Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/129161
•pg_45-53__BMT_pg3-58 4/30/13 9:30 PM Page 52 Event at Oregan Convention Center Photo Credit: POVA homes, and neighbors. Today, N. Mississippi is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Oregon. Businesses are largely local and independent, and the result is a creative mix of boutiques and shops, music venues, wellness practitioners, restaurants and coffee shops, bars and breweries, and more; it's a unique neighborhood of creative spirit. TEXAS When thinking of great beach destinations, Texas doesn't always spring to mind; Barbecue, boots, big hats, but not Bikinis. However, Texas' Gulf region expands over 600 miles of coastline, lined with seaside towns, incredible views and beaches. Where there are beaches, music can't be far away. Austin, Texas bills itself as the "Live Music Capital of Salt Lake City, Utah Skyline Photo Credit: Adam Barker and 450 inches of powdery snow each season, there are many opportunities for adventure. Ogden is conveniently located just 45 minutes from an international airport and offers endless venue options including a stunning conference center, mountain lodges and team building facilities to ensure the makings of a great event. In Park City, 35 minutes from the Salt Lake International Airport, many families gather for annual reunions and to experience world-class golf courses, lift-served mountain biking, hiking trails and horseback riding. Salt Lake City has a large variety of family activities from Zoos & Gardens, casinos, historic sites, theme and water parks, as well as galleries and museums. WASHINGTON The lovely state of Washington, with its high desert country, abundant valleys and rolling Pacific Ocean beaches, cause some to burst into a rendition of "America, the Beautiful." However, the state continues to paint the fuller picture as it also possesses vibrant urban centers and communities, fine dining and cultural happenings throughout the year. In Seattle, visitors and locals alike can enjoy freedom from driving, parking and traffic, since using the public transportation in this Fort Worth Long Horn Cattle Drive Photo Credit: Fort Worth CVB the World" and has nearly 200 live music venues around the city. When traveling to Austin, it's delightful to find yourself being entertained with live music while walking through the terminal at Austin's airport. Austin has the music, but no other city boasts such an unmistakable mix of preserved Western heritage and unrivaled artistic offerings as Fort Worth. The city of Dallas is well known for it's vast African-American community that is central to the city's cultural experience, while the worldfamous River Walk is one of the top visitor destinations in Texas and a cornerstone of San Antonio's robust meetings industry. UTAH The state of Utah is a paradise for outdoor lovers; from the National Parks, ski resorts and golf courses to beautiful Park City and the historic Temple Square. Ogden has become known as THE spot for winter sports! With three world-class ski resorts 20 minutes from downtown 52 Spokane Convention Center Photo Credit: Spokane CVB city is delightful. There are free downtown buses, the monorail, the West Seattle Water Taxi, and Light Rail In Tacoma, meeting planners can't go wrong with their great selection of venues, hotels and attractions. The city can accommodate meetings and budgets of all sizes with over 1,900 hotel rooms and plenty of meeting space. In Spokane you'll find eclectic arts and an entertainment district; its downtown is 100 acres of fun with attractions including a Giant Screen IMAX Theatre and a gondola sky-ride over the falls. B M & T ••• March/April 2013••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com