Conference events
Jack Daniel Distillery
Please join us Thursday July 5 for a trip to the Jack Daniel Distillery. Buses leave from Kirkland Hall in the middle of campus at 12:00 PM and return by 6:00 PM in time for the welcoming reception. Please get lunch before you leave.
Founded in 1866, Jack Daniel's is the oldest registered distillery in the nation, famous for its sour mash whiskey. The charcoal mellowing process has been in use here for over 100 years. Jack Daniel was born five miles from what is now Jack Daniel Hollow in 1848. At the age of twelve he began working for Dan Call, who ran a distillery at Louse Creek. Three years later he became Call's full partner, soon buying him out and making his own whiskey. Jack Daniel wanted the bottles square because he was known as a “square shooter.” The charcoal mellowing process takes the “corn” taste out of the liquor and makes it true “Tennessee Whiskey,” never called bourbon. Guided tours of the distillery begin every 15 minutes.
Links:
http://www.jackdaniels.com/
http://www.tnvacation.com/vendors/jack_daniel_distillery/
Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee
If you can stay an extra day in Nashville, we have arranged a special optional trip to Memphis (about 3-4 hours from Nashville) to see Graceland and Beal Street. Transportation, lunch and the platinum tour of Graceland are included. There will also be time for dinner on Beal Street. Buses leave from Kirkland hall at 9:00 AM and return at 11:00 PM. The cost of the trip is $90 and reservations are required.
If you're looking for fun things to do in Memphis, Tennessee and enjoy visiting celebrity homes, don't miss touring Elvis's 14-acre estate. See Elvis' home Graceland mansion, the beginning of an unforgettable experience. Then visit The Elvis Auto Museum, Sincerely Elvis, and Elvis' Custom Jets. Touring Graceland is a one-of-a-kind experience that will lead you on Elvis's fascinating journey to superstardom. You will experience the cultural changes that led to the birth of Rock 'n' Roll and see, first-hand, how Elvis became the most celebrated entertainer in the world.
Graceland Platinum Tour
Great way to see the full Graceland experience. The Graceland Platinum tour includes an audio-guided tour of Graceland Mansion and grounds, along with self-guided tours of Elvis's two custom airplanes, Elvis's Automobile Museum, the Sincerely Elvis Museum, and Elvis After Dark.
Links:
http://www.elvis.com/graceland/
http://www.tnvacation.com/vendors/elvis_presleys_graceland/
The music and entertainment pulse of downtown Memphis, Beale Street at the turn of the 20th century served as a haven for African Americans migrating from small towns. Legendary greats such as W.C. Handy, B.B. King, Rufus Thomas, Willie Mitchell and Isaac Hayes have showcased their talents on Beale. Beale Street offers three blocks of night clubs, specialty shops, galleries andrestaurants. The redevelopment of Beale Street is considered a catalyst in downtown Memphis' rebirth. In the late 1970's the City of Memphis bought nearly all of the properties along three blocks of Beale Street, and the Beale Street Management Corporation was formed with the charge of creating an entertainment district. What was once all vacant property has turned into one of the hottest entertainment districts in the country. Over the past 20 years, the street has gone from the epitome of urban decay to the number one tourist attraction in the State of Tennessee. Beale Street is one of the best examples of a public/private partnership. 