Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/16726
vention center located downtown is within walking dis- tance of approximately 2,300 hotel rooms and there are another 13,000 throughout the city. While in the downtown area, you can get around for free between the hours of 10am to 10pm on the Downtown Get Around. This service stops at most of the major hotels and popular landmarks. The nearby Will Rogers Memorial Center hosts in excess of two million visitors a year who attend the many cultural, equestrian and recreational events. Fort Worth has a history of hosting African-American groups. That list includes, the National Alliance of Black School Educators, The Links and the National Organization of Black County Officials to name a few. For those who want to immerse themselves in the Fort Worth Stock Yard Photo Credit: Fort Worth CVB Worth. It’s the 17th largest city in the United States and the 5th fastest growing city with populations of 100,000 or more. Combined with its neighbor to the east it’s the largest visitor destination in the state of Texas. The city was voted the #4 value-friendly destination in the U.S. by Hotwire.com and no other city in the country has such a preserved western heritage. There’s more. Lets start with the Fort Worth Convention Center. This state-of-the-art facility has over 253,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space with a 13,500-seat multi-functional arena. The con- NORFOLK, VA Norfolk is the cultural, financial and entertainment center of the Virginia waterfront. Located in the southeast corner of Virginia where the Chesapeake meets the Atlantic, this is a region of unspoiled natural beauty. It’s a great destination for boaters, families, romantic getaways, and meet- ings and conventions. Norfolk has a thriving arts commu- nity with studios, galleries and per- formance venues featuring working artists’ located in the downtown D’Art Center. While in town make sure to visit the Tiffany glass collection at the Chrysler Museum of Art or attend a live performance at Attucks Theatre or the Chrysler Hall. If you are traveling with children try the Norfolk Botanical Norfolk Harbor Gardens, Ocean View Beach Park, the Virginia Zoo or Nauticus, a maritime-themed science museum. Since April 2007, Norfolk has become a premiere destina- tion for the cruise ship industry. From the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center visitors can sail to Bermuda, the east- ern Caribbean, The Bahamas or New England. And when not hosting cruise ship passengers Half Moone 44 African-American experience of the American west head to the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame (Formerly the National Cowboys of Color and Hall of Fame). If your trip includes taking the family you will find plenty to do starting with a trip to the Museum of Science and history where kids can take part in “CSI: The Experience” exhibit named after the famous television series. For a true Texas experience head to the Fort Worth Stockyards for entertainment, restaurants and Wild West per- formances. Contact the Fort Worth CVB at forthworth.comor call (800) 433-5747 to start your adventure. Photo Credit: Norfolk CVB Cruise and Celebration Center transforms into a magnificent facility to host meetings and special events. The Half Moone Vista is a 12,500-sq. ft. space ideal for large banquets, weddings or other ceremonies. The Grand Rotunda is perfect for recep- tions and the adjoining Virginia and Bermuda rooms are great for small gatherings or corporate meetings. Norfolk is a prime family reunion destination. The CVB has a complimentary family reunion planning service that will assist you in planning everything from hotel and banquet facil- ities to shuttle service. Call the reunion staff at (800) 368-3097. Black Meetings & Tourism July/August 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com