Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/533451
PORTLAND Set against the backdrop of majestic Mount Hood, Portland com- bines a sophisticated, cosmopolitan atmosphere with refreshingly friendly, small-town warmth that makes it a natural for tours of all types. The Portland International Airport is the only international port of entry for Oregon. Business and group travelers find the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) highly experienced in hosting a variety of events – from conventions and trade shows to corporate meetings and parties. They are recognized industry-wide for their expertise in green meeting planning and the facility boasts two grand ballrooms, 50 meet- ing rooms, 255,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, superior conces- sion and catering enough to handle events from 10 to 10,000. In the month of February, many converge on the city to enjoy the annual Portland Jazz Festival. Portland's historic Mississippi Avenue thrives on a rich and diverse history that expresses itself in an inspiring community of businesses, homes, and neighbors. Today, N. Mississippi is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Oregon. Businesses are largely local and independ- ent, and the result is a creative mix of boutiques and shops, music ven- ues, wellness practitioners, restaurants and coffee shops, bars and brew- eries, and more; it's a unique neighborhood of creative spirit. B M & T ••• March/April 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 52 OKLAHOMA From urban hot spots like Oklahoma City's Bricktown Entertainment District and Paseo Arts District to entertainment hubs like Tulsa's Blue Dome District, nightlife is never hard to come by in Oklahoma. Take the time to ride a water taxi along the downtown canal or enjoy the nightlife havens nestled within the area's famous art deco architecture. Recently completed expansion and renovations to the OKC Airport have made traveling by air to OKC easier than ever before. Downtown Oklahoma City offers a number of hotels that are just steps away the Cox Convention Center. Tulsa, Oklahoma's second-largest city is a haven of Southern comfort and cosmopolitan style. T-Town is home of the highly-rated Tulsa Zoo, while the city's Arkansas River trails and outdoor recreation areas offer outdoor respites from all the urban excitement. OREGON The Northwest state of Oregon features rugged rocky coastlines, dense forests, fun cities, mountains, deep canyons, as well as desert in its southeastern part. As the harbinger of America's westward expan- sion, the Oregon Trail was the initial pathway to the Pacific for fur traders and gold seekers. Though forest has taken over most of the trail, it continues to attract history seekers and nature buffs. As the sec- ond-largest airport in Oregon, the Eugene Airport generates over 740,000 trips annually, with service to Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Honolulu, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Seattle. The Eugene Airport is only 15 minutes from downtown which is well-known for being bike-friendly, has an excel- lent public bus system and has been designated a Gold Level "Walk Friendly Community." Downtown Albuquerque, New mexico Downtown of Oklahoma City Photo Credit: Copyright: Alex Grichenko Photo Credit: Henryk Sadura Downtown Portland Oregon cityscape Photo Credit: Adam Barker TEXAS When thinking of great beach destinations, Texas doesn't always spring to mind; Barbecue, boots, big hats, but not Bikinis. However, Texas' Gulf region expands over 600 miles of coastline, lined with sea- side towns, incredible views and beaches. Where there are beaches, music can't be far away. Austin, Texas bills itself as the "Live Music Capital of the World" and has nearly 200 live music venues around the city. When traveling to Austin, it's delightful to find yourself being enter- tained with live music while walking through the terminal at Austin's air- port. Austin has the music, but no other city boasts such an unmistak- able mix of preserved Western heritage and unrivaled artistic offerings as Fort Worth. The city of Dallas is well known for it's vast African- American community that is central to the city's cultural experience, while the world-famous River Walk is one of the top visitor destinations in Texas and a cornerstone of San Antonio's robust meetings industry. FORT WORTH The City of Cowboys and Culture is the 17th-largest city in the United States and part of the number one tourist destination in Texas,