Black Meetings and Tourism

March/April 2010

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Virginia Special Advertising Section OLD DOMINION STATE HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE BY VICTORIA HEAD L ocated midway between New York and Florida, Virginia is the gateway to the South. From the birthplace of this nation, Jamestown Island, to the historic homes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, to the natural wonders and amenities of their high ranking state park system, Virginia abounds with beautiful coastlines and miles of trails to explore. There are bustling cities like Virginia Beach and Norfolk, as well as the welcoming rural communities in the south- western and mountain regions. The state is the Napa Valley of the east with more than 120 vineyards, estate wineries and award-winning wines garnering much interest and appreciation. Virginia is steeped in fascinating stories of history. Throughout the state are historic landmarks where America got its roots. There are Civil War battlefields in every section of the state, as well as much Black History to explore. Virginia is home to the longest continuous experience of African-American culture and life in the United States, dating back to 1619, when the first Africans were involuntarily brought to the shores of Historic Jamestown. The proud, rich heritage and strug- gle of the Black experience in Virginia is something that visitors can learn from through sites, artifacts, events and muse- ums across the state. HAMPTON ROADS Hampton is nestled along the Chesapeake Bay and graced with miles of shoreline and breathtaking water views. Hampton has a distinct small-town feel with little traffic and an abundance of amenities. With a cost of living well below the national average, as well as one of the lowest crime rates in the region, Hampton Roads was rated as one of the “Best Places to Live” by Money Magazine. The town is also notable for its year-round ice-free harbor, for the United States Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force, NASA, Marines, and Army facilities, shipyards, coal piers, and hundreds of miles of waterfront property and beach- es, all of which contribute to the diversity and stability of the region’s economy. The water area known as Hampton Roads is one of the world’s biggest natural harbors. Hampton is steeped in 400 years of American history, and hundreds of historical sites and attractions in the area draw vis- itors from around the world annually. In the 17th and 18th centuries, cargo ships stopped in Hampton to unload tea, spices, dressmaking material and other items. The region’s colonists flocked to Hampton to purchase the latest imports and hear news of their homeland from the ships’ crews. Today, the city’s renovated downtown waterfront district, which encompasses the site of the original 17th century seaport, is dotted with restaurants, shops, marinas and a waterfront park. Lending a colo- nial flavor to much of this restored district are cobblestone streets with red brick sidewalks. There’s rich African-American heritage at sites throughout the 400-year-old city. Old Point Comfort is where the first Africans arrived in Virginia and Fort Monroe or “Freedom’s Fortress,” is where runaway slaves were protected during the Civil War. Hampton is also the location of the Emancipation Oak where President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation was read. The tree is one of six national historic landmarks on the Hampton University campus and the university museum is the oldest and largest African-American museum in the nation. The state-of-the-art Hampton Roads Convention Center features 344,000 total sq. ft. of versatile convention and exhibi- tion space. An internationally award-winning, 295-suite John Q. Hammons Embassy Suites Hotel connects to the Hampton Roads Convention Center by a covered walkway. The Hampton Coliseum also shares the campus. The Convention Center 74 Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com

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