Northern Virginia is just across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital, and the region offers business groups a wealth of sophisticated and memorable off-site meeting and event venues. From facilities with historic connections to hip new arts centers with an edgy atmosphere, there’s a range of choices for planners in search of interesting backdrops.
ARTISPHERE, ARLINGTON
www.artisphere.com
When the event calls for casual, artsy and energized, Artisphere delivers with its distinctive and informal venues. Regular programming in this urban arts center occurs simultaneously in Artisphere’s spaces and includes Shakespeare productions, exhibitions of contemporary visual arts and late-night dance parties.
Artisphere has four performance venues, three visual art galleries, a 4,000-square-foot ballroom and free Wi-Fi.
Planners can choose from seven venues for training events, meetings, conferences or social gatherings. The facilities roster includes three fixed-seat theaters for 30, 220 or 385 people. An education lab holds 30, a black box venue accommodates up to 125 theater style, and the ballroom holds up to 150 for a banquet.
“One of our most popular spaces for business groups is the dome theater, where they can project presentations,” says Sharon Raphael, Artisphere’s director of special events. “Our various gallery spaces are great for coffee breaks with an interesting visual dynamic.”
Artisphere can also be a group entertainment hangout, with event ticket prices averaging $15 per person.
THE HYLTON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, MANASSAS/PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
www.hyltoncenter.org
The Hylton Performing Arts Center is one of Northern Virginia’s newest venues for the arts as well as for private events. Located 30 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., and 20 miles from Dulles International Airport, it offers flexible, elegant and inspiring spaces.
Inside the 85,000-square-foot facility, there’s a European-style concert hall for a meeting or presentation for up to 1,100 people. The Didlake Grand Foyer with its large windows has 7,300 square feet of flexible space on two levels and can accommodate 200 people for a seated meal or up to 500 for a reception. The Gregory Family Theater is perfect for smaller meetings of up to 300 or 500 for receptions.
“The Hylton is a stunning place,” says Rick Davis, executive director of the center. “Just walking in the front door gives a ‘lift’ to the spirit—not simply because of the beautiful architecture that combines classic theatrical forms with contemporary finishes and functionality—but also because you’re always aware this is a place where, night in and night out, magic happens. A little bit of that aura lingers to inspire any kind of meeting, event or gathering.”
THE STUDIO PAVILLION AT GARI MELCHERS HOME AND STUDIO, FREDERICKSBURG
www.garimelchers.org
A century ago, Gari Melchers was one of the most famous painters of his day, with famous patrons on both sides of the Atlantic. He met his wife Corinne on an ocean liner, and they spent their lives sharing art. Their story lives on in Belmont, their elegant 27-acre, 18th century estate and a National Historic Landmark near historic downtown Fredericksburg.
The estate includes several event venues besides the Melcher home and gardens. The Studio Pavilion holds up to 150 guests, and it’s appropriate for lectures, concerts, meetings and receptions. The estate event facility includes a meeting room, and additional terrace, lobby and lounge areas are available.
The home has 1,677 paintings and drawings by Gari Melchers and an additional 414 works by other artists, and some 3,000 items of furniture, decorative objects and books. Event guests may do tours of the home.
“The historic home and studio, the beautiful grounds and gardens, and the stunning event space make this location one that is certain to impress,” says Lindy Lynn, assistant special events coordinator at Belmont.
George Washington Masonic Memorial, Alexandria
www.gwmemorial.org
For grand events recalling the legacy of George Washington, Masonic Hall is an ideal choice.
Inspired by Alexandria’s lighthouse, the building has an observation deck atop its nine-story tower that affords sweeping views of the D.C. region. Inside, a theater seats 258 for performances and presentations. Memorial Hall can accommodate up to 200 for a reception and 90 for a banquet, and it features a commanding 17-foot bronze statue of Washington, granite columns and historic murals.
“The site is an elegant setting for any event,” says Merrie Morris, director of public affairs for the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association. “And there are so many qualities that ensure the success of any event there. Even the site’s ‘back story’ is interesting. It stands on what was once called Shuters Hill, where masses of Union troops camped during the Civil War. The front portico was most recently featured in the movie J. Edgar, with Clint Eastwood directing Leonardo DiCaprio on its front steps.”
THE ATRIUM AT MEADOWLARK GARDENS, FAIRFAX
www.nvrpa.org
Tall glass walls and a cathedral ceiling with a brilliant 2,000-square-foot skylight combine to give guests breathtaking views of these 95-acre botanical gardens. The Atrium accommodates 190 seated or 300 standing.
“The Atrium at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is resplendent with lush foliage, flowers, fountains and a meandering stream that brings outdoor garden beauty indoors and provides a unique, natural setting for your event any time of year,” says Dean Miller of Visit Fairfax. “Any meeting set in the stunning beauty of the Atrium is sure to be remembered.”
Meadowlark Gardens, popular for corporate events, is a 21-acre piece of a former 74-acre farm. The topography embodies the Virginia Piedmont, with large hills dropping off to small streams, forested hollows and expansive views.
DRANESVILLE TAVERN, FAIRFAX
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks
Built around 1824, the historic Dranesville Tavern served as a respite for businessmen and travelers who were moving between the Potomac River and the Shenandoah Valley. Today, the restored six-room, two-story building with sandstone fireplaces and a large country porch continues its hospitality traditions by welcoming special events and meetings. It accommodates up to 80 people seated.
“During its storied history, the Dranesville Tavern has played host to travelers, Civil War troops, orphans and Sunday supper diners,” says Dean Miller of Visit Fairfax. “Now restored to emulate the once prevalent roadside inn, the building and surrounding grounds provide countless configurations to suit the needs of any small or midsize meeting.”
The Tavern is a 20-minute drive from both the business corridors of Tysons Corner and Dulles International Airport.
GOODSTONE INN AND RESTAURANT, LOUDOUN
www.goodstone.com
The charm and serenity of Virginia’s Hunt Country provides the ambience at Goodstone Inn and Restaurant near Middleburg. Located on 265 acres, this country estate is also convenient to Dulles International Airport and 40 miles west of Washington, D.C. Privacy, security and service are its hallmarks.
Included is an elegant restaurant for up to 50 and a stunning wine cellar accented by an original mural for intimate business get-togethers or celebrations amid a stock of vintages from around the world. There are six cottages with 18 guest rooms. The baronial Manor House is a unique gathering choice. Built by the estate’s former owner in the 1940s, it features a living room with a log-burning fireplace and a baby grand piano. The dining room has an original wall mural depicting Virginia colonial scenes. A terrace and sun lounge overlook the rolling countryside and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The estate offers spa treatments, horseback riding, hiking and shopping in nearby Middleburg and Leesburg. Winery tours are also popular with guests.
SUNSET HILLS VINEYARD, LOUDOUN
www.sunsethillsvineyard.com
Northern Virginia is a hub of the state’s burgeoning wine industry, and several wineries have enticing event spaces.
Sunset Hills Vineyard is a restored 1870s Amish-built farm with spectacular sunset views from its historic post and beam event venue. The 8,000-square-foot venue has a massive solid mahogany island tasting bar that accommodates 50 guests as well as solid wood tables. Seating on the outdoor decks is also offered. The site can accommodate up to 140 guests indoors utilizing multiple levels, with room for 104 additional guests on the outside decks.
The historic restored barn’s lower level has a stone room with a European wine cellar ambience. The room can accommodate 20 guests.
Sunset Hills works with caterers who specialize in locally produced meats and vegetables, pairing the vineyard’s wines with menu choices.
Ruth A. Hill has been covering the the meetings and conventions industry from her Northern Virginia base for more than 20 years.
