Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/16726
PASADENA, CA Located 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena is a one-of-a-kind treasure that must be experi- enced. Words alone are not enough to describe a city of such The expanded Center now completes the Pasadena Convention Center complex that includes the refurbished Conference Center and the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium where Michael Jackson first performed his now famous “moonwalk” during “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever.” This entire complex is located within walking distance of four major hotels, and Old Pasadena, a trendy 22-block European style shopping and entertainment district. There are approximately 2,500 hotel rooms in Pasadena ranging from the 350- room Westin Pasadena to the 296-room Hilton and a 314-room Old Pasadena Courtyard by Marriott. The signature event most visitors to Pasadena are familiar with is New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade followed by the Rose Bowl Game. Viewers often camp out overnight on or near Colorado Boulevard for a prime spot along the parade route. But there’s more to the city than the The Colorado Street Bridge, designed and built in 1913 is still used today beauty, art and culture. It’s a city of tree-lined streets, lush gardens, stately mansions, fantastic museums and art galleries, trendy boutiques, retail stores, playhouses and some of the best restaurants you’ll find anywhere. Meeting planners will love the recently completed expan- sion of the Pasadena Convention Center. This award-winning facility features 55,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a 25,000-sq. ft. ballroom and a 28,000-sq. ft. outdoor plaza. PHILADELPHIA Philadelphia is the epitome of a family-friendly destination. Visitors to one of the greatest of American cities experience a destination like no other and the beauty of it all; many of the top attractions are free or very affordable. Start by visiting Independence National Historic Park. It’s arguably the most historic square mile in the United States. A trip to the park will take you to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Carpenters Hall, Second Bank of the United States and Franklin Court. Other great venues include: The Franklin Institute, Adventure Aquarium, Philadelphia Zoo, The Academy of Natural Sciences, National Constitution Center, Please Touch Museum or Eastern State Penitentiary. If you starve in Philly, that’s your fault. This city parade. Attractions include: Armory Center for the Arts, The Gamble House (a Photo Credit: Pasadena CVB great place as an alternate venue for special events), The Huntington Library, Arts Collections and Botanical Gardens, Kidspace Children’s Museum, Norton Simon Museum and the Pacific Asia Museum – I could go on but you get the idea. There are performing arts centers in abundance from the Pasadena Playhouse to the Pasadena Jazz Institute. To learn more about this beautiful city got to visitpasade- na.com or call (800) 307-7977. has some of the best eateries on the planet, every- thing from BBQ to old world Italian – and if you leave with- out trying a Philly Cheesesteak steak shame on you. 46 Philadelphia Skyline Photo Credit: Philadelphia CVB Shoppers love coming to Philadelphia. The phrase “more bang for your buck” carries a significant meaning – Black Meetings & Tourism July/August 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com