With powerhouse venues like the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the Shreveport Convention Center and the massive Cajundome and Convention Center, you’d think Louisiana would have meeting facilities covered. But alongside the main course of major meeting real estate is the “special sauce” of smaller off-site venues representing the many flavors of Louisiana.

Louisiana goes by a lot of names–the Bayou State, the Creole State, Sportsman’s Paradise–but for those looking to commune with nature, it’s the Pelican State first and foremost. For up-close-and-personal animal interactions, attractions and preserves around the state may be just the ticket.

North Carolina takes the idea of outdoor adventure and runs with it. Depending on when your group visits, you might be snow-skiing or waterskiing, biking or boating, sitting by the fire or by a fishing pole. The possibilities are out there.

Some might say Savannah is about as deep as you can go in the Deep South. But groups can go even deeper by visiting the neighborhoods in and around the city, discovering culture, nature and history while gaining a deeper appreciation for this seaside haven that is not only the state’s oldest city but one of its most photogenic.

There is more to the Caribbean island’s appeal than gorgeous beaches.

Downtown San Antonio was designed around the great outdoors, with walking and strolling the preferred modes of transportation.

Bathed in warm breezes and brilliant sunshine, Miami Beach also has a long tradition of shining stars.

If you’re on a critter quest, you can’t go wrong in the Caribbean.