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easy 45-minute drive from Buffalo). The Buffalo Audubon Society has operated this 324-acre nature preserve for more than 50 years. It offers public access to an 8-mile network of trails that feature a variety of beautiful landscapes and scenic views. Of course, no trip to the area would be complete without a visit to the leg- endary Niagara Falls. Even in the dead of winter they are a beautiful and awe- some sight to behold. Millions of tourists from around the world continue to come by plane, train and automobile to experience the grandeur of Niagara Falls. World-class attractions like the Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds await the visitor who makes the short 20-minute drive from downtown Buffalo to Niagara Falls. You'll savor the spectacular views, the thundering roar, the delicate mists and shimmering rain- bows of this true national treasure. Take a family photo overlooking the Falls at Terrapin Point in Frederick Law Olmsted's lush, beautiful and natural Niagara Falls State Park. Amid the dis- tractions and developments of modern life, the Park still provides a glimpse of the original splendor that awaited the first visitors to the region. This is the Falls at its best. When you've had your fill of the Falls (if that's possible), Buffalo offers an array of tours to match any interest, from Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece Darwin Martin House, to the Under- ground Railroad experience, to Forest Lawn Cemetery, to the magnificent legacy of Buffalo's stained glass church windows. For more information call (800) BUFFALO or visit visitbuffaloniagara- .com O TORONTO, CANADA ur neighbor to the north is one of the most diverse and dynamic cities on the planet. Toronto is heralded as one of themostmulticultur- al cities in the world and is ranked as the safest large metropolitan area in North America by Places Rated Almanac. Over 140 languages and dialects are spoken here, and just over 30 per cent of Toronto residents speak a language other than English or French at home. Couple out on a date, Torinto If you think all you'll find in Toronto are frozen tundra and ice sickles, you are grosslymisinformed. For instance, did you know that Toronto has a thriving arts and culture community that takes back seat to none? In fact, Toronto has more muse- ums than you can imagine – everything from shoes to sugar and ceramic art to textiles and television. Want more? There are 125 museums and public archives in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Nine of these are Toronto City museums. There are over 50 ballet and dance companies, six opera companies and two symphony orchestras. Two hun- dred pieces of public art and monuments add to Toronto's landscape in addition to the over 2,000 moveable works of fine art on display in public buildings such as City Hall and the civic centers. Toronto has the largest number of art schools of any North American city. Toronto is home to Canada's only college diploma program in comedy. Shtick is a compulsory subject. Millions attend Toronto's three biggest annual parades: Gay Pride, Caribana and Santa Claus parades. More than one mil- lion visitors sample the Greek cuisine of Danforth Avenue every year at the Taste of the Danforth festival. There are more than 1,000 festivals and events in Toronto year round. Toronto is recognized as the third- largest theatre centre in the English-speak- ing world, after New York and London with over 90 venues in the Greater Toronto Area. Toronto's diversity manifests itself in its colorful neighborhoods and regions, creat- ing a rich mosaic of cultures and lifestyles. With more than 100 cultures celebrated in Greater Toronto, visitors can enjoy art, ideas and cuisine from around the world, all within easy reach of each other. In addition to art and culture, recre- ational opportunities abound, everything from shopping sprees at Toronto's hip shops, and green adventure at year round area gardens and outdoor venues, to family fun at the Ontario Science Centre and nightlife in the city's Entertainment District, you'll never be at a loss for things to do during your winter getaway. For more information call (800) 499- 2514 or visit www.seetorontonow.com uncover the city's past while enjoying its distinctively modern edge. Year round Boston's calendar is brim- B ming with exceptional musical and theatri- cal productions and annual performances, new exhibitions and timeless favorites, walking tours or trolley tours, ethnic festi- vals and festivals of Food & Wine. A walk through the Public Garden is simply delightful – whether winter or springtime. Boston Harbor offers a multi- tude of activities from harbor cruises at high noon to romantic sails at sunset, from whale watches out on the ocean to peo- ple-watching along the new HarborWalk. Boston shops and galleries are inviting any time of year whether you're a serious and seasoned shopper, a bona-fide bargain hunter or a whimsical window shopper. You can browse glass-enclosed arcades, meander open-air marketplaces and stroll among independent brownstone bou- tiques. Continued on page 37 Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 35 oston is a wonderful blend of styl- ish sophistication and historic New England charm. You can easily BOSTON, MA