Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1483470
NEW JERSEY The state's top tourist destination is the seaside resort Atlantic City. The gaming capital of the east coast, known for its entertainment, world-renowned restaurants and the Boardwalk, hosts 30 million visitors annually. While in town checkout the Civil Rights Garden on Pacific Ave at MLK Blvd and of course Steel Pier at Virginia Avenue and the Boardwalk. Two other wonderful beach hotspots are Ocean City and Cape May. If you're looking for a mix of history, fine dining and ivy-covered walls head to Princeton. Take a walking tour of Princeton University and take in some of the shops, restaurants and entertainment venues along Nassau Street. The state has numerous Underground Railroad sites and other monuments chronicling the Africa-American experience. ATL ANTIC CIT Y Atlantic City is one of the world's favorite destinations and its pristine beach differentiates it from any other meeting locale. During the summer, the beaches are guarded by the country's first lifeguard organization and the water is safe thanks to a stringent State Water Quality Program. Millions of guests stroll, ride a bicycle or tour the Boardwalk on a distinctive rolling chair. Located within a few hours' drive of nearly one third of the nation's population and 20 percent of the country's business addresses, Atlantic City is easily accessible. The Atlantic City Convention Center has become a favorite location for conventions, trade shows and meeting planners. The Atlantic City Convention Center provides 486,600 contiguous square feet of exhibit space, as well as 45 meeting rooms featuring an extra 109,100 square feet, ample pre-function space, and all the amenities you would expect, including free WiFi, an onsite audio-visual provider, food service for everything from snack bars to banquets, media, and an onsite business center. Visitors entering the building are welcomed by a 90-foot high skylit atrium lobby complete with a lobby concierge, sculptures and art. NEW HAMPSHIRE The Granite State is divided into seven different regions all filled with natural beauty and cultural events shrouded in a classic New England setting. The Merrimack Valley is home to the states three largest cities Concord, Nashua and the largest Manchester. It's a region rich in culture and year-round activities sure to sat- isfy that adventurous spirit. If you need a little peace and tranquility try one of the scenic drives the region is known for – Rt. 127 Hopkinton to Salisbury or Rt. 13 & 77 Mount Vernon to Weare are great choices. Other great attractions in the area include Falls Overlook and the Millyard Museum. For a taste of the African-American experience head to the Seacoast Region and the town of Portsmouth and visit the African-American Cultural Center and a downtown Black Heritage Trail featuring 24-sites. Make sure you visit the beaches and resort towns to enjoy whale watching, harbor cruises and more. Diversity is the word when it comes to hotels in the Greater Boston area. Where else can you book a hotel with a rooftop patio that overlooks America's oldest ballpark or stay at a property that once incarcerated Malcolm X? With properties rang- ing from historic buildings that have been repurposed as boutique hotels to brand new, state-of-the-art contemporary hotels, the city offers something for every type of group. Included among the city's top convention properties are: the 1,097-room Boston Marriott Copley Place (70,000 sq. ft. of meeting space); 1,060-room Boston Park Plaza (50,000 sq. ft.); 363-room DoubleTree by Hilton Boston North Shore (30,000 sq. ft.); and 280-room Four Points by Sheraton Wakefield Boston Hotel & Conference Center (8,000 sq. ft.). If you and your attendees are interested in history and culture, check out the Museum of African American History, New England's largest African American history museum with four national historic sites. Or there's the Black Heritage Trail, a 1.6-mile walking tour encompassing the largest collection of historic sites in the country relating to the life of a free African- American community prior to the Civil War. And music buffs will want to experience Scullers Jazz Club - DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Boston – Cambridge, where they can enjoy some of biggest names in straight ahead, Latin and Contemporary Jazz, as well as Blues, Soul, R & B, Cabaret and World Music. New England's largest transportation center, Logan International Airport, serves the area. Downtown Manchester, NH Photo credit Mikespenard B M & T ••• November/December 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 23