Venue Spotlight: Nemacolin Resort
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Nemacolin
MTG Logistics Founder and President, Catherine Mullen shares her experience at Nemacolin Resort:
Packing and getting into the car for the drive to Nemacolin was very exciting. Travel is not only a passion of mine, but has played a large role in my life, as President of Meeting Logistics for the past 21 years. I felt that there was no better time with spring in the air to venture to Nemacolin Resort with the intent to share my experience and reassure clients that we can travel, curate journeys and experiences that are safe, enjoyable, and custom designed to meet objectives.
RESORT BACKGROUND
The history and evolution of Nemacolin is quite impressive. Willard F. Rockwell began developing a personal retreat on the land and eventually turned his estate into a Game Reserve with a striking hunting lodge. By the end of the 1970s, it was a public retreat, known as the Nemacolin Trails and Hunting Reserve where friends and business associates gathered. If you are wondering where the name Nemacolin came from, the resort is named after Chief Nemacolin, a native Delaware Indian that trailblazed through the Pennsylvania Laurel Highland mountains during the 1740s.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Nemacolin
In 1987, Joseph A. Hardy III, founder of 84 Lumber, purchased the Inn and land and the story of Nemacolin continues from here. Sitting on 2200 acres of land, Nemacolin Resort is a stunning property with a multi-million-dollar art collection from all over the world nestled everywhere. While looking back at my thoroughly enjoyable weekend spent at Nemacolin, I found that even though I did my research prior to departing, I was awed by the personal experience of being there and the opportunity to perform a full site inspection which provided deep insight into the entire destination overall. It is a must SEE and DO experience.
Arriving at the Resort
While pulling up to the stately entry gate, I was warmly greeted, my temperature was taken, then I proceeded to the porte-cochere of The Chateau building. I had to stop and take in the lobby, it is absolutely beautiful: the furnishings, chandeliers, gorgeous florals, warm woods and inviting atmosphere. I noted that safety protocols were evident with all resort employees wearing PPE and sanitizer stations available throughout the property. Behind the main lobby is the bright Tea Room and the Chateau Garden Terrace that is perfect for private events. There is also a lounge adjacent to the front desk that can be used for VIP check in and hospitality for groups.
The guest rooms at the Chateau are expansive with vaulted ceilings and a fantastic bathroom: large soaking tub, shower, double sink and Molton Brown toiletries. The guest rooms at the Lodge and the Falling Rock are also expansive and each have their own style and special offerings.
Photo Credit: Jordan Millington
The Chateau and Lodge buildings are interconnected providing easy access to authentic sitting areas, artwork, shops, and dining throughout. Within the 35,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, the standouts are the 8,700 sq. ft. Marquis Ballroom which is decorated in soft shades without any obstructions, The Grand Ballroom, 4,500 sq. ft. with high ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, wooden beams, warm color hues and a private patio. In addition, venues such as Mulligans on Mystic Rock golf course and the Nemacolin Field Club house could be utilized for a unique gathering. The property also features a 175-seat lecture hall.
SO MUCH TO DO
From an activity, or things to do standpoint on property, the possibilities are endless. The most intriguing thing about this is not the sheer volume of options, it is about the kind and generous staff that makes each and every experience exceptional; so engaging, so enthusiastic and so focused on making sure you have a delightful time.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Nemacolin
- Golf - 2 Pete Dye designed courses.
- The Field Club – one of the nation’s top sporting clay facilities offers a rifle range, 30-station clay shooting, as well as guided hunts, instruction, archery, air rifle, fly fishing and more.
- On property adventure - Jeep Off-Roading, Paintball, Rope Courses, Zipline, Quick-Jump, Climbing Wall, Miniature Golf, Bowling, Axe throwing, Arcade, Skiing, Tubing, Dogsledding, and Ice skating.........the list continues.
- Nemacolin Spa with 40 treatment rooms, Holistic Healing Center, Fitness Center, Pool
- Cycling and walking – pedal, or electronic bike around property enjoying the scenery and wildlife including exotic animal habitats
- Unique artwork & collections – throughout the property you will be entertained by the many collections and mediums of art on display. In addition, there is an automobile collection and a few examples of early flying machines.
- Shops - signature shops and lots of quality Nemacolin branded merchandise
- Dining - Rockwell’s, Barattolo, Aqueous, sunset Terrace, the Tavern, the Pantry, Apex Ice Cream Parlor, and the Lautrec Tasting Experience
- Lounge areas, the Tea Room and Cigar Bar –plenty of spaces throughout the property to gather, kick your feet up and enjoy an afternoon tea or cocktail.
Reflecting on my Experience
Although my time on property flew by so quickly, I was able to enjoy some wonderful experiences. On my day of arrival, I meandered through the main buildings between the Chateau and Lodge and came across the artist in residence room, and met Don Smith. Don is an amazing woodworker. He shared his story and demonstrated how he spun his lathe to make beautiful works of art that are both visually stunning and useful. Hannah Steele, the newest Artist in Residence was just moving in and I was lucky to meet her as well and get an up close of her artistry.
Amanda Shane, Nemacolin’s Art and Gallery Director is extremely knowledgeable and onsite to customize tours, art classes, teambuilding and more.
Nemacolin offers a nice mix of dining options, from casual to exclusive along with their amazing wine cellar. I personally experienced breakfast and dinner at Rockwell’s and lunch at Aqueous and found the staff to be very attentive and the food exceptional. The Tavern, offering pub-style food and a relaxing atmosphere, was a great asset to the collection of dining options. Lautrec, where Chef Kristin Butterworth serves up European-style cuisine, provides guests a very upscale and unique dining experience. Nemacolin offers even more variety, check out their dining options here.
I was able to experience clay shooting for the first time! Upon arrival to the Field Club, I was warmly greeted and checked in. My amazing instructor, gave me hearing and eye protection, showed me safety first, the proper handling of the shotgun and how to keep the muzzle pointed down! He made sure he gave me the proper size shotgun. He taught me how to use proper form and the correct shooting stance, focus my eyes, say pull and I did it, I hit the clay first try!
I was fortunate to treat myself to a hot stone massage at the Nemacolin spa. The therapist was extremely professional, highly skilled, and well trained. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Take note, with 40 treatment rooms, this spa facility is well-equipped and great for groups.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Nemacolin
Speaking of groups, Nemacolin also has an outdoor 300-person panoramic pavilion that can be used for group events along with many other private venue options.
Photo from Meeting Logistics Site Visit t Nemacolin Resort
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I'd be happy to share my personal experience at Nemacolin and to help your group plan your next meeting, conference, or special event.