The Peach State is the perfect nickname for a destination that offers planners many ways to sweeten a group agenda. Georgia’s meetings-friendly locales boast the ability to easily make attendees feel extra special via edible and other sweet treats, including spa-going, a round of golf or a memorable meal function.
In Atlanta, royalty itself for hosting successful meetings in the South, is King of Pops, a popsicle company that literally sweetens conventions.
“Planners can stock indoor and outdoor events with King of Pops carts,” says Kristin Delahunt, director of convention services at the Atlanta CVB, adding that the company can customize popsicle sticks and wrappers to show logos, company names or special greetings. “These sweet treats are always a favorite for visitors, especially with homemade flavors like banana pudding, tangerine basil and Mexican chocolate.”
Georgia Aquarium, a must-visit attraction in Atlanta, also hosts great events in spaces featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls with views of beluga whales, whale sharks and other sea creatures.
“Planners can opt to have an aquarium diver in a tank holding a customized sign,” Delahunt says. “We’ve even had organization CEOs greet guests from the tanks themselves!”
And at Chef Scott Serpas’ namesake restaurant, Serpas, groups can book a hands-on cooking class from the chef himself.
“With a vibrant personality, Chef Scott leads the group from prepping to garnishing their dishes,” Delahunt says. “The group can then settle in at the restaurant to enjoy the culinary masterpieces they’ve just prepared.”
In Athens, groups can plan a tournament at the Bobby Jones-designed UGA Golf Course or at Jennings Mill Country Club.
“Planners can incorporate local flavors after playing by selecting a caterer focused on seasonal regional fare, such as Home.Made,” says Hannah Smith, spokeswoman for the Athens CVB.
Athens, like many college towns across the country, is developing into a hub for craft breweries.
Terrapin Brewery, which offers tours, tastings and live music, and is available for private rental, gets rave reviews from visiting groups, according to Smith, who adds that another brewery, Creature Comforts Brewing Company, will open soon.
Athens is also home to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and the Georgia Museum of Art, “both lovely and impressive attractions not typically found in a destination of this size,” Smith says, adding that group tours and function space are available at both.PageBreak
According to Carly Kobasiar, spokeswoman for the Augusta CVB, boats and trolleys are a fun way for groups to enjoy the area.
A chartered Petersburg Boat Tour of the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area has moonlight music cruises that are popular after a productive day’s work.
“Passengers bring their own picnic baskets and enjoy the sweet sounds of bluegrass, jazz, rock and more,” Kobasiar says. “You may even get to participate in a drum circle.”
Historic Trolley Tours provide a peek into Augusta’s history while taking in some of the city’s most famous sights. According to Kobasiar, personalized tours are available, including African-American heritage programs and ghost tours, and trolleys can also be rented for special events such as dining/pub crawls or shuttling groups.
And the Boll Weevil Cafe & Sweetery, an Augusta institution that offers more than 30 homemade desserts, can cater in for meetings and events.
Sweet ideas for conventioneers in Savannah include unwinding at Spa Bleu or Massage Envy for quiet time after a day of networking, and indulging in desserts such as banana pudding from Back in the Day Bakery or pralines and bear claws from River Street Sweets, according to Jeff Hewitt, vice president of business development at Visit Savannah.
Golf outings at the Club at Savannah Harbor and Bloody Point Golf Club, which is located on Dafuskie Island and accessible only by boat, are a treat for groups that like to hit the links.
“Golfers are transported from local marinas and are taken to the historic island, where they can enjoy views of Tybee Island and the Talmadge Memorial Bridge that a typical tourist would not be able to access,” Hewitt says.
Outdoor pursuits like golf make for great group rewards in other Georgia destinations as well, including Columbus, where white-water rafting through downtown, birding and geocaching excursions, and exploring the city’s sights via bike are all of interest to active attendees; Cobb County, where outings to Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags White Water satisfy the kid in thrill-seeking attendees; and Jekyll Island, where groups enjoy everything from leisurely strolls on the beach to kayaking and Segway tours. PageBreak
Visits to Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, featuring Monastery of the Holy Spirit and Panola Mountain State Park, where attendees can take archery classes and tree-climbing classes, are top of list for groups meeting in Dekalb County, according to Barry Stepe, spokesman for the DeKalb County CVB.
He also recommends some time for pampering at the Spa at StoneCrest or Spa Sydell and wine-tasting and cooking classes at Vino Venue in Dunwoody.
Wine is center stage in the Dalton Area as well.
“A wine and cheese party at the state’s oldest multidisciplinary arts guild, the Creative Arts Guild, which features an outdoor sculpture garden and rotating exhibits in the galleries, provides the perfect off-site start–or ending–to your meeting,” says Brett Huske, director of tourism at the Dalton Area CVB.
Antiques and wine make a perfect pair that the Dalton area also delivers.
“One of the Southeast’s largest antique malls will make any bargain hunter swoon,” Huske says, adding that the Georgia Winery is only minutes away and provides “award-winning wines and special desserts.”
Only in the Dalton area can groups enjoy a brainstorming session at the historic Clisby Austin House, which Huske says is exactly what Gen. William T. Sherman did.
“Acres of trails provide opportunities for casual walks to clear your head,” he adds. “Or rent horses and explore the pastoral setting. Add that little extra Southern charm with sweet tea and peach cobbler served on the porch.”
A little extra something sweet can also be found in Gwinnett County, which is home to a place that would make Willy Wonka proud: Chamberlain’s Chocolate Factory.
“Groups can take a chocolate-making class that attendees won’t forget,” says Victoria Hawkins, spokeswoman for Explore Gwinnett. “You can also order custom-designed chocolates for your group from Chamberlain’s.”
And in Macon-Bibb County, according to Robin North, vice president of business development for the Macon-Bibb County CVB, Georgia desserts from local caterers are always a hit during meeting breaks or receptions.
Among the list of sweetness purveyors are Amanda’s Cakery, specializing in cupcakes, and Lane Southern Orchards, where North says groups will find the best homemade peach ice cream and hot peach cobbler around.
“Groups can have a delicious lunch at the Peach Tree Cafe and then go on a tour at Lane Southern Orchards,” she adds. “They give strawberry tours in April and May, farm tours in June and July and corn maze tours in October.”
Carolyn Blackburn is a frequent contributor to Meetings Focus.
