Black Meetings & Tourism - Feature Unique 3

The George Washington Carver Museum is part of the Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site and is located on the campus of Tuskegee University. The main exhibit area of the museum houses artifacts and chronicles the life and achievements of George Washington Carver. The museum is also dedicated to the history of Tuskegee University. There are films on the lives of Carver and Booker T. Washington, founder of Tuskegee.

Tuskegee is the crème-de-la-crème of African-American history. In addition to Carver's great accomplishments, visitors to the museum can learn about Daniel "Chappie" James the first African-American four-star general, or Rosa Park, the pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement and of course the Tuskegee Airmen.

Just 40 miles from Montgomery and 150 miles from Atlanta, a trip to this museum would be a great educational opportunity and a good addition to a meeting or convention. Campus tours to the museum and other historical sites can be arranged through the university.

The nearby Kellogg Conference Center located on the Tuskegee campus is a great gathering point for visiting the nearby museum. The full service hotel is a combination of Southern grandeur and stately Georgian architecture. The hotel has 108 rooms and features 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The ballroom can accommodate up to 350 guests.

The Kellogg Conference Center comes with its own event-planning department to coordinate your gathering and catering needs. The Center can accommodate luncheons, cocktails with hors d'oeuvres and/or elegant sit-down dinners.

For more information contact (334) 727-6390 or www.nps.gov/tuin.

GAMBLE HOUSE - Pasadena, CA

Many of you have probably never heard of the Gamble House. It's another one of those jewels on the Southern California landscape that is well worth a visit. Located in Pasadena just minutes north of downtown Los Angeles and east of Hollywood, the house and architecture is a National Historic Landmark. Charles and Henry Greene designed Gamble House in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter and Gamble Company in the style of the American Arts and Crafts movement. The craftsmanship and attention to detail is exquisite.

Guided tours are available Thursday through Saturday from noon to 3pm. Flat shoes are required. Slippers will be provided for those in heels.

For you art buffs, the bookstore at Gamble House has numerous books and periodicals on the Arts and Crafts Movement, Art Nouveau, Tiffany glass, Japanese joinery, and more.

If you are planning a meeting or convention in Pasadena there is ample top-rated hotel space in the city making for easy transit between your hotel and Gamble House.

The Gallery of the home has been the site of receptions and numerous luncheons with wine served on the rear terrace of the home.

You would have to call the house to find out if they can accommodate your group. The house holds up to 100 people for an indoor reception, 60 for a banquet and 150 for an outdoor reception. Keep in mind, this is Southern California and the year-round weather makes this home perfect for those intimate and classy gatherings.

For more information contact (626) 793-3334 or gamblehouse.org.

INTERURBAN RAILWAY MUSEUM - Plano, TX

This museum, less than 20 miles from Dallas served as a primary stop on the Texas Electric Railway between Denison, TX and "Big D" beginning in 1908. In 1990 the building was restored and converted into a museum. Among the many exhibits is an authentic restoration of the railway depot and train car. You will see numerous artifacts such as conductor's uniforms, train seats and a variety of equipment used during its time.

The Interurban Railway had a significant impact on changing rural life during its heyday as it ended the isolation of farmers in throughout Northeast Texas. Those trains were responsible for bringing the mail, salesman and new products to farming communities, while allowing farmers and their families easier access to the big city.

The advent of the automobile led in part to the railway's demise in the late 1940's. This museum is a designated National Historic Landmark.

The advent of the automobile led in part to the railway's demise in the late 1940's. This museum is a designated National Historic Landmark.

Being so close to Dallas makes this a great excursion from the bright lights of the big city, if even for a few hours.

The museum is located within the confines of Haggard Park in downtown Plano. The park has ample space for a picnic or some other outdoor gathering. The museum is open Monday - Saturday and admission is free.

For more information contact (972) 941-2117.

LUCY FLORENCE CULTURAL CENTER - Leimert Park, CA

It's amazing what you can discover about the city of Los Angeles once you get away from the bright lights of Hollywood or the glitz and glamour of a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game. In the middle of this sprawling urban metropolis sits one of the most vibrant areas of the city, Leimert Park. It was probably year 10 of my 20-year stay in Los Angeles that I first visited Leimert Park. I met a friend at the Lucy Florence Coffee House and proceeded to spend the next several hours walking the streets, looking through the art gallery and listening to the music emanating from the various shops I encountered during my journey.

The Lucy Florence Cultural Center is the hub of activity in the African-American community. This is where culture, community, business, good entertainment and great food all come together. The Center offers classes on wellness, beauty and cooking. The theater allows the creative juices of actors and playwrights to unfold. And many a musical act has used this center to hone their skills and launch their careers. The Center also has several recurring events including a comedy night if your group needs a few laughs.

The Center can host parties, movies, receptions, business mixers, business dinners and more.

For more information contact (323) 293-1356 or lucyflorence.com