"Goggle up" folks because this is epic. Now at Six Flags America, virtual 3D and live action come together for one over-the-top thrill ride . The first virtual reality roller coaster is here. 

The  "Superman Ride of Steel" is now equipped with Samsung's new Oculus-powered "Gear VR" headset. Slip these puppies on and whoosh, you'll feel like you're flying Caped Crusader-style. This new "ride tech" was brought about by a corporate partnership between Six Flags Entertainment and Samsung. And, it is only available at a few select Six Flags parks across the country (SFA being one of them). 

On the new Superman Virtual Reality Coaster, riders will be fully immersed in the 360-degree comic book world of Metropolis. They'll encounter Lex Luther creating chaos with an anti-gravity gun and soar along with Superman as he saves the day. 

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In the world of dine, the joint is ginormous. Directly overlooking the Beltway at Exit 13, and at a whopping 40,000 square feet (with an estimated build-out cost of $20 mill), it makes a powerful impression.

The Grand Opening of the new Dave & Buster's at the burgeoning Ritchie Station Marketplace is tentatively scheduled for April 25. New to PGC, it will be just  the third D&B location in the region (Springfield, Anne Arundel) for the nation-wide chain. And, D&B is one of several dine options in the pipeline or under consideration for the RSM. 

As for D&B, it's a family-friendly casual dine and entertainment palace featuring an extensive menu, colorful libations for adults, over $1 million in arcade games, and massive flat screens (making it a must-dine for the sportsaholic).

In the world of competitive eating (known to grandmothers everywhere as mad gluttony), NYC has Nathan's, DC has Ben's (Chili Dogs), Philly has the Cheesesteak Challenge, now National Harbor has "Peeps". 

On April 3, as part of National Harbor's Peeps Day, the National Harbor World Peeps Eating Championship will take place with an all-star roster of amateur and pro eaters.  The amateur contest begins just after noon, with the pro throw-down at 1. In the zany world of Major League Eating (yes, there is such a thing), this will be a top meet. According to emcee and MLE rep Sam Barclay, it is unusual for any eating contest to attract four of the top ten eaters as this one has. 

In addition to the eating competition, Peeps Day will include a host of kids activities, Peeps character, a "Dance Like A Peep" contest, the family movie "Up" on the Plaza jumboscreen, music, prizes, and special kids discount at The Capital Wheel. Also, select NH restaurants will enhance the day's menus with Peeps-inspired desserts and drinks.  Peeps Day runs from noon to 4 pm. The  festivities take place at National Plaza on the beautiful Potomac River waterfront. 

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Richmond-based Sandpiper Hospitality plans to develop one - possible two - extended-stay props on the vacant 5.3-acre tract at the corner of Arena Drive and Brightseat Road. 

The DSP calls for two identical 47,624 sf, four-story props.  Each will be 124 rooms. Sandpiper has the option to build one only, possibly build both, or sell the rights for the second hotel to another developer. 

As for the initial prop, the confirmed flag is WoodSpring Suites. WoodSpring is the new name and brand of the ValuePlace extended-stay props. Sandpiper currently operates the ValuePlace on Allentown Road in Camp Springs.  

Early last month, the owner of Ovation Brands (also known as Buffets LLC) placed the company into bankruptcy proceedings. Within hours, Ovation began shedding weight (to restructure debt and liabilities) by closing select Old County Buffet, HomeTown Buffet, Ryan's and other brand locations across the country. 

Caught in the crossfire was the OCB at Forest Village Park Mall (Donnell Drive) in Forestville. It officially closed March 6. 

The county's other OCB, in Laurel on Fort Meade Road, is not part of the restructuring and is fully operational. 

Quick update on an item we shared around this time last year. The coming "Art House" space in College Park is now projected to open at year's end.

Originally (and wishfully) scripted for as early as spring 2016, December now appears more likely. Art House (at 7416 Baltimore Ave) will be  restaurant, bar and music venue developed in partnership between the University of MD, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, and the MilkBoy group out of PA. MilkBoy is an entertainment company and restaurateur that will operate and manage the space. Their eclectic 200-person MilkBoy Philadelphia is the inspiration for Art House. 

Art House will fill the vacant former Barking Dog food & bar spot. Total space is 14K sq ft and there will be two floors with programming, music and performances daily.

The new Staybridge Suites Washington DC/Greenbelt is officially open. Located just off the intersection of 193 and Lanham Severn Road, the 4-story, 122-room, all-suites prop is located directly behind the Eastgate Shopping Center. It features lavish rooms, top-shelf amenities, and is one of the few pet-friendly props in the area. For dine service, it has teamed with the popular Sobe Restaurant & Lounge, also located at the Eastgate Center. The hotel is within minutes of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and close the the New Carrollton Metro/Amtrak station.   

Sometimes you can come home again. Doug Ridge, who's first hotel General Manager position was with the Greenbelt Marriott, makes his return to PGC as the new Area GM for Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.

In addition to the GNat, Ridge also takes the reigns of GNat overflow property - AC Marriott National Harbor.  Congrats Doug, and welcome back!