Hold Your Next Event at a Green Venue on the Chesapeake Bay

About 15 years ago, when I listened to mainstream radio (before I discovered NPR), I remembered hearing commercials for a venue called Herrington on the Bay. It sounded like it was somewhere in Jamaica, but it is just about an hour from me, down the road in Rose Haven, on the western shore of Maryland.

When I recently visited the venue, owner/operator Anna Chaney Willman laughed when I recalled their very memorable commercials. They have since moved away from that image and have successfully become a resort that keeps its eye on protecting the environment.

I’m a sucker for any venue on the water, and Herrington sits on the Most Environmentally Sensitive Marina, Herrington Harbour South, as awarded by the National Marine Manufacturers Association in 1999 as well as Boating Industry Magazine in 2006. Whether you are holding a business retreat or a wedding, you can hold your event along the water or inside the main building. Regardless, the views are stunning.

Noted for lusciously landscaped lawns with clear views of the Chesapeake Bay, miles of natural marshes inhabited by native wildlife, 600+ acres of preserved wooded walking trails, quaint waterfront Inn accommodations, private beaches, and phenomenalsunrises and sunsets, Herrington is the perfect eco setting for all occasions.

And they take being green seriously. Below is just a taste of their long list of green initiatives:

- They participate in Anne Arundel County’s recycling program
- Their chefs are committed to offer the best in sustainable Chesapeake cuisine and they purchase products from Maryland and regional farmers, watermen, and vendors who offer sustainably-raised and harvested produce, beef, oysters, crabmeat, shrimp, fish, eggs, and more
- Breads and desserts are prepared in-house with organic and natural ingredients
- Organic herbs are grown on-site, and used in food preparation
- Coffee is provided by Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company, an eco-friendly, local roaster (we are HUGE fans here at lori hill event productions)
- Wine and beer lists include sustainable and organic options
- Reverse osmosis filtered water is offered and proceeds benefit the Chesapeake Bay Trust
- That evil Styrofoam is prohibited. Cornstarch-based plastic ware or biodegradable and/or
recyclable plasticware is used when china is not an option

So go visit Anna and her team and discover the beauty of this very eco-friendly venue.

Go Naked the Next Time You Purchase Bath and Body Products

The other night I went to a product launch for Herban Lifestyle’s Naked line of bath and body products which are made without colors, fragrances, preservatives, or chemical additives. Why is that stuff is bad for you? Take a FEW minutes and watch The Story of Cosmetics.

Herban Lifestyle uses only the highest quality natural, organic, and fair trade ingredients that have been minimally processed and void of any harsh chemicals. The line includes body butter, belly balm, mineral soak, bath tea, healing salve, lip balm, body soap, facial soap, facial masque, and facial toner.

Herban Lifestyle’s Naked line is particularly good for people with allergies and skin sensitivities because they are made without essential oils which require large amounts of precious plants and, since they have potent medicinal properties, many are contraindicated for pregnant and nursing women. Instead, Naked products are scented with herbs, oils, salts, hydrosols, and dried flowers.

And what makes this company particularly attractive to me is that Herban Lifestyle TRULY cares about their impact on the earth. ALL Naked products come in glass or aluminum containers with 100% recycled labels. I LOVE IT! Also, they are a member of the Green America Green Business Network and The Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics.

The other cool thing is that 10% of gross sales from the Naked line are donated to non-profits promoting the health and wellbeing of people and the planet. Proceeds from the event I went to benefitted Miriam’s Kitchen in Washington, DC.

So if you are a bride looking for gifts for your maids, or if you are an event producer putting together a basket of toiletries to place in restrooms for your next black tie affair, consider going Naked!