ning Ommegang Brewery and the celebrated Glimmerglass Festival, among many others. At the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the resort can arrange for groups to enjoy several unique experiences in the warmer months. One fun team building activity offers groups the opportunity to play a baseball game at the historic Doubleday Field followed by a specialty “Ballpark Classic” lunch that includes hot dogs, burgers, Cracker Jack and more. The Otesaga recently held a cooking class for a group outside on their east lawn, too. Groups also can enjoy receptions or dinners outside on the Pro Shop’s patio or on the Pool Patio (both of which overlook Otsego Lake). The resort’s Kingfisher Tower Room opens directly to the outdoor Firebar with lake views, so guests can enjoy the feel of an outdoor/indoor event. Groups can take advantage of customized golf clinics with Matt Smith, head of instruction at Leatherstocking Golf Course, as well. Whether for a short golf clinic or a half-day golf school, Smith will tailor the experience based on the group’s team building goals. For example, the “Nine, Wine and Dine” scramble format tournaments are popular for less experienced golfers who may be intimidated by a full day out on the course.
OCEAN CITY, MD Ocean City enjoys a moderate climate compared to much of the East Coast. Luckily, despite being as far east as one can get on the coast of the Mid-Atlantic, often storms or severe winter weather skirts the area, making long-term planning a bit less stressful for those who want to arrange a visit. Its wide, clean, award-winning 10-mile beach attracts generations of families year-after-year. In fact, many convention and meeting attendees turn their trip to Ocean City into a family vacation. There is plenty in the area to do, as well. While one family member attends a convention, the rest can relax or play on the beach, play golf, stroll the three-mile boardwalk or take in antiquing nearby. In fact, there are 17 golf courses nearby, and they are award-winning. Many of the courses are particularly attractive because of the backdrop of surrounding coastal bays. The wildlife and natural aspects of the courses are stunning, as well. Ocean City’s municipal course, Eagle’s Landing, has received numerous awards and recognition for the surrounding wildlife and scenic views. 18 Mayz June2021
Rounds of golf can be informal or an organized tournament. Most of the courses offer clubs that can accommodate groups for dinner or casual networking events, as well. Additional outdoor options include water sports and soft water adventures, from jet skis to kayaking and paddleboarding, which are abundant around Ocean City and in Worcester County. Hiking, birdwatching and open-air adventure are prevalent throughout the county, too. Sightseeing boats offer educational experiences as well as sightings of the wild ponies of Assateague in season. Alternatively, visitors can take a car ride to Assateague in any season to visit the educational center and look for the ponies that are gathering and grazing. There are walking trails and even tour companies who offer outings at this sought-after beach area. Local breweries and wineries are great places at which to relax after a day of meetings, as is a walk on the beach. Charter boat fishing here in the White Marlin Capital of the World is something not available in many other cities. Additional local recreational and team building opportunities include laser tag, amusements and arcades, as well as paintball. Soft team building can include a stroll along a walking trail, wildlife sightings, or time scheduled on the boardwalk. Fresh sea air and open beach spaces are well suited to hosting successful, safe gatherings.
DELAWARE COUNTY, PA “Located in the heart of America’s Garden Capital, Delaware County is ideal for the growing number of weekend bookings our inns and hotels have enjoyed throughout the early spring,” observes Steve Byrne, executive director for Visit Delco. “With more than 36 gardens located within 30 miles, each has a unique history, style and wonder about it. Most have quiet areas for reading, like Scott Arboretum’s forest Amphitheater, or Chanticleer’s enchanting variety of creek gardens, the Tea Cup Garden and more.” “Business travelers come with coworkers to relax at the end of a workday before enjoying a great dinner at one of our renowned Main Line restaurants,” he adds. “For guests staying in our extensive Brandywine Country, world famous Longwood Gardens is just minutes away.” Over weekends or after intense business workshops, groups can visit the Brandywine River Museum of Art, or historic Newlin Grist Mill that offers outdoor fishing and hiking trails.
