ness of Wilmington and its environs. “Our area is positioned to provide immediate ROI because there is no sales tax on meet- ing room rentals, food or beverage. This economical attribute can instantly add thousands of dollars to a planner's bot- tom line. The tax-free component also proves to be an enticing lure to the atten- dees when they realize the savings they can experience.”
Lovlie lists some one-of-a-kind ideas for small events above and beyond the area’s 6,500 hotel rooms and 300 meeting spaces. These include the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts situated in Wilmington’s revitalized Riverfront; Delaware Art Museum, which recently underwent a $31-million makeover; Delaware Folk Art Museum in Blue Ball Barn; Winterthur Museum and Country Estate that houses Henry Francis du Pont’s world class collection of decorative arts; Soda House at Hagley; and The Inn at Montchanin, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Historic Hotels of America.
“The DuPont Environmental Education Center overlooking the Wilmington Riverfront holds 80 guests and provides panoramic view of the Christina River and surrounding urban marsh,” adds Lovlie. “The Riverboat Queen, a replica of an old- fashioned paddle wheel boat, can accom- modate up to 100 guests for public and private events and is minutes from down- town Wilmington. The Columbus Inn is reopened under new management. Buckley’s Tavern in Centreville is a long- time favorite for casual meetings in a pub- like atmosphere,” she recommends.
As for team-building programs, Lovlie names a few. “The newly remodeled and expanded Bowlerama is a perfect choice. This state-of-the-art facility has 62 bowling lanes and multiple on site dining options. Try indoor karting at Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix.
Take a day sail on the Kalmar
Nyckel, a seaworthy recreation of the Tall Ship that
brought the Swedes to
Wilmington in 1638. Go rock climbing in Alapocas Run State Park or rafting on the Brandywine River. Spend an enjoyable afternoon at one of Wilmington’s premier golf courses like Deerfield or Rock Manor followed by an interactive dining experi-
Mid-Atlantic EVENTS Magazine 27
ence or cooking demonstration at Celebrity Kitchens.”
When not in meetings, Lovlie advises visit- ing the Grand Opera House or DuPont Theatre to see nationally recognized entertainers perform, or Hagley Museum and Library, the ancestral home of the du Pont family, or perhaps Winterthur Museum and Country Estate to view a
world-class collection of American deco- rative arts and antiques.
Another must-see attraction is French- styled Nemours Mansion and Gardens, which has been returned to turn-of-the- century magnificence. The Delaware Art Museum’s excellent collection of American and Pre-Raphaelite art is sup- plemented by traveling exhibits, and
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