Happy Independence Day! If you’re interested in throwing a bash in a patriotic locale, Smart Meetings has hand-picked star spangled venues to consider from “sea to shining sea.”
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island (New York, NY)
Ferry your guests across the New York harbor aboard Statue Cruises for a truly memorable occasion with Lady Liberty. Liberty Island offers 12 acres of open air space for up to 1,200 guests. Retrace the steps of your ancestors who immigrated to the Land of Opportunity through the Golden Doors of Ellis Island. A maximum of 1,200 people can be seated in the 13,000-square-foot indoor space. A meeting room and The Ferry Building are also available for smaller groups to rent. Because New York gets cold during winter months, May through October are prime season.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum (Simi Valley, CA)
Prepare for takeoff! The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum offers expansive event space with a breathtaking scenic view. The most unique area to host a gathering is The Air Force One Pavilion, where visitors can board the retired plane. It can accommodate up to 1,600 people and an additional 700 can overflow on the outdoor terrace. A replica of the White House Rose Garden and conventional ballrooms are also available on site.
Liberty Bell (Philadelphia, PA)
Take a crack at planning an event in the City of Brotherly Love. The Liberty View is an exquisite event space located adjacent to the Liberty Bell. The venue can be configured to meet your needs for anywhere from 10 to 200 to 300 or more guests.
Mount Rushmore (Keystone, SD)
Get out your chisel and host a meeting overlooking Mount Rushmore. Dine beside U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. From Labor Day until Memorial Day, Carver’s Cafe, the only 3-star Certified Green Restaurant in South Dakota, is available to be reserved for events ranging from 25 to 250 attendees. The catering menu can even be customized to reflect the former Commanders in Chief etched into the mountain.
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (Washington, D.C.)
Covering 3.1 million square feet, Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center is currently the largest structure in the nation’s capital. Its 65,000 sq. ft. of event space can accommodate groups of up to 3,000 guests in various settings. The Reagan Building offers an indoor amphitheater, atrium, ballrooms and an outdoor plaza.
