Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/604020
B M & T ••• September/October 2015 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 22 around the theme, "Where Community Celebrates Culture," capitalizes on the richness of heritages in the African Diaspora and the homelands of Caribbean and Hispanic residents and makes the mall a place where many can feel at home. What better place to connect with relatives, friends, schoolmates and cultural roots than an area accessible from major US cities and a gateway to the Caribbean? Reunion planners can choose from a variety of beachfront, boutique, and subur- ban hotels in an urban experience that offers relax- ation and multigenerational fun. Broward County Parks offer pavilions, water slides, boat rentals, pic- nic areas and even a cricket field at Central Broward Regional Park to meet your family's needs. If its Black history and culture your reunion participants crave, Fort Lauderdale has more than its share. The African American Research Library and Cultural Center, the Old Dillard Museum and the Ashanti Cultural Arts Center are three notable Black heritage attractions that should not be missed. Other family friendly attractions include the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Everglades Holliday Park/Airboat Tours, Fort Lauderdale Riverfront Cruises, Xtreme Actions Park and CB Smith (water) Park. To receive your family reunion planning kit (includes wel- come bags, visitors guide and map, multicultural visitors guide, discount coupons and promotional item giveaway) call Valerie Troutman at (954) 2547. For more information contact the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, Albert Tucker, VP, multicultural business development at (954) 767-2456 or atucker@broward.org. MILWAUKEE, WI Looking for plenty of easy, affordable, family-friendly fun? Look no further. Rated as the Top Destination for Family Travel in 2014 by ABC Travel Guide for Kids, Milwaukee is the perfect choice for your family reunion! Milwaukee offers the one-of-a-kind attrac- tions that make family reunion memorable, including the world's only Harley-Davidson Museum, the lively atmosphere of the Milwaukee Public Market and the soaring wings of the acclaimed Milwaukee Art Museum. Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, the nation's largest Native American casino, recently added a 381- room luxury hotel to its property. Milwaukee's heritage shines through in the city's rich tradi- tions, including some of the world's largest cul- tural and ethnic celebrations. Reunion participants can enjoy the out- doors with views of Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline from Veterans Park, or con- tact Milwaukee Kayak Company which rents kayaks (tandem and single), canoes and stand up paddle boards to families with children ages five and older. The city's African-American culture is celebrated in the northside Bronzeville and Garfield Park areas, while the United Community Center and Layton Boulevard West are centers for Hispanic, Hmong and African-American com- munities. Arts and cultural offerings are varied, with something to satisfy every family member, young or old. From the Betty Brinn Children's Museum, where children ages 10 and under can have a blast exploring hands-on exhibits that make learning fun, to the Milwaukee County Zoo, where family members can see the king of the jungle and slithering, swimming and swinging creatures, take a ride on the steam-powered Safari Train, get a bird's eye view on the Sky Trail zip line, ropes course and climbing wall or enjoy the colorful menagerie on the Zoo's carousel. For more information, contact Visit Milwaukee at (800) 576-6466 or www.visitmilwaukee.org. Dining out on Milwaukee RiverWalk African American Library in Fort Lauderdale