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B M & T ••• September/October 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 22 BALTIMORE, MD No matter what size family reunion you are planning, Baltimore is the perfect location to celebrate. And Visit Baltimore's family reunion planning ideas provide you with the inspiration to start planning your family reunion in Baltimore. In addition, their dedicated and knowl- edgeable reunion planning staff can help with hotel leads and tour planning. They'll help you discover all the fun , excitement, and excep- tional entertainment you want during your family reunion in Baltimore. Among the free Baltimore reunion planning resources you will find an array of brochures, guides and maps available that incudes information on group dining options, unique party and reception sites, accommodations and much more. Just request a packet from Visit Baltimore – it's that simple. You can also download a family reunion planner and budget worksheet from Visit Baltimore's website. No family reunion in Baltimore would be complete with experi- encing Inner Harbor. Baltimore's Inner Harbor has many stories to tell, from its heyday in the 18th century as the nation's leading ship- building site, to a major site for oyster canning, steel working, rail- road building, immigration port and military supply center. In 1980, the Inner Harbor area underwent a major revitalization with the addition of many attractions, hotels, restaurants and shops. Today, the Inner Harbor is a major tourist destination and port of call for cruise ships. The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, a major Inner Harbor tourist des- tination, highlights the history and accom- plishments of Maryland's African-American community, fea- turing exhibitions, resource centers, a cafe and a gift shop. In nearby Oliver, the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, America's first wax museum of African-American history and culture, features more than 150 life-size and lifelike wax figures. For more information contact Visit Baltimore at (877) BALTIMORE or www.baltimore.org . BATON ROUGE, LA With plenty of opportunities to explore the history, culture, music, and food, Baton Rouge offers family reunions the perfect setting for fun and play. Family members will find Baton Rouge is the perfect place to experience great music, attractions, adventures and activities. From the distinct tastes of the local cuisine to the soulful sounds of blues, gospel, Cajun & Zydeco, Baton Rouge cel e- brates life to the fullest. You can choose from an array of unique attractions guaranteed to please every age group and interest. For example, the whole family is sure to enjoy Audubon of the Americas, which immerses you in an underwater world. The colors of a Caribbean reef come alive in their walk-through tunnel, while penguins and Southern sea otters enchant you with their antics. Touch a stingray, fe ed a parakeet, and marvel at gigantic sharks, tarpon, and rays in the 400,000 gallon Gulf of Mexico Exhibit. On the other hand, the 13th Gate is the Ultimate Haunted House, and definitely for the more adventurous family mem- bers. Journey through 13 very frightening themed indoor and outdoor areas where your worst nightmares come true and any- thing can happen. From crawling though a crematory oven and an old hearse to being lost in dark underground tunnels or even finding yourself standing on a rickety bridge overlooking hun- dreds of live snakes, this 40,000 sq. ft. haunted house is definite- ly not recommended for the faint of heart! Other possibilities include Baton Rouge Raceway, Baton Rouge Zoo, Bell of Baton Rouge Casino, Cajun Pride Swamp Tours, Laser Tag of Baton Rouge, and Liberty Lagoon water park. For history and culture buffs, the Odell S. Williams Now and Then Museum Vistiors at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum