(or, why you should stop meeting in boring locations and host your next company retreat @ Shaker Village!)
Sandra Wolcott, Group Sales Manager
I’ve had some time to think about what type of informative blog I could share with you all, and hopefully one that doesn’t seem like a pain to read all of the way through! (Is it too late to turn this into a short podcast?)
So let’s dive right in! I joined the Shaker Village team over a year ago as a Sales Manager and honestly, I keep learning new things about the Shakers and this village every day. It’s pretty rare to have something so unique to offer companies, and many of our visitors have become like a second family to me.
I even get to hang out with ducks, cows, horses and goats twice a week, and I feel like you should have that opportunity as well!
So with that in mind… let’s think about three things to ask yourself before you plan your next company retreat:
- Is there a restaurant that provides a private room and serves fresh local ingredients?
- What about comfortable meeting spaces that encourages brainstorming, but also gives you some elbowroom?
- Would you like an experience that leaves you feeling refreshed?
I have been in Hospitality for almost 10 years and I always ask myself these questions to find out if my venue will hold my attention, or more specifically, be worth the cost.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, or as some of you have known it, “Shakertown”, can really be a venue for any type of event (because Hospitality is our jam!)
Now, in Kentucky we have this wonderful landscape to play in. Rolling hills with endless views (also endless bourbon options). Not only that but we have all of this rich history right in our own backyard.
For example…
This building, the West Lot Dwelling, is almost 200 years old and over-looks miles of equestrian trails.
You could meet in an office building made of glass with a city view, or in a row of buildings that overlook a busy road in town, but here at Shaker Village…you get this!
Boomer (the cat) was actually my first tour guide when I joined the team (and my first work friend)! He walked with me to each building until he felt like I was comfortable enough to take it from there. Mostly you’ll find him sleeping in a window or sunbathing on a patch of grass.
My love of Boomer is distracting me!
Let’s get back to showing you some more of our meeting rooms!
Now this building used to be a Shaker wash house. (Give me an excel spreadsheet and some pie charts before manually wringing out clothes any day!) There is even a breakout room upstairs, easy access to a large parking lot, and it is next to buildings with overnight guest rooms.
Shaker Village also has 72 guest rooms to choose from, and each one has its own unique style.
I also have to show you the Cellar in the West Family Dwelling! It has a bar built in, which is perfect for a banquet. There is also a small meeting room on the second floor.
I did save our largest rent-able meeting space for last. The 1820 Meeting House can accommodate up to 100 people! It is also centrally located off the turnpike and used for several of our daily programs. (And, we won’t make you sit on the benches for your meeting. Promise.)
There can be multiple rental options for a retreat here at Shaker Village. Let’s not forget, we also have 3,000 acres to play in. We can customize and tailor each individual group experience. All you have to do is ask!
We have facilitators available for team building and strategic planning. A/V equipment is also available for your convenience, and indoor/outdoor back-up plans are prepared for any weather situation.
We offer catering through our restaurant, and you’ll be amazed at what Chef Amber Hokams can do with fresh ingredients from the garden, and how flexible she can be with dietary restrictions.
So why should you go to a corporate brand when you can actively contribute to a non-profit that keeps history alive?
You will have an experience to always remember here at Shaker Village, and if it isn’t the cows, unique meeting rooms and guest rooms, scenic views, mouthwatering food, or Boomer the Cat, then I don’t know how else to get you here….
Maybe The Dixie Belle! It holds up to 115 passengers and cruises the Kentucky River from Shaker Landing. You can even rent the entire boat and add catering!
The Shakers have a saying that I stand by, in every way.
“We make you kindly welcome.”
I look forward to hearing from you soon! Also, not too bad for my first blog, right? Maybe I should have added the full-grown ducks…they waddle like penguins around the Village. Next time?
Click here to learn more about hosting your meeting or retreat at Shaker Village!
