Host Your Next Event at These Six Farms and Gardens
From botanical gardens to rustic farms, Ohio offers a variety of unique venues that can suit many event types, blending natural beauty with modern amenities.
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Located on Cleveland’s University Circle, the Cleveland Botanical Garden spans 10 acres of formal and natural gardens accompanied by inviting indoor settings with beautiful views. Eight spaces are available for meetings and events, including Clark Hall, which features a two-story window with views of the herb garden and seating for 220 guests. Geis Terrace provides an outdoor option, seating 220 near a reflecting pool and fountain. Meeting planners can opt for on-site catering through the local Marigold Catering and Events. 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland 44106, 216/721-1600, holdenfg.org
Flying Horse Farms
Opened in 2010, Flying Horse Farms in Mount Gilead provides experiences for kids with serious illnesses in its primary mission as a camp. It also hosts meetings and retreats, with 200 acres of indoor and outdoor space, overnight accommodations and on-site catering. The AEP Atrium inside the Big Red Barn holds 50 guests, while The Coop meeting room accommodates 28. Both spaces include AV capabilities, and larger spaces like The Grand Dining Hall, The Activity Center and The Camphitheater hold up to 225 people. 5260 St. Rte. 95, Mount Gilead 43338, 419/751-7077, flyinghorsefarms.org
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Located just minutes from downtown Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers inviting indoor settings. The Grand Atrium provides a cocktail-style event space for up to 350 attendees. Smaller groups can rent the Worthington Industries Veridian, which seats 200 theater style, or the John F. Wolfe Palm House that accommodates 250 cocktail style. The conservatory can arrange any of these spaces for a presentation or table setups for dinner. 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus 43203, 614/715-8000, fpconservatory.org
Kingwood Center Gardens
The 47-acre former estate of Charles Kelley Kingwood opened as a public garden in 1953, but the addition of the Garden Gateway Visitor Center in 2020 provided additional meeting and event space. Book the Carriage House, which can accommodate up to 120 people, or opt for the King Ballroom for groups of up to 225. Each is outfitted with AV capabilities. The Courtyard Complex can be used for outdoor reception space, and meeting planners can choose from a menu catered by Buehler’s Fresh Foods. 50 N. Trimble Rd., Mansfield 44906, 419/522-0211, kingwoodcenter.org
Culinary Vegetable Institute
The Culinary Vegetable Institute in Milan offers a perfect venue for those looking to bring the art of food to their event. The collaboration with The Chef’s Garden (headed up by overalls-clad, bow-tie-wearing Farmer Lee Jones) prioritizes fresh produce and delicious dishes. The main dining room holds up to 75 guests and includes full AV capabilities for presentations or luncheon speakers. Meetings include a chance to talk to chefs and ask questions as they prepare meals using vegetables grown at The Chef’s Garden farm. 12304 Mudbrook Rd., Milan 44846, 419/499-7500, culinaryvegetableinstitute.com
Toledo Botanical Garden
Spanning 60 acres, the Toledo Botanical Garden’s main meeting space is the Crosby Conference Center, which seats 100 guests and offers separate spaces for breakout sessions, as well as garden views galore. During breaks in the meeting, your attendees can explore the outdoor spaces like the Doneghy Inclusive Garden, which was dedicated in 2020 as a space suited for people of all abilities. When it comes to meals, meeting planners can bring outside catering in and use the on-site kitchen. 5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo 43615, 419/407-9718, metroparkstoledo.com