Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1517455
20 B M & T ••• March/April 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com most popular visitor attraction, it's not the only game in town. Beyond the notable landmarks of the city, Washington, DC has several distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and personality. To fully expe- rience this other side of the District, several guided tours are offered year-round and give visitors a taste of how the locals live. For example, several local companies offer themed walking tours through Georgetown and Dupont Circle. Additionally, visitors can experience a tour of DC's most haunted houses or walk the monuments by moon- light With a prime location in the heart of downtown, the world-class Walter E. Washington Convention Center is as func- tional as it is artistically impressive. The 2.3- million-sq. ft. space hosts meetings, conven- tions and events of every kind, from medical industry annual meetings to comic book- inspired expos and board retreats. You can mold all 703,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space inside the convention center into whatever shape you need. Within its two levels and five exhibit halls is a 473,000-sq. ft. exhibit hall that can be subdivided into three rooms, 198,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, a 52,000-sq.-ft. ballroom and 77 breakout rooms. The space is versatile enough to accommodate events of all sizes. This is just the tip of the iceberg, so bring those walking shoes and get ready to get fit and have fun exploring Chocolate City by foot. For more information contact Destination DC at (800) 635-MEET. BALTIMORE Baltimore's Inner Harbor has many sto- ries to tell, from its heyday in the 18th century as the nation's leading shipbuilding site, to a major site for oyster canning, steel working, railroad building, immigration port and mili- tary supply center. In 1980, the Inner Harbor area underwent a major revitalization with the addition of many attractions, hotels, restaurants and shops. Today, the Inner Harbor is a major tourist destination and port of call for cruise ships. From family- friendly museums and restaurants to satisfy every palate, to exciting nightlife, cultural experiences and spectacular people-watch- ing, Baltimore's Inner Harbor offers more to see and do than you can imagine. And what's more, it's all walkable! Planners and their delegates can take in Inner Harbor attractions like The National Aquarium in Baltimore, the Science Center with its IMAX theater and Planetarium, and the Baltimore Maritime Museum, or they can dine in style at one of many area restaurants. Elegant gourmet cuisine, ethnic foods from around the world and plenty of fresh seafood from Maryland's Chesapeake Bay can be found at the many Inner Harbor eateries. A short walk from Baltimore's Inner Harbor (about one block) is Power Plant Live!, a premier dining and entertainment district that features a variety of restaurants and nightclubs surrounding a common plaza. There is also outdoor seating, which often features live performances. And visitors won't have to stray far to find superb accommodations. Stay Among the Action at an Inner Harbor Hotel, all of which are located around the scenic Baltimore Harbor. Baltimore is known as a city of neigh- borhoods – more than 200 of them, all with a unique history and feel. Local restau- rants, shops and architecture reflect the character of each neighborhood. Come down to Highlandtown, a designated arts and entertainment district, for its ethnic history and diversity. Hit Downtown with bustling streets and dozens of attractions. Stroll through Fells Point, a National Historic District, replete with 161 build- ings on the National Register. And stop by Little Italy to take in the aroma of Italian cuisine and the sound of bocce ball games filling the streets. The Baltimore Convention Center is a premier, centrally located venue for organiza- tions to host conventions, meetings, ban- quets and other events. The facility boasts 300,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibition space, 85,000 sq. ft. of meeting space in 50 rooms, a 36,672-sq. ft. multifunctional ball- room, and a 27,000-sq. ft. outdoor terrace. For more information contact Visit Baltimore at (410) 659-7300. Baltimore's Inner Harbor