From a World War II battleship and a 300-foot pier in North Carolina to a waterfront restaurant and a popular golf course in South Carolina, the coastal areas of the Carolinas have many great options for planners who’d like to assemble a picturesque gathering as part of the itinerary.
NORTH CAROLINA, Battleship North Carolina, Wilmington
The Battleship North Carolina is one of the most decorated ships of World War II, as it participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific Theater of Operations and earned 15 battle stars, according to Danielle Wallace, the venue’s programs director, who adds that the landmark also serves as North Carolina’s World War II Memorial.
One recently held event on the battleship’s fantail was a Wilmington and Beaches CVB-hosted luau complete with a pig roast, Hawaiian dancers and music.
“The battleship is truly one of the most unique venues in Wilmington to host an outdoor event,” Wallace says. “A World War II battleship offers memories and experiences that stand out among traditional meeting sites.”
The venue’s view toward downtown Wilmington “seals the deal,” Wallace adds.
“As you receive the ambience of a 1940s vintage battleship you also receive the atmosphere of historic downtown Wilmington,” she says. “Settings are only limited to the planner’s imagination. The nighttime view can also offer a more inviting and intimate setting with the reflections of the moon and stars on the Cape Fear River.”
Isaac Taylor Garden, New Bern
Located in the heart of the historic district in downtown New Bern, Isaac Taylor Garden, which was built in 1792, is conveniently located within walking distance of the waterfront, shops, restaurants and hotels.
The beautiful outdoor garden is available for receptions, dinners, private parties or ticketed event fundraisers, according to Owner Mike Lentz, who adds that the historic venue can accommodate more than 200 people.
“You enter into the Old World venue through an ornate wrought-iron gate of the Carolinas,” he says. “The narrow alleyway cascades over a beautifully patterned brick patio with the ambience of worn cobbled paths from the early 1800s.”
Privacy in the intimate courtyard is ensured with a brick-walled encasement surrounding the perimeter.
“In the open air, you can sit in shade under mature Southern foliage,” Lentz says.PageBreak
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlantic Beach Oceanfront, Crystal Coast
Nestled on a quiet stretch of Atlantic Beach between Havelock and Emerald Isle, the new DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlantic Beach Oceanfront sports a 300-foot pier that allows guests to enjoy sunrise and sunset views and dolphin sightings.
Additionally, according to Tom Bowen, the property’s general manager, the pier can be closed for private events and has recently accommodated corporate receptions.
“We would be delighted to have your attendees as our guests and we promise the event will be filled with memory-making experiences,” he says. “Imagine enjoying a Carolina shrimp boil on our 300-foot pier over the ocean while watching high tide rolling in, or having a ‘Down East’ beignet with hot coffee sitting on our porch on the dunes a few yards from the ocean at sunrise.”
On-site food and beverage options celebrate the great culinary traditions of the region, Bowen adds.
Outer Banks Event Site, Outer Banks
The Outer Banks Event Site is an open-space event venue located on 13 acres of waterfront property in Nags Head.
“What’s special about this site is that there’s really no other event venue with as much green space located in the Nags Head area,” says Lorrie Love, tourism sales and events manager for the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, which manages the venue. “The beauty of the Roanoke Sound coupled with the central location on the Outer Banks of North Carolina makes it an exciting, fresh choice for planners serious about event and festival development.”
With tent structures and temporary stages for live performances, the event site supports grand-scale events welcoming thousands.
“It’s a place where you can develop or bring an outside public food or arts festival, and auto, boat or outdoor sports expos—that kind of thing,” Love says.
SOUTH CAROLINA, Founders Hall, Charleston
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, situated on the banks of the Ashley River, is known as both the birthplace of South Carolina and the home of Founders Hall, a standout off-site venue for group events.
The facility offers a courtyard for intimate gatherings, a sprawling lawn, audiovisual capabilities, a fireplace in the lounge and floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the great hall with natural light.
The great hall accommodates up to 300 people, with seating for up to 235, and includes a large screened porch with a wood-burning fireplace.
Founders Hall, a memorable setting for banquets and receptions, also welcomes groups for board retreats, corporate seminars and holiday parties.PageBreak
Skull Creek Boathouse, Hilton Head Island
Located on the scenic banks of Skull Creek, overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway and Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge, Skull Creek Boathouse is a landmark restaurant, according to Grace Wang, spokeswoman for the eatery.
The menu provides a selection of items for both seafood and meat lovers, who are invited to dine on an expansive patio with water views from every seat.
Situated adjacent to the Skull Creek Boathouse is the restaurant’s private event venue, Sunset Landing, which also enjoys water and marina views.
The venue is ideal for corporate meal functions or receptions for up to 120 people, Wang says, adding that guests are mesmerized by sunsets surrounded by live oaks.
Wang adds that with the help of in-house staff, events can be custom-tailored to planners’ particular specifications.
Pine Lakes Country Club, Myrtle Beach
Pine Lakes Country Club, featuring two restored ballrooms, outdoor space and the elegant Robert White Pub, is well-suited for meetings and corporate retreats of any size.
“Built in 1927, our clubhouse feels more historic than its modest 86 years,” says Rebecca Rudd Kaneiwa, director of event sales at the country club. “The back porch is a huge draw, as is the general ambience of the whole property.”
Food and beverage is created in an on-site kitchen and includes everything from boxed lunches to formal dinners.
“The atmosphere leads to many Southern cuisine-based menus, but we are happy to accommodate most any menu request,” Rudd Kaneiwa says.
Pine Lakes Country Club, the first golf course built in Myrtle Beach, which is known as one of the golf capitals of the world, is home to many golf events, social functions, weddings, corporate events and fundraisers.
