Last updated 22 hours ago
Summer is fast approaching, and vacation season at Turf Valley is here! If you are still planning your summer vacation consider the following summer trends of 2013.
Food Tourism
The World Food Travel Association describes the travel craze as, “The pursuit and enjoyment of unique and memorable food and drink experiences, both far and near.” Turf Valley’s on-site restaurant, Alexandra’s Restaurant led by Executive Chef Russell Svoboda, specializes in American fusion and is the perfect first stop for your food tour. Ellicott City is also home to many other fine dining restaurants. With photo-sharing and location-sharing becoming the focus of social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, food tourism has become a top trend of 2013 to easily share your ventures.
Men at the Spa
Spas are beginning to encourage men to treat themselves to a day of pampering. The Spa at Turf Valley offers all of its services to men and women, but also has treatments exclusively for men. The Gentlemen’s Rescue Facial and Gentlemen’s Scrub will awaken your skin and leave you feeling relaxed and renewed.
Local Culture
Tourists and visitors benefit the most from their experiences when they step outside of the tourist box. Live during your vacation as the locals do. Visit Historic Ellicott City, just minutes from Turf Valley, to view and capture scenic landmarks or shop for art, antiques, vintage and contemporary clothing, wine, and more. Turf Valley is also conveniently located near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore for the ultimate cultural visit to Maryland and the Nation’s capital.
Family Vacations
More families are now including their children in summer travel plans and opting out of childcare programs offered by some travel destinations. Enjoy a day with your children at the Turf Valley driving range or on the golf course. The indoor and outdoor pools, tennis court, and spa (for teens) are also family favorites. The Baltimore Aquarium and museums in Washington, D.C. are great to place on your itinerary.
Wildlife
As domestic destinations have become increasingly popular, nature and wildlife is seamlessly added as a summer travel trend. Turf Valley is home to a ¾ mile wooded nature trail, which is open to guests and the public. You may also experience the beauty of nature nearby at Patapsco Valley State Park and enjoy activities including canoeing, mountain biking, and more.
Visit the beautiful facilities at Maryland’s Turf Valley today to tour our hotel, ballrooms, and conference rooms. Our resort is convenient to Baltimore and D.C. and boasts an award-winning spa, golf courses, and restaurant. Call us today at (443) 364-9022 to start planning your vacation!
Last updated 4 days ago
Golf can be an important part of building your business relationships. It gives you a chance to get out of the office and relax while still spending time with your professional colleagues. As you get ready to play, there are some golf terms you should know that will help you understand the game. Par refers to the standard number of strokes it takes to get the ball in the hole. If a hole is a par 4, that means that anything under is above average. One stroke under par is referred to as a birdie. If you’re a novice golfer, you may hear the term bogey more often—that’s one stroke over par. Don’t forget to yell out “Fore!” if your ball is anywhere close to hitting another person.
If you need to brush up on your golf game or your golf lingo, try taking golf lessons at Turf Valley. You’ll improve your skills and be ready for your next professional conference. Call us at (443) 364-9022 and make your next golf game a hole-in-one.
Last updated 5 days ago
In today’s fast-paced business world, it is important to take advantage of any and all networking opportunities that arise. Playing golf with business associates, prospective clients, or even strangers is a great way to build solid relationships that can turn into business deals. Whether golf is a part of a conference or meeting you’re attending, or you just want to get out on the links, keep reading for helpful tips on networking on the golf course.
Be Friendly
Though you may have networking on your mind as you take the course, your golf companions may be more focused on having a good time. Get to know the other players through basic conversation topics such as the weather, local sports teams, or current events instead of delving into business talk right away. You’ll be able to get a better idea of your group members’ work as the conversation progresses, so don’t be too eager to press them for information at the beginning.
Be Honest
Golf is often considered a gentleman’s game, and there is no room for cheating—particularly when you are trying to impress your companions. Be honest about your score and where your ball lies. After all, if your partners can’t trust you to be honest about a game, how can they trust you when it comes to business dealings?
Know Your Etiquette
You don’t have to be a golf expert to have a good time and network, but you should have a basic understanding of golf etiquette. This is particularly true if you are new to the game. Be forthcoming about your experience, and feel free to ask for advice from more experienced golfers. This demonstrates your flexibility and willingness to learn, and shows that you are not afraid to try new things. You should also control your anger on the course if you make a mistake. Remember, it’s just a game.
Turf Valley, located just outside of Baltimore, offers the perfect backdrop for friendly golf and networking opportunities. Contact us at (443) 364-9022 to find out how golf can help you build your professional relationships on and off the greens.
Last updated 12 days ago
One of the best ways to strengthen your business relationships is to hold a company event at a hotel with conference and meeting facilities. A company event gives you, your employees, and your clients a chance to relax and celebrate your hard work. In order to maintain good relationships with those around you, it is important to practice proper event etiquette. Keep reading for tips on what you should know about company event etiquette.
Outline the Details
Company events are similar to weddings or private events in that it is customary to let your guests know the details of the event in advance. Consider designing an invitation that includes all of the necessary details, such as theme, dress code, start time, and directions to the hotel hall. Your guests will appreciate knowing what to expect, and it will save any potential awkwardness of guests arriving unprepared for the evening’s festivities.
RSVP Guidelines
When you send out your invitations, be sure to include at least two ways that your guests can RSVP. This could be via email, phone, or by mailing a card back to you. You should also put a date by which your guests need to RSVP. This will aid you in the planning process, and will help reduce any last-minute changes in the event plan.
Timeline
Company events are often held to recognize and appreciate your clients. When you are planning a company event, it is essential to inform your employees of the details before you tell clients. After all, without the hard work of your employees, you might not have clients to throw an event for in the first place. Proper business etiquette dictates that you alert your employees so that they, too, feel appreciated for their efforts.
Contact the event professionals at Turf Valley to find out how we can help you with your next company event. We are conveniently located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and we have 40,000 square feet dedicated to meetings and events. Call us at (443) 364-9022 or visit our website to learn more.
Last updated 13 days ago
When you think of business meetings, you probably think of sitting around a conference table in someone’s office. Think outside of the box and consider planning a business golf meeting rather than the traditional version. A business golf meeting lets you interact with your clients in a more friendly, social setting so you can get to know them as well as their business. Read on to learn how to plan a successful business golf meeting.
Choose Your Location
Baltimore and Washington, DC, are important business hubs for many companies. When you are deciding where to have your business golf meeting, it is a good idea to choose a location that will be convenient for most of your attendees. Turf Valley is easily accessible from both of those cities, and is a short 20-minute ride from BWI Airport. You should also choose a golf course that is in pristine condition in a beautiful setting, and avoid courses that are under construction or do not offer services such as beverage and snack carts.
Prepare an Invitation
After you’ve chosen your location and determined its availability, start planning the details of your event. The invitation should be sent out far enough in advance for your guests to make arrangements should they need to travel. In addition to information such as date and location, the invitation should include an agenda so that it’s clear that it’s not simply a recreational golf outing. You can send out paper invitations, or you can create an online registration to streamline the process. Once you receive your RSVPs, you can create foursomes from the attending guests. Remember to have a corporate representative in each group to make sure the “meeting” portion is successful.
Balance Business and Fun
The point of playing golf is to have fun, and the point of meetings is to conduct business. Make sure you have a good balance of business and fun for your business golf meeting. Use this opportunity to make personal connections with your clients to foster your business relationships.
Turf Valley is the perfect setting for a business golf meeting. Contact (443) 364-9022 to inquire about hosting your next business golf meeting in beautiful Maryland.
