An All-American vacation: the 9/11 tragedy has prompted many to seek summer fun close to home - Brief Article

Ebony, May, 2002

Because of the state of the economy, and the mushrooming number of bargain rates and fares, travel experts are touting so-called backyard vacations to All-American vacation sites within driving distance or a relatively short plane trip.

Quiet as it's kept, beaches and saunas and worldclass theme parks are only a highway away.

Airlines and trains are offering bargain rates for the whole family.

Call your travel agent today or check the Internet for the best bargains.

THE 9/11 patriotic surge has focused renewed attention on All-American vacations in states like Florida, California, Louisiana and Missouri. The whole state of Florida, for example, is a bonanza of beaches, resorts, theme parks and historical sites, and there are a number of new attractions for African-American singles and families in the Greater Miami area. Among the biggest summer attractions are the Soul Beach Music Festival (June) and the Reggae Festival (August). The state of Missouri is attracting attention with its "Check Out Your Backyard" campaign. Louis P. Hamilton, Missouri Tourism Commission chairman, says that "since the attacks of September 11, travelers are staying closer to home, and this has led us to focus our efforts to encourage travelers to take weekend getaways that are within a four. hour drive." Among Missouri high. lights are Kansas City's Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and Juneteenth Heritage & Jazz Festival, and St. Louis' Black World History Museum and Portfolio Gallery and Educational Center. Don't miss the St. Louis Walk of Fame and the renowned Blueberry Hill, where, if you're lucky, you might catch Chuck Berry sitting in at a late-night set.

A different kind of backyard vacation is available on cruise ships that offer Black. oriented vacations, replete with motivational speakers, business and career seminars and down-home partying. One of the highlights of the National Professionals Network's cruise (July 26-August 4) is an International Night of Elegance (above), featuring celebrities like Bishop T. D. Jakes. Tom Joyner's Fantastic Voyage cruise (May 25-June 1) has become an "in" thing for savvy travelers.