Spice Up Your Next Reunion…

By Holding Your Reunion in a Unique Location!

Encouraging attendance at a reunion can be more enticing based upon where  it is held.  Most planners want a venue that is reasonably priced and convenient for most attendees, has overnight accommodations nearby and sufficient space for the estimated turnout.  An added incentive would be to have it at a creative location!

Plan a reunion any time of the year at train stations, castles, music centers, theaters, churches, ballrooms, country clubs and parks are a few ideas for any type of reunion in just about any city.  For this particular column, we spotlight our city, Los Angeles because a reunion during the holidays can be even more exciting depending on your chosen location.

You can check the internet for locations in your city’s directories.  Often there are local agencies, Chambers of Commerce, historical societies or other organizations that list venues to explore for places to hold special events.  Los Angeles has an excellent conservation organization that has tours of historical venues around the city that highlights special features unique to Los Angeles.  Check out the The Los Angeles Conservancy website that focuses on interesting and functional sites to see and possibly offer facilities for parties and events.

As examples they list:

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
(1) The impressive Union Station in downtown Los Angeles (beautifully decorated for the holidays) with its fascinating blend of Mission Revival, Southwestern, Moorish, and Spanish Architecture. (2) There is the Oviatt Building with the Cicada Restaurant with its vast collection of Lalique glass on their ceilings and dark mahogany wood paneling. The Penthouse upstairs has unbelievable views of the City of Los Angeles.(3) The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion – the Music Center of Los Angeles – with its cascading staircase – is available when there are no performances. (4) The Ebell of Los Angeles contains a theatre, two ballrooms and a courtyard garden. Built in 1927, it is an architectural masterpiece.

PALOS VERDES.  In Palos Verdes you will find the (1) famous all glass Wayfarers church with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Special small reunions can be held at this venue. (2) The Venta Inn – a three-acre venue with ocean views, is a restored Mediterranean-style villa.

SANTA CATALINA ISLAND.  Santa Catalina Island, situated off the shores of Los Angeles, offers the famous and historic (1) Casino Theatre and Ballroom. Built in the Art Deco style, it can hold up to 1,500 celebrants. There is also (2) The Catalina Vistors Country Club built on a bluff offering beautiful, breathtaking views. It can accommodate up to 240.

LA CANADA.  Descanso Gardens in La Canada, amazing gardens, owned by the Los Angeles County Arboreta and Botanical Gardens. It is available for events at certain times of the day and evening.

PASADENA.  The city first founded by the westward travelers from the East is populated with stately mansions and spectacular views of the San Gabriel mountains.
(1) Castle Green – the castle has ornate furnishings and an elegant ballroom that can hold up to 400. (2) Craven Estate – has elegant living and dining rooms with French doors that open up onto a large patio and beautiful gardens. (3) Pacific Asian Museum – the lovely exotic gardens of this Chinese Mandarin Courtyard style can accommodate up to 200 guests.

HOLLYWOOD.  (1) Avalon Hollywood – built in the Spanish Revival Style is made up of the main floor, two balconies, and two opera boxes. The main floor holds 800 and the opera boxes and balconies can hold up to 300. (2) The famous Hollywood Bowl – the patio and adjoining gardens can accommodate events. (3) Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel – Built in 1927, in the classic Spanish Revival style, the hotel has many rooms and poolside and gardens to hold special events. (4) Yamashiro Restaurant – translates to “mountain palace”. The terraced gardens provide a sweeping view of the city and glass enclosed Sky View Room also offers a panoramic view of Los Angeles.

There are many additional venues in Los Angeles County—too numerous to mention.  Each has a different atmosphere and feel  that won’t be experienced in hotel ballrooms.  Every city has their own unique places to hold events. Be sure to explore your own city to see what treasures it may hold.

We would love to hear from our readers about locations we could share with our readers here.