Meeting Planners Guide

Transcription

1 C ONV ENTIO N & O con ee C o u nty C ONV ENTIO N & V ISITOR S BUREAU O con ee C o u nty - Sou t h C a r o lina Meeting Planners Guide 1

2 Welcome to Oconee County South Carolina When was the last time you attended a meeting that felt more like a vacation than an obligation? Perhaps your company needs to recognize the contributions and achievements of some longstanding employees. Whatever the case, it s important to make every aspect memorable, unique and most important easy to coordinate. Think Oconee County! In the northwestern-most corner of South Carolina is Oconee County, known as the Mountain Lakes Region because of its climate, its spectacularly beautiful lakes, numerous waterfalls and the beauty of its Blue Ridge Mountains. We are located mid-way between Atlanta and Charlotte, approximately two hours from both airports and 45 minutes from the Greenville Spartanburg Airport. Oconee County is ideal for small group meetings. As you will see in this publication, we have several unique meeting facilities that include lake front state parks with nationally awarded Best-of-Class villas, a world-class golf resort with clubhouse conference rooms and an in-house chef for catered meals, historic homes, heritage museum and many more. We also offer customized team-building plans with high and low ropes courses, rock climbing, kayaking and wilderness hiking. When the business is done, we invite you to come out and play and bring the family! Oconee County offers the perfect setting for after-hours fun or for an add-on staycation. Golf, white water rafting, zip-lining, disc golf, guided lake tours, jet skiing, fishing, hiking to waterfalls or along the Chattooga River it s an outdoor adventure just waiting to happen. The Mountain Lakes Convention & Visitors Bureau welcomes the opportunity to create an unforgettable event for your next small group meeting. We look forward to your visit! Ken Sloan President & CEO Mountain Lakes CVB Ken@SCMountainLakes.com 2

3 CVB Services Welcome to Oconee County, South Carolina! Oconee is located in the north-western most corner of the Mountain Lakes region of South Carolina. As you will see in the following pages, we not only offer a remarkable place for vacations and group tours, but we also provide you with spectacular venues for memorable meetings in places like the rustic Oconee State Park that provides meetings space, cabins, dining hall, walking trails and fishing or Hidden Cove on Lake Keowee where you will enjoy a lake front meeting and culinary dining with mountain views or Magnolia Manor a charming Bed & Breakfast in historic Westminster with a spectacular meeting facility and home cooked meals! We also offer customized team building meetings with low and high ropes courses, rock climbing walls, zip lining, hiking and white water rafting on the infamous Wild and Scenic Chattooga River in the Sumter National Forest. With over ten years of planning and facilitating group tours and small meetings, we know what it takes to make your meeting the most successful it can be. From beginning to end, I will work with you to develop your meeting objectives and facilitate your requirements. Our CVB services include: Finding the right meeting venue and making the appropriate arrangements Lodging Reservations Meal Planning & Catering Arrangement for Technology Equipment and Support Customized Team Building Programs On Site Registration& Name Badges Photography of the Event After Hours Activities, Socials, Recreation, Guided Tours News Media Coverage (if desired) I am excited that you are considering our area for your next meeting and I look forward to assisting you. Call us today and let s start planning your next meeting! Kind regards, Whitney Ellis, TMP Group Sales Manager Mountain Lakes Convention & Visitors Bureau Whitney@SCMountainLakes.com

4 Meeting Space Oconee State Park 4 Oconee State Park is set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina and built by the CCC in the 1930 s. Rich in history and beauty you will be pleased to hear that Oconee State Park ranks 15 out of 4,000 in the nation. With a top notch staff, a great swimming lake, private cabins with terrific mountain views and a gift shop for local souvenirs to take home. The Mountain Lakes CVB and Oconee State Park can handle all of your meeting needs without ever leaving the park. Oconee Meeting Room at Oconee State Park Capacity: 75 seated Meeting Rooms: Two Technology: Wi-Fi Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: Small kitchen area that can be used with rental of the facility. Contact the Mountain Lakes CVB for catering suggestions. Lodging: 19-2 bedroom rental cabins that are fully furnished with kitchen but no television or phone service beautiful mountain setting Amenities: Historic CCC setting old dining style room with heat and air, large screen porchwith Rocking Chairs, kitchen segment with stove and refrigerator cabins, hiking trails, swimming lake and scenic mountain drives

5 Devils Fork State Park The South Carolina State Parks that are in Oconee County are outstanding and ranked top 15 State Parks in the Nation out of 4,000. Devils Fork State Park ranked number 4 out of 4,000 in the nation sits on beautiful Lake Jocassee, the deepest and clearest lake in South Carolina. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains there is an abundance to enjoy while hosting your meeting at Devils Fork. Boating, Fishing, Hiking, and you never have to leave the park. The Mountain Lakes CVB can handle everything for you from boat rentals, fishing guides, and catering. Holcombe Meeting Room Capacity: 25 seated Meeting Rooms: One Technology Available: Wi-Fi Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: Contact the Mountain Lakes CVB for catering suggestions. Lodging: 20 rental cabins; 15 cabins - 2 bedroom, 5 cabins - 3 bedroom Fully furnished kitchen but no landline telephone. Amenities: Lake Jocassee, hiking trails and scenic mountain drives 5

6 Meeting Space Gignilliant Center in Seneca The Gignilliat Center was once the Seneca High School. It was recently refurbished to a modern look with space that includes a classic gymnasium with stadium seating. The meeting rooms are spacious and also recently renovated. This facility is convenient to downtown Seneca and that area hotels and restaurants. Capacity: South Meeting Room 333 max North Meeting Room 175 max Gym 1,135 max Meeting Rooms: Three Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: Contact the Mountain Lakes CVB for catering suggestions. Shaver Center in Seneca The Shaver Center is conveniently located near one of the older neighborhoods in Seneca. The Gym is frequently used for large banquets and meetings which work well with its elevated stage area. All areas are easily accessible making for quick and easy setup and tear-down of the facilities. Capacity: Gym 1200 max Meeting room 50 max Meeting Rooms: Three Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: Contact the Mountain Lakes CVB for catering suggestions. Amenities: Banquet area with stage. Running and walking track. 6

7 Tamassee DAR Tamassee DAR School is one of only two DAR Schools, established in 1919 by the South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution with the objective of providing an opportunity for a formal education to children in the rural Appalachian Mountains. The Tamassee DAR School believes all children can learn and be successful when placed in the proper educational environment. The DAR School has ample meeting facilities for any size group and has on site housing. Set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains this historical setting is sure to please everyone! Capacity: Administration Board Room - Max seating capacity 30 North Carolina Gibson Chapel - Max seating capacity 300 Georgia Talmadge Auditorium - Max seating capacity 400 Tennessee Smith Mettetal Building - Max seating capacity 50 Iowa Betty Davis Wallace Building - Max seating capacity 50 Sarah Corbin Roberts School Building (Library available summer months only) - Max seating capacity 20 Community Room - Max seating capacity 20 Dining Hall - Seating capacity 150 Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: Contact the Mountain Lakes CVB for catering suggestions. Lodging: Overnight housing available on campus Amenities: Commercial grade sound equipment 7

8 Meeting Space Chattooga Belle Farm: Blending the rustic charm of natural stone, large wood beams, and an inviting, open air feeling the view is sure to impress. The jaw dropping view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the setting is ideal for meetings, family reunions, and weddings. A rustic stone fireplace adds natural warmth and ambiance. Capacity: 5,000 sf Event Space/Barn w/stacked stone fireplace Inside 100 seated guests Inside & outside 200 seated guests Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: Contact the Mountain Lakes CVB for catering suggestions. Amenities: Farm Store, hay rides, extensive grounds and lawns for tents and 138 acres with beautiful mountain views. The Oconee Heritage Center: 8 Capacity: 52 seated Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: Local restaurants within walking distance. Contact the Mountain Lakes CVB for catering suggestions. Amenities: Access to the museum at all times Museum can be used for Cocktail Hours, catering and food service, and period speakers can be brought in for meetings if wanted. The Oconee Heritage Center is adjacent to The Cherokee Museum of South Carolina and the Oconee County Veterans Museum.

9 Keowee Key: Keowee Key offers everything at your fingertips. Keowee Key is a beautiful Country Club on Lake Keowee that offers, lodging, meals, meeting space and recreation areas all in one place. Capacity: 300 people Multiple Rooms for 40 people Many rooms average 150 people Lodging: Keowee Key Condos; 2-5 bedrooms, long & short-term Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: Full service dining & bar service. Amenities: Golf course, fitness facility, tennis courts, swimming pools, walking/running track. Keowee Key Tall Ships Condos located on beautiful Lake Keowee offers bedroom 2 bathroom condos Keowee Key also offers short term and long tern rental homes and condos Some condos at Keowee Key are 3&4&5 bedrooms With your condo or home rental at Keowee Key, you will have full access to the Clubhouse for swimming pools inside and outside as well as tennis courts. The Clubhouse offers several meeting spaces for your groups as well as full catering and bar services. There are many different rooms to choose from at Keowee Key that will meet your group s needs. Magnolia Manor Magnolia Manor strives to provide guests a chance to step back in time to experience True Southern Hospitality at its best. Whatever your company s budget this year, the Manor has a wonderful option for you! Magnolia Manor Bed & Breakfast is the perfect setting for any special occasion; corporate business meetings, luncheons or retreat weekends. Capacity: Inside 140 seated Inside & outside 280 seated Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: Full onsite catering & bar service. Amenities: Florist and photography services available. 9

10 Meeting Space The Lighthouse on Lake Keowee For years, many have shared the dream of building a high quality lake front restaurant on Lake Keowee. Four enthusiastic managers have worked hard to ensure success at every level and sure enjoyment of all guests. Excellent Cuisine. Exceptional Service. has become the mantra of the entire team at Lighthouse Lake Keowee. At their Event Center, when you are planning your meeting you want everything to be perfect. We can help you to achieve that perfect look and feel to your meeting while easing your workload. When the meeting is over enjoy your stay at the Lighthouse with play on the lake or at the Cabana Club! Capacity: Event Center 300 standing & 200 seated Private Dining Room 50 standing & 40 seated Technology: WiFi available Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: Ful onsite catering and bar services Amenities: Dock facilities and Lake Keowee Westminster Depot The Westminster Depot was destroyed by arson but has since be rebuilt and is more beautiful than ever! Listed on the National Register of Historic Places the Westminster Depot was able to save many historical artifacts such as some of the wood, some of the windows and more to make this unique and one of a kind meeting space something very special! The Depot has now the most up to date technology for your upcoming meetings. 10 Meeting Space Capacity: 50 seated Technology: Wi-Fi Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: Contact the Mountain Lakes CVB for catering suggestions. Within walking distance to local restaurants. * Amenities: Within walking distance to local shopping and the Oconee Heritage Center English General Store Museum.

11 Walhalla Civic Auditorium list of services A perfect setting for reunions, receptions, and civic meetings, as well as intimate recitals and performances, awaits you in this magnificent historic venue. The Walhalla Civic Auditorium accommodates up to 500 people. It offers a beautiful grand piano, spacious green rooms and professional audio/lighting. Capacity: 453 seated Reception are 100 seated Technology: Professional sound and lighting equipment available Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: Contact the Mountain Lakes CVB for catering suggestions. Within walking distance to local restaurants 11

12 Meeting Space The Hidden Cove at Lake Keowee Offering a conveniently located, Lake Keowee waterfront meeting venue that is secluded for privacy. Our unique services include local and national musical performers, florists, officiates, cake suppliers, fireworks, anything you need to make your event a success. Capacity: Inside Round table: 25 seated Classroom/Rectangular: seated Standing: 50 people Capacity: - Inside & Outside Round tables: 75 seated Class/Rectangular: 120 seated Standing: 150 people Grounds 600 people Technology: Wifi Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: Contact the Mountain Lakes CVB for catering suggestions. * Full service restaurant and catering available. Amenities: Full-service marina, bar services, boat taxi & sunset cruises 12

13 Cross Creek Plantation Located in Seneca, South Carolina, Cross Creek Plantation is a private country club golf community nestled into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A superb championship 18-hole golf course designed by nationally- known golf course designer, P.B. Dye, serves as the community s centerpiece. Cross Creek Plantation offers both casual and formal dining experiences through its beautiful club house facilities and head chef s famous recipes and gourmet dishes. Cross Creek Plantation Country Club is the perfect setting for your event. Its classic and elegant décor set the tone indoors, while our expansive veranda overlooking our picturesque golf course invites guests to enjoy beautiful daytime views and stunning starlit nights. At Cross Creek Plantation, we consider each function to be a unique occasion. Our staff will coordinate everything to perfection making your function a special and successful event. We are committed to attending to detail and dedicated to serving you and customizing a most successful and memorable occasion for you and your guests. Capacity: up to 280 for the Entire Club or 140 for the Meeting Room Meeting Rooms: 9 rooms for Meeting and Dining Presentation Equipment: Arrangements made by the Mountain Lakes CVB Food: All inclusive food at the Country Club provided by the Chef s at Cross Creek Plantation 13

14 Teambuilding Activities WildWater, Ltd. The WildWater Chattooga Adventure Center is located at the Historic Long Creek Academy that once served as a rural Baptist boarding school. This Center is an ideal, unique and beautiful location for team building activities. Team Building Activities at WildWater: Low Ropes Course and Team Building 8-element High Ropes Course 40 Climbing Wall 10-zipline Canopy Tour Whitewater rafting, kayaking and hiking WildWater has a wonderful food menu for your meals or a catering list can be provided for you from the Mountain Lakes CVB. Build your rafting package on the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River with WildWater! WildWater also offers lodging on site with Yurks, Cabins, and Cottages. Jawbone Cabin that sleeps up to 4 bedrooms 4-French Country-style Cottages that sleep up to 4 Yurts sleeping 4 to 10 within 5 Yurts ALL within easy walking distance to all activities Free Wi-Fi 14

15 Accomodations The Best Western Hotel Room The Best Western Executive Inn Seneca Services provided: The Best Western has 57 hotel rooms Free Hot Breakfast Newspaper Daily Wi-Fi Outside Pool Laundry Service and Dry Cleaning available Gym Passes to Gold s Gym The Days Inn Seneca Fax Service High Speed Internet Access - Business Center High Speed Internet Access - Meeting Rooms High Speed Internet Access - Public Areas Conference Rooms Free American Continental Breakfast Free newspaper Outdoor pool Jameson Inn Seneca Jameson Inn Seneca has 62 rooms of which we have 4 handicap rooms. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. 37 inch flat screen TVs in rooms High speed wireless internet and a computer in the lobby. Fitness center. Walking distance to two restaurants. 15

16 Attractions Oconee is a Cherokee word meaning Land Beside The Water. Explore some of the 29 waterfalls in Oconee that are easily accessible by foot or boat. Of course there is also canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating and fishing to be done as well. Check out our website for additional information There are many working farms that encourage you to visit during the year to take a Hay Ride, a Farm Tour, a U-Pick and so much more. Bring your camera and appetite for fun! History Comes to Life: Step back in time at Oconee Station State Historic Site, The Lunney House Museum, The Oconee County Veterans Museum, The Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina, the Oconee Heritage Center, and so much more! Oconee is rich in Cherokee Heritage as Oconee is the Lower Towns of the Cherokee Indians. To learn more on historic sites, visit for a full listing of historic sites in Oconee County! Theaters in the area: There is a great variety of nighttime entertainment available in Oconee area such as the Oconee Community Theater, The Walhalla Civic Auditorium, The Brooks Center for the Preforming Arts, and Clemson Little Theater. Art, Shopping and Dining: If you are interested in Art then you have come to the right place. Seneca is home to many art galleries, pottery, Quilts and terrific dining. Walhalla is home to the Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail which has 100 quilts in the upstate of South Carolina and antique stores. Westminster has quilts, wonderful restaurants, and museums. 16

17 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: There is so much to do in Oconee County with outdoor adventure from Whitewater Rafting, Zip Lining, Fishing, Boating, Hiking, Biking, over 29 waterfalls to visit and agricultural tourism! We have it all!! If you like Whitewater Rafting, you ve come to the mecca of outdoor adventure. There are four rafting companies in Oconee County. The Chattooga River offers memorable river trips for team building and leisure activities. The Chattooga delivers breathtaking scenery and reassured whitewater in an unmatched wilderness setting on this federally-designated Wild and Scenic River. 17

18 18 Directions TN Airports Five airports service the Mountain Lakes Regions GA Driving directions from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport: Exit the airport following the I-85 north to Greenville signs. Continue on I-85 north through Atlanta, going 95.5 miles. Take Exit 1 as you entersouth Carolina and follow the signage to SC Highway 11. Go 19.6 miles north to SC Highway 28 and exit to Walhalla. Oconee County SC NC Driving directions from Greenville- Spartanburg International Airport: Exit the airport onto I-85 south toward Atlanta. Travel 37.2 miles and take Exit 19B to merge onto SC 28 W/US-76 W/Clemson Blvd toward Clemson; travel 11.3 miles and turn onto SC 28 W/US-123 S/US-76 W/Tiger Blvd. Go 9 miles and merge right onto SC 28; travel 6.2 miles to Walhalla. Driving directions from Asheville Regional: Exit the airport following the signs to I-26 east; travel 13.3 miles and take Exit 54 to merge onto US-25 S toward US-176/N Carolina 225/Greenville. Travel 16.3 miles and turn left toward SC 11 S/Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy; go west on SC Highway 11 for 48.1 miles and exit at Walhalla. Driving directions from Charlotte International Airport: Follow the signage at the airport to I-85 south. Travel 120 miles south and take Exit 19B to merge onto SC 28 W/US-76 W/Clemson Blvd toward Clemson; travel 11.3 miles and turn onto SC 28 W/ US-123 S/US-76 W/Tiger Blvd. Go 9 miles and merge right onto SC 28; travel 6.2 miles to Walhalla. Oconee County Airport: Oconee County Regional Airport ( ICAO ID: CEU ) serves as the aviation gateway to Upstate South Carolina s most scenic Golden Corner including three of South Carolina s premier educational institutions (Clemson University, Southern Wesleyan University, and Tri-County Technical College). Visitors will find our friendly, professional service a pleasant alternative to traditional commercial air travel. Upon arrival visitors will find the panoramic mountain view a testimony to the regions natural beauty. In the realm of AIRPORT DATA, the airport s 4400 long runway has both precision GPS, non-precision GPS, and NDB instrument approaches and is home for 75 based aircraft. Van Surdam Vintage Aircraft offers top-notch aircraft maintenance services and Hertz and ENTERPRISE Rent-a-car serve the airport 6 days per week.

19 NC Asheville SC GA Oconee Greenville Atlanta 19

20 C ONV ENTIO N & V O con ee C o u nty - C ONV ENTIO N & V ISITOR S BUREAU O con ee C o u nty - Sou t h C a r o lina West South Broad Street, Walhalla, SC Office Whitney@SCMountainLakes.com 20