Connecticut might be one of the more compact states on the map, but its geography is wonderfully varied and invites planners to arrange land-based or waterborne excursions for groups after the meeting.
From riverfront activities in Hartford and intriguing walking tours in New Haven to jaunts aboard a schooner in Fairfield County and outings to the oldest, continuously operating amusement park in North America, Connecticut’s “surf and turf” options are endless.
Following are eight great choices.
Greater Hartford
Riverfront Recapture, a nonprofit organization that’s leading the effort to reconnect metropolitan Hartford with the Connecticut River, is a great contact for planners bringing groups to the area.
On the doorsteps of the Connecticut Convention Center and many downtown Hartford and East Hartford hotels is an extensive offering of recreational and cultural opportunities for groups, says Charles Myers, director of programs and events at Riverfront Recapture.
He cites annual festivals including the Taste of the Caribbean and the Riverfront Dragon Boat & Asian Festival, as well as group activities coordinated through Riverfront Recapture’s Adventure Program.
“Whether it’s a day of dragon boating where teams learn how to paddle a 22-foot boat and then compete in a head-to-head competition, or a day of leadership training on the Riverfront Adventure Challenge Course with high ropes, a climbing wall and a zip line, groups are guaranteed a memorable experience,” he says.
Myers says the Riverfront Boathouse, which accommodates up to 1.500 people, is available for everything from a small 20-person business meeting to a large-scale New England clambake.
Portland
Another option that celebrates both land and water is Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park, an adventure sports destination that is best suited for active groups seeking a challenge.
According to Laura Loffredo, spokeswoman for Brownstone, which is framed by the Connecticut River, the seasonal park offers everything from rock climbing and cliff jumping to scuba diving, zip lining, kayaking and team-building programs for up to 1,000 people.
One, the Guts & Glory Challenge, is a Survivor-type course on land and water that pits teams of 8 to 10 people against each other, “It requires teams to strategize and work together,” Loffredo says, adding that it’s a fun, fast-paced activity that’s ideal for encouraging team spirit.
And during the Raft Building Challenge, groups will hone their communication skills, as the activity demands a teamwork while groups use ropes, planks, oars, flotation devices and plastic barrels to build a raft and win a race.
“This program is about reevaluating, rethinking and redoing; very few things in life or business are perfect the first go-around,” Loffredo says. PageBreak
New Haven
When in New Haven, groups should take it to the streets in search of a famous slice of pizza, or any other tasty delight imaginable, via Taste of New Haven, a local company that leads groups of eight or more people on culinary walking tours all around the city.
“We specialize in amazing food and drink tastes but we also focus on the cultural and historical aspects of New Haven and the food we are eating,” says Colin M. Caplan, owner and tour guide, explaining that scheduled tours are available on weekends or customized tours can be arranged.
“We always begin each tour with individuals introducing themselves and talking about their favorite food,” he says. “We create an experience that allows tour guests to naturally mingle at each stop and in-between stops.”
Groups can either schedule a tour featuring an eclectic mix of cuisine or book a themed tour, such as one featuring pizza and beer with stops at Sally’s Apizza and Frank Pepe’s, or an Asian tour featuring Miya’s Sushi and Bangkok Gardens Thai.
Visiting groups might also like to tour Yale, one of the country’s most gorgeous and renowned universities, which is annually visited by more than 85,000 people, according to Nancy Franco, director of Yale University Visitor Center.
“The Yale campus is home to the work of some of the world’s greatest architects,” she says, explaining that tour participants will pass by Harkness Memorial Tower, which stands at 216 feet tall, contains a 54-bell carillon and is decorated with numerous sculptures of Yale notables, allegorical figures and humorous gargoyles of students.
Participants will also have the opportunity to visit the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, where the Gutenberg Bible and two volumes of Audubon’s Birds of America are on permanent display.
“The majority of the tour is an outdoor stroll through the heart of the campus,” she says, adding that a trip to Yale would not be complete without a stop at Sterling Memorial Library, a masterpiece of modern Gothic architecture.
Guides typically lead groups of 25 people, but multiple guides can be reserved to handle groups as large as 150 people.
Coastal Fairfield County
A memorable itinerary in Fairfield County involves getting attendees out on the water.
One option is SoundWaters Schooner, an 80-foot, three-masted schooner that welcomes groups of up to 40 people aboard for a 2.5-hour cruise.
“The captain and crew can provide team-building activities such as working to raise the sails,” says Olena Czebiniak, programs coordinator of SoundWaters Schooner, adding that interactions between passengers and crew about environmental issues are commonplace. “The biggest takeaway is an appreciation of Long Island Sound and the opportunity to share this experience with colleagues.”
SoundWaters, located in a 19th century house on the shores of Long Island Sound, is also a perfect venue for group events and corporate outings and celebrations, adds Czebiniak, explaining that SoundWaters doesn’t have a kitchen but can provide tables and chairs for about 60 people.
“The most appropriate event is an outdoor barbecue or clambake,” she says. “There is a covered brick patio and large back yard available for tenting and additional chair and table rentals.”
Southeast Connecticut/Mystic Country
Mystic Seaport, located on the Mystic River, is a great venue and obvious choice for visiting groups. This popular land and water experience invites attendees to stay on shore to browse the recreated 19th century New England coastal village or to enjoy waterborne options from row boating to sailing with a professional captain aboard a classic yacht.
“We are a particularly good destination for groups because the variety of our exhibits and our activities allows pretty much anyone to find something they are interested in,” says Dan McFadden, Mystic Seaport’s spokesman, adding guided tours for groups of at least 10 people can be tailored to a specific interest.
While you don’t need to be a maritime history buff to have a great experience at Mystic Seaport, McFadden says groups do enjoy performing authentic sailor tasks while on the water.
“Sailors’ lives depended on their ability to work together toward a common goal, so activities such as rowing a whaleboat, raising a sail or weighing anchor make great group activities,” he says. “If you want the whaleboat to get back to shore, you have to cooperate and pull together.”
Additionally, McFadden says Mystic Seaport accommodates everything from small groups of 30 people to large gatherings of 200 in event rooms at Latitude 41° Restaurant, and on the North Lawn is an open-air boat shed offering seasonal venues for large groups right on the river.PageBreak
Lake of Isles might just be the best bet for groups with golfers, according to Maria Ross, head concierge at Lake of Isles and Troon Golf Academy.
“It is the most beautiful, ultimate upscale experience for any golfer,” she says. “From the moment you stop at the bag drop to your last steps into Matches Tavern after your round, you will be amazed at the unmatched level of service that you will receive.”
According to Ross, golf remains a terrific opportunity for a business that wants to grow and strengthen its position, and group tournaments can easily incorporate a PGA professional, such as during a “Beat the Pro” competition.
She says the on-site Troon Golf Academy, featuring teaching studios equipped with swing analysis and 60,000 square feet of teeing, putting, chipping and bunker practice areas, offers group golf instruction that caters to all skill levels, not just scratch golfers.
“A corporate golf school is the perfect way to reward your best clients, build excellent business relationships, surpass ordinary team building and improve your golf game,” Ross says.
On-site gathering spots include a ballroom and an outdoor deck overlooking the lake.
Northwest Connecticut/Litchfield Hills
Lake Compounce, which dates to 1846, is a great place to host seasonal events for groups ranging in size from 25 people to thousands of people, according to Jerry Brick, the property’s general manager.
“We have had groups do many different things, from scavenger hunts and volleyball to events in our historic Starlight Theatre, to name a few,” he says. “Most companies that have come here year after year enjoy the park because once they decide what they want, our team will handle it from there and make sure the details are addressed.”
Centrally located in Connecticut, Lake Compounce includes a theme park, water park and catering facility.
“The catering facility is set away from the park so there is a bit of quiet time for the group, and yet once the meal is over they can go back in and enjoy the rides and water areas,” Brick says.
The park accommodates corporate buyouts. “
“Some larger companies come over the course of several days to the park,” Brick says.
There are outdoor catered pavilions that seat around 4,000 to 5,000 people, and the indoor theater accommodates approximately 500 people.
Carolyn Blackburn is a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus East.
