Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/910090
B M & T ••• September/October 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 48 AREA GUIDES S O U T H C A R O L I N A MEET IN PALMETTO STATE AND YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED B Y R U F U S M C K I N N E Y South Carolina's beautiful scenery extends from the rolling hills of the Upcountry to the glistening lakes of the midlands and the wide, white sandy beaches of its 200-mile Atlantic coastline. The state has a rich history documented by attractive plantations and the north- western foothills, where fierce battles were fought during the Civil War. Charleston, situated on the coast, is a popular tourist destination and site of the first permanent English settlement. Myrtle Beach, a popular resort city famous for its golf, is centered on the sun-drenched 60-mile stretch of coastline on the northern border. Hilton Head, a narrow, barrier island, has 12 miles of beautiful beaches, unspoiled forest, world-class golf courses, tennis resorts, and a relaxed, laid back lifestyle. The state is accessible from several international gateways, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati, New York, Philadelphia and Raleigh/Durham airports, with connecting services to domestic air- ports. Now that the Confederate Flag issue has been resolved, the time has come for African-Americans and other people of color to explore this history rich state and let the past be the past. ••CHARELSTON•• Charleston is a world-class destination, with an easily accessible airport, beautiful beaches, historic surroundings, highly acclaimed restaurants and shopping galore. Anchoring the area's meeting industry is the much-touted Charleston Area Convention Center Campus. Conveniently located in North Charles- ton, the Campus features more than 150,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and exhibit space and an adjoining Performing Arts Center. Steps away are the North Charleston Coliseum and the Embassy Suites Hotel. Combined, the campus is the largest of its kind in the Southeast, and meeting professionals are delighted to now have a home for their larger con- ventions. Accommodations range from proper- ties like 434-room Belmond Charleston Place (40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space), the 255-room Kiawah Island Resort (47,000 sq. ft.), the 525-room Wild Dunes Resort (50,000 sq. ft.) and the 255-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Area Convention Center (144,000 sq. ft.), to the 235-room Francis Marion Hotel (20,000 sq. ft.), the 113- room Hyatt House Charleston – Historic House (8,700 sq. ft.), the 127-room TownePlace Suites Charleston Airport/- Convention Center (500 sq. ft.) and everything in between. History buffs will be fascinated by the Gullah culture that's so much a part of the African-0Ammeriican legacy in South Carolina. Gullah, the language spoken by the Lowcountry's first Black inhabitants, as well as the Gullah culture, still thrive today in and around the Charleston/- Beaufort, South Carolina region. Gullah Tours explores the places, history, and stories that are relevant to the rich and varied contributions made by Black Charlestonians. As the name implies, the Gullah language, native to the Charleston area, is featured on much of the tour. Of course, if Gullah was spoken throughout the tour, you would not understand, nor would you enjoy the beautiful and inter- esting sites of Charleston. Your tour guide, Alphonso Brown, is a native of Rantowles, South Carolina, a rural com- munity of Charleston, and is fluent in the Gullah language and familiar with many of the Gullah customs. ••COLUMBIA•• Make sure your next event is the most successful ever by meeting in Columbia. Here in the heart of South Carolina, visi- tors experience the excitement of a thriv- ing metropolis with a proud past rich in history and tradition. With over 537,449 sq. ft. of meeting space available in the region (including a 142,500-sq. ft. Convention Center), there are several conventional & unconventional facilities to choose from for your next event. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Belmont Charleston Placew 434 Kiawah Island Resort 255 Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Area 255 Francis Marion Hotel 2351 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Charleston Area Convention Center total meeting/exhibit space150,000 sq. ft. largest hall 77,000 sq. ft. larg est ballroom 25,000 sq. ft. meeting rooms 21 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Charleston Area CVB – (800) 868-8118 www.meetcharleston.com Photo Credit Charleston Area CVB Charleston Aerial View