Beechcraft Heritage Museum: A Gorgeous Tennessee Venue with Vintage Aircraft
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 Amy's been telling me all about the Beechcraft Heritage Museum and I asked her to share info on this unique wedding venue with the ABG community of brides and planners. If you are looking for something outside the box, this could be it! I am sure that Designs in Paper or Southall Eden Paperie could do some over top wedding invitations to complement this aviation theme. Today's Guest Blogger: Amy Thomas of Swizzle Parties, a Nashville Wedding & Event Planner I'm so excited to share this little gem with you! I began working with the Beechcraft Heritage Museum as their event planner for private member functions. And, it didn't take me long to fall in love with the space and envision the beautiful weddings and special occasions that could take place there. The Beechcraft Heritage Museum is located approximately 70 miles southeast of Nashville in Tullahoma, TN (near Shelbyville and Manchester). This year marks the 36th anniversary for the Museum. (I know, I always get the same response "36 years? I didn't know there was an aircraft museum here.") Let's just say it's a best-kept secret and it's time to spread the word about this beautiful space. The good news? The friendly folks at the Museum have opened the doors and are now renting their facilities for special occasions and events. Situated on 60 lush acres, the Beechcraft Heritage Museum is home to over 30 vintage aircraft (all in the Beechcraft family). They have a variety of spaces that can accommodate groups of 20 to 700. And those lush, green acres are perfect for outdoor functions. Best of all, almost every space has vintage aircraft on display. If you want to host a casual cocktail party for 25, then the rustic Hangar 7 bar is the perfect choice. With it's unfinished wood floors and rockin' juke box, Hangar 7 is a fun space. Need something with a little more luxury and charm? Check out the new Beech Center with it's exposed brick, art gallery and expansive glass wall with a view of the gorgeous outdoors. For a true aviation theme, the Cianchette Hangar is the place for you. Filled with pristine aircraft (usually 10-12 planes), the hangar also has a small stage and lots of floor space for large groups and a dance floor. While it isn't a traditional event/conference space, the Museum does offer a unique charm that can't be found anywhere else in our area. Depending on your needs, it might take a little more design and planning work than a traditional space, but the result is well worth it. Now on to the photos! First, I'll share some pics of the Museum space as it appears pre-event. Then, I have some lovely wedding shots for you to enjoy. (Thanks to Sarah & Colby for sharing their gorgeous wedding with us! All photos courtesy of the Beechcraft Heritage Museum unless otherwise noted.) The entrance to the Museum is part of the most recent renovation. You should note the outdoor patio and very cool walkway lined with "runway" lights. All of the glass doors (including the large hangar door on the right) can be opened for access to the patio.
(Night photo courtesy of Bob Burns, aerial photographer & friend of the Museum. Thanks Bob!)
The Beech Center (also the lobby of the Museum) has several beautiful features. First the art gallery.
This is the "Staggerwing Cafe" that is opposite the art gallery.
This is the other half of the Beech Center showcasing a red Staggerwing (Serial No. 1).
The Bonanza Baron Hangar is a pristine display of aircraft.
Now for some eye-candy! I love, love, love the delicious design used for a recent wedding at the Museum.
Fun side note: See the shiny beauty in the background? The bride and groom bid farewell to their guests with a fly-by. How cool is that? The Museum property is adjacent to the Tullahoma airport. Many visitors actually fly in and taxi onto Museum property, park their planes and visit for the day.
For more information about the Beechcraft Heritage Museum contact Amy Thomas (a.k.a. Swizzle Parties) at 615/417-0877 or the Museum office at 931/455-1974. Wedding Design by Kim Frazer, The Perfect Settings
