From gardens to castles and everything in between, Westchester County, New York is known for its unique meeting and event spaces.

The Office of Tourism has released "Meetings, The Westchester Way" the county's Meeting Planners' Guide, 2003 edition, as an information resource to help meeting and event planners find venues throughout Westchester for conventions, conferences, meetings, and special events of all dimensions.

Published by Westfair Communications, Inc., the 40-page, four-color Meeting Planners' Guide contains detailed information on the county's hotels, conference centers, the Westchester County Center, and meeting space located in Westchester County parks facilities, such as Playland Amusement Park in Rye and Lasdon Park and Arboretum in Somers.

A section on additional "Unique Spaces and Places" describes non-traditional locations that create a special atmosphere for events, such as historic sites, mansions, theaters, parks, colleges, restaurants and catering facilities. Several authentic castles and lush gardens located throughout the county also offer outstanding spaces suitable for weddings, anniversaries, holiday parties, etc.

"As a meeting destination, Westchester County is ideally located in the heart of the Hudson River Valley and near Manhattan," said Margo Jones, Director of the Westchester County Office of Tourism.

"Meeting and event planners will not only find first-class hotels and conference centers, but a wide array of different and special venues, such as turn-of-the-century castles perfect for unique meetings."

The Meeting Planners Guide also provides information about service vendors, such as audio-visual providers, booth and exhibit contractors, caterers, decorators, destination management consultants, transportation companies, entertainment and temporary staffing.

An "At Your Leisure" section on entertainment and recreation describes several possibilities for after-hours activities and group events, and a travel information page helps expedite travel to and from the area.

To request a free copy of the Westchester County Meeting Planners' Guide, call the Office of Tourism at (914) 995-8500 or 1(800) 833-9282; e-mail Tourism@westchestergov.com, or visit www.westchestertourism.com. Special-interest brochures, such as the Westchester County Travel Guide, Gardens, and Antiques are also available.