Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/129161
•pg_45-53__BMT_pg3-58 4/30/13 9:30 PM Page 51 Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Photo Credit: Las Vegas CVB NEW MEXICO This almost always sunny state offers a plethora of recreational activities: tennis courts, softball fields, skateboard and in-line skate parks, public swimming pools and oh yes, golf courses. The Centrally located city of Oklahoma City Skyline Photo Credit: Oklahoma City CVB of hotels that are just steps away the Cox Convention Center. Tulsa, Oklahoma's second-largest city is a haven of Southern comfort and cosmopolitan style. T-Town is home of the highly-rated Tulsa Zoo, while the city's Arkansas River trails and outdoor recreation areas offer outdoor respites from all the urban excitement. OREGON Photo Credit: Las Cruces CVB Las Cruces Golf Course Albuquerque received the only five-star rating from Golf Digest's readers for its Southwest Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Course,. Located at the southern tip of the state, Las Cruces is a city rich in history, culture and hospitality. Outdoor recreation is a way of life with golf courses and touring its many vineyards a favorite pastime. The town of Taos is one of the countries undiscovered American treasures. Filled with 1,100 years of history, culture, ancient society and art, much of it can be seen at the historic Plaza. Just south of Taos, world-class hotels to luxurious resorts, elegant to casual bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals abound in Santa Fe . OKLAHOMA From urban hot spots like Oklahoma City's Bricktown Entertainment District and Paseo Arts District to entertainment hubs like Tulsa's Blue Dome District, nightlife is never hard to come by in Oklahoma. Take the time to ride a water taxi along the downtown canal or enjoy the nightlife havens nestled within the area's famous art deco architecture. Recently completed expansion and renovations to the OKC Airport have made traveling by air to OKC easier than ever before. Downtown Oklahoma City offers a number The Northwest state of Oregon features rugged rocky coastlines, dense forests, fun cities, mountains, deep canyons, as well as desert in its southeastern part. As the harbinger of America's westward expansion, the Oregon Trail was the initial pathway to the Pacific for fur traders and gold seekers. Though forest has taken over most of the trail, it continues to attract history seekers and nature buffs. As the second-largest airport in Oregon, the Eugene Airport generates over 740,000 trips annually, with service to Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Honolulu, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Seattle. The Eugene Airport is only 15 minutes from downtown which is wellknown for being bike-friendly, has an excellent public bus system and has been designated a Gold Level "Walk Friendly Community." PORTLAND Set against the backdrop of majestic Mount Hood, Portland combines a sophisticated, cosmopolitan atmosphere with refreshingly friendly, small-town warmth that makes it a natural for tours of all types. The Portland International Airport is the only international port of entry for Oregon. Business and group travelers find the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) highly experienced in hosting a variety of events – from conventions and trade shows to corporate meetings and parties. They are recognized industry-wide for their expertise in green meeting planning and the facility boasts two grand ballrooms, 50 meeting rooms, 255,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, superior concession and catering enough to handle events from 10 to 10,000. In the month of February, many converge on the city to enjoy the annual Portland Jazz Festival. Portland's historic Mississippi Avenue thrives on a rich and diverse history that expresses itself in an inspiring community of businesses, B M & T ••• March/April 2013••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 51