experience.expand.explore

TOURISM NEWS&NOTES 
    DECEMBER 2018
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PGCTourism Newsletter
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Prince George's County Tourism News&Notes is presented by the Prince George's County Conference & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the official Destination Marketing Organization of Prince George's County, Maryland. 
Optimal viewing experience is in browser. Simply CLICK the tab atop the newsletter.
 
Wellspring Manor & Spa, Upper Marlboro

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The Clarice, University of Maryland, College Park

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featuring ICE!
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Cirque Dreams Unwrapped

Gaylord National 
Resort & Convention Center
National Harbor

N ow thru Jan 1
 
The Surratt House Museum, Clinton

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FLY MY WAY: DCA & BWI TRAVELERS GET AN EYEFUL OF PGC THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Signage at Reagan National and BWI promote the exciting things to see, do and experience in PGC...
We see you Prince George's County! 

In the ongoing EXPERIENCE, EXPAND, EXPLORE! Brand Awareness Campaign, travelers can't avoid the colorful vision that is Prince George's. 

To entice thousands of travelers coming into the region, the CVB has sign placements at both Reagan National Airport and BWI Marshall Airport. 

At Reagan's busy Terminal C, the third rendition of our jumbo back-lit sign (pictured) just ended its multi-week, Thanksgiving run. Plans are for the sign to re-appear in April with new creative. And, at BWI's heavily trafficked baggage claim area, Prince George's County dominates the entire section with signage throughout covering pillars and carousels.  

WAVING THE BANNER: Such signage is part of a broader effort with the purpose of driving travel and spending into Prince George's (from local, regional and out-of-state visitors). Experience Prince George's! is in play throughout the holiday season, spring and early summer of 2019. Utilizing  stunning visuals accompanied by the county's contemporary brand mark - we're building awareness, driving consideration & visitation, and generating engagement using multiple cross-media platforms.    

SEEN IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT: The campaign helps to elevate the image of Prince George's as an important regional and national leisure travel destination. With such attractions as Six Flags America, National Harbor, the Gaylord National Resort, University of Maryland, Tanger Outlets, and the MGM Resort Casino, Prince George's County is a major economic engine and a driving force in the region.

THE RESIDUAL EFFECT: The campaign consistently conveys positive images, stories, and messaging about Prince George's , its culture, events, attractions, amenities, and quality of life. Whether here to work, live or play, you start your day as our guest.  Experience Prince George's!
 
Montpelier Arts Center, Laurel

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Jean Carne - Harmony Hall Arts Center - Dec 1
 
Montpelier Arts Center, Laurel

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CURTAIN CLOSING: E'CATHEDRAL'S MEGA MUSICAL TAKES STAGE FOR THE LAST TIME
Presenting almost 30 years of holiday joy to delighted audiences, "Christmas Celebration" takes its final bow...
One of the East Coast's holiday traditions comes to a close this month. Evangel Cathedral's long-running spectacular,  CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION, will present its final four performances on December 8 & 15. Two show each date at 12 noon and 4 pm. 

The elaborate, broadway-style production celebrates Christmas by re-creating the birth, crucifixion and triumphant ascension of Christ on stage. This Broadway-caliber musical production features the talents of renowned gospel artists Vickie Winans, Anthony Brown, Maranda Curtis, and more. Featuring a cast of over 200, e xpect to see one jaw-dropping spectacle after another -- from live camels and sheep to a laser light show, to over-the-top period costumes.

BUT, there are only four shows and tickets are limited. For additional info and tix, CLICK HERE, or call 301-249-9400.
 
Joe's Movement Emporium, Mount Rainier

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24th Annual
Saturday, December 1
10-5 pm
The Mt. Rainier Craft Fair is the place to start the holiday season. Featuring festive decor, incredible local crafters from across the DMV.

Joe's Movement Emporium
Mt. Rainier, MD
 
The Clarice, University of Maryland, College Park

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"HEY STELLAAAH": GNAT IS TOP SHELF IN NORTHEAST MEETINGS, GETS GOLD
Gaylord National, the region's largest combined hotel and meeting hub, wins a Stella Gold Award for the second year in a row...
A toast is in order! We raise our glass (of Stella Artois), as we channel the late Marlon Brando (from "A Streetcar Named Desire")... 

Here's a S-T-E-L-L-A to the GAYLORD NATIONAL RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER at National Harbor. 

GNat, the Washington DC-region's only waterfront resort, was named a 2018 STELLA GOLD AWARD winner as "Best Convention Center in the Northeast".

GNat also won this honor in the inaugural Stella Awards last year and has been the recipient of a bounty of industry and leisure awards since opening in April 2008.  Job well done to the entire GNat team!   
 
Fine & Performing Arts Center, Bowie State University, Bowie

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Holiday In The Park - Six Flags America  - Now thru Jan 1
 
Memorial Chapel, University of Maryland, College Park

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GINGERTOWN: DARNALL'S CHANCE HOSTS "BEST HOUSE" ON THE BLOCK
Local bakers, young and old, create interesting Gingerbread houses in the spirit of the holiday season, now in its 19th year...
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood and every house is shining bright. 

The 19th annual GINGERBREAD HOUSE SHOW & CONTEST is underway at Darnall's Chance in Upper Marlboro.

It's a wonderful time to visit as crafty bakers present their best builds. You'll marvel at the craftsmanship, creativity, and talent of local bakers -young and old.

And, you can vote for your favorite creation in the Viewer's Choice category.

The Gingerbread House Show & Contest is now thru Dec 2, and Dec 7-9, so get out and enjoy before its gone.

DARNALL'S CHANCE HOUSE MUSEUM is located at 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Drive in Upper Marlboro, across from the County Administration Building.
 
Brentwood Arts Exchange, Brentwood

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Festival of Lights - Watkins Regional Park  - Now thru Jan 1
 
Fine & Performing Arts Center, Bowie State University, Bowie

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MILITARY APPRECIATION: THE NAT UNVEILS ART HONORING MIL'S FIVE BRANCHES
The life-sized sculptures on America Way pay homage to the men and women who serve or have served this country, with great honor...
On Veterans' Day, NATIONAL HARBOR unveiled five iconic statues in honor of the men and women who serve in the five branches of our U.S. military - Army, Marine Corp., Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

The five statues were created by artist and sculptor Ivan Schwartz. And, are appropriately placed, with the "America's Flag" art installation as fitting backdrop. 

These new sculptures add to a burgeoning NATIONAL HARBOR PUBLIC ART component. Visible and accessible throughout the waterfront development, public art represents a multi-million dollar investment by National Harbor and the Peterson Cos. The result is amazing one-of-a-kind treasures for all to enjoy. 
 
The Publick Playhouse, Cheverly

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Paula Abdul - MGM National Harbor - Dec 2
 
Fine & Performing Arts Center, Bowie State University, Bowie

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ON THE VINE: A NEW COFFEE HOUSE/WINE BAR IN THE WORKS FOR CP
Site of former auto parts store to become a libation station and performance venue, adding to College Park's evolving landscape...
Ok, that lot on the corner of Baltimore Ave and Guilford Road in College Park has been dormant for more than a minute. But, progress is coming. 

In the wings is a new Coffee House & Wine Bar. Originally penned as the D3 Coffee & Ale House, it will be l ocated on the lot that was once the College Park Auto Parts store. 

The as-yet-built cafe will offer organic coffee, craft beers, a wine bar featuring locally-sourced wines, gourmet sandwiches, and breakfast selections. Other menu fare is being considered.

The building itself (at 7131 B'more Ave) will be two levels, with a performance space on the upper tier. Outdoor seating is also part of the vision. 

The developer is PATAK Holdings LLC. PATAK is a partnership between Paul Patel, former owner of the once Clarion College Park and Quality Inn College Park, and Michelle and Tony Akaras, operators of College Park's former PLATO'S Diner. 

Due to changes in the overall plan, buildup has been delayed. The timeline on construction should be announced soon. We'll have more news as things unfold.
 
Marietta House Museum, Glenn Dale

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Donnie & Marie Holiday - MGM National Harbor - Dec 7
 
The Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro

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LET'S RIDE: FICTION BOOK ABOUT ESCAPE OF LINCOLN ASSASSIN, ROLLS THRU PGC
Now in e-book, "Ride" follows a boy who unwittingly helps John Wilkes Booth during his escape after the assassination President Lincoln...
Prince George's County is filled with amazing history, stories, and sidebars. One of the more compelling is that of the relationship between Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth and the Surratt family of Clinton. Fact is, Booth's escape route ran right through Prince George's County. Along the way, he made a pivotal stop at the Surratt's. 

Booth frequented Surratt House (which is now the SURRATT HOUSE MUSEUM). Mary Surratt, operator of the tavern, would become central to the tragic event and judged by a court to be a co-conspirator. Sentence to death, she was the first women in U.S. history to be executed by the federal government. To this day, there are still lingering questions of her guilt.  

Needless to say, all this has inspired incredible interest in Wilkes, the infamous escape route, Mary Surratt, and the Surratt House.

Enter Six Degrees of Separation. Megan Hardgrave, a Booth/Lincoln assassination junkie, is the author of the self-published book RIDE WITH THE ASSASSIN It's a historical fiction novel focusing on the Lincoln Assassination from the  perspective  of a teenage witness. The story revolves around Mark Harris, who unwittingly helps Booth escape from Ford's Theater and is on the run with Booth as they travel for twelve days along his escape route.

Megan spent over 16 years learning every detail of this historical event and the players involved. When discussing her research, she fondly mentions being a passenger in 1996 on one of Surratt House Museum's official John Wilkes Booth Escape Route Tours. It was a key moment of discovery and helped inspire her research. 

CAN I RIDE TOO? Yes, you can. The original  JOHN WILKES BOOTH ESCAPE ROUTE TOUR, organized by the Surratt House Museum, runs select dates each year. These day-long motorcoach excursions visit the pivotal places along the route, and immerses you in history, scandal and intrigue. Upcoming tours are planned for Spring and Fall 2019. 
 
Brentwood Arts Exchange, Brentwood

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Craig Ferguson - MGM National Harbor - Dec 8
 
FedExField, Landover

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DECEMBER - EXCITING HAPPENINGS ALL THIS MONTH IN PGC!
Experience.Expand.Explore! Extraordinary things are HAPPENING this month and every month in Prince George's. The colored banners throughout "News&Notes" are just some of the many events on tap. Click them for more information and VISIT US ONLINE - ExperiencePrinceGeorges.com (or on the ExplorePrinceGeorges mobile app) for extended listings of events, exhibitions, and performances for the entire family.
DECEMBER Events>>     
 
The Publick Playhouse, Cheverly

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December 8 & 9

 Riverdale Baptist Church 
1177 Largo Road, Largo
The Living Christmas Tree is a spectacular production featuring the sights and sounds of Christmas. Each performance features dynamic holiday music performed by a symphony orchestra and an amazing choir singing from a 30-foot Christmas tree. For tickets, click here.  
 
The Clarice, University of Maryland, College Park

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Penn & Teller - MGM National Harbor - Dec 13
 
Montpelier Mansion, Laurel

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Amy Schumer -  MGM National Harbor - Dec 15 & 16
 
The Clarice, University of Maryland, College Park

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Charlie Wilson -  MGM National Harbor - Dec 19
 
Harmony Hall Arts Center, Fort Washington

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Cirque Dreams Holidaze -  MGM National Harbor - Dec 20-23
 
College Park Aviation Museum, College Park

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NYE - An 80's Celebration! -  MGM National Harbor - Dec 31
 
The Clarice, University of Maryland, College Park

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Gaylord National Resort -  National Harbor - Dec 31
 
Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, Bowie

 
FedExField, Landover

 
Wellspring Manor & Spa, Upper Marlboro

 
SoBe Restaurant & Lounge, Lanham 

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9200 Basil Court, Suite 101,  Largo, MD 20774
301.925.8300 |  [email protected]

 

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