Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/52019
VALLEY FORGE Located inValley Forge National Historical Park, the Monument to Patriots ofAfrican Descent pays tribute to the estimated 5,000 Black soldiers who fought in the ContinentalArmy. Besides this and other monuments to the history of theRevolutionaryWar, visitors to the 3,600-acre park—the site ofGen.GeorgeWashington's winter encampment of 1777-78—can enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding and sightseeing on the beautifully landscaped grounds. In the town of Valley Forge, the American Revolution Center houses the world's largest collection of Revolutionary War artifacts. The John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, at the first U.S. home of the famous French-born naturalist and artist, is a five-mile drive away. Another artist is spotlighted at the mountaintop Wharton Esherick Studio Museum. Other Valley Forge area attractions include King of Prussia Mall, the Elmwood Park Zoo, the Abington Art Center and Green Lane Park, which offers boat- ing, fishing and ice skating among its recreational pursuits. The Valley Forge Convention Center in King of Prussia contains 150,000 sq. ft., including 108,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. The area has 14 full-service convention hotels, eight conference centers and close to 7,500 total guestrooms. RHODE ISLAND The Providence Black Repertory Company and a small museum at the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society turn the spotlight on the African-American history and Culture of the Ocean State. Providence also is home to the Meeting House of the First Baptist Church inAmerica and the Culinary Archives &Museum at Johnson &Wales University. One of the city's favorite family attractions is the 430-acre Roger Williams Park, which encompasses the Carousel Village, the Museum of Natural History and RogerWilliams Park Zoo. Rhode Island'smore than 400miles of shoreline includes several prime resorts ideal for a family reunion or incentive trip.One such retreat is Block Island, located 10 miles off the southern coast. Newport's Gilded Age mansions are among the state's top sightseeing attractions.The International Tennis Hall of Fame and theWhite Horse Tavern—the nation's oldest operating saloon in the United States — are also found in Newport. VERMONT The Rokeby Museum in Ferrisburg, near Burlington, houses exhibits on the history of the Underground Railroad inVermont. Vermont's number one tourist attraction is the Ben and Jerry's Factory inWaterbury Center. Other top historical, cultural and recreational sites include the Vermont State House in Montpelier, the Vermont Ski Museum in Stowe, Green 80 Black Meetings & Tourism November/December 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Fight for Freedom Reenactors – Valley Forge Convention Center. - Providence – Rhode Island Skiers – Killington – Vermont