The time to plan for fall events has arrived! After all, the brisk season is only about a month away. So while our minds might be currently occupied by sunshine, pools and tan lines, organizing next season’s festivities will keep meeting and event planners ahead of the game. Plus, the extra time can be used to ensure every detail is diligently executed.
What comes to mind when you think of fall? I bet crunchy leaves and earth tones make the cut. There are many areas in the United States where the beauty of this fleeting cycle can be experienced. In fact you can get really in-depth about your foliage sightings by using the interactive map on Smoky Mountains’ website. If you’re looking to really dazzle attendees, choose one of these top five foliage destinations.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park (Denver, Colorado)
Rocky Mountain National Park is an exquisite 415-square-mile display of mountainous landscape. Its Trail Ridge Road presents more than 12,000 ft. of hiking amongst a subalpine and alpine world. Some gems you might stumble upon include wildflowers, wildlife and starry nights.
Where to meet?
Colorado Convention Center is a comfortable walking distance from more than 8,700 hotel rooms, 300 restaurants, nine theaters and shopping outlets. Recently renovated and offering more than 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, Colorado Convention Center qualifies as a top meeting facility.
2. Lake Placid (Adirondacks, New York)
Scenic roads, quaint towns and fresh alpine air are just a few of the dreamy promises of the Adirondack Mountains. The lake placid area accommodates a variety of outdoor activity on, by and around the water. Whether nature calls you to the trails or to swimming in the lake, the foliage is sure to astound.
Where to meet?
Crowne Plaza Lake Placid is a sizable, AAA Three Diamond rated hotel. The cozy, lodge-style hotel offers 245 guest rooms, 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space (23 meeting and exhibit rooms) and outstanding views of the lake and mountains.
3. Quabbin Reservoir (New Salem, Massachusetts)
A lesser known, foliage haven is Quabbin Overlook in the Quabbin Reservoir. The hidden trail supplies prime views of the reservoir and an impeccable display of Massachusetts greenery. It’s also wheelchair accessible and leads to several picnic-style tables at the crest of the ridge.
Where to meet?
Awarded the TripAdivsor Certificate of Excellence along with a AAA Three Diamond rating, the Boston Marriott Copley Place offers a remarkable 1,144 guest rooms and 70,000 sq. ft. of event space. Promising the most high-tech and style amenities, the hotel also has a skywalk connecting to the Hynes Convention Center and two major malls.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)
Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The national treasure is one of America’s most visited, and admired, national parks. In the area, you’ll find a rich diversity of plant and animal life along with an intriguing history of Southern Appalachian mountain culture.
Where to meet?
The Gatlinburg Convention Center provides 18 meeting rooms with more than 100,000 sq. ft. of total meeting space, with the largest room measuring 66,910 sq. ft. On-site attendees enjoy dazzling views of the surrounding mountains and garden.
5. Columbia River Gorge (Hood River, Oregon)
Columbia River Gorge is a National Scenic Area, brimming in spectacular canyon views. The Columbia River runs through the Cascade Mountains on the site’s grounds. And from its cliffs, you can see from Washington to the north of Oregon’s mountains and waterfalls in the south.
Where to meet?
The Columbia Gorge Hotel is on the smaller size but remains an excellent and luxurious option. The hotel offers 6,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space and 40 guest rooms. Its historical charm, as it was built in 1921, permeates the layout. But modern capacities are also available, such as audiovisual and business center services. Visitors can enjoy a variety of natural views, from gardens to mountains to water.
