Central California Coast
Grand Central

by MARIA LENHART

· For the Central California Coast, location has proved to be a blessing. While the area is easily accessible, it is just far enough removed from the state’s major population centers that urbanization and overdevelopment have not spoiled its scenic splendor and laid-back ambience.

For those seeking a meetings destination that provides a retreat-like atmosphere yet has plenty of sophisticated dining and activity options close at hand, it’s hard to beat the Central California Coast. From San Luis Obispo County south to Ventura County, the golden strip of coastline and vine-covered valleys offer a wide choice of hotels and resorts, along with stellar wineries, restaurants, art galleries and outdoor adventures on land and sea.

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Sponsor

Travel Paso Robles Alliance

Not too big, not to small. Paso Robles Wine Country, located just southeast of Hearst Castle on California’s Central Coast, is the destination for any organization seeking a conference or special event site that delivers affordability with outstanding amenities, attractions and natural beauty. Located midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and a quick drive from the Silicon Valley, Paso Robles is easily accessible by car, air or train. It’s a great value for the small to midsized group.

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Vineyard Variety

· From Paso Robles to Oxnard, California’s Central Coast is wine country. While the 2004 movie Sideways may have brought new attention to the region’s wine culture, wine has been produced in the area since the California missions were established over 200 years ago. In Oxnard, a growing cluster of downtown tasting rooms operated by local vintners are the focus of wine tours and culinary team-building events for groups. Among them is Rancho Ventavo Cellars, which has a tasting room set among the oak paneling, fireplaces and leaded glass windows of a 1902 house in Heritage Square.

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Sponsor

The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel

The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel is in the heart of California's beautiful Gold Coast between Santa Barbara and Malibu, with stunning views of the Channel Islands. We are the gateway to the Santa Barbara wine country in historic downtown Ventura. All of our 258 sleeping rooms have ocean views with balconies. We have more than 19,000 square feet of meeting space, including the Top of the Harbor Ballroom, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and ocean views, to accommodate your meeting needs.

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Site Scene

California

· The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina in San Diego recently completed a $1 million renovation of 20,000 square feet of meeting space. The resort introduced its new Regatta Pavilion, and the property’s Bayview Ballroom and Penthouse reopened after an extensive makeover. The 10,000-square-foot Regatta Pavilion accommodates about 750 guests for a banquet and 900 for a reception. In addition to multiple windows, sections of the pavilion can be uncovered to take advantage of the views of Mission Bay. The renovated Bayview Ballroom can accommodate 500 for a banquet and 650 for a reception. Among other amenities, the 6,132-square-foot venue features floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Mission Bay. The 3,200-square-foot Penthouse, situated on the 18th floor, also received upgrades. The space, which can serve as a hospitality suite or a reception venue for up to 50 people, offers views of Mission Bay, the Pacific Ocean and downtown San Diego. For more information, call 619.224.1234 or visit http://missionbay.hyatt.com.

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Sponsor

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii

Offering groups from 20 to 200 unique destinations for business meetings or incentives, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii offers nine premier resorts on four major islands, boasting sun-drenched oceanfront locations and the most coveted of modern meeting facilities. Book your next meeting by Dec. 31, 2009, and receive a 4 percent credit to the master bill, complimentary rooms, complimentary airline tickets and special group rates with American Airlines^® and a signing bonus of up to 100,000 Starpoints!

Visit www.starwoodhotelshawaii.com/groupoffers for more information.