Within two hours reach of New York City, Harrisburg, Pa., and Philadelphia, and under four hours from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, northeastern Pennsylvania’s storied four-county, four-season Pocono Mountains region is expanding its already abundant group resources.

Maryland was given the nickname “America in Miniature” because it’s blessed with diverse terrain and locales, from Chesapeake Bay to a portion of the Appalachian Trail and from small charming towns to major metro areas. America in Miniature also fits when considering Maryland’s grand array of off-site event venues that represent many of the country’s notable pastimes, including baseball, theater and fine dining. Throughout the state, groups with various interests will find a home away from the host hotel for memorable receptions, banquets and more. Following are eight great ideas.

Unveiled in June 2018, the new 31st-floor Observation Deck atop the CEB Tower in Rosslyn, Va., the tallest building inside the Beltway, is now the highest public space in the metropolitan D.C. area. Designed by Legends, the firm behind projects including One World Observatory in New York City and OUE Skyspace in Los Angeles, the 12,000-square-foot space includes a private event venue for 250, open-air terrace and cafe.

Prominent in Buffalo, New York's nearly $1 billion tourism-driven redevelopment, the F&B scene is now a tastier draw than ever for the Queen City of the Great Lakes. Meanwhile in Niagara, an area rich with agricultural and culinary resources, F&B experiences are naturally one way to go.

Tourism launched the region in the 1800s and remains its lifeblood, the group market included.

For groups, sustainability in this New England trio comes in many shades of green—inspiration included.

Founded in 1967, the Maryland State Arts Council supports creative talent and promotes awareness of and accessibility to the arts statewide. The citizens have listened.

Last month’s thrilling Super Bowl may have been a rematch between football teams from Boston and Philadelphia, but the states of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania have always been in a head-to-head battle regarding their prominence in early American history. 

Across Northern Virginia, the past, preserved and protected, remains very much present for meetings and events.

From teambuilding in Montgomery County to sprucing up Philadelphia, art is an animating force in the region’s meetings experience.