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Guest Experiences: Hotels and Event Venues LOCATiON REPORTS
els and Event Venues
ctions throughout the region are ings. Here is a sampling of what nd groups.
Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in the Pocono Mountains offers activities for all ages, including spa, culinary and private dining experiences, an outdoor adventure course and ziplining, plus escape rooms, miniature golf, an indoor water park and more.
“From a service perspective, we have an incredible team of culinary and convention staff who work to customize each and every detail of all conferences and events held at Kalahari,” explains Stephani L. Bann, CMP, assistant director of sales for the resort.
Coming this winter, Kalahari will open a brand-new restaurant, Cinco Ninos, in early 2022 - a modern Mexican and Tequila Bar showcasing classic flavors. Peddler’s Village Lahaska, PA
Located in beautiful Bucks County between Doylestown and New Hope, Peddler’s Village is a unique site offering a variety of meeting space options, a wide range of culinary choices, spacious accommodations in an elegant country inn, creative team building activities, 65 specialty shops, free parking and a charming 18th-century style setting with award-winning landscaping.
The Golden Plough Inn at Peddler’s Village offers packages for individuals, couples and families. Currently, they are offering seasonal packages that include a $50 gift certificate to one of Peddler’s Village restaurants, as well as family fun packages that include admission to the Giggleberry Fair indoor entertainment center for guests with young children.
Wildwoods Convention Center Wildwoods, NJ
“The Wildwoods Convention Center is the only convention facility on the East Coast that is located directly on the beach,” declares John A. Lynch, director of sales and entertainment for the Wildwoods Convention Center and Tourism Authority.
“From the time you drive over the George Reading Bridge you’ll enjoy breathtaking views –from the Intercoastal waterway and hundreds of pleasure boats docked at various marinas to the beach and boardwalk and the most iconic and photographed location on the Island, the ‘Wildwoods’ Sign,” he adds. “The Wildwoods Convention is nestled in-between the Atlantic Ocean and the Wildwoods boardwalk, offering our meeting planners a unique location for a ‘Sun and Fun-filled’ beachfront meeting facility that can handle all of their needs.”
Definitely not a “typical downtown or suburban meeting location,” the Wildwoods Convention Center offers competitive meeting packages throughout the year. Its sales team can build unique and interesting itineraries that fit the needs of any clients.
“All events that are planned at the Wildwoods Convention Center receive free access to miles of white sandy beaches, complementary sounds of crashing waves, unlimited seagull squawking, and all the fresh sea breezes and fresh salt air your body can handle,” Lynch advises. “Be forewarned, though; these incentives can be habit forming.”
Dunes Manor Hotel Ocean City, MD
“Planners and their attendees are not accustomed to being oceanfront – this offers a calming, yet exciting element for a conference or event,” notes Judy Wilbur, director of sales for Dunes Manor in Ocean City, MD. “Additionally, our daily afternoon tea service (from 3:00 – 4:00 pm) provides a nice break. Thelma’s original secret recipe tea and a scone or two are just the pick me up someone might need in the afternoon.”
As every customer is different, Dunes Manor works with them to customize their experience and work closely with them, whatever their needs. Sometimes that might include certain concessions or extra perks, other times it might include finding free or discounted area activities. “We can work with them on providing those values,” explains Wilbur.
From late November into December, Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights is on display, which is an attractive activity to enjoy. Alternatively, groups can enjoy a tour of historic Berlin, or a visit one of the area’s wineries or breweries for some fun and unwinding after a full-day in a conference room.
Those traveling to Ocean City during the holidays will be welcomed by Dunes Manor’s beautiful holiday decor and special treats, including holiday cocktails, spiced cider, festive music and more. “For guests who wish to stay in, Miss Shirley at the piano is a treat,” Wilbur proclaims. “Wednesday through Friday, she draws a crowd with sing-alongs and great entertainment.”
