Meeting Scenes

Bayport Marina, Bayport

Capacity: 25–30
Open year round
Best for sales or board meetings
651-439-2040

It’s no surprise that the intimate conference center at the Bayport Marina is a favorite meeting spot for local businesses, such as Andersen Windows and 3M. For one thing, there’s ample free parking. The meeting space, which can accommodate whatever audio- visual equipment clients want to bring with them (the site has an Internet connection, plasma TV, and overhead projector), is a comfortable place to conduct a board meeting, sales meeting, or other small gathering. Clydes on the St. Croix, a restaurant right on the water, is just a short walk away, or food can be brought in. (The marina can provide morning and afternoon refreshments as well.)

French doors open off the meeting room onto a patio, where participants can take a quick break, eat a box lunch, or just soak up the sunshine and enjoy the view of the St. Croix. The conference room is also popular with businesspeople who keep their boats at the marina—although there’s no need to be a boater to meet there.

Northern Vineyards Winery, Stillwater

Capacity: 60
Open year round
Best for board meetings, sales or client meetings, employee parties
651-430-1032

Some say that the best view in Stillwater is available from the back terrace of the Northern Vineyards Winery, which is nestled among the other historic buildings in downtown Stillwater. The deck, which is 20 feet above street level, looks out on the river and is a great place to watch the lift bridge go up and down as boats scoot back and forth. During the summer, it’s also a great place to host a company meeting. And on rainy days or during the winter, the vineyard’s cellar is an unexpectedly delightful venue. Either area can be reserved by business groups for any sort of event, including a relaxing employee outing.

Wine tastings are especially popular; some businesses have even hired masseuses to come over from the chiropractic office next door to help facilitate relaxation. Vineyard staff will help arrange food service from a number of local caterers and restaurants, and can also suggest musicians or other entertainment for gatherings. Every reservation includes a complimentary tour of the winery.