Greater Minnesota - Albertville
*This archived article was originally published in Fall 2003.
Riverwood Inn & Conference Center
High-tech serenity makes for powerful and peaceful business meetings at this Mississippi bluffs retreat.
BY PHOEBE LARSON
The air changes upon turning into the driveway of Riverwood Inn and Conference Center. Traffic jams and road construction melt away. The sights and sounds of congestion and car horns are replaced with flowing water fountains and sprawling gardens. Riverwood Inn and Conference Center truly is, as its motto claims, "minutes away and a world apart."
Fresh Face
Alena DeCandia, founder and president of Riverwood, strives to create a unique setting for her guests, incorporating the serene beauty of the Mississippi bluffs with a sophisticated professionalism. Riverwood’s location 35 minutes west of Minneapolis, just past Albertville, offers a convenient alternative to holding the traditional downtown meeting.
Over the past year, Riverwood has undergone $2.5 million in renovations, and every inch of the space has been redone. The changes reflect the new tone that Riverwood sets, one that Vice President Devie Hagen described as "a boutique country inn, sophisticated enough to meet the International Association of Conference Center’s standards, yet unique, warm and friendly."
Under the renovations, stunning black granite now lines the bay windows, a bold carpet, custom designed for Riverwood, weaves throughout the hallways and complete makeovers were given to all the guest suites and meeting rooms. DeCandia’s family heirlooms and antiques from her personal collection blend easily into the professional feel of Riverwood to create a space that is both elegant and homey.
Riverwood has 12 professionally designed meeting rooms. Some are equipped with stunning stone fireplaces and residential seating and all have access to private patio and breakout areas. "We meet the International Association of Conference Center standards of non-glare tables, 24-hour ergonomic chairs, a 24-hour business center and secretarial services, high-speed Internet access, continuous break service, up-to-date audiovisual equipment, three sets of lighting and an experienced conference planning manager to detail the event," said DeCandia.
Guest suites are stylish and functional. Larger suites come equipped with expansive desks and tables for after-hours studying or smaller group meetings. Each room is well-lit and equipped with a metro phone – a telephone with free service to the Twin Cities metropolitan area – and data port, television, hair dryer, in-room coffee and views of Riverwood’s 52 acres that include the Mississippi bluffs, gardens, tennis courts and bonfire pits. Some suites feature fireplaces, hot tubs, balconies and patio doors onto private courtyards.
Food For All
DeCandia’s first enterprise was Timothy’s Restaurant, which she opened to provide meeting and banquet facilities for business groups in the area. Its popularity soon led her to open it to the public and later, to expand her business into the guest suites and meeting facilities that makes up Riverwood today. Timothy’s also recently underwent major renovations. It now features a 60-seat bar, sophisticated dining rooms, professional buffet services and an outdoor patio.
"Our theme is a North Woods bistro," said Hagen. "We are not a chain and have developed many signature items like Minnesota wild rice soup, homemade dressing, desserts, quick breads, streusels and soups," added DeCandia.
Timothy’s also offers room service, catering service and daily buffets. The on-site catering provides barbecues and picnics for guests on Riverwood’s expansive acreage.
A Little Business, A Little Pleasure
Riverwood’s location, settled beside the Mississippi River, provides extensive recreational opportunities for after meeting hours. "You will see many guests biking, cross-country skiing and walking on our nine-mile walking trail, as well as just sitting at one of the many patio areas, enjoying beverages and great conversation and relaxation," Hagen said. Four bonfire pits sit on the property and are a popular gathering place for hot beverages and s'mores.
The staff at Riverwood will also work with other companies to plan events such as golf, go-karting and team building activities either off-site or at the inn. "If it’s not illegal, immoral or unprofitable, Alena will do it," laughed Hagen. Guests can use Riverwood’s bicycles and canoes to explore the area and to enjoy the Mississippi River.
Currently guests enjoy the surrounding area golf courses, but Riverwood will soon provide its own golf facilities with the Riverwood National Championship Golf Course. The course is under construction and will be located next door. The Outlets of Albertville, located one mile from the property is a popular attraction for guests as well as ProKart Indoors, a go-karting and entertainment facility, just 10 minutes away.
A Package Deal
Riverwood offers functional, comfortable space for meetings and team building retreats as well as packages tailored to everyone’s needs and budgets. Riverwood’s conference planning manager works closely with meeting planners to assure that all details are covered and any changes are handled immediately. Riverwood also hosts weddings, bridal showers, family weekends and romantic getaways.
Its unique combination as a resort and professional conference center helps Riverwood to attract a diverse span of guests who, in turn, become dedicated to the inn. According to DeCandia, Riverwood has an 80 percent rate of return. "The beauty of the property and the success of the meeting are in the details," said DeCandia. "And I make certain that they are met."
