop for corporate retreats, receptions, or breakout sessions. The Walled Garden alone can host up to 120 people for a reception or approximately 42 in a conference setup. The South Terrace offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains—ideal for large-scale gatherings (750+ guests) under the open sky. For a more rustic yet refined feel, the Lioncrest Veranda combines the estate’s pastoral charm with modern amenities, perfect for dinners, celebrations, or casual team events.
RIVERSPORT | Oklahoma
RIVERSPORT transforms the concept of an outdoor meeting venue into something truly extraordinary. Within Oklahoma City’s Boathouse District, this destination offers a mix of waterfront spaces and one-of-a-kind experiences to effortlessly energize a group. The Devon and UCO boathouses impress with floor-to-ceiling river views and outdoor access that bring attendees right to the water’s edge, while the elevated Finish Line Tower provides an unmatched vantage point above the river—perfect for intimate receptions or executive events. For larger functions, the McClendon Whitewater Center offers patios, firepits, and open decks overlooking both the river and Olympic-style whitewater channels, blending nature, adventure, and flexibility in one unforgettable setting.
Brookgreen Gardens | South Carolina
Steeped in natural beauty, Brookgreen Gardens offers a meeting experience unlike any other. Spanning more than 9,000 acres of luscious Lowcountry landscape, this National Historic Landmark inspires creativity and connection. Towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss frame lawns and sculpture-lined pathways—ideal for breakout sessions, teambuilding activities, or open-air receptions. The new Leonard Pavilion, nestled beside the Lowcountry Center, extends into the arboretum, offering panoramic views of the historic rice fields and Magnolia Allee. Its versatile design accommodates up to 300 guests and transitions easily from professional presentations to elegant evening gatherings.
Memphis Botanic Garden | Tennessee
Spanning 96 acres of vibrant greenery and featuring 30 specialty gardens, the Memphis Botanic Garden is one of the city’s most captivating outdoor event destinations, where nature itself sets the stage for unforgettable gatherings. From casual networking mixers to large-scale celebrations, every corner offers a distinctive setting infused with beauty. The Water Garden offers a serene patio and adjoining indoor space, perfect for cocktail hours or small meetings with a seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The Glass House—glowing in customizable colors at night—connects to the Rose and Sculpture gardens, which together can accommodate larger events. Shaded beneath a canopy, the Blecken Pavilion is ideal for intimate dinners or receptions. The Great Lawn provides expansive space for tented galas and corporate celebrations of 200 to 300 guests. Even the Sensory Garden, a tucked-away gem, lends itself beautifully to garden parties and relaxed outdoor socials.
Hudson Bend Ranch | Texas
Set on five scenic acres in the heart of Texas Hill Country, the family-owned Hudson Bend Ranch offers a refreshingly authentic alternative to traditional meeting spaces. The property’s flexible outdoor areas—from the courtyard strung with twinkling lights to the rustic Horseshoe Meadow barn—create an inviting atmosphere for everything from casual networking receptions to elegant dinners under the stars. Overnight lodging can accommodate up to 26 guests while event spaces can host up to 175, making it ideal for both intimate retreats and larger gatherings. For planners who value creativity and freedom, Hudson Bend Ranch operates as a DIY venue, providing tables, chairs, and a tent while allowing guests to bring in their own vendors and catering. The ranch is just minutes from Lake Travis and Lake Austin, making it convenient for attendees to extend their stay and enjoy lakeside adventures, boat rentals, or nearby hiking trails.
Boar’s Head Resort | Virginia
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boar’s Head Resort offers far more than a traditional meeting destination and invites groups to step beyond the boardroom and into nature. With massive lawns, lakeside patios, and scenic greens, the resort provides endless opportunities for meetings, receptions, and teambuilding activities beneath Virginia’s open skies. The Green is a favorite for groups who set up tented meetings or alfresco luncheons for up to 100 guests, while the Ednam Hall Lawn and poolside terrace set a relaxed tone for evening receptions. After dinner, guests often gather around the lakeside firepits. For a more adventurous twist, Boar’s Head Outfitters brings corporate groups outdoors with activities like falconry, axe throwing, kayaking, or even bridge-building challenges designed to foster collaboration and camaraderie.
U.S. National Arboretum | Washington, D.C.
In a city known for its monuments and museums, the U.S. National Arboretum offers a refreshing surprise just three miles from the U.S. Capitol Building: a sprawling, 446-acre retreat where lush landscapes and historic landmarks create an unforgettable backdrop for gatherings of all kinds. From intimate receptions in the Water Garden to large-scale dinners along the Flowering Tree Walk or picnics beneath the Grove’s canopy of state trees, the arboretum’s outdoor spaces combine natural beauty with versatility. Guests can sip cocktails by the koi pond, dine beneath the original Capitol Columns, or mingle among centuries-old bonsai trees—all while surrounded by a sense of peace rarely found in the nation’s capital.
Highgate Carriage House | West Virginia
Surrounded by vibrant gardens and perfectly manicured lawns, Highgate Carriage House in Fairmont offers a timeless setting. Whether it’s an intimate gathering on the patio or a grand celebration beneath the event tent, the estate’s versatile outdoor spaces can host up to 300 guests with ease. Every detail, from the serene pond to the colorful blooms, creates a picture-perfect backdrop, and thoughtful amenities like a full sound system make planning effortless. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Highgate shines brightest from May through October, yet its year-round charm ensures every event feels nothing short of unforgettable.
