Berlin
In the films “Runaway Bride” and “Tuck Everlasting,” the town of Berlin stood in for an idealized vision of what small-town living should be, but that charm wasn’t entirely imported for the films. It continues to bring visitors and groups looking for an inspiring retreat or an unusual small-meeting location each year.
Located less than 10 miles from both Ocean City and the Assateague State Park, Berlin has been inhabited since 1677, and groups visiting today can experience its Colonial hospitality. Historic hotels include the 17-room, boutique Atlantic Hotel, with a ballroom with space for up to 125 that dates back to 1895 and four smaller meeting rooms, including an enclosed porch; and the Waystead Inn, which was used heavily in “Runaway Bride” and has meeting space for small groups and board meetings.
Berlin’s unusual meeting spaces bring groups into the heart of the local community, from the Berlin Coffeehouse and Leaky Pete’s Oysters Bar and Chop House, both available for buyouts, to receptions with private tours at the 1830s Calvin B. Taylor House Museum and Burley Oak Brewery.
Hagerstown
If you’re looking to give your attendees an inspiring meeting with a fresh, unusual space every day, Hagerstown’s eclectic downtown may be just what you need. Groups can start with a general session in the 101-year-old Maryland Theater, which can seat up to 1,400 using the whole auditorium or 60 when you limit the seating to the stage, before taking lunch in the Grand Piano Ballroom. The Washington County Museum’s classrooms for breakouts and a glass-ensconced atrium for an evening meal and reception will round out the afternoon; a buyout of the indoor streetscape at Potomac Walk, a Bulls and Bear-style establishment in the arts and entertainment district, is a great way to wrap up an event.
Small meetings are Hagerstown’s sweet spot, said Audrey Vargason, director of sales for Visit Hagerstown. “There are other Shriners and membership clubs that are unique, and we’re happy to customize any convention to make it work for the spaces downtown, but those [groups of] between 60 and 150 can really take advantage of our meeting spaces,” she said.
While basing themselves in Hagerstown, groups can also take advantage of rustic meeting spaces at Antietam National Battlefield for meetings and after-hours receptions.
