North Carolina is a picture-perfect state that enjoys the natural splendor of both the ocean and mountains, and everything in between.
Planners have many opportunities to spotlight the state’s natural good looks via off-site venues. Following are several unique options.
U.S. NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTER, CHARLOTTE
www.usnwc.org
From the tree-lined streets of Center City to the sprawling landscape of the Piedmont, Charlotte sets a beautiful backdrop for any meeting or convention, according to Mike Butts, executive director at Visit Charlotte.
“The park system offers several venues for recreation and attractions that take advantage of the natural wooded landscape and perfect climate for outdoor activities,” he says.
Among them is the U.S. National Whitewater Center, which Butts says embodies the best aspects of Charlotte all in one convenient spot only 15 minutes from Uptown.
The scenic landscape and Catawba River are complemented by a manmade white-water river, where kayakers and rafters can ride class III and class IV rapids that sport names like Big Drop and Biscuits and Gravy. There are also 14 miles of biking and hiking trails, an 1,100-foot zip line and ropes courses that are perfect for team building.
“Every season is enjoyable at the center, with fall bringing fire pits for chilly nights and zip liners catching flashes of bright leaves, and in warmer months, blankets laid out for lounging on the grass and tents set up for shaded lounging,” Butts says, adding that groups can also take advantage of an on-site conference center, pavilion and restaurant.
THE PAVILIONS AT THE ANGUS BARN, RALEIGH
www.thepavilionsattheangusbarn.com
The Raleigh area is green in both natural landscape and sustainability practices, according to Loren Gold, executive vice president at the Greater Raleigh CVB.
“Raleigh is part of Project Get Ready, which has installed plug-in stations for hybrid and electric vehicles, and we have more than 152 miles of greenway trails, numerous lakes and parks and a county-wide commitment to green space, an attribute that surprises most visitors since we are a metropolitan area,” Gold says. “‘It’s so green here’ is a common reaction when visitors come to our area.”
The Pavilions at the Angus Barn, located in the heart of William B. Umstead State Park, is a unique venue featuring world-class dining created by Executive Chef (and Iron Chef winner) Walter Royal.
“The lakeside pavilion was built from timber truss work dating back to pre-Civil War and the floor-to-ceiling fireplace features stonework rescued from downtown Raleigh’s original Fayetteville Street,” Gold says, explaining that the open-air facility with an adjacent patio and terrace is a popular gathering spot for groups.
For attendees so inclined, there are 20-plus acres to explore, including Christopher’s Trail, a one-mile hiking course around the lake.
BAY 7, DURHAM
www.americantobaccohistoricdistrict.com
Home to Duke University, Durham is a colorful city that consistently earns accolades as one of the best places in the country to visit, live and do business, according to Corey Bizzell, director of sales at the Durham CVB.
“Meetings, trade shows, training sessions and association gatherings all find Durham to be a destination that meets their needs and provides a great experience,” Bizzell says.
Bay 7 is one popular facility that hosts off-site group events.
Located on the American Tobacco campus, an adaptive reuse project that converted one of Durham’s tobacco facilities into a destination for shopping, dining and recreation, the venue accommodates up to 400 people and its “urban chic” design features include exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, steel girders and a balcony area.
“Bay 7 looks out on a lush green space for a great view, has easy access entrances from two sides and ample parking, and is a complete event facility with a catering kitchen,” Bizzell says.
NORTH CAROLINA BOTANICAL
GARDENS, CHAPEL HILL
www.ncbg.unc.edu
Chapel Hill is another college town, where according to Linda Ekeland, sales director at the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, the spirit of the students, the excitement during sporting events and popular theater venues all add to an appealing atmosphere for visiting groups.
“Tree-lined streets and historical buildings both on campus and in town provide a charm to any visitors or groups,” she says.
The North Carolina Botanical Gardens that are set on the attractive campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill “is beauty unto itself,” Ekeland says.
“The garden has been a leader in native plant conservation and education in the southeastern U.S. for more than 30 years,” she says, adding that its new education center “celebrates relationships between humans and nature through the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, and walking and hiking trails.”
The center is well suited for receptions, educational seminars or corporate meetings, and tours of the gardens are available during events.
GRANDOVER RESORT AND CONFERENCE CENTER, GREENSBORO
www.grandover.com
Located in the middle of the state and the middle of the eastern seaboard, Greensboro touts itself as an accessible and affordable second-tier destination with first-tier facilities, according to Henri Fourrier, president and CEO at the Greensboro Area CVB.
“We have cultivated our own brand of Southern hospitality,” he says.
One of the area’s meetings-friendly facilities that highlight its natural beauty is the Grandover Resort and Conference Center, which Fourrier says features elaborate decor and overlooks two picturesque championship golf courses. Groups that aren’t based at the Grandover often book functions here.
“It makes for a perfect off-site venue,” Fourrier says, adding that the lush landscapes of the Grandover East and West championship golf courses are beautiful settings for networking and team-building among attendees.
Grandover’s on-site eateries boast lovely views as well.
Di Valleta, which has an elegant dining room and a menu featuring continental entrees such as slow-roasted prime rib and seared Chilean sea bass, offers views of both the East course’s rolling terrain and the resort’s garden.
OLD SALEM MUSEUM & GARDENS, WINSTON-SALEM
www.oldsalem.org
Winston-Salem is a sophisticated, second-tier meetings destination conveniently and strategically located at the epicenter of North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region, according to Casey Hough, spokesperson for Visit Winston-Salem.
“Like bookends, the downtown Arts District to the east offers a slightly more eclectic, avant-garde flavor, while the historic West End neighborhood gives a glimpse into Winston-Salem in the roaring 1920s ambience,” he says.
Old Salem Museums & Gardens is a recommended option for off-site events. Its unique facilities, including the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and award-winning heirloom gardens, engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South, Hough says.
Group tours are available, and event spaces include the Old Salem Visitor Center and the Tavern Meadow.
CAPE FEAR BOTANICAL GARDEN, FAYETTEVILLE
www.capefearbg.org
Greater Fayetteville, situated in the state’s Sandhills region, has a natural beauty all its own, according to John Meroski, president and CEO at the Fayetteville Area CVB.
“One of the species dependent on this ecosystem, the red-cockaded woodpecker, was in danger of extinction,” he says. “Fort Bragg took action and set aside land to protect the woodpecker, winning an environmental award for their work.”
The All-American Trail around Fort Bragg, with more than 1,500 plants and 400 species of wildlife, provides attendees the opportunity to possibly view the saved woodpecker.
For off-site events that encompass the area’s natural allure, planners often book the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, which is located between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek just two miles from downtown Fayetteville.
“Founded in 1989, the garden now boasts more than 2,000 varieties of ornamental plants and has several specialty gardens, including Camellia, Daylily and Hosta gardens,” Meroski says. “Something is in bloom year-round.”
This past spring, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden opened the Wyatt Visitors Pavilion, whose highlight is a 52-foot-high “orangery.” “From the orangery, visitors have views of a cypress pond, butterfly garden, arbor and other landscaping,” Meroski says, adding that the orangery can host seated dinners for up to 400 people and an open plaza behind the building can be used for special events. “Events are also held in the main garden area.”
AIRLIE GARDENS, WILMINGTON
www.airliegardens.org
Geography sets the Wilmington and Cape Fear Coast area apart, according to John Sneed, convention sales manager at the Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast CVB.
“We’re not just azaleas, magnolias and sweet tea,” he says. “We’re privileged to be surrounded by three island beaches—Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville—and a scenic riverfront. There’s water everywhere and you’ll find unspoiled natural beauty in almost any direction, along with architecture dating back to the 1700s that feels like it’s part of the landscape.”
One of Wilmington’s many unique off-site settings is Airlie Gardens, which boasts views of freshwater lakes and creeks, and the shade of the 460-year-old Airlie Oak.
“This county park has a rich history dating back to King George II, who granted the land to the Ogden brothers in 1735,” Sneed says. “Railroad tycoon Pembroke Jones and his wife Sarah later sculpted it into the rich gardens you see today.”
Outdoor events for up to 300 people are often hosted here.
CLAXTON FARM, ASHEVILLE
www.claxtonfarm.net
Asheville’s natural beauty is the No. 1 reason people visit, and it’s tops among the reasons meeting planners book the destination, according to Dianna Pierce, assistant vice president for sales and group services at the Asheville CVB.
“The Blue Ridge Mountains are picturesque in all seasons and are complemented by Asheville’s notable farm-to-table restaurants, a nationally recognized craft brewery scene, unique shopping and a vibrant atmosphere—as well as by a collection of venues that seamlessly combine the inspiring landscape with unequaled versatility and choice,” she says.
One of the many venues that showcase the natural charm of the southern Appalachians is Claxton Farm, a 500-acre working farm situated just 14 miles north of Asheville. The area is part of a farm conservation easement, Pierce notes, and home to a menagerie of animals, including cattle, llamas and even camels.
“Claxton Farm features an open field with 360 degrees of unobstructed mountain views as well as a special events barn with vaulted ceilings and multiple covered terraces,” she explains, adding that Claxton Farm’s versatility allows it to be used for small meetings, large social functions that include lawn games and fishing in the stocked pond, afternoon picnics, bluegrass and barbecue dinners, and nature walks.
Carolyn Blackburn is a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus South.
