Barrel Room at Stone Tower Winery in Loudon, VA; courtesy: Visit Loudon
rate dynamic has become much more focused on the human side of life. De- veloping a healthy work environment and leaving a positive footprint in the areas where they host their meetings are very important.
Some of the best adventure the state of Pennsylvania has to offer lies in the Pocono Mountains, where golfing on a choice of 35 courses and whitewater rafting both rank tops with attendees.
“The Poconos is a four-season destina- tion, so there’s something for every- one all the time,” said Jackson. “The warmer months offer hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, golfing and zip lin- ing. As the weather cools down, there’s fall foliage, dog sledding, skiing, culinary programs and indoor water- parks the size of Yankee Stadium.”
With its breathtaking vistas of the countryside, scenic vineyards, charm- ing historic towns and miles of bike trails, picturesque Loudon County, VA is just 25 miles from Washington, DC. A hub for outdoor activities, food, beer and wine enthusiasts as well as history buffs, the area is a haven for group adventures.
“We’re seeing more requests from peo- ple who want to get out of the confer- ence rooms to experience the destination with their teams,” said Visit Loudon’s director of sales: meet-
4 4 Julyz August2019
ings and conventions, Ann Diamond Hayes. “Visit Loudon works with part- ners to enhance team building oppor- tunities for corporate and group travel segments to ensure we have experien- tial and hands-on programming with which to connect them.”
She said that corporations choose Loudon because of its diverse offer- ings. Home to Dulles International Air- port, it offers a high-tech feel along its Eastern corridor, but as attendees travel west, the landscape opens to magnificent horse country. In fact, 70 percent of the world’s Internet web traffic travels through Loudon - yet 15,000 horses and more than 40 vine- yards also are located there.
“The diversity we offer is incredible,” said Diamond Hayes. “Companies choose Loudon because it’s unique and offers an ambiance conducive to creativity, brainstorming and team building.”
Planners find the diverse meeting space in Loudon enticing, with two re- sorts, two conference centers and spaces at wineries and historic homes.
The area is a magnet for team building. Some planners are tasked with includ- ing up to five generations in these ac- tivities, and Loudon offers many that are perfect for everyone, including sangria making, archery, ropes
courses, wine education, and “volun- tourism” opportunities.
It’s not hard to find something to do for everyone in the group during free time or for those attendees who want to add a few days of vacation to their stay. Loudon is touted as the craft bev- erage capital of the DC region, as more than 40 wineries and 30-plus craft breweries, distilleries and cideries dot the area. Visitors can engage with winemakers, walk through the produc- tion process and have the opportunity to label whiskey bottles.
History abounds with a chance to glimpse the country’s past during tours of historic homes. Mountain ranges and the Potomac River await for those seeking outdoor activities in this county that boasts numerous ways to enjoy the countryside.
With 11 finger-shaped lakes, The Fin- ger Lakes Region in New York is syn- onymous with natural scenic beauty, the great outdoors, culture, small town charm and culinary offerings.
Whatever the season, every group will find there’s an abundance of things to do for attendees, including enthusiasts of outdoor recreation, nature, dining, wine and beer. The area is chock full of history from its Native American her- itage, its role in the women’s suffrage movement, agricultural technology
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