Westchester County Tourism & Film in White Plains, New York, announced the debut of a new group business meeting incentive mid-July: Westchester Workshops. The program connects attendees of meetings and events in Westchester County with authentic, cultural experiences so they can engage with the destination. The workshops are available to groups that have booked 50-plus hotel rooms in the county by Dec. 31 this year for travel through the end of next year.
The workshops range from 90 minutes to 2 1/2 hours in length, are available at no cost to qualifying groups, and are offered at several sites including:
- Wolf Conservation Center: In this workshop, attendees can embark on an outdoor adventure tour at the Wolf Conservation Center, a South Salem-based organization dedicated to education and advocacy. Groups will visit with ambassador wolves Nikai and Silas and might catch a glimpse of critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. During the tour, groups will discover the mythology, biology, and ecology of wolf families and have the option of extending their program with a visit to the campfire area for relaxed networking.
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Lyndhurst: Groups can take a tour of Gothic Revival mansion Lyndhurst in Tarrytown and view its collections of paintings, furniture, and decorative arts. This workshop includes a special behind-the-scenes look at Lyndhurst’s tower, basement, back landscape, and bowling alley, and groups might even get to catch the sunset over the Hudson River from the grounds.
Gothic Revival mansion Lyndhurst in Tarrytown || Photo by Clifford Pickett, courtesy of Mower - Une Table by Tania: For groups seeking an elegant picnic experience set in a serene outdoor or indoor setting, Une Table by Tania based in Westchester provides an opportunity to do just that at several picturesque locations such as Croton Gorge Park. Guests are invited to relax and socialize among personalized touches like plush pillows, fine dinnerware, cloth napkins, candles, supportive seating, and comfortable cushions. Everything from setup to catering are all taken care of by Une Table by Tania.
- The Capitol Theatre: Port Chester’s storied theatre, originally built for Vaudeville, has welcomed the likes of Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, the Grateful Dead, David Bowie, and Phish to its stage. With this experience, groups get an exclusive backstage tour and afterward can head to Garcia’s—the lobby bar honoring the late Grateful Dead guitarist, Jerry Garcia—to enjoy a refreshing Rock Palace Lager or one of the many other beverage options.
- Soul Brewing Co.: Groups that opt for a visit to Soul Brewing Co. in Pleasantville will take part in a fun and educational tasting and pairing of cheeses and beers featuring Allen Wallace, a local maker of artisanal ales and lagers, and Ivy Ronquillo, proprietor of the beloved Second Mouse Cheese Shop, also in Pleasantville.
“Westchester Workshops offer a unique opportunity for business groups to connect with the rich cultural and historical heritage of our region,” says Natasha Caputo, director of Westchester County Tourism & Film, in a prepared statement. “We are excited to provide these immersive experiences that showcase the best of what Westchester County has to offer.”
Westchester Workshops are first come, first served and subject to availability.
