Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/79688
Considered one of the Mid-Atlantic's most exciting cities, Norfolk, Virginia attracts thousands of travelers each year to enjoy its lively waterfront downtown harbor area, which has a myriad of places to eat, shop, have fun and explore. 1,400 guests for a banquet. Norfolk boasts more than 5,000 rooms with many of them within walking distance of the city's downtown meeting facilities. Some of the hotels include: Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel (476 rooms), Norfolk Waterside Marriott (397 rooms), Double-tree Hotel Norfolk Airport (200), Courtyard Norfolk Downtown (137) and the Candlewood Suites Norfolk Airport (120). Places to stay include: The Doubletree Hotel Norfolk Airport, attached to the Gallery at Military Circle (fashion mall) has executive accommodations, suites and gue- strooms. The hotel is only four miles from Norfolk International Airport. For information: (800) 368-3097, www.visitnorfolktoday.com PASADENA Pasadena is known for the Tournament of Roses Parade and for being the home of the Rose Bowl.But, there is so much more to this quaint city. endary Pasadena Playhouse. "Pasadena is an ideal destination for peo- ple who want great value at an affordable price," said Christine Carchia, director of Sales & Client Services at the Pasadena CVB. There are several hotels amounting to 2,500 guestrooms throughout the city. There's everything from luxury hotels, to modest guestrooms, motels and inns. Hotels include: the Pasadena Inn,WestWay Inn (61 rooms), The Langham, Huntington Hotel & Spa, Pasadena (380 rooms), The Hilton Pasadena (296 rooms) and The Westin Pasadena (350 rooms). About 1,200 of the rooms are within walking distance from the Convention Center. The Pasadena Convention Center, which underwent a $150 million expansion two years ago, has 10 meeting rooms and 108,000 sq. ft. The largest hall is 80,000 sq. ft. The Bob Hope Airport is only 16 miles from Pasadena. For information: (626) 795-9311 or www.visitpasadena.com Waterside Convention Center The city, conveniently located only hours from two-thirds of the U.S. population, has a state-of-the-art Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines call Norfolk their home port. HIGHLIGHTS Attractions include the Chrysler Museum of Art, the Norfolk Botanical Garden, Nauticus National Maritime Center,Virginia Zoo, the USS Wisconsin, MacArthur Memorial, Town Point Park, Norfolk Historical Walking Tour, Cape Henry Lighthouse, the Hermitage Museum and Gardens, the annual Bayou Boogaloo, the Cajun Food Festival and more. The Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center can also be used as a meeting facility. The pier is within walking distance of several downtown hotels. The Waterside Convention Center has 36,365 sq. ft. Its largest hall is 14,400 sq. ft. There are 19 meeting rooms. It can accom- modate 2,400 guests in a reception setting, 2,000 guests in a theater configuration and Rose Parade Water Wonderland Float Old Pasadena, which echoes the tradi- tions of early California, is a tourist favorite. Shop 'til you drop. There are clothing stores, cobble- stoned court- yards, sidewalk bistros and a b u m p i n g nightlife. If you have time, stroll on South Lake Avenue or take in a play at the historic and leg- CHRISTINE CARCHIA Black Meetings & Tourism July/August 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 17 BAHAMAS – OUT ISLANDS When most people think of the Bahamas, they think of the Grand Bahamas or Nassau. However, if you really want to be "in" the Bahamas, you have to go to the Out Islands. Lets face it, anywhere you go in the Bahamas, you're sure to find a tropical para- dise. But, if you want to discover things off the beaten path you have to explore other parts of the Bahamas. "The Out Islands are a place for your meetings because of the personalized service and attention your group will receive, Anita Johnson- Patty, general manager - com- " said