Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/44484
BIRMINGHAM, AL To hear Michael Gunn tell it, Birmingham is a great city in which to live. He should know. He's lived in Alabama for 18 years and in Birm- ingham for 16. "It's a great MICHAEL GUNN state," says Gunn, vice president of sales of the greater Birmingham CVB. "I like the commu- nity. It's a nice town. It's a pretty city. The Civil Rights Institute is here. There are great restaurants and good food. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Montgomery is only 1½ hours away. You could make it a nice historic weekend." Here's the lowdown. Birmingham, called "The Magic City" because its population grew so fast, is the largest city in the state with a population cur- rently estimated at 242,820, and a metro population of 1,079,089. The African-American population makes up 70 percent of that total. Birmingham, nestled in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, boasts 99 historic neighborhoods and is often referred to as the cradle of the American Civil Rights Movement. The city is centrally located in the southeast and easily accessible to major hubs in the region. There are 500 restaurants (includ- ing full service restaurants, cafeterias, fast food outlets and hotel and motel establishments) in the Birmingham area. When it's time to meet, Birming- ham, called "the most affordable city in the South," has 220,000 sq. ft. of exhi- bition space, 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, with a 19,000-seat arena, a 3,000 sq. ft. concert hall and a 1,000 seat theater. There are 125 hotels and 15,000 guest rooms. The International airport is seven minutes from downtown with 160 daily flights, including non-stop flights to 9 out of the 10 top markets. Amtrak and Greyhound are located in the downtown area. Birmingham's Robert Trent Jones Golf Crouse Attractions include the 9-11 MemorialWalk,The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park, Five Points South/ Lakeview Entertainment Districts. The Birmingham Civil Rights District is a six-block tribute to the fight for human rights. The largest cast iron statue in the world, VULCAN, sits on top of Red Mountain. There is a Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and a Barber Motorsports Park, which houses the largest motorcycle collection in the world. In 2013, Gunn says a project tenta- tively called the "Entertainment District" is scheduled to open. It will house 20 restaurants, clubs and retail. When the sun goes down, there are any number of options, including jazz, R&B, acoustic, comedy country, folk, karaoke, piano bars, pubs and sports bars. "There are no strangers here," says Gunn. For information: www.information- birmingham.com. COLUMBIA, SC If you're contemplating your next meeting, city officials want you to "Think Columbia!" That's because the city with the motto 'Columbia SC famously hot!,' has much to offer. The largest metropolitan area in South Carolina, Columbia, which boasts about three million visitors annually (including conventioneers), has a population of approximately 650,000 people. The city has a love of the arts evi- denced by its numerous theatres, gal- leries, dance companies, orchestra, arts schools and outdoor art and murals. Attractions include the African American History Monument plus other fascinating historical and cultur- al attractions, a world-class zoo, out- door recreation, festivals, parks and sporting events. There is also a walk- ing tour specifically targeting African- Americans. Other attractions include: Columbia Museum of Art, The SC State House and shopping on Devine Street. There is also Viva La Vista, a premier food festival located in the heart of the Congaree Vista. The Riverbank Zoo has been called the number one tourist attraction in South Carolina. In addition, the zoo has space for renting for groups. It's available for dinners, receptions and picnic pavilions. Located only eight blocks from the Convention Center, the Benedict College area, says Jones, is chockfull of homegrown restaurants, eateries, hair salons, plus places to buy art and clothing. The city has more than 537,449 sq. ft. of meeting space available, including a 142,500 sq. ft. Convention Center. When it comes to overnight stays, there is a myriad of options including 123 hotels (12,000 hotel rooms), plus bed and breakfasts and more. Eating in the south is a way of life and Columbia does it well. From southern comfort foods to new bistro specialties, Columbia offers Black Meetings & Tourism September/October 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 21 Credit Photo: Ted Tucker