Great Travel Experiences

There are many adventures and experiences available for groups throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern Regions of the U.S. in a variety of diverse and unique locations and settings.

Easily accessible by car, bus or train, these places and spaces may be a relatively short distance away, but each will provide groups with a refreshing change of scenery and a long list of things to see and do.

For those looking to get away in the new year, these are just a few of the options available. Be sure to visit local CVB or DMO websites for updated information about current health and safety regulations and guidelines. Individual venues may have their own protocols, as well, so it’s always best to reach out before planning any trip.

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

Boasting 520-miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County offer a host of opportunities for getting out on the water. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to explore its 54-miles of biking and hiking trails. Art lovers can spend hours enjoying street-art creations and the work of local and nationally known artists on display at dozens of galleries and museums.

In the performing arts arena, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra, Annapolis Opera, Live Arts Maryland, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, London Town Symphony Orchestra, Classic Theatre of Maryland, and others provide everything from classic and contemporary repertoires in intimate to grand settings.

In Annapolis, history welcomes visitors at every turn. Home to more 18th century brick buildings than any city of comparable size in the nation, its Historic District truly is a “Museum without Walls,” where every step along the brick-lined streets is a reminder of what has been and what could be.

Take a self-guided tour of the oldest State House in continuous use. Stroll through town and past the homes of Maryland’s four signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Banneker-Douglass Museum, Maryland’s official repository for African American culture and heritage. Tours of the U.S. Naval Academy depart the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center daily.

In November 2021, Historic Annapolis Inc. opened a museum-wide permanent exhibition, Annapolis: An American Story, at the Historic Annapolis Museum. The exhibition shares the dramatic stories of Annapolis and its diverse people – revolutionaries, visionaries and champions of the nation’s continuing quest for liberty and justice – who helped to shape the city’s American story over more than 400 years.

A stroll across the Spa Creek bridge brings visitors to the recently renovated Annapolis Maritime Museum and its new permanent exhibition, Our Changing Waterfront. Reimagined exhibits invite visitors to experience the Chesapeake Bay and the area’s local history through interactive and immersive displays.

Art lovers will want to explore Gallery 57 on West Street. The nonprofit collective artist group, the Annapolis Art Alliance, opened the “fusion of the arts” in summer 2020. Local by Design on Main Street features the diverse work of 125 local artisans. Both businesses are part of a thriving visual arts community that includes nearly twenty galleries within walking distance of one another in downtown Annapolis.

There’s plenty of great art on the streets of Annapolis as well. A 7,000square-foot Breonna Taylor mural was created at Chambers Park in July 2020. Another summer 2020 addition is a mural of the beloved Carlester “Walking Man” Smith. A new John Lewis mural at 95 West Street honors Lewis and other activists who led the Selma Montgomery marches over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965. In April 2021, Future History Now completed an Equal Justice Under the Law mural featuring equal rights champions, Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Thurgood Marshall across the street from the circuit courthouse.

In the BWI/Arundel Mills region, one of the largest commercial casinos in the country, Live! Casino & Hotel, recently opened Sports and Social Maryland to offer the ultimate fan experience. Opened in 2020, the casino’s 4,000seat Hall at Live! is designed to accommodate the nation’s top touring acts.

After enjoying gaming and live entertainment, guests can walk across a promenade to Maryland’s largest outlet and value retail shopping, dining and entertainment destination, Arundel Mills Mall. Nearby Maryland Jockey Club at Laurel Park is a premier sports and entertainment destination for world-class thoroughbred horse racing.

Groups and individuals can discover firsthand how Annapolis earned the title America’s Sailing Capital. Sailing, cruising, stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking are among the possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts. The action begins at City Dock, the heart and soul of the city – a place to see and be seen.

There are a host of ways to get out on the water – from riding the water taxi, to taking a 40-minute cruise of the Annapolis Harbor or Spa Creek. Two-hour sailing cruises aboard the newly refurbished historic Chesapeake Bay skipjack, the Wilma Lee; the Schooner Liberte; or the twin 74’ wooden schooners, Woodwind and Woodwind II, are popular choices.

While many already know that guided tours of the U.S. Naval Academy depart from the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center daily, they may not realize they also are welcome to stop by the Naval Academy Museum following a formal tour of the “Yard.” The museum’s Gallery of Ships is home to one of the world’s finest collections of warship models from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The Rogers Ship Model Collection is another not-to-be-missed display.

The surrounding Anne Arundel County countryside offers its own allure in small villages like Mayo, Shady Side, Deale and Galesville. The 160-acre Honey’s Harvest Farm in Lothian offers farm workshops, farm-to-table events, nature walks and farm tours. The nearby Historic London town and Gardens highlights the region’s history, archaeology and horticulture on the South River in Edgewater. The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center welcomes visitors to its 2,650-acre campus that spans forests, wetlands, marshes, and 15-miles of protected shoreline.

For dining, Annapolis has a lively, everevolving culinary scene. Over the past two years, several new eateries have opened their doors, including the 28seat nano-brewery, Forward Brewing; Dangerously Delicious Pies; In Grano, a bistro-bakery that mills its own locallysourced grains; the coffee and wine bar, Curate Annapolis, with its homemade pastries and evening wine events; the coastal California-inspired kitchen and wine bar, Smashing Grapes; 1771 Grill and Taproom; and the health-centric eatery, True Food Kitchen.

A host of al fresco dining and shopping opportunities await along the bricklined streets of Annapolis’s Historic District, or groups might opt for a wine tasting at a local winery or a beer tasting at one of the area’s popular breweries.

Pherm Brewing Company in Gambrills opened in December 2020, where customers enjoy live performances by local artists, IPAs, barreled age brews, lagers and seltzers, as well as food from on-site food trucks.

Learn more at: visitannapolis.org

LAKE GEORGE, NEW YORK

In the Lake George Area, less is more. With less traffic and less hassle than big-city destinations, both group travel and vacationers will find more scenic views and open spaces without having to sacrifice amenities.

The Lake George Area helps to make a meeting feel more like a working vacation. Located in the Adirondacks in Upstate New York, Lake George features lodging options at a variety of price points that range from island camping to luxury lakeside accommodations. There are branded hotels and locallyowned establishments, historic downtown hotels and lakeside resorts.

There are lodges with activities for the whole family, providing various experiences that include bike and kayak rentals to an indoor water park. There are a variety of camping experiences, too, including island camping on Lake George - home to numerous glamping establishments where groups can stay in rustic luxury.

There are more than 50 restaurants, hundreds of attractions (many offering group packages), outdoor trails, rich history, factory outlets, boutique shops featuring locally-made products, and more. Explore charming upstate communities like Glens Falls, which has been nicknamed “Hometown, USA.”

Take in the natural beauty of the Lake George Area, which remains the top attraction year-round, with a variety of trails and waterways including lakes and rivers. Groups can enjoy time on Lake George aboard cruise ships, private charters and rental boats. Or get even closer to the water with stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking on various waterways. With more than 200-miles of trails and licensed guides available for hire, the Lake George Area is perfect for anyone who wants to reconnect with nature, whether a beginner or an expert outdoors person. Enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing, fat-bike rentals, skiing and more in winter. Attractions include something for everyone, from Six Flags Great Escape Theme Park to adventure courses and zip lines.

Starting in 2022, Lake George will be home to the New York location of the seasonal attraction Ice Castles in the Festival Commons’ event space. Ice Castles is created entirely by hand, using only icicles and water as the building medium. Each castle is composed of about 25-million pounds of ice and stands between 20- and 35feet tall. This frozen attraction is an interactive experience for the whole family and features slides, tunnels, crawl spaces, fountains and towers.

The area also is home to the oldest weekly family-owned rodeo in the U.S., with shows during the summer months. For those who like natural phenomena, check out the Lake George Mystery Spot that produces an unexplained echo when visitors stand at specific coordinates and speak.

There is a rich history here, as it was the setting for James Fenimore Cooper’s novel “Last of the Mohicans,” site of events during the French and Indian War, and even some Revolutionary War history. Groups also can enjoy a variety of live music events and the most intimate professional dinner theater in America. There also are opportunities to learn about protecting the natural beauty of the area through programs such as the Floating Classroom, an educational boat ride presented by the Lake George Association.

Lake George restaurants have been featured on national television, including the Foy family establishments on the show “Summer Rush.” And there’s always the Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail, which features 17 producers of beer, wine, cider, hard seltzer, distilled spirits and soda.

Learn more at: lakegeorgechamber.com

LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA

Lancaster is an ideal destination for vacationers and business travelers alike. With everything from farmland and family-style fun to nightlife, worldclass dining and contemporary art, it offers something for every traveler.

This unique destination boasts the best of both worlds - a bustling city as well as the laidback experience of Amish Country. The Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County are America's oldest Amish settlement, where thousands still live a centuries-old "Plain" lifestyle.

Arriving in Amish Country allows visitors to step back in time to enjoy a slower, more peaceful pace – one where the horse and buggy remains a primary form of transportation, and where windmills dot the landscape providing power harnessed from nature.

The Amish are a vital part of Lancaster’s culture, and visitors can tour the Pennsylvania Amish countryside –including by horse and buggy. Afterward, there are many Amish-themed attractions and events to explore, opportunities to shop for handmade Amish crafts, and plenty of places in which to dine on authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.

Visitors can shop at the Central Market Lancaster, the country’s longest continuously running public farmer’s market, which started way back in 1730.

While in town, they can catch a show at the historic Fulton Theatre, reportedly the oldest working theatre in the U.S. The building dates back to the mid-1800s and it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.

Sports enthusiasts can cheer on the Lancaster Barnstormers minor league baseball team at state-of-the-art Clipper Stadium, just north of Lancaster City. The stadium was awarded the

meet

in the Lake George Area

Get Away and Get Together in the Adirondack region of Upstate, New York

With over 200,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and 7,000 guest rooms, the Lake George Area offers all the luxuries & amenities of a large city without sacrificing the beauty & charm of a small destination. meetlakegeorge.com

distinction of Independent Ballpark of the Year in both 2020 and 2021 by Ballpark Digest.

Pennsylvania’s Dutch County also is full of history, rural Amish experiences, and even boasts a growing downtown, offering exceptional dining and diverse shopping in a bustling city atmosphere. Alternatively, explore hundreds of miles of rail-trails, nature preserves, hiking spots and horseback riding trails.

Encounter living history at James Buchanan’s Wheatland, an 1828 federal mansion that President Buchanan called home in Lancaster City. Now owned and operated by LancasterHistory, visitors may tour the grounds and learn of Wheatland’s tangible connection to the U.S. presidency, antebellum and the Civil War, and the American political process. For group functions and accommodations, the 416-room Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square marries the city’s rich history - literally built around a shelter in the iconic Underground Railroad with upscale accommodations, sweeping views of downtown, and unique onsite dining experiences.

Renovated in 2019, the $39.4-million East Tower brings to the Marriott a transitional architectural design that strengthens the city skyline with its rooftop bar that adds to the vibrancy of Lancaster’s downtown. Just steps away, guests can explore over 90 art galleries, a burgeoning food scene, shopping and historic landmarks, including one of the largest National Historic Register Districts in the country.

The hotel is uniquely integrated with the world-class Lancaster County Convention Center, offering 90,000-square feet of meeting space as well as impressive architectural and historic features.

On the ground floor of the Lancaster Marriott, Plough features a menu that simultaneously celebrates Lancaster’s rich cultural roots while embracing a new era of modernity. Led by Executive Chef Ryan McQuillan, the dining experience at Plough brings the heart of the countryside to the city.

“Take the elevator up and you’ll find the highest rooftop in Lancaster City The Exchange, bringing a vibrant social experience to the Lancaster skyline,” says Hans Schreiber, director of sales and marketing for the Lancaster County Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square. “Open year-round, the rooftop features a

floating bar to accommodate the open air during the warmer months. In the colder months, the space is enclosed to create warmth, along with plenty of heat lamps and fire-top tables to go around.”

The Exchange’s extensive beveragedriven menu spotlights creative twists on the classics and quirky, creative cocktails alongside thoughtful local and seasonal wine and beer selections. Fare is inventive small plates, using only locally sourced ingredients from Lancaster farmers.

The Lancaster County Convention Center’s facilities combine the best of new world sophistication and oldworld charm, with dedicated space for meetings from 5 to 5,000 attendees. The historical centerpiece of the facility is the Stevens-Smith Site, containing an excavated cistern in a preserved section of the Underground Railroad.

Learn more at: discoverlancaster.com www.lancasterconventioncenter.com

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Ocean City is a popular resort town with something for everyone, from ten-miles of white sand beaches to quiet coastal bays. Leisure group travelers have found this to be a versatile destination with organized tours of local cultural spots like the Life Saving Station Museum and in neighboring Dorchester County, the Harriet Tubman birthplace and Visitor Center facilities. Tied into a beach resort, these are unexpected educational and historical finds to explore.

Vacation goers have literally enjoyed Ocean City by the millions for generations. “Our exciting boardwalk holds three-miles of arcades, eateries and fun,” notes Norma Dobrowolski, destination sales, marketing and CVB manager for the Ocean City, Maryland Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Many families gather here each year at their favorite beach resort. Meeting and convention planners can execute their event knowing that attendees always will want to bring the family to Ocean City to enjoy the outdoors as well as the fun spots.”

Of course, just about everyone who comes here visits the boardwalk - a trip to Ocean City just wouldn’t be the same without it. Even in the shoulder season, it is a great place to stroll, run or bike. Any time of year there are open shops to explore and eateries at which to grab a bite - all while enjoying the sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean.

Nearby Assateague Island is a place where wild ponies roam free and the environment is teeming with wildlife. Full of folklore, the story of the ponies and how they came to arrive on this barrier island is debatable, but what is not is their value to the area and the enjoyment they bring to visitors who observe these majestic animals.

Worcester County, the county in which Ocean City resides, is home to at least ten small museums and cultural sites. Popular among groups are Furnace Town and the Delmarva Discovery Center, two intimate facilities that provide a history of early rural life along the Eastern Shore of Maryland. From Native American history to the steamboats packing essentials to early ironworks, these spots hold educational value and enriching experiences.

With 11,000 hotel rooms and 28,000 condos, the Ocean City area offers an array of oceanfront hotel suites, smaller retro properties and expansive condominiums for rental. Almost any REIMAGINE | REINVENT RECONNECT Events

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type of accommodations can be found midtown, oceanfront or bayside. Fullservice hotels with large dining and meeting rooms are represented as well, as Ocean City is known as a regional meeting destination. For those seeking just a simple room, there are many family-owned motels, too.

Ocean City has long been known for its large restaurants but there also are more intimate, chef-inspired dining places such as Marlin Moon at the Doubletree, and Longboard at the Town Centre. Seacrets remains incredibly popular as a Jamaican flavored bar, restaurant and dance stage. It is iconic with its own distillery offering tours. Where else can visitors sit IN the bay and enjoy a craft beverage?

“Whether you are in Ocean City for leisure travel or a convention, you will experience the atmosphere of a tropical getaway right here on the East Coast,” Dobrowolski proclaims.

Learn more at: ococean.com

POCONO MOUNTAINS, PENNSYLVANIA

The Pocono Mountains is a great place for a getaway, whether as an individual, couple, family or group. With numerous attractions, outdoor activities, shopping destinations, and enticing restaurants, the Poconos offers something for everyone.

Unique team building challenges indoors and out are available year-round for any size group. Winter is the perfect season to get everyone out on the slopes for skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing. Or, enjoy a day of pampering at one of the region’s world class spas, or warm up at an indoor waterpark resort. “Our quaint downtowns are popular destinations offering one-of-a-kind boutiques, culinary discoveries, and a wide variety of cultural and historical attractions,” explains Valerie Case, sales manager for the Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau. “From Stroudsburg to Hawley, Honesdale to Milford, Jim Thorpe and beyond, get out and about in Pocono small towns. Sip a freshly-roasted cup of joe on the Pocono Coffee Trail, take a ride on a train or trolley tour, catch a show at a local theater, or dive into local history at area museums.”

Groups can step back in time and experience farm life at Quiet Valley Historical Farm, or spend an afternoon exploring Pocono Organics, one of the largest Regenerative Organic Certified Farms in North America. The Dorflinger Glass Museum offers one of the world’s largest displays of exquisite Dorflinger crystal and glass. The Pocono Mountains CVB offers an online events calendar that is kept up-to-date with unique seasonal adventures, festivals and things to do in the area, as well.

The Poconos features a wide range of lodging options that include first-class and four-star resorts (some on the National Historic Register). There are accommodations for every group and visitor, from all-inclusive properties to couples-only resorts to family-friendly cabins and campgrounds.

“We’re all about exploring great trails in the Pocono Mountains, and the Pocono Beverage Trail is no exception,” proclaims Case. “This trail leads you to delicious, locally-crafted brews, wines and spirits sure to please any palate. The atmospheric breweries, vineyards and distilleries are perfect settings for a relaxing evening. Guests will find a wide variety of dining options, with many different food styles and experiences. The Pocono Mountains features top-rated and classically trained chefs, and our team can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.”

“Don’t forget to add a sweet treat at one of our delicious bakeries,” Case adds. “If nightlife is what you crave, take a spin at Mount Airy Casino or rock out at a concert at local venues.”

Learn more at: poconomountains.com

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND

Prince George’s County is home to National Harbor, an alluring waterfront destination that is an open-air gateway to grand hotels showcasing over 12,000 guest rooms and more than 850,000-square feet of meeting and exhibit space.

“The county also offers an eclectic Gateway Arts District with galleries and eateries; a vibrant Big Ten university town amid scenic parks; and a wine country featuring a trail of four familyowned vineyards that create perfect settings for an array of meetings, conventions, events and group activities in spaces that are uncommon and cutting edge,” says Rhonda L. Walker, interim director of sales and marketing for Experience Prince George's. “This suburban-urban destination is an ideal getaway adjacent to Washington, DC, making it a bonus for groups of all sizes and interests.”

When it’s time to unwind and connect, there are multiple ways to have limitless fun here. Travelers enjoy experiencing the 180-foot Capital Wheel that boasts spectacular views of the Potomac River and the lively atmosphere at the acclaimed MGM Casino. Game time brings out the competitor in everyone, and visitors will enjoy chal-

With opportunities for both excitement and relaxation, there’s a lot to discover in the 2,400-square miles of the Pocono Mountains.

lenging one another at popular entertainment venues such as Topgolf.

Six Flags America is a great place to try new thrills. Beloved attractions include College Park Aviation Museum, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, National Wildlife Visitor Center, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, and sporting events at Prince George’s Stadium, FedExField, and The Show Place Arena.

When it comes to accommodations, the county features two AAA Four-Diamond hotels - Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, and the MGM National Harbor, along with a collection of charming properties that include bed-and-breakfasts, upscale hotels and countryside retreats, as well as budget and family-friendly accommodations.

For dining, Maryland is renowned for crab cakes and seafood, and chefs in Prince George’s County showcase their culinary skills from one menu to the next. The talent that fuses flavors, techniques and ingredients into mouthwatering dishes is a reflection of each chef’s epicurean journey, collectively adding up to a delectable dining scene.

Changing the way you think about catering

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