Connecticut is both a quintessence and a quandary. It is a state populated by generations of trailblazers and freethinkers, yet its reputation as the “land of steady habits” is well-earned. The only logical surmise is that innovation, creativity and independence are so ingrained here that stagnation is unthinkable.
“The perfect example is our state slogan, “Still Revolutionary,” says Michael Van Parys, president of the Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau (CTCSB). “Our state keeps creating new opportunities through the can-do spirit of our residents. We have a fierce loyalty to the state and relish all of our beautiful historical sites, many of which double as event venues.”
Greater Hartford and Mystic are two Connecticut locales with plenty of standout off-site options.
Greater Hartford
Hartford, home to the standout Connecticut Convention Center, the state’s premier group gathering space, boasts 400 years of history. Its spirit of industrious creativity has given rise to many one-of-a-kind personalities, buildings and institutions. Luckily, the Connecticuter instinct for preservation has ensured that these treasures can still be enjoyed.
“Greater Hartford and all of Connecticut are known for the richness of historical and cultural arts attractions, and sports facilities, most of which can be used as off-site venues,” says Van Parys. “This abundance of innovative locations is very appealing to groups and associations with specific industry themes or focus areas. We work with meeting planners to match their interests with a related location that is scenic in every season.”
The Old State House in downtown Hartford is a historic treasure. The restored facility welcomes groups as large as 230 for off-site receptions and banquets, and a large lawn is ideal for outdoor events.
The 14,000-square-foot Riverfront Boathouse is not historic–it was built in 2002–but it has quickly become the city’s most popular riverfront venue. Located on the Connecticut River in forested Riverside Park, it is an ideal setting for lobster bakes, sunset cocktails or sunrise yoga classes.
Art is another important facet of Connecticut’s personality. Although it is the third-smallest state, its contributions to American literature are significant, and its dedication to the visual arts have resulted in many fine collections of artwork accessible to the public.
Hartford itself has given birth to some quintessentially American literature. Although he grew up in Missouri, Samuel Clemens wrote many of his most beloved novels (including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn) while living in Hartford. Mark Twain House & Museum is a popular attraction and an excellent off-site venue. The museum features a great hall capable of welcoming 250 and a 175-seat auditorium, among several smaller spaces.
Next door is the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. Groups of 10 or more can book private tours of the home of the woman who wrote the seminal novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Meanwhile, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest public art museum in the U.S. It preserves more than 50,000 works of art in a five-building complex. Avery Court, its largest rental space, can host gatherings as large as 350.
Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts was built in 1930. The interior of its 2,800-seat Mortensen Hall is a fine example of Art Deco design, and the hand-painted mural suspended from its ceiling is one of the largest of its kind. PageBreak
Outside Hartford
The suburb of Farmington has been considered a beauty spot since long before George Washington remarked upon its “pretty houses” during the Revolutionary War. Among the loveliest of its estates is Hill-Stead Museum. The museum presents a collection of world-renowned objets d’art in a surprisingly intimate space. The Colonial Revival-style property can welcome groups as large as 200.
Bradley International Airport is home to the New England Air Museum, which preserves the state’s aviation history with a large collection of aircraft and engines, as well as exciting flight simulators. Spaces available for rental include a military hangar that can accommodate receptions as large as 300 and a conference room that can host 150.
Southeastern Connecticut
The region around Mystic is small-town New England at its best. The rich maritime history, established arts traditions and architecture hearkening back hundreds of years present endless opportunities for unforgettable off-site venues. Groups are sure to enjoy immersing themselves in the local ethos.
“Groups can charter a schooner for a day, afternoon or sunset sail to see our beautiful shoreline from the protected waters of Fishers Island Sound, walk our historic downtown or shopping village, Olde Mistick Village,” says Janice Putnam, marketing and sales manager at Mystic Country/Eastern Regional Tourism District. “Foodies can expect to enjoy signature foods that are unique to the area: chowder, lobster, Stonington scallops, oysters and more.”
Mystic’s prominence as a shipbuilding center and port has left a legacy that groups can easily experience through off-site events.
The 19-acre Mystic Seaport bills itself as the Museum of America and the Sea. The destination boasts four National Historic Landmark vessels, including the world’s only remaining wooden whale ship. Its event venues, many of which offer water views, include the 60-person Maritime Art Gallery and the 200-person Boat Shed at Lighthouse Point, which is perfect for clambakes.
Mystic Aquarium gives groups a chance to have up-close experiences with jellyfish, penguins, beluga whales and many other fascinating species. The aquarium can seat groups as large as 350 for banquets. As many as 700 can be accommodated for outdoor receptions.
The arts have been another central part of Mystic’s community for more than 100 years.
“Founded in 1913 by a group of prominent artists rooted in the philosophy of the 19th century French landscape painters, Mystic Arts Center today serves as an arts and culture center for southeastern Connecticut,” Putnam says.
The center houses four art galleries, state-of-the-art studio space, classrooms and an art reference library, and offers 3,000 square feet of gallery space and 2,200 square feet of terrace for events.
The colossal casino resorts of Southeastern Connecticut have everything a planner could desire, including cool venues for off-site events.
The Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center curates 18,000 years of Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and natural history. Its offerings include high-tech dioramas, archeological artifacts and items made by traditional tribal craftspeople. The museum is located adjacent to Foxwoods Resort Casino, which is owned by the tribe and is one of the largest properties of its type in North America. The 308,000-square-foot facility includes a 320-seat auditorium.
Golf is another quintessential Connecticut activity, and Mohegan Sun Country Club at Pautipaug is a fantastic place to do it. Its 18-hole championship course was recently voted one of the country’s top casino golf courses by Golfweek magazine. Groups as large as 175 are welcome for events at its clubhouse.
Kelly Crumrin is a freelance travel writer based in San Francisco. Her favorite book by Mark Twain is A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court.
