Top 6 Corporate Retreat Locations in Tennessee for 2026
Tennessee puts two very different retreat experiences within reach of one airport. Nashville delivers a food-and-music cultural hub 20 minutes from BNA, while the surrounding countryside — from the Cumberland Plateau to the Great Smoky Mountains — offers total immersion in nature. The state is built for retreats that need both a strong work session and a genuine escape.
Southall Farm & Inn: 325-Acres of Farmland for a Tranquil Escape
Check-in at Southall Farm & Inn in Franklin, Tennessee, located on 325-acres of farmland for a tranquil escape.
The resort features a working farm and gardens, and provides 62 cottages and inn rooms. It boasts multiple meeting spaces, like the Amphitheater for up to 350 guests and the Orchard, for up to 250.
Relish in the two on-site restaurants, January, for multi-course meals, and Sojourner, with locally-sourced dishes.
This farm-style destination offers spa treatments and team-building adventures. Challenge your team to fly fishing at Lake Mishkin or try archery and axe throwing.
Southall Farm & Inn is the Tenessee spot for a thrilling, yet productive business offsite!
• Best for: small to mid-sized groups and team-building events seeking a high-end, nature-driven location
• Price range: $820-$1,150 pp/night
The Retreat at Center Hill Lake: A Lakeside Retreat in Smithville, Tennessee
The Retreat at Center Hill Lake is located in Smithville, Tennessee, on a 139-acre lakeside property overlooking the lake and about 1 hour from Nashville.
The retreat offers 26 rooms in lodge-style accommodations, along with 2 meeting spaces totaling 1,800 sq ft, accommodating groups of up to approximately 150 people.
The property provides on-site catering and communal dining facilities. Nearby, teams can hike across extensive trails, try boating and kayaking on the lake, and join outdoor experiences like fishing. Explore waterfalls and state parks and make the most of the great outdoors!
• Best for: mid-sized groups looking for a private, nature-focused location with flexible indoor/outdoor spaces and lake-based activities.
• Price range: $250-$350 pp/night
Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains: A Glamping Experience in Pigeon Forge
Experience Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains, just 10 miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, crowned among the “Top 20 Resorts in the US - South” by Condé Nast Traveler.
Located on 182 acres at the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this eco-friendly glamping haven 54 safari-inspired tents. Guests are invited to savor on-site meals, cocktails, wine, and locally crafted beers.
Challenge your team’s adventurous spirit at The Land of Blue Smoke. Whether you’re a crew of 30 or a lively crowd, you can go all-in with a camp buyout for an exclusive escape.
• Best for: buyouts and small to mid-sized groups, team-building retreats, and offsites focused on connection and outdoor experiences
• Price range: $320-$450 pp/night
The Lodge at Montgomery Bell: A Private Retreat near the Great Smoky Mountains
Located in 3,000 acres of landscapes, The Lodge at Montgomery Bell State Park is just a 40-minute drive from Nashville, Tennessee.
Featuring 117 rooms with views of Lake Acorn, spend bonding time with your team, take a dip in the outdoor pool, conquer the 18-hole golf course, and kayak on Lake Acorn. Discover hiking and biking trails in the great outdoors!
The Lodge also features a resourceful conference center, the ideal setting for business discussions.
For a special dining experience, savor local flavors at the lakeside restaurant and bar, and indulge in the selection of wines and beers.
• Best for: incentive trips and small to mid-sized groups seeking a private, all-inclusive environment with full buyout potential
• Price range: $100–$200 per night
Evins Mill: A Woodland Resort for a Luxury Escape
Just an hour east of Nashville you'll find Evins Mill, a 20-room location minutes from Center Hill Lake and the town of Smithville.
But what sets Evins Mill apart?
It caters to small group needs, designed from 20 to 47 people, and combines woodland resort privacy with luxury amenities.
Private spaces allow teams to have productive sessions or relaxed activities, like swinging on Ivy Overlook, or exploring the Carmac Falls.
Fine dining is provided, from breakfast to a four-course dinner, including soup and salad du jour, a choice of two entrees, and dessert.
To add a little fun, Evins Mill offers an activity plan, on-site and nearby, setting the stage for a successful corporate retreat.
• Best for: small corporate retreats looking for alocation with strong food experiences and a focus on nature and exclusivity
• Price range: $400-$560 pp/night
Blackberry Farm: A 4,200- Acre Oasis in the Smoky Mountains
Gather your team for a standout retreat in the Great Smoky Mountains: Meet Blackberry Farm, a 68-room spot for your corporate offsite.
Accommodate your team in cottages and spacious suites. Blackberry Farm sprawls across 4,200 acres of mountain landscape.
Foodies will stop by one of the three on-site restaurants: The Dogwood, for fine dining, The Barn, for a bank-style barn experience, and Main House, for a classic breakfast.
Need a break from meetings? Discover the 160,000 bottles at the wine cellar or conquer East Tennessee Lakes on a boat tour. Go on a team adventure and explore the waterfalls at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Best for: executive retreats and small high-end corporate groups seeking an all-inclusive experience with fine dining and outdoor activities in a secluded location
• Price range: $900-$1,250 pp/night
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Unforgettable Team Experiences
Tennessee retreats work best when the activities connect to the landscape. A morning hike through a Smoky Mountain trail, an afternoon at a working farm, or an evening of live music on Nashville's Broadway — these experiences create shared memories that no slide deck can replicate. The state's mix of outdoor adventure and cultural richness means every team finds something that resonates. Explore team-building activities in Tennessee for the full range of options.
Artistic Bliss in Pigeon Forge runs private group paint-and-sip sessions for corporate teams, where an instructor leads everyone step by step through painting a Smoky Mountain-themed canvas while enjoying local wine and craft beer. The 2-hour format is relaxed and inclusive regardless of artistic ability, making it an effective icebreaker for teams meeting in person for the first time. The studio can reconfigure for groups of various sizes and offers custom branding on canvases for corporate events.
Nantahala Outdoor Center runs guided whitewater rafting trips on the Pigeon River near Gatlinburg, with Class III-IV rapids that deliver genuine thrills without requiring prior experience. Corporate groups raft in 6-person boats with a professional guide, tackling rapids with names like Roostertail and Double Reactionary. The Upper Pigeon section runs about 2 hours on the water, and the outfitter provides all gear including wetsuits in cooler months. This is the highest-energy option in the area and consistently ranks as a retreat highlight.
Smoky Mountain Guides leads private corporate group hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, tailoring routes to team fitness levels and time constraints. Popular trails include Laurel Falls, Alum Cave, and Clingmans Dome, each offering waterfalls, old-growth forest, and panoramic mountain views. Guides weave in Appalachian history and ecology, giving the hike substance beyond exercise. The company handles permits, transportation from Gatlinburg hotels, and snack provisions, so planners can simply show up.
Sugarlands Distilling Company in downtown Gatlinburg offers private group tours and tastings of their award-winning moonshine and whiskey. Teams get a behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process followed by a guided tasting of 10+ varieties, from classic corn whiskey to flavored moonshines. The relaxed Appalachian atmosphere and entertaining master distiller presentations make this a low-effort crowd-pleaser. The tasting room and back patio can accommodate groups comfortably, and the downtown Gatlinburg location puts you steps from restaurants for dinner afterward.
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Diverse Activities
Kayak on Lake Acorn or fly fish at Lake Mishkin. Explore the waterfalls at Burgess Falls State Park.
Stunning Landscapes
Tennessee offers beautiful landscapes from rolling farmland to mountain views and serene lakes.
Flexible Accommodations
Luxury farms (Southall Farm & Inn), glamping sites (Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains), lakeside lodges (The Lodge at Montgomery Bell), woodland resorts (Evins Mill), and community-focused retreats (The Retreat at Center Hill Lake).
Perfect for Team-Building
Guided hikes, falconry expeditions, and local community-supporting experiences.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a corporate retreat in Tennessee cost per person per night?
Tennessee retreat costs vary by setting. The Lodge at Montgomery Bell offers state park-adjacent value with solid meeting facilities. The Retreat at Center Hill Lake and Evins Mill in Smithville provide lakeside and gorge settings at moderate rates. Southall Farm in Franklin is the premium option with all-inclusive farm dining and curated activities. Under Canvas Smokies offers glamping at rates lower than comparable Western glamping properties. Overall, Tennessee delivers more for the dollar than mountain destinations in Colorado or resort areas in Arizona.
When is the best time for a corporate retreat in Tennessee?
April through early June and September through November. Summer is oppressively hot and humid — outdoor team activities in July become survival exercises, not bonding experiences. October is the crown jewel: fall foliage peaks in the Smokies, temperatures hover around 70°F, and rates haven't hit holiday pricing yet. Spring brings wildflowers and comfortable temps across the Cumberland Plateau. Winter is mild by northern standards but limits outdoor options.
How do you get to Tennessee corporate retreat venues?
Nashville International (BNA) is the primary gateway with nonstops from most major US cities. Southwest's heavy presence keeps fares competitive. From BNA, Southall Farm in Franklin is 30 minutes south. Smithville venues (Center Hill Lake, Evins Mill) are 75 minutes east. For Smoky Mountain venues like Under Canvas, fly into Knoxville (TYS) instead — it cuts 2+ hours off the drive. Charter a bus from the airport for groups of 15+ heading to rural properties.
What group sizes work for Tennessee retreat venues?
Evins Mill handles intimate leadership retreats in a private gorge setting. The Retreat at Center Hill Lake works for mid-size groups with lakefront meeting space. Southall Farm in Franklin accommodates groups ranging from executive teams to full company offsites on its 325-acre property. The Lodge at Montgomery Bell offers conference facilities for larger groups. Under Canvas Smokies suits teams that want a shared adventure experience in groups of 10-40.
What activities can teams do during a Tennessee retreat?
Tennessee's activity options depend on your venue. Southall Farm offers on-site horseback riding, farm tours, and cooking classes. Evins Mill has private hiking trails and waterfall access. Under Canvas Smokies is the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park — the most visited national park in the US — for hiking and wildlife. Near Nashville, add a night on Broadway for live music, or visit Jack Daniel's distillery for a group tour. Check out all team building activities in Tennessee for more options.
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