Spring has nearly sprung, and the last place anyone wants to be is trapped in a stuffy boardroom. Massachusetts may be among the smallest U.S. states, but it’s famous for its extensive coastline, postcard-perfect islands, gently rolling Berkshires and many championship golf courses. Its cities are walkable, and its waterways invite exploration.
Prepare to get peddling, paddling, climbing and surfing. These active Massachusetts adventures are guaranteed to get heart rates up and give groups something to talk about for years to come.
Urban AdvenTours, Boston
www.urbanadventours.com
See Boston on a private, guided bike tour with Urban AdvenTours. Options include the “City View” tour, the “Tour de Boston” along the Charles River and the harbor, or a sunset ride along the waterfront.
“Bike tours in Boston, leaving from the Urban AdvenTours headquarters in the historic North End, or even from your hotel, are a great way for a group to get out of the office and interact with one another,” says Andrew Prescott, chief wheel officer at Urban AdvenTours. “Boston is a small, vibrant city best seen by bike when you can access so many of the diverse neighborhoods in an intimate fashion.”
Urban AdvenTours, which has won several awards for its eco-friendly efforts, can accommodate nearly any number of riders split into groups of 25.PageBreak
Community Rowing Inc., Newton
www.communityrowing.org
Competitive rowing has long been a popular sport in Cambridge. In fact, the Yale–Harvard Regatta is the oldest college athletic contest in America. A group rowing outing on the Charles River with Community Rowing Inc. (CRI) begins by dividing into teams for professional coaching before a day of races. CRI welcomes groups of from six to 200.
“Rowing is the ultimate team sport—there is nothing like the experience of working together on the water to bring people together,” says Buffy Pennick, annual fund coordinator for the company. “Through the process of competitive rowing, the CRI corporate rowing program creates a culture that promotes growth and trust in teamwork. Participants return to their job invigorated and with a new understanding and commitment to the value of ‘pulling together.’”
In addition, CRI’s elegant new Harry Parker Boathouse can host gatherings as large as 220 along the banks of the Charles.
Far Corner Golf, West Boxford
www.farcornergolf.com
The North of Boston region is home to more than 30 public and many prestigious private golf courses among the best in Massachusetts. Far Corner Golf in West Boxford boasts one of the few 27-hole courses in the state. Its three nines, the Fox, the Heron and the Hawk, are picturesque and highly rated.
“Whether your next golf event is a fundraiser, corporate outing, or a chance for friends to get together and play a round of golf, Far Corner Golf Course’s scenic layout is the place to play,” says Bob Flynn, director of golf. “Our 250-acre property is located in the beautiful West Boxford countryside with a Vermont-like feel and views.”
Far Corner can host tournaments of 216 golfers with a shotgun start. The course also offers a two-tier putting green and a newly built function area capable of hosting more than 200. PageBreak
Central Rock Worcester
www.centralrockgym.com/worcester
Groups can reach a whole new level at Central Rock Worcester. The 16,500-square-foot rock climbing gym offers 40-plus vertical feet of walls covered with multi-colored holds just waiting to be climbed. Central Rock is great for beginner through advanced climbers, and rock-climbing is a perfect team-building activity. Partners on the floor anchor team members as they ascend, giving advice about which route to take to reach the goal.
“Central Rock Climbing Centers provide a unique and exciting environment for meetings, corporate retreats and team-building workshops,” says Ariel Macrae, director of marketing and sales. “We offer up-to-date facilities, meeting rooms, yoga classes, guided outdoor climbing trips and professional coaching. Our highly trained staff can create a program to suit any business’ needs.”
Best of all, the adventure is suitable in all seasons and weather.
Crab Apple Whitewater,
Charlemont
www.crabapplewhitewater.com
Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley is crisscrossed with rivers, with Springfield located at the confluence of the Connecticut, Westfield, Chicopee and Mill rivers. Fifty miles north, Crab Apple Whitewater offers five different rafting adventures ranging from the mild to the wild on the Deerfield River.
“Since 1983, Crab Apple has taken thousands of groups rafting in Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont,” says Jennifer Mooney, co-manager of the company. These adventures build confidence, leadership, teamwork and camaraderie for rafters of all ages. Our family would enjoy taking your group on an unforgettable adventure.”
Crab Apple Whitewater welcomes groups as large as 130 from April through October.PageBreak
Mount Greylock State Reservation, Lanesboro
www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtgreylock
Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts, rises above the Berkshire Hills to 3,491 feet. Preserved as wilderness but easily accessible, the 11,000-acre reservation has 50 miles of hiking trails, including a stretch of the legendary Appalachian Trail that runs from Maine all the way down to Georgia.
“Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Mount Greylock State Reservation offers an easy escape into a wild landscape with fantastic panoramic views,” says Alec Gillman, the DCR’s visitor services supervisor. “Yet the park is close by the cultural attractions of the Berkshires. Great versatility for a backpacking adventure, overnight stay at the DCR’s Bascom Lodge or an invigorating day hike.”
The DCR can provide interpreters to lead hikes. Groups are limited to 12 to minimize impact on the trails. Historic Bascom Lodge, located near the summit of Mount Greylock, can host 34 for overnight stays or welcome larger groups for special events.
Cape Cod Kayak
www.capecodkayak.com
Of all the ways to take in views of Cape Cod’s famously beautiful water, kayaking allows groups to get up close and personal with it.
“There are hundreds of miles of very varied kayaking experiences on Cape Cod,” says Kimberly Fernandes, owner of the company. “In addition to spectacular coastline, we have salt marshes, tidal river, lakes and ponds. Wildlife abounds, and the sunsets over Buzzards Bay are unrivaled.”
Depending on the season and where the outing will be, maximum group size ranges from 24 to 36.
Nantucket Island Surf School
www.nantucketsurfing.com
Nantucket may be short on palm trees, but it more than makes up for it with some of the best waves in New England. Nantucket Island Surf School is the perfect place for beginners to get their feet wet.
“Surf school is a great group activity because it takes individuals out of their comfort zone and puts them directly into nature—the ocean,” says Gary Kohner, owner of the company. “Although surfing is an individual activity, the camaraderie and support of the group helps enable one to face the challenges of catching and riding waves. There is nothing like surfing with friends and sharing the stoke of riding waves together.”
The surf school can accommodate as many as 15 for group surfing lessons. Stand-up paddleboarding classes are also available for groups as large as 12.
Kelly Crumrin, a freelance writer and frequent contributor to Meetings Focus, enjoys the occasional Class V white-water rapid.
