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TOURISM NEWS&NOTES 
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MAY 2019
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. 
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CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE 90'S MUSICAL
MGM National Harbor - May 1 
(One Show Only)
 
Laurel Mill Playhouse, Laurel

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Harmony Hall Arts Center, Fort Washington

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CAMPUS-DANDY: UMD WINS "BEST VENUES" AWARD, 3RD YEAR IN A ROW
University of Maryland Conferences & Visitor Services adds their 8th UV award in four years...
Whoaaaaa...Terrapin Takeover! The venues and services avail at the University of Maryland College Park (UMD) are once again being honored. 

For the third consecutive year, UMD and its Conferences & Visitor Services department have been awarded Unique Venues' BEST VENUE FOR YOUTH/SPORTS GROUPS for 2018.

No surprise to us as UMD is a hot spot for the youth sports segment. "Each summer, sports camps run by Big Ten Conference coaches combine with college immersion, special studies, and STEAM programs to create a thriving campus," says Joseph E. Criscuoli, Marketing, Sales, Publications & Outreach Coordinator for the Conferences & Visitor Services. 

Options at UMD are unparalleled for youth groups, including a suburban location near the nation's capital with 8,000 beds, two-layer security in the residence halls, plus two dining halls where younger attendees can convene together.  In addition, UMD can provide in-house motorcoach charters that make ground transpo to nearby Annapolis, B'more, and DC a breeze for additional educational components.

UMD was also named a Runner-Up in the BEST HIGH TECH VENUE category. Recognized was the new Edward St. John Learning & Teaching Center positioned at the forefront of active-engagement. Its 186,000 SF holds twelve collaboration spaces,  seating from 42 to 334 attendees, offering a range of sizes and layouts. 
 
HOW DO YOU BECOME THE BEST OF THE BEST? Each year, event planner resource, Unique Venues, recognizes the standout campuses, conference & business centers, sports arenas, historical & cultural venues, camps & retreat centers, and other special event venues that made a more-than-lasting impression on guest in the past year.

In just four years, UMD's Conferences & Visitor Services department has tallied eight UV "Best Of Awards" in a variety of categories . Well done TEAM TERRAPIN!
 
Milkboy Arthouse, College Park

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IN CONCERT: THE TEMPTATIONS & THE FOUR TOPS
MGM National Harbor - May 2
 
Montpelier Arts Center, Laurel

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GROUP SKYWALKER: REGION'S LARGEST AIR SHOW RETURNS TO JOINT BASE ANDREWS
JBA Air Show will feature the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels, along with vintage aircraft, expo and interactive exhibits May 11 & 12...
This is big, really BIG. The region's largest air affair, the JOINT BASE ANDREWS AIR & SPACE EXPO returns May 11 & 12. 

Held every other year by the Defense Dept, the flight extravaganza draws over 300 thousand adoring fans of all ages. This year's dynamic event features the USAF Thunderbirds, USN Blue Angels, the Golden Knights Parachute Jump Team, USAF Heritage Flight, the Geico Skytypers, Commemorative P-51 Redtail, the Shock Wave Jet Truck, and an extended list of aerial magic. 

The Joint Base Andrews Air & Space Expo is FREE and open to the general public on both days, 9 am-5 pm. Guests may purchase optional PREMIUM seating tickets for either day.

IMPORTANT NOTE: General public access to JBA is only via authorized shuttle buses from FedExField. Personal vehicles are not permitted on the installation. The last shuttle bus departs FedExField at 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday.
 
Joe's Movement Emporium, Mount Rainier

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ANTHONY BROWN & GROUP THERAPY
First Baptist Church of Glenarden Worship Center - May 3
 
Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex, Landover

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OLLI-BABA: NAT-TESTED AUTONOMOUS SHUTTLE, CRUISES INTO NEXT PHASE 
After test laps at National Harbor, the next phase for "Olli" autonomous vehicles is Fort Myers in Arlington...
This may be "age" defining us, but the first time we saw this rolling toaster at National Harbor, we murmured, "ain't this some shizzy drizzle." 

And, as it confidently made its way past - oh so purposefully, with no driver in sight - we couldn't help but break into vintage TV theme song, THE JETSONS...Meet George Jetson,  His boy Elroy,  Daughter Judy,  Jane his wife."

What we were witnessing was no cartoon though. It was  OLLI, the autonomous shuttle by Local Motors (LM). 

Needless to say, seeing the new-age, people-mover slow rolling a select route at National Harbor was beyond illuminating.  

Now, Olli moves on to its next DC-area test track. Last month, Local Motors (which has a multidimensional sales and demonstration facility at the NAT) announced it  will soon bring its autonomous shuttle to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBMHH) in Arlington, VA.

After being selected as the most viable use-case scenario for the self-driving shuttle (as part of LM's series of Fleet Challenges), JBMHH will receive Olli for trial use.  The Olli fleet will roll across the base for about three months, along routes that will include more than a dozen stops .

And, it appears Olli is just getting started. As we speak, LM is reviewing proposals submitted for its next Fleet Challenge that could send Olli to another test site within the DMV.   

Olli, which employs a responsive cognitive function, is an environmentally-friendly vehicle designed to change the future of mobility. A safe and efficient shuttle, Olli is a viable and sustainable transportation option for cities, companies, hospitals, campuses, stadiums, entertainment districts and any other location where people need to move from one place to another.

ROLL ON "OLLI"...WITH YOUR BAD SELF!
 
Riversdale House Museum, Riverdale

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NATIONAL HARBOR WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
National Harbor - May 4 & 5
 
The Clarice, UMD, College Park

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BIG BEE-HIVE: NATIONAL SPELLING FRENZY HAPPENING THIS MONTH AT GNAT
National Spelling Bee & Bee Week brings hundreds of champion spellers and their families to Gaylord National, May 28-30...
Koinonia...may I have the definition please?
Koinonia...may I have the country of origin please?
Koinonia...may I hear it in a sentence please? 
K-O-I-N-O-N-I-A...Koinonia!!!

May 28-30, known as National BEE WEEK, is when the nation's top spellers descend on National Harbor for the SCRIPPS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE

An annual staple at the beautiful Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, the intense competition culminates with the championship finale on Thurs, May 30 - broadcast live on ESPN and its platforms at 8:30 pm.

In 2018, Karthik Nemmani of Scoggins Middle School in McKinney, TX was indeed the "Last Kid Standing", winning the National Spelling Bee championship & hardware with the word: 
K-O-I-N-O-N-I-A...Koinonia. 

BEE EVER WONDERFUL:  The Scripps National Spelling Bee - which began in 1925 - is the nation's largest and longest-running educational program.  Participants include spelling champions from across the United States, as well as the Bahamas, Canada, the People's Republic of China, Ghana, Japan, Jamaica, Mexico, and New Zealand. The prestigious educational competition is also open to spelling champions from U.S. territories such as Guam, American Samoa, the Navajo Nation, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with overseas military bases in Germany and South Korea.  
 
Montpelier Arts Center, Laurel

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LEGENDARY NIGHTS VI
MGM National Harbor - May 5
 
Montpelier Mansion Historic Site, Laurel

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SPRING FORWARD: PGC'S NEWEST EXTENDED-STAY PROP NOW OPEN IN G'BELT
County's third WoodSpring Suites hotel opens at Greenway Center, off 193 in Greenbelt...
Ok, now we're official. Originally anticipated to debut late March, the new WOODSPRING SUITES WASHINGTON DC GREENBELT (WSS) is now open.

Located at 7480 Greenway Center Drive (on the far end of the Greenway Shopping Center), it is an all-suites, extended-stay prop just off Greenbelt Road and the BW Parkway. 
 
Features include three suite layouts with in-room kitchens, queen or king-sized beds, non-smoking, and pet-friendly. There is also a fitness room, guest laundry room, and complimentary basic wi-fi. 
 
This is the county's third WoodSpring Suites. We have the WoodSpring Suites Washington DC Andrews AFB in Camp Springs and the recently-opened WoodSpring Suites Washington DC East Arena Drive in Hyattsville/Largo. All three properties are developed and managed by Sandpiper Hospitality of Richmond, VA. 
 
Harmony Hall Arts Center, Fort Washington

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ROCKTOPIA
MGM National Harbor - May 9
 
Laurel Mill Playhouse, Laurel

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YES, WE'RE BOARD: CAFE FEATURING OLD SCHOOL GAMES IS A WELCOMED CHANGE
The Board & Brew Cafe in College Park is among a new wave of spots offering vintage and new board game play as the attraction......
Remember a time, before the proliferation of mind-numbing, finger-twitching video games? When family and friends would gather around the table to play a round of Monopoly, Battleship, Game of Life, Operation? Or, how about Rock'Em Sock'Em Robots?

Well, there's a place in College Park that will refresh your memory and possibly cause you to create new ones. THE BOARD AND BREW CAFE is a welcomed reprieve from the ordinary.

Located at 8150 Baltimore Ave, the vibe is warm and cozy, much life a family room. Games are plentiful. The variety includes games you know, games you grew up with, sprinkled with a dash of unique and new school. There is truly something for everyone.

B&B's motto is EAT, DRINK, GAME. Open breakfast, lunch and dinner, you'll find light fare that includes delectable small plates, sandwiches, soups, and salads. Featured are hand-brewed coffees, Expresso drinks, teas, floats, milk shakes, wine, and craft beer.

So, if you're feeling a bit "board" and need a change, head over to Board and Brew. Where every day is GAME ON!   
 
Harmony Hall Arts Center, Fort Washington

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TOM JOYNER - ONE MORE TIME EXPERIENCE
MGM National Harbor - May 10
 
New Carrollton Branch Library, New Carrollton

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WELL PRESERVED: 40TH ANNUAL EVENT PUTS HISTORIC HY-VILLE PROPS ON FULL BLAST 
The Historic Hyattsville House Tour gives a portrait of one of the county's most eclectic and diverse historic areas...
The heritage of Hyattsville will be on full display, May 19, for the 40th HISTORIC HYATTSVILLE HOUSE TOUR 

Presented by the Hyattsville Preservation Association, the self-guided tour will feature homes of various styles and periods including Ash Hill, the home Presidents Grant and Cleveland often lodged in.
 
The tour features five homes that are listed on  the Prince George's County Register of Historic Sites, as well as five homes that compliment these sites. Tour-goers will receive an informative booklet with a map showing the sites. All but one of the houses are within walking distance and may be seen in any order at visitor's own pace. 
 
The tour starts at Hyattsville Municipal Building and runs from 1-5 pm.  Advance tickets for the Tour are available at Franklins General Store  in Hyattsville until May 18th.

 
Montpelier Arts Center, Laurel

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MAIN STREET FESTIVAL
Laurel, MD - May 11
 
The Publick Playhouse, Cheverly

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HARBOR BOUND: PGC'S 2ND HYATT WILL BE HEADED WATERFRONT WAY
The county will get its second Hyatt property, by way of National Harbor, in late 2020...
A HYATT PLACE is on its way to National Harbor's waterfront. Build has begun on what will be a 156-room prop - at the site that was previously used as a small parking lot and 12-stall Tesla Supercharger station (which has been moved to the Fleet Street Garage).

Where exactly are we talking? The multi-story, extended-stay prop will be situated in the space directly next to The Tasting Room Wine Bar & Shop on Waterfront Street.  As many as half the rooms will have Potomac River views. And, the plan also includes ground floor restaurant/bar with outdoor seating and 1.7K SF of flex meeting space. 

Expected to debut late 2020, the new Hyatt Place is being developed by South Carolina-based OTO Development"Our new Hyatt Place will complement National Harbor's current mix of hotels and resorts, offering a pet-friendly option with thoughtfully designed guest rooms and social spaces," says Corry Oakes, President/CEO of OTO Development.

Hyatt Place was rated the #1 Upscale Brand in the 2018 Business Travel News Hotel Brand Survey. Factors for its popularity include fresh design concept, larger guest rooms, healthy food and fitness options, 24/7 dining, and brand consistency.

Officially, this will be the county's second Hyatt property. The initial Hyatt, a 120-room HYATT HOUSE, is on the books for Riverdale Park Station in Riverdale Park. The Hyatt House will be located just behind the  Whole Foods-anchored retail building at the Riverdale Park M-T-X site. Originally envisioned to open last year, it is currently listed as opening early 2020. 
 
The Clarice, UMD, College Park

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GATEWAY OPEN STUDIO TOUR - Over 200 Artists & 45 Venues
Along the Route 1 Corridor - May 11
 
Joe's Movement Emporium, Mount Rainier

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FINN IS IN: THE NAT TAPS PROGRESSIVE PR AGENCY AS NEW WORDSMITH
The region's premiere waterfront destination chooses a worldly player to handle PR, partnerships and more...
Speaking of NATIONAL HARBOR, there's a new, seasoned player repping the region's top waterfront destination. The National Harbor Convention & Visitors Association (NHCVA) has named global marketing & communications firm  FINN Partners as its new PR Agency of Record. 

The firm will spearhead a full PR program including media relations, partnerships, promotions, and a visiting journalist program for media awareness building. 

According to Josh Winston , NHCVA's Director of Tourism, "FINN has a proven track record of elevating the allure of destinations and increasing visitor traffic. Their deep expertise will add value to our partners and to our goal of offering a best-in-class experience."

FINN's New York office will lead the account, joining the Travel & Lifestyle practice's deep roster of clients including Air France-KLM, Greater Fort Lauderdale, I Love NY, Jamaica Tourist Board, British Airways, Crystal Cruises, Vacations by Rail, and Westin Hotels & Resorts.
  
"From world class hotels and boutiques to restaurants and entertainment, National Harbor has so much to offer residents and visitors alike," said Gail Moaney, founding managing partner, FINN, and director of the firm's global Travel & Lifestyle practice.  "Given our expertise in both the travel and lifestyle sectors, this was a natural fit for us and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship."  
 
The Publick Playhouse, Cheverly

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MATCHROOM BOXING/Heavyweight Bout: Usyk vs. Takam
MGM National Harbor - May 25
 
Bowie High School Annex, Bowie 

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MAY - 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.
MAY Events >>       
 
Riverdale House Museum, Riverdale Park

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IN CONCERT: COLLECTIVE SOUL & GIN BLOSSOMS
MGM National Harbor - May 26
 
Harmony Hall Arts Center, Fort Washington

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9200 Basil Court, Suite 101,  Largo, MD 20774
301.925.8300 |  visitorinfo@co.pg.md.us

 

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