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B M & T ••• November/December 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 27 RHODE ISLAND There are myriad ways to explore this state's rich cul- tural and architectural heritage. One of the more popu- lar is through Rhode Island Heritage Trail tours such as the Providence Arts and Cultural Trail. On this tour you can stop at the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society "Creative Survival" a permanent walk- through museum of 19th century Black life in Providence. Another part of this tour is a visit to the Providence Black Repertory Company, a creative environment that celebrates the artistic contributions of black artists throughout American history. Rhode Island is known for its architectural beauty. Numerous walking tours will take you to such places as Newport's world famous Cliff Walk where you'll see extravagant Gilded-Age mansions perched upon the PITTSBURGH Soak Up the River City of Pittsburgh. Books, songs and movies have been written about the romantic, adventurous and often peaceful characteristics of river cities. Pittsburgh's three rivers and 445 bridges help make it hard to match for leisure, business and sports event travelers. It takes visitors several days (and nights) to soak in Pittsburgh's unique activities, especially those along the rivers. The city that native Pittsburgher and renowned playwright August Wilson so often wrote about has many angles to it. In addition to being home to the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, where performances of dance, comedy, plays and jazz go on year- round, it's a city proud of its rich cultural her- itage. Pittsburgh's a place bounded on two sides by the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers, which flow into the Ohio at "The Point." A focus on outdoor activities along those shores have given national and international visitors an up-close view of the city. Families love Pittsburgh for its many activities and attractions, well-suited for groups of all ages. The city rolls out the red carpet for family reunions, providing so many options for visitors that it's hard to know where to start. To get the most beautiful and scenic lay of the land, begin with a visit to the city's Mt. Washington neighborhood, perched atop one of the vibrant green hills surrounding Pittsburgh. From this vantage point, which has been ranked among "America's Most Stunning Views" by (i)USA Today(ei), you can see how important Pittsburgh's rivers are to its way of life. More than 24 miles of riverfront trails provide bikers, joggers or visitors out for a relaxing walk with a chance to work off some carbs following a fabulous meal at one of Pittsburgh's hot, new restaurants. There are more than 300 places to eat Downtown, which helped earn Pittsburgh a "No. 1 Food City in the U.S." nod from (i)Zagat(ei). To enjoy one of the most beautiful and peaceful vistas, jump in a one or two-person kayak, which you can rent from Venture Outdoors' Kayak Pittsburgh. Launching from under the Roberto Clemente (Sixth Street) Bridge, you can paddle in either direction on all three rivers with the skyline as your backdrop. Prefer to have someone else steer your ship? Enjoy a cruise aboard one of the Mississippi Riverboats of the Gateway Clipper Fleet. Or quack along with other visitors on one of Just Ducky Tour's authentic WWII amphibious vehicles. Just make sure you wave to the conference attendees on the outdoor porch that runs along the beautiful David L. Lawrence Convention Center. This riverfront landmark was designed to give visitors a unique event experience while taking full advantage of the building's natural light and fantastic city views. After having an appetizer or cocktail at one of many riverfront eateries, finish off the day with a stroll through Pittsburgh's historic Point State Park. Then, capture your memories with selfies in front of the stunning 150-ft. water fountain that has graced so many postcards and images of this famed river city. Providence Rhode Island Convention Center Downtown Pittsburgh