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B M & T ••• November/December 2014 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 26 DELAWARE America's first state is a shopper's paradise offering tax- free shopping. Try Christiana Mall or the Tanger Outlet Centers and save those precious dollars. Take a step back in time by exploring the Delaware History Trail. The trail highlights significant historical loca- tions statewide from the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base to Rehoboth Avenue and Boardwalk, founded in 1873 a beach community tha t became known as the "Nation's Summer Capital." Also visit places like Legislative Mall; Capital Square in Dover and see a replica of Philadelphia's Liberty Bell and Constitution Park where the U.S. Constitution is encased in a cube with a12-ft quill hovering above. Savor the flavor of grapes and grains on the Delaware Wine and Ale Trail. The trail is a collection of twelve wineries and breweries that w ill take you from the Riverfront in Wilmington to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. MAINE The Pine Tree State is also known as "Vacationland" fea- tures a unique natural setting with a spectacular 5,000-mile coastline, a mountainous interior, 6,000 lakes and 32,000 miles of rivers. Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware Photo Credit: Tangney Denis Jr. West Quoddy Head Lighthouse at sunrise Photo Credit: Colin Young Visitors to southern Maine will see beaches, resort com- munities and cosmopolitan cities such as Portland. Those who start their journey in the northern part of the state will experience a very different Maine, one of forests, farms and one of the globe's top cross-country ski centers in Presque Isle. From the shops of Kittery to the dogsled races in Fort Kent, Maine is an outdoor paradise. Maine features whale watch- ing, hiking trails, some of the best skiing in North America, the finest sailing waters in the world and some of America's best museums. More than 60 lighthouses dot the Maine coast from Nubble Light in York to West Quoddy Head, the easternmost lighthouse in the U.S. The outstanding Maine cuisine will almost assuredly fea- ture their famous lobster MARYLAND More than any other state, Maryland has probably played a more central role in American history than any place in the country. From the war that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner, to its Civil War contributions and African-American heritage, Maryland has pretty much experienced it all. In Annapolis, visitors can take a photo sitting next to a bust of Alex Haley, the famed author of Roots at the Kunta-Kinte Alex Haley Memorial at the City Dock. Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy and the Bannaker-Douglass Museum named after Benjamin Bannaker and Frederick Douglas. Annapolis is also a major sailing and powerboat destination. The College Park Aviation Museum opened in 1998 is a 27,000 sq. facility on the grounds of the world's oldest continuously operating airport. The Surratt House and Museum in Clinton played a vital role in the conspiracy to assassinate President Lincoln and one of the stops where John Wilkes-Booth fled after killing the President. BALTIMORE Baltimore's central location at the crossroads of the Mid- Atlantic region makes it easy to get to by air, rail and high- way. And once you are there, the city, with its trendy Inner Harbor and distinct and welcoming neighborhoods, is eas- ily walkable. The city's distinguished venues are the perfect fit for any size gathering, whether it's a major tradeshow at the 1.2-million-sq. ft. Baltimore Convention Center, a gen- eral session at the Baltimore Arena; a mid-size conference at one of the area's first-class hotels; a cozy crab feast at a waterfront seafood restaurant; or a product introduction in one of Baltimore's world-class museums;. Speaking of museums, the city features the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, the Frederick Douglass – Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum on the waterfront in Fells Point, and The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture. To commemorate the 50th anniversary years of the Civil Rights Act and