SKYVENTURE ORLANDO
ADDRESS: 6805 Visitors Circle, Orlando, FL 32819
WEB SITE: www.skyventureorlando.com
STATS: SkyVenture Orlando features an indoor sky-diving wind tunnel where professional sky divers hone their skills, and beginners experience the sensations of free fall and flight for the first time. Each session begins with classroom training from a flight instructor, and all sky-diving equipment — including flight suits, goggles and helmets — is provided.
SPORTY SPACE: The facility regularly hosts corporate team-building and incentive groups as well as bar and bat mitzvahs, birthday parties and other special events. The observation area holds roughly 75 people while an outdoor patio area accommodates up to 60 guests. The facility offers catered meals, from box lunches to buffets for groups; bar service can also be arranged.
HALL OF FAME: Champion sky-diving teams from all over the world train at the facility.
BROOKSIDE EQUESTRIAN CENTER
ADDRESS: 800 N. Meadowpass Road, Walnut, CA 91789
WEB SITE: www.brooksideequestrian.com
STATS: The Brookside Equestrian Center features 28 acres of rolling lawns and riding trails, which are dotted with old pepper trees, white picket fences and sun-dappled gardens. Offering a mix of regal, manicured opulence and relaxed country charm, the center is the backdrop for weddings, receptions, company picnics and corporate events.
SPORTY SPACE: A 70-by-150-foot pavilion, which holds up to 90 people, impresses guests with a cathedral roof. Set amid the property's lush lawns, the white, tree-shaded gazebo is a popular spot for couples to exchange vows. The property can accommodate groups of more than 2,000, and staff is on hand to recommend caterers from a preferred list.
HALL OF FAME: The center's idyllic setting provides the perfect backdrop for movies; Oscar-winner “National Velvet” was filmed on the ranch in 1944.
THE DEPOT RINK
ADDRESS: 225 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55401
WEB SITE: www.thedepotminneapolis.com
STATS: Once a historic, downtown Minneapolis train shed, the Depot Rink features floor-to-ceiling glass walls showcasing the city skyline. The climate-controlled rink, which is open seasonally, offers skate rentals and a high-quality sound system. The rink is a part of the Milwaukee Road Depot, which also features two hotels, an indoor water park, a full-service bar and restaurant, and various banquet and meeting spaces.
SPORTY SPACE: The rink plays host to birthday and holiday parties along with team-building and employee appreciation events. Full-service custom catering is offered for groups of 10 or more. Group packages are available.
HALL OF FAME: The rink was named one of the top 10 places in the United States to ice skate by USA Today and MSNBC.
A FAIRY TALE ON THE FIELD
In June, Hunt Valley, Md.-based Three Sisters Events along with Baltimore-based R&R Events orchestrated a wedding fit for Cinderella at the M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, for Ravens' tight end Daniel Wilcox. Wilcox and his bride, who requested a “storybook” theme, arrived at their nuptials in a horse-drawn carriage on the field. A life-size 3-D storybook, comprised of photos and the tale of the couple's relationship, was a focal point for the wedding's 250 guests.
RESOURCES
Three Sisters Events
410/236-9231
R&R Events
410/391-9890
www.rrevents.com
