Reasons Why Meeting Planners Love North Carolina

Adventure in nature. North Carolina is a beautiful state, replete with nature and a mountainous landscape. Not only is it a nice view, but attendees can also get out there and explore—via hike, bike, boat or board. There’s also kayaking through the state’s Inner Banks via the Tar-Pamlico River Water Trail.

R&R in nature. Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone, northeast of Asheville, takes visitors on a retreat focused on a peaceful way of being, with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop for yoga, nature walks and meditation sessions. Prama Institute & Wellness Center in Marshall, north of Asheville, offers multi-day meditation retreats.

Read More: Magic Mountains

Wine in nature. North Carolina is where the United States’ first grapevine was discovered. The state now has roughly 250 wineries and vineyards to explore, including Childress Vineyards, which features a 45-minute walking winery tour and a tasting room. The vineyard sits along the Southern Gateway Wine Trail, which includes an additional five vineyards

Team-building courses in nature. Go Ape’s Treetop Zipline & Adventure Park in Raleigh’s Blue Jay Point County Park features 500-foot ziplines, 40-foot crossings, swings and 41 obstacles. Swinging from treetop to treetop with colleagues is sure to create fond memories and connections.

Places to Meet & Stay

With red brick on its interior and exterior, Sheraton Raleigh Hotel provides its business travelers with an old-school aesthetic while maintaining the feel of a modern property. Its on-site restaurant, Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar offers traditional American comfort food.

18,925 sq. ft. of meeting space; 353 guest rooms

Stoke Charlotte at Charlotte Marriott City Center mixes wood-fired dishes and Southern design; Stoke also has a 16-person private dining room and bar. The property’s coffee shop, Coco and the Director, offers up local food and coffee, and live music.

23,011 sq. ft. of meeting space; 446 guest rooms

Read More: Notes from the Road: Charlotte, North Carolina

Millennium Hotel Durham’s decor has a home-like feel, adding a sense of comfort and calm when staying at the property. A 5-minute drive will take attendees to Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham Performing Arts Center, Duke Football Stadium, and more.

16,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 316 guest rooms

Asheville’s The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa is home to a 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa with rock walls and tunnels reminiscent of a cave. Features such as a relaxation pool and a lap pool with fiber-optic stars and underwater music. The property features 10 dining options.

86,852 sq. ft. of meeting space; 513 guest rooms