Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/604020
B M & T ••• September/October 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 21 300,000 SQ. FT. CONVENTION CENTER 16,000 HOTEL ROOMS 125 DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS A are case WHEN LOTS OF SURPRISES ARE A GOOD THING. We have all the things you'd expect. More importantly, we have the things that surprise, amaze, and impress. Make your job easier by bringing your attendees to a city that effortlessly celebrates food, craft beers, the arts, motorcycles, miles of riverwalk, museums, a casino, and nightlife. All in a city set on the coast of Lake Michigan. entice family reunion attendees are the South Carolina State Museum, African American History Monument, Booker T. Washington High School, Palmetto Motors-ports Complex and the Columbia Museum of Art. The younger set will especially enjoy the Southeast's largest children's museum - EdVenture Children's Museum, as well as Frankie's Fun Park and Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. A family reunion shopping spree is another possibility at one of the area's many retail stores, while Congaree National Park offers hiking, primitive camping, bird watching, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, and nature study. And when it's time to get their grub on, family members will rave over Columbia barbecue restaurants that serve up a signature tangy, but sweet, mustard-based sauce over smoky pulled pork. No matter what your style is, Columbia has the perfect p lace for your reunion. Several properties, like the Homewood Suites by Hilton, or the Embassy Suites Columbia – Greystone, offer many amenities that are a perfect fit for family reunions such as complimentary full cooked-to-order hot breakfast, evening Manager's Reception, in room refrigerator and microwave, and courtesy shuttle service available to pick you up and drop you off at the airport or any other location within 5 miles of the hotel. For more information contact the Columbia, SC CVB, Twila Jones, senior sales manager at (803) 545-0017 or tjones@columbiacvb.com FORT AUDERDALE, FL The Central Broward corridor of Broward County has emerged as an international crossroads of African-American, Caribbean and Hispanic cultures. The newly-renovated Westfield Mall, in the heart of Greater Fort Lauderdale, has become the meeting place for affordable family-friendly vaca- tion fun. An array of artistic and cultural activities presented City of Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin with his family at the General Store