Like other popular trios—the Three Stooges, the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Bee Gees, to name a few—the cities of Triad, N.C., are poised to entertain groups when the meeting’s business has concluded.
And much like how the Brothers Gibb or Tolkien’s world may delight some but not others, the entertaining experiences in Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point are diverse enough to satisfy the interests of various groups.
The intriguing offerings include everything from dinner theater and the opportunity to mimic zoo animals to a hands-on art class and the exploration of miniature homes.
Greensboro
Since 1964, Greensboro’s Barn Dinner Theatre has been the place to go for “dinnertainment,” meaning a quality dining experience combined with a Broadway-style performance.
According to Amy Scott, director of marketing at the Greensboro Area CVB, the theater accommodates a variety of events for groups, from hors d’oeuvre and cocktail receptions to buffets complete with a band and dancing.
Groups can also check the schedule of classic and contemporary plays at the Triad Stage, another Greensboro-based theater that welcomes groups.
If the group is made up of college sports enthusiasts, Scott recommends that planners check out the ACC Hall of Champions, which features interactive displays, such as a “you call the play” broadcasting booth, and unique exhibits, including trophies, school mascots and photos highlighting the Atlantic Coast Conference’s history.
And for an entertaining and one-of-a-kind teambuilding experience, groups should look no further than SkyWild at the Greensboro Science Center’s Animal Discovery Zoo, according to Scott.
“This experience tests your limits and is a great way to build confidence and trust within a team,” she says.
The two-hour course includes 78 exercises based on imitating animal behaviors such as waddling, leaping and crawling, as well as several short ziplines.
Winston-Salem
When meeting in Winston-Salem, known as the City of Arts and Innovation, there is an opportunity for groups to take an art class at the Sawtooth School for Visual Art.
According to Christian Schroeder, director of sales and services at Visit Winston-Salem, groups of all ages and skill levels enjoy the school’s lineup of classes and workshops in a variety of mediums, including photography, painting, ceramics, wood and glass blowing.
Another idea to keep groups entertained is a visit to Old Salem Museums & Gardens, where they can take a step back in time to an 18th century Moravian village.
“Groups enjoy sampling whisper-thin Moravian cookies, savory chicken pie and traditional sugar cake during cooking demonstrations with some hands-on participation,” Schroeder says, adding skilled cabinet makers, tinsmiths, gardeners and more are all available for additional tours and demonstrations.
The Beer School at Foothills Brewing provides an entertaining option for groups who like to imbibe.
“Spend an afternoon learning the subtle nuances of craft beer brewing, tour the brewery, and as the final exam, taste several of their craft beer flights,” Schroeder says.
Groups can also book a private event at Foothills Brewing, which accommodates parties of up to 146 people.
For groups that prefer wine rather than beer, the Tour Pour du Jour experience at Graylyn International Conference Center is a great alternative.
According to Schroeder, participants can have fun during a butler-guided tour of the sprawling 55-acre historic estate that concludes with a wine and cheese reception featuring nearby Yadkin Valley wines.
And for some, nothing is more entertaining than getting an up-close look at works of art created by some of the country’s most beloved artists.
To that end, the circa-1917 Reynolda House Museum of American Art, one of the nation’s premier American art museums, offers private group tours highlighting masterpieces by Mary Cassatt, Frank Stella, Georgia O’Keeffe, Alexander Calder and more.
High Point
Lively musical, dramatic and comedic performances await groups at the High Point Theatre.
“We are proud to see the large variety of performers who take the High Point Theatre stage throughout the year,” says Nancy S. Bowman, director of sales and marketing at the High Point CVB. “It has something for everyone to enjoy and attracts supporters from greater North Carolina and beyond.”
The theater also has three meeting rooms that are available to rent, along with the auditorium, which can seat a maximum of 963 people.
A must-experience for groups convening in High Point is a visit to Furnitureland South, a.k.a. the “World’s Largest Furniture Store,” with more than 1.3 million square feet filled with both interior and exterior pieces of furniture.
“Furnitureland South provides 19 football fields of furniture and is known as the largest furniture showroom in the nation,” Bowman says. “They welcome groups, offer the history of the business and provide tours.”
The outlet store also has event space for up to 173 people seated, with the ability to arrange the room into an intimate classroom-style setting or large theater-style setup for meetings and presentations.
At the High Point Museum is Meredith’s Miniatures, an exhibit by Meredith Slane Michener, who created an assortment of 30 room scenes over the span of 15 years. Groups are always impressed with the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail.
“This group outing is memorable and unlike any other,” Bowman says. “Take photos with the miniatures and find pieces that remind you of your home or somewhere that you may have visited.”
From a ropes course to laser tag to a zipline, Kersey Valley offers exciting teambuilding activities that challenge visiting groups.
“Each of these attractions give groups the opportunity to connect and learn more about each other,” Bowman says.
