Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/129161
•pg_45-53__BMT_pg3-58 4/30/13 9:30 PM Page 50 the historic Five Points neighborhood, an area steeped in classic jazz history and still home to several first-rate jazz clubs. Easily accessible on foot, by car or by Light Rail, this neighborhood was one of the nation's first business districts to be predominantly African-American owned. Hollywood Walk of Fame Photo Credit: Los Angeles CVB Hollywood Black Film Festival. Other "must sees" are the worldfamous LA beaches – Venice, Malibu, Zuma and the Santa Monica Pier will not disappoint. In the heart of all the action is the LA Convention Center, located downtown. Flying into LA can be done via the Burbank Bob Hope Airport and of course, Los Angeles International Airport, the gateway to the city. COLORADO Located in the Rocky Mountain region of the country, Colorado has a number of natural marvels. Waterfalls are one of the state's best sites; some are small, trickling gently down the rocks of a scenic trail, while others are grand and a destination unto themselves. Among those that captivate is the breathtaking Ouzel Falls which has a drop of more than 40 ft.; the Fish Creek Falls, best witnessed in early spring when the snow begins to melt and the rushing water thunders over the cliffs; and the Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado's tallest waterfall which plummets 365 ft. in grandeur. In the city of Aspen/Snowmass fun happens all year long; winter outdoor concerts are ongoing in this trendy ski town known for its celebrities and liberal politics. Vail has an amazing itinerary of skiers in the winter, but is also well known for its summer outdoor sports races and world class concerts, food and dining events. DENVER In the city of Denver 24-hour casinos lay tucked amongst historic mining towns. Many are greatly surprised by the climate as the sun shines more than 300 days a year. In the winter months, the temperature averages about 50 degrees, and in the summer, the average daily high is a mild 86º F. These enjoyable temperatures make discovering downtown Denver a delight. A most walkable and visitor-friendly area, it hosts 8,400 hotel rooms with the majority of them conveniently located near the Colorado Convention Center. The Center has 584,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space on one level; 63 meeting rooms, two ball rooms totaling 85,000 sq. ft., a 5,000-fixed-seat theater and 1,000 parking spaces. Diversity is celebrated in this energizing metropolis as many AfricanAmericans and their contributions are evident throughout the City and County of Denver in business, culture, and government. One of the best ways to explore African-American cultural influences in Denver is to visit 50 Denver's Black American West Museum Photo Credit: Denver CVB Considered the "Harlem of the West" in the early 20th Century, many of the world's greatest jazz musicians played here, including Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and others. Just blocks from the city center, you'll find the impressive Blair-Caldwell African-American Research Library and a short walk from there is the Black American West Museum & Heritage Center; The center details the contributions Blacks made to the settlement of the American West. NEVADA There's plenty to do in Nevada for all types of travelers. The state has more than 100 beautifully well-manicured golf courses; there's tubing and kayaking in downtown Reno on the Truckee River and relaxing by the shores of Lake Tahoe. Reno Tahoe offers nonstop service from approximately 120 daily arrivals and departures at the RenoTahoe International Airport, making it easily accessible. The city also provides a first-tier experience without the expense and red tape of a large metropolitan area. The region boast 20,000 hotel rooms near the 500,000-sq. ft. Reno-Sparks Convention Center and Reno Events Center, as well as hosts of other amazing group facilities. Laughlin is situated on a slice of land in the Colorado River Valley, where Nevada, California and Arizona converge. Within the past few decades, this city has earned its rank among tourist and gaming hot spots. With nine major hotel and casino resorts located right on the Colorado River, there is easy access to river activities like fishing, cruising and jet skiing. LAS VEGAS When it comes to staying and playing in Las Vegas, your choices can range from a high-roller suite in a luxury Las Vegas hotel to a rustic family dude ranch on the outskirts of the city. Las Vegas hotels range from Paris to New York themes and from one end of the strip to the edge of the town's borders. This city is widely known as the world's premier meeting and convention destination, with more meeting space than any other city on the globe. Be it an intimate poolside mixer, a lavish banquet for 10,000 people or a major international convention, Las Vegas provides the most complete, flexible and extensive facilities and services. Off the strip, the Las Vegas Convention Center has 2,182,167 sq. ft. of meeting space. B M & T ••• March/April 2013••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com