41 minute read
VENUE REPORT
El Comisco is an artistic campground that includes trailers, yurts, tepees, tents and communal hangout spots.
INSTAGRAM-WORTHY HOTELS
Set up the selfie stick, because these hotels are perfect for upping your social media game.
BY ANNA KELLER
SURE, THERE ARE COUNTLESS hotels in Texas to choose from when you’re traveling for work or pleasure. Many have impressive amenities, or are conveniently located near the attractions or offi ces you’ll be frequenting during your stay.
But, what if you want to be wowed from an aesthetic standpoint? What if you want to make your friends back home drool over pictures of your stay? If memorable (and documentable and sharable) is your goal, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve rounded up some of the state’s most Instagram-worthy hotels, so make sure your phone is charged and you have your favorite filters selected.
The Adolphus Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown Dallas, The Adolphus Hotel was initially built in 1912 on what was intended to be the location of Dallas City Hall. Hotel founder Adolphus Busch—also co-founder of Anheuser Busch—wanted the location so badly that he paid to move City Hall a few blocks down the street.
The hotel boasts two beautiful restaurants, City Hall Bistro (light, bright, and just waiting to be featured on Instagram) and The French Room (a fine-dining restaurant that features timeless European architecture to achieve a stunning and memorable atmosphere full of natural light). The hotel also features a new coffee shop, Otto’s Coffee and Fine Foods, that serves perfect-for-snapping latte art in an appropriately moody environment. Otto’s also features a walk-up waffle window offering fresh waffles individually wrapped and tied with a bow.
Another highlight of the hotel is its barbershop, which features two barber chairs unique to the hotel. It offers straight-razor shaves and classic cuts. You will likely have to wait, though, because the chairs are typically occupied. The Adolphus has a retail shop, Commerce Goods + Supply which, among other items, sells a custom-to-The Adolphus Stetson.
Clockwise from left: A grand staircase at The Adolphus Hotel; the resort pool at Lake Austin Spa Resort; an outdoor gathering area near the pool at Lake Austin Spa Resort.
Clockwise from left: Lake Austin Spa Resort offers stand-up paddleboarding; a close-up of a teepee interior at El Cosmico; the rooftop pool with gorgeous views at Omni Frisco Hotel. The shop is full of local merchants’ goods and artwork, making a distinct effort to keep it Texan.
The Adolphus’ rooftop pool deck boasts a view of the Dallas skyline right from the center of the pool, and the pool bar serves unique, handcrafted cocktails.
Lake Austin Spa Resort
Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Austin and across the water from the Balcones Canyonlands Nature Preserve, Lake Austin Spa Resort sits on 19 waterfront acres with amazing, Instagramworthy views.
With just 40 guest rooms, the intentionally small resort creates a relaxing, residential feel, and the space is full of great places to read a book or relax by the water. The resort’s organic gardens provide herbs and vegetables for guest meals, as well as drawing beautiful birds and butterflies to the property.
The resort’s overall vibe is Hill Country luxe. There are elements of Texas, such as cedar posts, limestone buildings and huge magnolia trees throughout, but there is also modern elegance in the beautiful furnishings, interesting art and scenic outposts.
“Everything about Lake Austin Spa Resort whispers relaxation and quietude,” says New York guest Milana Knowles. “From the guest rooms to walking the grounds or strolling through the organic gardens, every turn is picture perfect, and the surroundings definitely allowed me to take a much-needed break from my daily demands.”
El Cosmico
This is not your average hotel. Located on 21 acres on the edge of Marfa, El Cosmico is a community lodging concept meant to create a communal retreat that cultivates artistic engagement and offers a temporary retreat from the modern world. The artistic
campground consists of trailers, yurts, tepees, tents and communal hangout spots.
From an accommodation standpoint, visitors can choose from a restored vintage trailer featuring vibrant décor, a safari and scout tent, a Siouxstyle teepee or a yurt campsite. The tent, teepee and yurt options offer a more rustic experience, but they all have access to the communal outdoor kitchen and bath house.
El Cosmico is located within walking distance of Marfa’s main attractions, but within the campground itself there’s limited access to digital connectivity, offering true retreat. The lodging concept encourages a “get your hands dirty” philosophy through creative workshops, and cooking, craft and live music events, as well as activities like stargazing and biking.
Omni Frisco Hotel
The Omni Frisco celebrated its first birthday this summer, and it features 300 guest rooms as well as exceptional dining and retail experiences that stand out. Because Frisco is home of the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters, the hotel has incorporated the Cowboys’ legacy into the room décor and throughout the hotel in a subtle way, helping its strong football heritage act as a differentiator of this hotel experience.
The hotel offers a one-of-a-kind retail experience with the Charlotte Jones Collection, which is named for Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer (as well as notable trendsetter), Charlotte Jones Anderson. This store is a destination retail experience, including clothing, jewelry, home goods and more—and even some exclusive and tastefully branded Cowboys items.
Get Connected
EL COSMICO elcosmico.com | 432.729.1950
THE ADOLPHUS HOTEL hoteladolphus.com | 214.742.8200
LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT lakeaustin.com | 512.372.7300
OMNI FRISCO HOTEL omnihotels.com | 469.287.0000 Top: The Amigo camper at El Cosmico. Bottom: The lawn—perfect for an impromptu football game—at Omni Frisco Hotel.
Our readers have spoken, and congratulations are in order for the outstanding winners and runners-up of the Texas Meetings + Events Best of 2019 readers’ choice awards!
By Melissa Sersland
Winners
BEST MEETING/EVENT VENUE IN DFW METRO (NO HOTEL) Circle R Ranch
circlerranch.org | 817.430.1561
With a view of its pastures of grazing horses and longhorn steer, Circle R Ranch offers plenty of space for indoor and outdoor events. The ranch features both the 5,000-square-foot Chisholm Ranch House & Conference Center and the 30,000-squarefoot Western Pavilion. Groups can take advantage of unique team-building activities like the Cowboy UP! Rodeo Challenge, a bike building competition or a 4,624-square-foot wooden maze challenge.
Runners-up: Billy Bob’s Texas; Texas Star Dinner Theater
BEST MEETING/EVENT VENUE OUTSIDE DFW METRO (NO HOTEL) Brazos Hall
brazoshall.com | 512.380.1675
Brazos Hall, a converted turn-of-the-century grain mill and warehouse, offers more than 11,000 square feet of event space in the heart of Austin’s hotel district. The rustic steel beams, wood rafters, restored pine floors and brick walls of the 8,400-square-foot Main Hall can accommodate up to 1,000 people. Guests can also enjoy views of the Austin skyline from the covered Roof Deck, which can accommodate up to 450 people.
Runners-up: Norris Conference Centers; Midland County Horseshoe Arena & Pavilion
BEST RESORT WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas
fourseasons.com/dallas | 972.717.0700
The Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas sits on 400 acres equidistant from Dallas and Fort Worth. The 405-room resort can accommodate groups of 10 to 800 in 31 meeting and event rooms that total 41,000 square feet of meeting space. The Four Seasons’ upper terrace can accommodate 650 people while 1,500 guests can celebrate on the event lawn.
Brazos Hall
Runners-up: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center; Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
BEST COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY WITH MEETING/EVENT SPACE University of Texas at Austin
utexas.edu | 512.471.3434
The university has a variety of venues on campus that are offered exclusively to university departments and affiliated organizations. These include the Hogg Memorial Auditorium, which can seat 1,150, the modern Student Activities Center and the 6,000-square-foot San Jacinto Meeting Rooms, which can be divided into four smaller conference rooms. All groups can use the Texas Union, however,
Circle R Ranch
Four Seasons Dallas
which was built in 1933 and offers theaters and ballrooms with traditional elegance.
Runners-up: Southern Methodist University; Texas A&M University
BEST HISTORIC OR CULTURAL VENUE The Alamo
thealamo.org | 210.225.1391
Each year, 1.5 million people visit this iconic symbol of San Antonio and representation of Texas pride. The Alamo Church is currently unavailable for private ceremonies and events. However, there are five other venues at the site that can accommodate up to 200 people. These include the newly renovated Alamo Hall and the Alamo Hall Patio, which can be combined for an indoor/outdoor event.
Runners-up: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza; Kimball Art Museum
BEST HOLIDAY PARTY VENUE Texas Star Dinner Theater
texasstardinnertheater.com | 817.310.5588
Texas Star Dinner Theater’s holiday-themed comedy western murder mystery show is so popular, the theater increases its weekly performances from two to six to keep up with demand. Guests will get into the holiday spirit sitting amongst a tree, lights, wreaths and other holiday decorations while enjoying downtown Grapevine, “The Christmas Capitol of Texas.” Groups can also book private showings.
Runners-up: Circle R Ranch; Dallas Arboretum
Winners
BEST NEW VENUE (MAY 2017-MAY 2018) Park 31
park31.com | 210.526.0310
Groups of up to 400 people can enjoy indoor/outdoor events at Park 31, located on 33 acres of the Texas Hill Country near the Guadalupe River. The En Gedi Main Hall opens onto the Guadalupe Patio, while the Oasis Lounge has a continuous bar area that extends to the Honey Creek Patio. Park 31 also has three balconies and a two-sided fireplace. The property’s tiny house (380 square feet) can sleep two to three people and was featured on HGTV’s “Tiny Homes.”
Runners-up: Embassy Suites by Hilton Denton Convention Center; SODA District Courtyard; Toyota Music Factory
BEST RENOVATED VENUE (MAY 2017-MAY 2018) The Adolphus Hotel
adolphus.com | 214.742.8200
The Adolphus Hotel in Dallas’ two-year renovation project of all 407 guest rooms, The French Room restaurant, a full-service luxury spa and fitness center and the 19th floor ballroom is now complete. The Adolphus, which was built in 1912, had not had a major renovation since the 1980s. The Adolphus features 24,000 square feet of flexible meeting space in 22 rooms, including the 4,440-square-foot Century Ballroom and the 5,304-square-foot Grand Ballroom.
Runners-up: South Side Ballroom, Gilley’s Dallas; Monroe Pearson Building Denton
BEST ROOFTOP VENUE Reata Restaurant
reata.net | 817.336.1009
The Reata Restaurant rooftop, located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, offers multiple indoor and outdoor spaces that can accom-
The Adolphus
Park 31
Reata Restaurant
Topgolf
modate up to 400 people total. The “Luna Vista” dome, a geodesic dome perched atop the rooftop deck, is fully enclosed, climatecontrolled and can accommodate up to 100 for a seated dinner. Guests can also enjoy views of Sundance Square from the two rooftop bars or the Reata’s open-air covered patio, which can seat 86.
Runners-up: Brazos Hall; Tacos and Tequila
BEST TEAM-BUILDING VENUE Topgolf
topgolf.com | 214.341.9600
Topgolf will soon have 11 locations in Texas, offering competitive golf games and a topnotch food and drink menu for all ages. Players earn points by hitting micro-chipped golf balls that track distance and accuracy. Topgolf’s 3,000-square-foot signature room has a capacity of 250 guests and is located alongside the climate-controlled hitting bays for easy team-building.
Runners-up: Circle R Ranch; Billy Bob’s Texas
BEST AUDIO-VISUAL PROVIDER PSAV
venuepartners.psav.com | 210.598.5467
Delivering more than 1.5 million meetings and events each year as a trusted partner in over 1,600 venue locations across the world, PSAV supports over 1,000 meeting planners and event organizers each day. Over 9,000 highly skilled, passionate team members join forces to assist with thematic content creation and management to production, staging, trade shows, audio-visual, mobile apps and other digital services. In addition to outstanding audio-visual and production assistance, PSAV also sponsors industry research to explore how elements of the meeting environment effects the attendee experience and pioneers the use of the latest technology.
Runners-up: BEYOND; Pro Sounds
Winners
BEST DÉCOR/FLORAL PROVIDER Bella Flora & Bella Acento
bellafloraofdallas.com | 972.445.1200
Lucy Diaz-Flores founded Bella Flora of Dallas in 2000. The floral design boutique has grown to become a full-service floral and event design studio. Bella Acento, a full-service furniture rental company and sister company to Bella Flora, launched in 2014. Bella Acento continues to build its inventory and can fabricate custom pieces in-house.
Runners-up: Lizzie Bee’s Flower Shoppe; Shag Carpet Props
BEST ENTERTAINMENT (PERFORMER OR TALENT AGENCY) Lagniappe Productions
lagniappeproductions.com | 817.337.1882
Lagniappe Productions was founded in 1978 by three young actors whose performances in gunfight shows at an amusement park prompted them to take their show to festivals, special events and corporations. Lagniappe has since produced more than 15,000 shows and become an award-winning western entertainment company specializing in Old West comedy productions, team-building events, stunt shows and comedy murder mysteries.
Runners-up: Bravo Entertainment; Encore Event Entertainment
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY David Pinkston
davidpinkston.net | 817.217.8128
David Pinkston has 38 years of experience as a professional cinematographer and freelance editor, working with clients including Hilton, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. Pinkston has also produced award-winning international narrative shorts and teaches cinematography at the University of Texas Arlington and KD Conservatory in Dallas.
Runners-up: Greg Blomberg; Jenny Demarco
BEST CATERER (ON- OR OFF-SITE) G Texas Catering
gtexascatering.com | 214.421.0774
G Texas Catering is one of the most soughtafter caterers of upscale events in DFW, offering full-service bar catering and a menu emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The company also recently launched a new restaurant, “The Artisan” in the Dallas Arts District. The casual, market-style restaurant includes a terrace bar and two outdoor spaces that can be used for private events to host more than 300 guests each.
Runners-up: Royal Fig Catering; Blue Mesa Grill
BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/ EVENT SPACE (FEWER THAN 200 GUEST ROOMS) The Joule Dallas
thejouledallas.com | 214.748.1300
The Joule in Dallas features 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space in the heart of the Dallas central business district. The hotel’s event space includes a rooftop terrace with a climate-controlled glass pavilion with a retractable roof. The largest indoor venue at the hotel can accommodate up to 420 guests, while the hotel’s largest outdoor space holds up to 700 guests.
Runners-up: The Driskill; NYLO Plano at Legacy
BEST HOTEL WITH MEETING/ EVENT SPACE (MORE THAN 200 GUEST ROOMS) Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
gaylordtexan.com | 817.778.1000
The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center added 303 guest rooms and 86,000 square feet of meeting space with the completion of its new $120 million addition, the Vineyard Tower, in May. With the addition, the resort now offers 1,814 guest rooms and
PHOTOS: BELLA FLORA PHOTO BYAMY KARP; G TEXAS CATERING; THE JOULE DALLAS
Bella Flora & Bella Acento
The Joule Dallas
G Texas Catering
Winners
490,000 square feet of meeting space. The Gaylord also has 4.5 acres of indoor gardens, a seasonal waterpark, indoor and outdoor pools, and great views of Lake Grapevine.
Runners-up: Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas; Omni Dallas Hotel
BEST RESTAURANT WITH PRIVATE DINING SPACE Joe T. Garcia’s
joetgarcias.com | 817.626.4356
Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant opened in 1935 in Fort Worth. While the devotion to the restaurant’s food remains unchanged, the capacity of the restaurant certainly has. Up to 300 guests can enjoy the restaurant’s lush gardens and outdoor fountains in Los Portales. Two other covered areas can accommodate up to 140 guests total and are tented during the water. Indoors, guests can enjoy the rustic charm of one of three indoor dining spaces that can accommodate between 30 and 100 people.
Runners-up: III Forks; Truluck’s Seafood Steak & Crab House
fourseasons.com/dallas | 972.717.0700
The Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas features an award-winning 18-hole, par-70 TPC golf course and the par71 Cottonwood Valley course. The resort has a PGA Master Professional on staff (one of only three employed in Dallas) and hired the only female head golf professional in the entire TPC network in 2018. In recognition of its sustainability efforts, the Four Seasons won the Environmental Leaders in Golf award last year.
Runners-up: Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa; Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
BEST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (TOWN/AREA OVER 25,000 IN POPULATION) Visit Dallas
visitdallas.com | 800.232.5527
With almost 50 million visitors to the Metro area annually, the Dallas-Fort Worth Arlington Metroplex is the most popular leisure and visitor destination in Texas. Visit Dallas is the first destination marketing organization to develop a Diversity & Inclusion Department. The organization also recently launched the award-winning campaign, The Margarita Mile, which won the Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 2018 Best Overall Project and 2018 Best Mobile/Site App.
Runners-up: Grapevine CVB; Visit Forth Worth
BEST CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU (TOWN/AREA UNDER 25,000 IN POPULATION) Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center
drippingspringstx.org | 512.858.4740
Located just 25 minutes west of Austin, Dripping Springs is known as the “Gateway to the Hill Country.” Visitors can enjoy several natural wonders such as Hamilton Pool Preserve and Pedernales Falls State Park as well as local vineyards, craft breweries and distilleries. Stop by the Dripping Springs Visitors Center to learn more about this city of 3,100 people.
Runners-up: Bastrop County Historical Society Museum & Visitors Center; Uvalde Convention and Visitors Bureau
PHOTOS: GAYLORD TEXAN RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER; JOE T. GARCIA’S; SHAG CARPET PRODUCTIONS; ULTIMATE VENTURES
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
Joe T. Garcia’s
Shag Carpet Productions
BEST MEETING/EVENT PLANNING COMPANY Ultimate Ventures
ultimateventures.com | 972.732.8433
Ultimate Ventures, a destination management and corporate events company in the DallasFort Worth area, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018. The company is the most awarded DMC in Texas and has been named one of the top 25 DMC’s in the world. Ultimate Ventures offers a range of services, including special events, team-building, group excursions and transportation logistics.
Runners-up: Hello! Texas Destination Management; ACCESS Texas
BEST RENTAL COMPANY Shag Carpet Productions
shagcarpetprops.com | 214.742.5252
Shag Carpet houses the largest selection of themed event décor in the Southwest in its 74,000-square-foot warehouse near Dallas’ Design District. From bars to props to furniture, Shag Carpet can help planners make any imaginable theme come to life. The company’s team of experts can assist with custom branding and signage, event design, professional delivery and installation.
Runners-up: Premiere Events; Marquee Event Rentals Dallas
premierofdallas.com | 214.351.7000 Premiere Transportation Services provides the largest fleet of vehicles in North Dallas, including motor coaches, shuttle buses, vans, SUVs and sedans. Over the company’s more than 20 years of service, Premiere Transportation has received multiple national awards, including National Operator of the Year and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The Premier staff is always ready to provide exceptional customer service in any of its chauffeurdriven vehicles with 24/7 coverage.
Runners-up: AJL International; Carey Executive Transportation
Editor’s Picks
A round-up of this year’s favorites
By Laurie L. Dove
While our readers’ choice awards cover a variety of categories, here is a nod to a handful of my favorites throughout the great state of Texas.
BEST POOLSIDE RESORT MENU Lakeway Resort & Spa
Situated on the shores of Lake Travis, the rustic Lakeway Resort & Spa provides a beautiful backdrop for leisurely afternoons at the swimming pool. The 168-room property is located roughly 30 minutes northwest of downtown Austin and just steps from the Lakeway marina.
The resort’s pool complex includes three outdoor pools, the Adventure Waterslide, a large hot tub and the swim-up Sunset Pool Bar. Both the hot tub and pool with bar access are for adults only. The Lakeway Resort pool complex is also home to the Sunset Pool Grill.
The grill menu features appetizers such as tortilla chips and homemade salsa and a seasonal fruit bowl. For lighter fare, the grill offers a Greek salad or Caesar salad and a mesquite turkey wrap. For those who have worked up an appetite in the water, the grill offers burgers, hot dogs and one of the biggest and best Frito pies I have ever eaten.
The Sunset Pool Grill menu also includes a variety chips and candies, ice cream cups or bars, swim goggles, sun screen, bottled water, juices, soda, sports drinks, ice cold beer and a large selection of cocktails. I recommend the Lakeway Paloma made with Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka, fresh lime juice and grapefruit. lakewayresortandspa.com; 512.261.6600
BEST ROOFTOP EVENT VENUE Omni Frisco Hotel
The Omni Frisco Hotel is the anchor hotel property at The Star, a 91-acre entertainment district in Frisco. The site includes the Dallas Cowboys world headquarters and practice facilities, and the Ford Center, a 12,000-seat indoor stadium.
The 300-room Omni Frisco Hotel features 24,000 square feet of event space, including a 13,000-square-foot ballroom and 16 meeting rooms. It is connected to the Ford Center via an indoor walkway. The crown jewel of event space at the 16-story Omni Frisco is The Edge, a fourth-floor rooftop pool, bar and pool deck.
The open-air event space provides planners with 3,640 square feet of space overlooking the Ford Center plaza, the outdoor practice fields of the Dallas Cowboys and the surrounding Frisco cityscape. The space features a number of private cabanas, an infinity pool, a large terrace, a dedicated bar recessed into the hotel tower and furniture equipped with LED lighting to brand any event with color. The rooftop event space can accommodate up to 375 people.
The pool area and adjacent terrace are appointed with trees and greenery, soft and modern lighting and two elliptical pergolas that loosely form the shape of a football. Soft, comfortable seating can be arranged to accommodate any event and three fire pits are available for cooler evenings. The rooftop can accommodate up to 400 guests.
“The Omni Frisco Hotel is the perfect destination to host your group or next event because we offer such a wide array of meeting and event spaces,” says Jeff Smith, general manager at Omni Frisco Hotel. “Whether you require our 13,000-squarefoot ballroom or The Edge rooftop pool and deck, we have spaces that are sure to play the perfect host to your group.” omnihotels.com; 469.287.0000
BEST OUTDOOR SPACE Lone Star Court
Lone Star Court is a retro-inspired court concept hotel nestled within The Domain at Austin. The 123-room boutique property was built by Valencia Hotels and draws upon the golden age of family road
Lakeway Resort & Spa
trips and motor court hotels. Lone Star Court is an editor’s pick quite simply because my family and I had an absolute blast at the property during a recent business trip. The trip involved lengthy indoor meetings off-property, which made the courtyard at the hotel a welcome retreat. Once on the Lone Star Court property, I had to remind myself that I was indeed in the middle of a bustling retail district in a city of nearly one million people. It was that peaceful! The courtyard at Lone Star Court is a long oval flanked by inward-facing guest rooms, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, the Sisterdale School House and Tack Room event buildings, and a stone office building. There are a few gated walkways leading out of the space but virtually no direct lineof-sight to the outside traffic. A swimming pool with flagstone deck is the focal point of the landscaped courtyard, and there is easy access to a pavilion, fire pits and the restaurant’s outdoor seating. The landscaping was designed to echo the surrounding Texas Hill Country with native trees and shrubbery, vines growing along the outdoor stairwells and railings, and an arroyo that actually functions to channel water through the property during rainstorms. The guest rooms are appointed with vintage-inspired décor and custom-built furnishings designed by Houston-based Rottet Studios. Local snacks and beverages are
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
stocked in retro-looking Smeg refrigerators in each room—and I mean fully stocked.
Despite my meetings, I was able to get in some very refreshing reading and swim time at the pool. My family staged a corn hole tournament on the lawn. Our last night was possibly the best; we enjoyed great food, drinks and live music at The Water Trough, the hotel’s restaurant.
We had so much fun being outside and spending time with each other, we were already planning a return trip as we loaded our luggage into the SUV. lonestarcourt.com; 512.814.2625
BEST HOTEL RENOVATION The French Room at The Adolphus Hotel
The historic Adolphus Hotel opened in Dallas in October 1912. The 22-story hotel was originally built by Adolphus Busch, co-founder of Anheuser Busch. At the time, the property was the tallest building in the state and the first luxury hotel in Dallas. The recent restoration and renovation of all public spaces of the hotel was spearheaded by design firm, Swoon the Studio, which was hired to reimagine three lobbies, two bars, the ballroom, a barbershop, bistro, coffee shop, retail store and the iconic French Room. The hotel now has the feel of a European estate.
Art books and furnishings were added in communal spaces and stone fireplaces were imported from France. Tall, dark wood-paneled walls and warm strategic lighting creates an elevated comfort in the public spaces. Large-paned industrial windows were installed, which create more intimate spaces within the lobby yet preserve views throughout.
The hotel’s renowned restaurant, The French Room, received highly anticipated upgrades, along with the French Room Bar, which is now a deliciously dark and cozy space. Vintage portraits complement the custom-made barstools and banquettes, while black marble tables echo marble flooring and details found throughout other public spaces.
The French Room Salon now features a curated collection of contemporary art with Texas ties, a piano that is said to be a sister to one that went down on the Titanic and an original marble floor which had been covered by carpet for decades. adolphus.com; 214.742.8200
BEST PRIVATE EVENT SPACE Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The main campus of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is situated in the heart of the city’s Museum District just minutes from downtown. The museum was established in 1900 and today includes the Audrey Jones Beck Building, the Caroline Wiess Law Buillding, the Glassell School of Art, the Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden and two house museums—Rienzi and Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens.
With a total of 300,000 square feet of space dedicated to the display of nearly 63,000 artworks, the museum is one of the largest art museums in the nation. With such a large campus, the museum provides groups a wide array of unique venues for private events.
Award-winning architect Rafael Moneo designed the Audrey Jones Beck Building, which opened in 2000. The Beck Building is home to antiques, American art, old masters works, impressionist and modern or contemporary art. Groups of up to 150 people can enjoy a seated dinner amongst the artwork or receptions of up to 1,000 can be held in the Beck Building.
The two house museums are also available for private meetings, parties or receptions. The Brown Auditorium Theater is yet another space available to groups. The theater is housed offers clear sight lines and lecture-style seating for 350 attendees.
On Thursdays the museum has free general admission from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and free garage parking from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. mfah.org; 713.639.7754
Plano Balloon Festival
FUN FOR THE FAMILY
With museums, water parks, restaurants, parks and attractions galore—these familyfriendly meeting destinations ensure the whole gang will have a good time.
Visit Plano
In Plano, families can get away with more. Plano is truly the land of plenty. Blending historic charm with modern luxury, the city brims with attractions and amenities that make it perfect for a family day trip or leisurely weekend getaway.
The new Crayola Experience is Texas' most colorful family destination for interactive, creative play. More indoor entertainment can be found at PINSTACK, featuring a 28-lane bowling alley, a ropes course suspended 20 feet above the gaming center, two-story laser tag, bumper cars, six lanes of LED-lit rock climbing walls and hundreds of interactive games. Take your adventure outdoors and glide over the forest canopy at Plano’s Go Ape! Zip lines, Tarzan swings and suspended obstacles bring out your inner monkey and provide a fun challenge amid 800 acres of natural beauty at Texas’ only Go Ape! location. Discover Plano’s past by visiting The Heritage Farmstead Museum and the Interurban Railway Museum.
Take a break from all the activities and bond over delicious food from over 800 restaurants. Popular entertainment, dining and shopping areas like the Downtown Plano Arts District, Legacy West, The Boardwalk at Granite Park, The District at Willow Bend and The Shops at Legacy have some of north Texas’ most unique dining and shopping.
A perennial family favorite event is the Plano Balloon Festival. Held each September, the popular event has earned Plano the title of “Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas.” More events can be found online by visiting visitplano.com.
Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau
Welcome to Beaumont, home of astonishing biodiversity and historical significance. History was made here with the first major oil discovery that changed the world forever. Travelers come from long distances to enjoy Southeast Texas' outdoor opportunities including fishing, hunting, birding, paddling and yes, holding live alligators. On the border of Louisiana but thoroughly Texan, Beaumont embraces both brisket and crawfish.
Beaumont offers all the comforts of a big city, but with the added coziness and convenience of a small town. Convention centers, meeting venues, hotels, restaurants with private dining and attractions are easily reachable within a short 10- to 15-minute drive from anywhere in the city. Plus you'll get extra care and personalized service from their helpful and friendly CVB sales team.
Where to host your next big event? Conveniently situated just minutes from Beaumont's 3,500 hotel rooms, restaurants and attractions, Ford Park Entertainment Complex offers five versatile facilities on 221 acres including: Ford Arena, Ford Exhibit Hall, Ford Pavilion, Ford Midway and Ford Fields.
With an event in Beaumont, attendees can bring the whole family along. Start by checking out the museum scene. Beaumont Children’s Museum provides children and families with an accessible environment that opens a window to the world around them through creative, interactive programming. At the Fire Museum of Texas, you can view antique equipment, take your picture in front of the world’s largest fire hydrant, or dress up in firefighter uniforms.
Spindletop Gladys City/Boomtown Museum offers you the chance to step back in time and experience life during the oil boom.
For more family-fun entertainment, visit Colorado Canyon, which boasts the area’s best miniature golf with two 18-hole courses, game room, gemstone- and fossil-mining in a rustic mining town and laser maze. Or, get up close and personal with live animals at Gator Country. With over 300 alligators, Caimans and crocodiles, Gator Country offers every guest the opportunity to have a handson experience. Guests can help feed live gators and take home a picture to prove it. Wrap-around decks of the restaurant make Gator Country great for off-site dinners or receptions.
Whether you’re visiting for a week or just a weekend, you’ll find comfortable and friendly accommodations along with a variety of things to do, shopping and dining options.
Larry’s & Fire Hydrant
Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau
Music and museums. Amusements, arts and antiques. History, hospitality, horse farms and higher learning. Shopping, sports, dining and festivals. Plan your escape to Denton to discover what you’re missing.
Voted # 1 Best Small Town in America by Business Insider and situated 36 miles north of Dallas and Fort Worth where I-35 East meets I-35 West, Denton, Texas is home to original, independent thinkers who exude friendliness, creativity and a love for all things unique. From the century-old courthouse and the quaint
Abilene’s easy-to-navigate zoo includes a “Twigga Terrace” to hand feed the giraffe herd.
The Children’s Arts & Literacy Festival each June kicks off with a parade celebrating an acclaimed illustrator.
Abilene’s mayor unveils the “Cat in the Hat” sculpture at the Children’s Arts & Literacy Festival.
town-square to world-class shopping and internationally acclaimed talent, Denton is the vibrant setting where these diverse worlds meet. Denton ambiance, assets and amenities combine to make it a city you simply must discover for yourself, and in your own unique style.
Perfect for work or play, Denton is a dream for both conference planners and attendees alike. Families will love the opportunity to check out Horse Country. The 912 square miles of lush Denton County are located just northeast of Fort Worth and extend almost to the Red River at the Oklahoma State line. Known as “Horse Country USA”, the area is populated with more than 300 farms and ranches, many of which are breeding and training facilities. There are an estimated 25,000 horses in Denton County.
Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Horse Country of North Texas by joining one of six behind-the-scenes guided tours. Tour the beautiful North Texas Horse Country aboard a luxury motorcoach while a fun and knowledgeable guide narrates the facts and backstory of the area. Six behind-thescenes tours are offered each year. The tour visits two premier horse ranches where you can get an up close and personal look at the equine industry.
Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau
Families always bring home stories after an adventure in Abilene. Long known for its western charm, the city recently earned another feather in its cowboy hat: national designation as the “Storybook Capital of America.”
The new title is thanks to an ambitious public art project. The city’s walkable cultural district is dotted with bronze sculptures of favorite character from children’s books. There’s even a handy map and app you can download for a family scavenger hunt. The pieces are popular spots for selfies and group photos. In June 2019, the streets will be filled with colorful characters, when bookloving children descend on the city for the 8th Annual Children’s Arts & Literacy Festival. Each year an acclaimed illustrator is celebrated with a parade, weekend full of activities and the unveiling of a new sculpture.
Another affordable way to enjoy the city is to pony up for a Round Up Pass. This handy set of tickets gets the whole posse admission into the city’s top spots: The Abilene Zoo, Frontier Texas!, The Grace Museum, National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Taylor County History Center, and the 12th Armored Division WWII Museum. Adults passes are $17, while children 16 and younger cost $8. The tickets are good for a year from purchase and offer a considerable savings.
“Families are always pleasantly surprised by how much bang for their buck they get in Abilene,” says Kelly Thompson, communications director. “Parking is almost always is free. Even better, the city is easy to navigate and we never have a rush hour.”
Located off Interstate 20, Abilene is only a two-hour drive west of Fort Worth. You can plot your escape at abilenevisitors.com.
Family kayaking in New Braunfels
New Braunfels Convention & Visitors Bureau
Experience New Braunfels is a historic, yet rapidly growing city conveniently located along the IH-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin. Founded by German pioneers in 1845, the work ethic of those settlers shows in everything the modern city has become. The local culture is a juxtaposition of venerated history and contemporary expansion, offering complete modern conveniences while remaining steeped in the ethos of tradition.
Event planners can take advantage of the award-winning New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce website as a one-stop logistics shop for the coordination of lodging, venues, activities, and vendors. Opportunities for break-out fun abound, from outdoor Hill Country adventure s, to shopping, dining, and a spirited live music scene. As one of the top vacation hotspots in Texas, New Braunfels boasts thousands of available beds, top-of-the-line amenities, and easy access from most major cities.
New Braunfels is a city that's built for recreation, so it's sure to have something to please everyone on your roster. During the summer months, the cool, clean rivers are dotted with tubers, rafters, fishermen, and swimmers, and the city boasts Schlitterbahn - one of the nation's best waterparks. Shoppers will find the perfect treasure at one of the downtown boutiques or antique shops, while night owls will love the many live music venues. For families, the city features an exciting drive-through safari park, engaging children's museum, and a brand new drive-in theatre. Restaurants of every flavor are sprinkled throughout the city, so be sure to come hungry.
The New Braunfels Convention and Visitors Bureau wants to help make your next event a success, whether it's a meeting, destination wedding, or just a family vacation.
Visit El Paso
Visit El Paso can help you deliver unforgettable experiences on any budget. Whether you’re interested in the area’s colorful past or its big-picture future, there’s something for everyone. Guests can journey through 400 years of history along the Mission Trail, witness the craftsmanship of Western bootmakers, or enjoy the city’s collection of 13th-18th centuries Western European masterworks. They can also spend an evening enjoying Triple-A baseball, the Downtown Arts District, or experience the magic of the historic Plaza Theatre with a performance of a top Broadway touring show.
The whole family can have fun in El
Escape from Werewolf Village
Charity Bike Build TeamBonding Olympics
Paso. Kids can count the whiskers on the tigers in the cool park environment of the El Paso Zoo. Spend a Sunday, biking along the Rio Grande or feed baby goats at the Licon Dairy petting farm. Western Playland offers rides and roller coasters. Sports lovers won’t want to miss THE BASE; this indoor baseball and softball training facility offers a full lineup of services: lessons, batting cages, pitching tunnels, camps, clinics, workshops, and facility rentals.
El Paso is especially excited to share the multimillion-dollar investment in the revitalization of downtown El Paso to include a new children’s museum; multipurpose performing arts venue; Hispanic cultural center; new and improved parks; public art projects and the first and the only TouchCity Digital History Wall in the United States—all within walking distance of the El Paso Convention Center.
Visit El Paso proudly offers free meeting planning services to include locating affordable accommodations, transportation options, and additional meeting venues. They also provide complimentary welcome and promotional items
TeamBonding
Experience the power of play. For over 20 years and through thousands of successful events, TeamBonding has both defined and reimagined the corporate and social events industry.
Whether you are planning a work event, a gathering of friends, or a family-friendly party, let TeamBonding help you make the occasion memorable. They offer more than 80 different programs for you to choose—from scavenger hunts to hilarious races to charity events—and they’ve consistently led the way in progressive team-building ideas. Their passion for innovating, planning and delivering the best events always shines through, and they get genuinely excited about helping clients select the perfect program that will meet their needs.
Professional event managers will take the time getting to know you and learning about your goals as they work closely with you throughout the planning process, and their talented network of facilitators will go above and beyond to ensure your activity goes smoothly. From start to finish, TeamBonding will make sure that your event is one people will be talking about for years to come.
Contact TeamBonding today to be connected to one of their Client Solution Managers for program information, availability and pricing.
Cleburne Convention and Visitors Bureau
Cleburne is the ideal location for your next event. Whether it’s a gala, a small meeting, a major convention or sports event, Cleburne has a wide variety of unique venues and exciting entertainment.
The Cleburne Conference Center features 45,000 square feet of versatile space that can meet the most discerning needs of event and convention planners. The venue also hosts a 297-seat performing arts center that can be used for general sessions or seminars. Cleburne offers over 700 hotel rooms and is conveniently located minutes away from the Dallas/ Fort Worth area.
With an event in Cleburne, the whole family can come along and have fun. Take a walk through Buffalo Creek, which meanders through downtown Cleburne and Hulen Park with walking paths and benches to sit and relax. Learn about history at Cleburne Railroad Museum, featuring over 500 artifacts and an oral history room, or at Layland Museum, which showcases exhibits in a historic building.
Movie lovers will fancy a stop at the Gone with the Wind Remembered Museum, which houses extremely rare memorabilia from the classic film. Golf lovers can tee off at Cleburne Golf Links. And if the kids want to have some fun in the sun, visit the Splash Station, a yearround water park with leisure pool, slides, spray pad, lazy river and concessions.
No matter the season, Cleburne is ready to welcome your group for an event the whole family will enjoy.
Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park in Grapevine is the region's premier destination for conferences, meetings and events. Located just minutes from DFW International Airport, the all-suite property offers a spacious conference center, uncompromised culinary quality and a team of meeting professionals committed to your success.
At Great Wolf Lodge, they understand that it's more than a meeting, it's your meeting. The true difference is that with Great Wolf Lodge, you'll partner with a team that will collaborate with you on every detail—a team fully vested in the complete success of your meeting or event.
Great Wolf Lodge’s meeting rooms include innovative audio-visual solutions to accommodate any type of multimedia presentation. On-site technical support it available upon request. Complimentary high-speed wireless internet access is also available throughout the property.
Don’t forget about the gigantic water park; it’s perfect for families in attendance. Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine offers indoor water park fun and dry-land adventures for the entire family. They feature kid-friendly activities, cabanas, a range of dining options, an adultfriendly wine down service, and more all under one roof. Your stay includes access to the 80,000-square-foot water park, kept comfy at 84-degrees year-round. Attendees of all ages will have the time of their lives, in a fun and safe environment.
Visit The Woodlands
Discover an event destination with family appeal in The Woodlands.
For meetings and conventions that run through or up-to the weekend, a location where attendees feel welcome to bring their families along is a smart option. The Woodlands offers the best of everything, with a dedicated convention development staff to facilitate planning, many new or newly-renovated venue properties designed for customizable events, and endless family-friendly activities to enjoy.
The Woodlands' two largest event properties—The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center and The Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center— offer not only ample meeting space, but also accommodations and familyfriendly amenities including swimming pools and on-site restaurants.
After the event wraps up, guests and their families will feel compelled to stay and experience everything else The Woodlands has to offer. The many popular restaurants and shops within walking distance or via the free Town Center Trolley make exploring a breeze, even without a car.
Kids will love adventuring through the George Mitchell Nature Preserve and its hike and bike trails, or finding their balance on the water via a kayak or paddleboard, available for rent at either the Riva Row or Lakes Edge Boat Houses.
Be a hit with your attendees (and their plus ones!) with an event in The Woodlands.
The Woodlands Waterway
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is thrilled to bring their authentically-African themed resort experience to the South. They’re known for going beyond expectations at Kalahari, delivering first-class service and top-notch amenities. Now they’re building their biggest resort yet—a 1.5 million-square-foot complex in the city of Round Rock.
Scheduled to open in 2020, the resort will include a 200,000-square-foot stateof-the-art Convention Center. Featuring 16 meeting rooms in total, two spectacular ballrooms at 40,000 and 22,000 square feet, a 50,000-square-foot outdoor event space and extensive registration and client office spaces, the newest property will have space for gatherings big or small.
Their modular meeting spaces will feature the amenities guests have come to expect at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. Guests will find high-def monitors and projectors along with superior lighting and A/V controls for colorful and sharp presentations. Additionally, there is free access to high-speed Wi-Fi with capacity to increase to 10 GB/s or more with advance order, plus ergonomic chairs designed to keep attendees comfortable for up to 10 hours.
One thing meeting planners have always loved about the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions experience is that the meeting space, guest rooms and leisure activities are all under one roof. And that’s not going to change. Guests will continue to have easy access to the world-class Spa Kalahari & Salon. They can visit Kalahari Fitness and explore different entertainment options as well as varied dining experiences—including Double Cut, the signature steakhouse experience, Mondo Sortino’s Italian Kitchen and B-Lux Grill & Bar—and admission to America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark is always included with overnight stays.
There’s another reason meeting planners keep coming back to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, and that’s the people. When planning a meeting at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, planners get a dedicated and experienced team to assist. The Kalahari team will provide advice and ideas that help planners meet their meeting goals and objectives. From media and activity suggestions to catering and room layouts, their skilled team will take care of everything.
The location in Round Rock makes Kalahari Resorts & Conventions an easy option for attendees. Under three hours away from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Houston, it’s convenient enough for guests, but just enough to feel they’re a world away.
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ABILENE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 325.676.2556 ABILENEVISITORS.COM
BEAUMONT CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 409.880.3749 BEAUMONTCVB.COM
CLEBURNE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 888.525.3287 VISITCLEBURNE.COM
DENTON CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 940.382.7895 DISCOVERDENTON.COM
GREAT WOLF LODGE 817.488.6510 GREATWOLF.COM/GRAPEVINE
KALAHARI RESORTS & CONVENTIONS 877.780.6440 KALAHARIRESORTS.COM
NEW BRAUNFELS CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 800.572.2626 PLAYINNEWBRAUNFELS.COM
TEAMBONDING 512.548.0332 TEAMBONDING.COM
VISIT EL PASO 915.534.0600 VISITELPASO.COM
VISIT PLANO 800.81.PLANO VISITPLANO.COM
VISIT THE WOODLANDS 281.210.3483 VISITTHEWOODLANDS.COM
Meet in Cleburne
www.cleburneconference.com 817-556-8860
