From luxury boats that ply the waters on Annapolis’ Chesapeake Bay to museums along Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Baltimore, Annapolis and Eastern Shore towns of Maryland cater to groups with a wide array of unique off-site venues. Equally balanced between indoor and outdoor spaces, the region is adept at highlighting both its waterfront setting and its rich history and cultural pursuits.
Baltimore
At the forefront of the region’s arts scene, Baltimore’s myriad neighborhoods brim with art and history museums, performing arts spaces, science centers and galleries, among other cultural outlets.
“Baltimore offers many excellent options for out-of-the-box meeting ideas and spaces,” says Tom Noonan, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore. “Many of the city’s museums and attractions offer ample meeting space for groups looking to engage in the city’s arts and culture scene, and our waterfront location provides groups with beautiful locations to meet on or near the Inner Harbor.”
Among the museums, the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) is home to the world’s largest collection of works by Henri Matisse. To mark the museum’s 100th anniversary last year, the BMA underwent a $28 million renovation. Venues include the Fox Court, mosaic-filled Antioch Court, Woodward Gallery, Zamoiski East lobby and the outdoor sculpture gardens.
Groups can also rent various wings for dinner and receptions or offer presentations at the museum’s 363-seat auditorium. Gertrude’s Restaurant at the BMA hosts private events in its dining room and outdoor terrace.
For train aficionados, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum and its signature building, the 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse, are open for corporate events. The museum houses one of the most comprehensive American railroad collections in the world. Aside from the Roundhouse, which can host more than 2,800 for a standing reception, the World War II-era MARC #1 Tavern-Lounge Observation Car is available for private use.
Baltimore’s history as one of America’s most vital port cities is documented at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, located in Federal Hill. Highlights include a walk through the original 1865 Platt Oyster Cannery structure, the only surviving cannery building in the city. Its Alonso G. Decker Gallery accommodates more than 500 for receptions.
Other cultural options include the American Visionary Art Museum at the base of Federal Hill, which has garnered several awards for its architectural design. Groups can also host events at Mount Vernon’s Walters Art Museum, which houses more than 25,000 pieces of art from pre-dynastic Egypt to 20th century Europe.
Last year, Visit Baltimore launched a new experiential program for groups: a collection of 14 immersive and behind-the-scenes tours, such as a veterinarian tour at the National Aquarium.
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Annapolis/Anne Arundel County
While Chesapeake Bay is home to North America’s largest estuary, Annapolis boasts more original 18th century buildings than any other U.S. city. The region brims with group venues.
“The feedback from groups is that there is so much for them to do,” says Susan Steckman, vice president of communications for the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County CVB. “We have wonderful historic, unique, waterfront venues. It’s also a very walkable town with a host of attractions.”
For a taste of history, the Governor Calvert House, one of the oldest buildings in Annapolis and former home to two Maryland governors, offers indoor space for receptions and meetings, as well as its outdoor colonial gardens, terrace and patio.
One of the county’s main group venues, the London Town and Gardens, is a 23-acre waterfront museum and park with views of the South River.
“London Town and Gardens is a gorgeous venue for outdoor events and also offers meeting spaces and woodland trails on the water,” Steckman says. “It’s a property that pops.”
Among the venues on property is the River Deck, featuring a 185-foot pier, surrounding gardens and historic structures. The Glass Pavilion with surrounding patios and decks is available for parties of up to 70.
Hidden View Farm Manor House and Gardens, featuring more than 100 acres, including woodland and nature trails, opened to the public last summer. Groups can host events in the traditional Georgian Manor House as well as the entire property.
For larger events, the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium includes several spaces for more than 600. Among the myriad venues are the Akerson Tower North and South Gold Lounges, which opened this February. Each lounge is 2,000 square feet and can host 150 for seated dinners or 250 for cocktail receptions.
Taking advantage of the its Chesapeake Bay locale, the Annapolis Maritime Museum offers space on its waterfront deck, as well as in the museum itself and a 2,000-square-foot exhibition gallery. The gardens and a public beach are also open for events.
Groups can get out on Chesapeake Bay on the Woodwind and Woodwind II 74-foot schooners. Options include catered meals onboard, teambuilding, hands-on sailing adventures and even America’s Cup-style competitions.
Eastern Shore
Talbot County also takes advantage of its waterfront real estate with myriad venues for groups. The 18-acre Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2015. Venues include the Small Boat Shed and the 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse overlooking Navy Point.
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“In addition to having your event in a place with historical significance, the revenue generated from event rentals directly supports the adults and children we serve through our education, boatbuilding and exhibition programs,” says Ida Heelan, CBMM’s events coordinator.
The historic Avalon Theatre is another group option.
“Their small venue, the Stoltz Room, is ideal for a cocktail party or small concert,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of tourism of the Talbot County Office of Tourism.
The Tilghman Island Waterman’s Museum is slated to open this fall, according to Vanhooser.
“It’s located in a W House, an architectural style unique to the island,” she says. “It would be a lovely place to host a meeting.”
On the water, Patriot Cruises offers groups a ride on the 149-passenger Patriot, heading out on the Miles River, part of the Chesapeake Bay Estuary.
The resort town of Ocean City beckons groups with its boardwalk and beaches. The recently added Performing Arts Center at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center can host groups and offers a 1,200-seat auditorium and performing arts stage.
Another group option is the 58-acre Northside Park, including ball fields, a fishing lagoon, a gazebo, a gymnasium, a conference room and a sports center annex with a 21,000-square-foot multisports arena.
Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Wicomico County sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay and features more than 1,000 miles of waterways and 75 parks.
“Whether your group is interested in tasting the latest vintage while overlooking the water or enjoying America’s favorite pasttime, Wicomico County has a variety of unique venue options to offer,” says Kristen Goller, director of marketing and public relations for the Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism.
Venues include the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, which exhibits and promotes wildfowl art and related materials.
The Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery offers a tasting facility and winery, and groups can host tented receptions for up to 200 or use the banquet room for up to 75.
