Natural splendor, a rich history and all the manmade amenities that are necessary for a successful meeting await groups of all sizes in West Virginia.
In addition to meetings-friendly facilities, great dining, ample attractions, teambuilding activities and friendly CVBs where the representatives are standing by to assist in executing memorable events, the Mountain State is also home to many off-site venues for programming away from the host hotel or resort.
Following are five fabulous off-sites scattered throughout West Virginia, including artistic spaces, a gorgeous forest setting and a venue that’s guaranteed to add a “dash of flavor” to the meeting.
J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works, Charleston
J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works, situated in a farm setting four miles from downtown Charleston, uses all-natural and eco-conscious concepts to produce hand-harvested small-batch salt and other specialty products.
According to Nancy Bruns, co-founder/CEO, in addition to tours highlighting the salt-making process, the facility offers indoor and outdoor space for meal functions and receptions for groups ranging from 10 people to as large as 250 people.
“Our main building is wood framed and has lots of character with beams and thick wood paneling,” she said. “Outside, in the garden, we can accommodate up to 250 for a meal or reception. This can be tented or not.”
She added there is also a wood-framed, metal-roofed, open-sided building that seats up to 200 people, as well as a full catering kitchen that’s available for food service.
“We can coordinate menus for any type of function, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and coffee service,” Bruns said. “We also have a liquor license and can provide a full bar.”
Planners might encourage groups gathering here to bring a few bucks in case they’d like to browse the on-site shop for take-home gifts, including J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works products and various other Appalachian-made crafts and food items.
Carnegie Hall, Lewisburg
Located in Greenbrier County is a venue named for philanthropic steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, and one of only four Carnegie halls in the world that still operate as performance venues.
Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg was built in 1902 and today accommodates receptions, classes, workshops and meetings of all kinds, according to the venue’s marketing director, Ali Johnston.
The venue’s centerpiece is the Hamilton Auditorium, which stages a full calendar of performances, including music acts and magic shows, as well as keynote and other meeting presentations.
“It is accommodating yet intimate and has incredible acoustics,” Johnston said.
Beyond the auditorium, Carnegie Hall also offers a light-filled boardroom, three classroom settings that also have plenty of natural light and several studios.
“The fully equipped pottery studio is a private space with its own entrance that contains all the essentials for wheel throwing and hand-building: work stations, pottery wheels, shelving and a kiln room,” Johnston said.
There is also a mezzanine, a green room and the Ivy Terrace, which is an outdoor space well suited for various group gatherings and performances in seasonable weather.
“We are also happy to offer tours of our historic building upon request," Johnston noted.
PageBreakLambert’s Winery, Weston
Groups can also explore Lambert’s Winery, which offers tours of its grounds, winery and bottling facility, according to owner Jim Lambert.
This popular Lewis County-based winery was established in 1992 as a family-owned and -operated business, and as years passed, Lambert said the demand for a banquet hall became so great that the family built one.
“The banquet facility can house 150 people inside as well as 50 people on a covered deck,” Lambert said.
He added there is also a covered breezeway overlooking the winery’s grounds.
Lambert’s Winery, which has an impressive menu of wines including reds, whites and blushes, often hosts business meetings, parties and bus tours.
“And we build menus to satisfy customer demand, including simple boxed lunches as well as full-course meals,” Lambert said.
Parkersburg Art Center, Parkersburg
Located in historic downtown Parkersburg is the Parkersburg Art Center, which according to its events coordinator Lyndsay Dennis is distinguished as the oldest arts organization in continuous operation in West Virginia.
The building was erected in 1938 as a Montgomery Ward store and today is filled with open spaces and plenty of natural light, as well as three main meeting venues and several smaller rooms, including a boardroom.
The largest space is the Wharton Grande Ballroom, which includes a dance floor and a complete catering kitchen.
Among other opportunities for group events is the Riccobene Gallery, which accommodates up to 175 people seated, and the mezzanine library, which seats up to 75 comfortably.
“The first floor houses our galleries, where the artwork changes frequently and there's always something new to catch the eye,” Dennis said.
She added the Art Center offers views of busy Market Street via its large windows, and classes for any age and interest.
“These classes make great teambuilding workshops,” she said. “The Art Center is also happy to arrange tours of our galleries for any size group, and we have a gift shop that sells handmade items from artists around the region.”
Coopers Rock State Forest, Bruceton Mills
Groups meeting in Morgantown can arrange a special event at Coopers Rock State Forest, complete with a barbecue, authentic Appalachian music and a campfire, according to Kay Fanok, assistant executive director for the Greater Morgantown CVB.
“The forest proper was established in 1936,” she said. “Many of its structures, including the main overlook, picnic shelters and superintendent’s house, were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.”
Eleven of these structures, she added, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
There are venues throughout the park with pavilions that can accommodate up to 60 people, making this an ideal place for small groups interested in a picturesque outdoor event with an active add-on.
“I have had group tour events at the park—they can visit the overlook or go hiking,” Fanok said. “Or they can just sit and listen to music, enjoying the great outdoors.”
Cabell–Huntington CVB
304.525.7333
Charleston CVB
304.344.5075
Greenbrier County CVB
304.645.1000
Greater Morgantown CVB
304.292.5081
Greater Parkersburg CVB
304.428.1130
Lewis County CVB
304.269.7328
Martinsburg-Berkeley County CVB
304.264.8801
New River Gorge CVB
304.465.5617
