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B M & T ••• November/December 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 36 MARYLAND More than any other state, Maryland has prob- ably 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 her- itage, Mary-land 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 air- port. 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 is famous for its beautiful waterfront, world-class museums, one-of-a-kind attrac- tions, three centuries of history and much more. The city also boasts great transportation, hundreds of accommo- dation options, an impressive array of over 130 attrac- tions, and expert planning assistance – everything needed to make your next meeting or convention there a success. Baltimore's premiere destination is the Inner Harbor with shops, restaurants and attractions all within a few city blocks. It's just steps from the Baltimore Convention Center, the Maryland Science Center and the National Aquarium with over 16,500 animals and a wonderful Dolphin Show. Baltimore also celebrates its diversity with festivals and events that spotlight its multicultural heritage, the African-American, Hispanic and Asian communities, and its LGBT pride. Planners will be pleased to hear that dozens of facili- ties – from casual to elegant and hip to exquisitely tradi- tional – can accommodate intimate, banquet-style gather- ings or receptions that draw thousands of guests. The city's central venue is the Baltimore Convention Center, which can accommodate up to 75 percent of today's meetings and conventions with 300,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 50 flexible meeting rooms and a 36,000-sq. ft. ball- room. Another possibility is the Baltimore Arena, just a short walk from the Convention Center, offering 11,000 perma- nent seats and space for 3,000-plus temporary floor seats. The Arena can accommodate events ranging from 5,000 people to more than 14,000. Plus, there are seven connect- ing meeting rooms available for small functions. Finding accommodations in Baltimore for your guests and attendees is never a challenge. There are more than 8,500 hotel rooms (5,500 committable) around the Inner Harbor and the Baltimore Convention Center, and thou- sands more just a short ride away. All of the major brands are here, along with charming inns and bed and break- fasts. The Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards offers 524 sleeping rooms and 18,600 sq. ft. of meet- is he o ns r- y n st or x k. An Na Do Be Do sai Mu 27 gro co po Mu rol Pr Joh ul MAINE The Pine Tree State is also known as "Vacationland" features a unique natural setting with a spectacular 5,000- mile coastline, a mountainous interior, 6,000 lakes and 32,000 miles of rivers. Visitors to southern Maine will see beaches, resort communities 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 watching, 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 eastern- most lighthouse in the U.S. The outstanding Maine cui- sine will almost assuredly feature their famous lobster. The outstandi M ine will almost Picturesque Maine resort setting A e r i a l S k y l i n e B a l t i m o r e