Throughout New York’s meetings-friendly destinations, planners will find a wealth of historic, culturally rich options that are perfect for group visits or memorable gatherings.
Following are several great ideas to incorporate Empire State history and heritage into agendas.
The High Line, New York City
www.thehighline.org
According to Chris Heywood, spokesperson for NYC & Company, the historic High Line is among the city’s must-visit attractions.
“Originally an elevated railway, the High Line is now a beautifully landscaped public park,” he says. “It is so beautiful to see vistas of the city from such a unique vantage point.”
Originally constructed in the 1930s to lift freight trains off Manhattan’s streets in order to protect pedestrians, the High Line is located on Manhattan’s West Side, running from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street.
Group tours (www.thehighline.org/tours), which typically last for about one hour, provide participants with information about the park’s history, design, artwork and horticulture.
Long Island Heritage Trail, Long Island
www.longislandheritagetrail.com
During the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Long Island spanned from what is now Brooklyn through Suffolk County, according to Joan LaRosa, director of sales at the Long Island CVB. She says the Long Island Heritage Trail, the route that George Washington rode to thank his wartime supporters, is a fascinating tour along Long Island’s north shore.
“All the attractions on the trail are available to the public for tours and some can accommodate private evening dinners and events,” she says.
Among the stops on the tour are Sands Point Preserve, an early 1900s estate; the Nassau County Museum of Art, Old Westbury Gardens and the Vanderbilt Museum, all former Gold Coast mansions; and Sagamore Hill, the “Summer White House” home of Theodore Roosevelt.
George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography and Film, Rochester
www.eastmanhouse.org
Unique attractions in Rochester include two National Historic Landmarks, the Susan B. Anthony House, where leaders of the women’s suffrage movement often met, and the mansion home of Eastman Kodak Company’s founder, George Eastman.
According to Claire Wysokowski, spokesperson for Visit Rochester, today the George Eastman House, International Museum of Photography and Film, couples one of the world’s leading collections of photography with a landmark Colonial Revival mansion and gardens.
“Eastman called this home from 1905 to 1932,” Wysokowski says, adding that Eastman is heralded as the father of modern photography and the inventor of motion picture film.
The venue is open to the public and accommodates events, including receptions and meetings. Among its group-friendly facilities are the Potter Peristyle and the Art Deco Dryden Theatre.
New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza, Albany
www.ogs.state.ny.us
Albany, New York’s capital, has more than 400 years of interesting history, according to Michele Vennard, president and CEO of the Albany County CVB.
“The Capital Region is the perfect historic destination because of the diverse mix of architecture, government and culture,” she says, adding that guided tours of Albany, including the Hudson River, are available via Albany Aqua Ducks and Trolleys (www.albanyaquaducks.com).
One stop along the way is the New York State Capitol and adjacent Empire State Plaza.
Built over the course of nearly 30 years at a cost of $25 million, the capitol was the most expensive government building of its time, Vennard says, adding that while extensive renovations are taking place, tours continue.
The adjoining Empire State Plaza, with 10 buildings and towers, is a highlight of Albany’s distinctive skyline.
“Visitors can take an elevator up 42 stories of the Corning Tower for a beautiful view of the plaza and its surrounding cityscape,” Vennard says.
Erie Canal (Museum and Boat Tour), Syracuse
www.eriecanalmuseum.org
www.eriecanalcamillus.com/boat.htm
The Erie Canal, one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century, made Syracuse an essential stop for canal barges en route downstate to the seaports of New York City.
“It was location that made Syracuse such an important part of the canal route—the city is located directly in the geographical center of New York State—and location continues to be a major factor in our city’s appeal,” says Tracey Kegebein, vice president of sales and services at the Syracuse CVB.
Today, Syracuse’s role in the success of the canal is on display at the Erie Canal Museum.
At Camillus Erie Canal Park in nearby Camillus is the 1842 Nine Mile Creek Aqueduct.
“A cruise over the newly restored aqueduct is a fantastic activity for groups,” Kegebein says.
Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, Buffalo
www.trsite.org
Buffalo is a city that abounds with noteworthy history, including abolitionism, the War of 1812, the roots of the American Arts and Crafts movement and the inauguration of Teddy Roosevelt in 1901, according to Dottie Gallagher-Cohen, president and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara.
“The newly renovated Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site features high-tech interactive exhibits and allows visitors to stand where Teddy Roosevelt took the oath of office,” she says.
The site offers many special events, including behind-the-scenes tours and guided walking tours. There is also an on-site gathering space for receptions and banquets.
Otesaga Resort Hotel, Cooperstown
www.otesaga.com
Cooperstown, located in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains, is home to an inviting and historic lakefront property.
The Otesaga Resort Hotel, featuring 135 guest units, an on-site golf course and 12 meeting spaces of varying sizes, resides on the southern shore of Otsego Lake near Cooperstown attractions, including the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which opened in 1939, and the Fenimore Art Museum.
A magnificent, Federal-style property that opened in 1909, the AAA Four Diamond Otesaga Resort Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America.
Fort William Henry Hotel
and Conference Center,
Lake George
www.fortwilliamhenry.com
Back in the day, as the popularity of the Lake George area grew, hotels began to spring up along its shores, according to Tanya Brand, group tour promoter at the Warren County Tourism Department. Among them are meetings-friendly gems of today, including the gorgeous Sagamore, which opened in 1883, and the Fort William Henry Resort & Conference Center, whose story began in 1855.
The elegant Fort William Henry offers glorious views of Lake George and the Adirondack Mountains, 194 guest units and 16,500 square feet of function space.
At the adjacent Fort William Henry Museum, guides in 18th century military costume begin tours with musket- and cannon-firing demonstrations. The fort’s history is told in the book and movie, The Last of the Mohicans.
Carolyn Blackburn is a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus East.
