Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/34521
No matter what time of year you visit Pensacola,a trolley tour is a greatway to take in some of its historical and cultural attrac- tions. Historic Pensacola Village is home to two notable Black heritage sites: the Kate Coulson House, where the African-American Heritage Society operates a small art gallery and museum, and the Julee Panton Cottage, the early 19th century home of a free woman of color. Other stops on the trolley tour include Seville Square, the Port of Pensacola and NAS Pensacola, the first U.S. naval air station. Two other sites with links to U.S. military Couple on Pensacola Beach history are the National Naval Aviation Museum and Chappie James Memorial Gardens, named for the Pensacola native who was the first Black four-star general in the U.S. Air Force. The Pensacola Civic Center offers more than 20,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and more than 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. TALLAHASSEE Meeting groups gathering inTallahassee have a new venue option with the opening of Florida StateUniversity’s Turnbull Conference Center,which contains more than 47,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. Between conference sessions theymight want to explore some of the city’sAfrican-American heritage attractions, such as the JohnG.RileyCenter&MuseumofAfricanAmericanHistory&Culture and themuseumatUnionBank, Florida’s, oldest building,which formerly served newly freed slaves as the National Freedman’s Bank. Outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy snorkeling and cave exploring inWakulia Springs Stage Park or viewing pre- Columbian artifacts at Lake JacksonMoundsArcheological State Park. TAMPA Family reunion groups andmeeting delegates travelingwith kidswill appreciate the variety of family-friendly attrac- tions inTampa.The newGlazer Children’sMuseumexpands a list that already included BuschGardensTampa Bay, the Lowry Park Zoo, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Florida Aquarium, which arranges dolphin ecotours. Nearby is Plant City’sDinosaurWorld. 40 Black Meetings & Tourism May/June 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Photo Credit: Pensacola CVB