Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1528810
46 B M & T ••• November/December 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com built in 1854 by the U.S. Navy and now holding court as the only surviving ship from the Civil War. Nearby, find three addi- tional ships and a lighthouse that all detail marine experiences between the mid-1800s and the 1980s. Got a budding scientist on your hands? Across the harbor from the Aquarium sits the Maryland Science Center, where three floors of science-focused demon- strations thrill kids and grown-ups alike. Hands-on exhibits explore the solar system, the human body and more. An especially fam- ily-friendly neighborhood, the Inner Harbor is home to the Port Discovery Children's Museum, ranked among the nation's best. This playful museum tucks a world of fun into a former fish market building. Let little ones explore the four-story SkyClimber, or play pretend on the life-sized cargo ship. Easily accessible from the Inner Harbor is the Baltimore Convention Center, the premier location in the Mid-Atlantic region for organizations wishing to host conventions, meetings, banquets and other activities. With 300,000 square feet of contiguous exhibi- tion space, approximately 85,000 sq. ft. of meeting space (50 rooms) and a multifunctional 36,672-sq. ft. ballroom, the Center is able to host a variety of events large and small. And visitors won't have to stray far to find superb accommodations. Stay Among the Action at an Inner Harbor Hotel, all of which are located around the scenic Baltimore Harbor. Baltimore is known as a city of neighborhoods – more than 200 of them, all with a unique history and feel. Local restaurants, shops and architecture reflect the character of each neighborhood. Come down to Highlandtown, a designated arts and entertain- ment district, for its ethnic history and diversity. Hit Downtown with bustling streets and dozens of attractions. Stroll through Fells Point, a National Historic District, replete with 161 buildings on the National Register. And stop by Little Italy to take in the aroma of Italian cuisine and the sound of bocce ball games filling the streets. For more information contact Visit Baltimore at (410) 659-7300. CHICAGO RIVERWALK, CHICAGO, IL The Chicago Riverwalk, one of the city's most beautiful outdoor spaces, is a downtown waterfront park space and pedestrian trail along the south bank of the Chicago River. This scenic promenade contains restaurants and concessions during the summer months, benches and lookout points, boat rentals and tours, and theater-style seating for performances. Other attractions along the Riverwalk include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Plaza, and the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum. Enjoy stunning views of Chicago architecture in the Loop and River North districts on a walk beside the water's edge. The Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major inter- section. Chicago has always been a city of two waterfronts — Lake Michigan, with 26 miles of sandy beachfront, and the Chicago River, which flows through the heart of the city. While the lake has always been a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, the riverfront has become its own hotspot recently. During the last few years, the city completed a $12 million revamp of the eastern stretch of the Riverwalk, extending the scenic, pedestri- an-only pathway to 1.25 miles from Lake Street to Lake Shore Drive. This revitalized stretch includes 10,000 sq. ft. of play space, about 150 new trees, and more than 500 public seats along the calm waters of the river. From McCormick Place, the largest convention center in the Western Hemisphere, to one-of-a-kind museums, gardens, and lakeside venues such as famed Navy Pier, you'll find the perfect convention, con- ference, and special event space in the Windy City. Chicago's wide range of venue types also means that whether you're hosting a convention for tens of thousands or an intimate business meeting for 10, you'll see your vision come to life flawlessly. In addition to 2.6 million sq. ft. of meeting and exhibit space, McCormick Place boasts 173 meeting rooms offering 600,000 sq. ft. of space, four ballrooms ranging from 21,000 to 100,000 sq. ft., assembly seating for 18,000 people, a 10,000-seat arena (Wintrust Arena), a 4,192 seat theater (Arie Crown), plus more theaters seating 300 each. Added to that, Choose Chicago's accomplished Client Services Team is your partner throughout the planning process, ensuring that every detail — from marketing your event to finding just the right vendors — is covered. For more information contact Choose Chicago at (312) 567-8500 or www.choosechicago.com. Chicago Riverwalk runs along historic Wacker Drive from Lake Michigan west to Lake Street, with access at street level from each major inter- section. with 26 miles of sandy beachfront, and the Chicago River, which flows through the heart of the city. While the lake has always been a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, the riverfront has become its own hotspot recently. of the eastern stretch of the Riverwalk, extending the scenic, pedestri- an-only pathway to 1.25 miles from Lake Street to Lake Shore Drive. This revitalized stretch includes 10,000 sq. ft. of play space, about 150 new trees, and more than 500 public seats along the calm waters of the river. Western Hemisphere, to one-of-a-kind museums, gardens, and lakeside venues such as famed Navy Pier, you'll find the perfect convention, con- ference, and special event space in the Windy City. Chicago's wide range of venue types also means that whether you're hosting a convention for tens of thousands or an intimate business meeting for 10 Chicago Riverwalk SMALE RIVERFRONT PARK – CINCINNATI, OH John G. and Phyllis W. Smale Riverfront Park connects downtown Cincinnati to the Ohio River and the existing riverfront parks. A wonderful location to view the bustling activity along The Ohio River Trail, and a place to gather and celebrate as a com- munity. The park boasts multiple water play features, giant swings, an interactive foot piano, an imaginative play area for kids, expan-