Woooooow...this is big. We mean "B-I-G" big! One of America's largest, most unique educational exhibits is making its way to National Harbor. 

The AIR FORCE ONE EXPERIENCE - a complete, full-scale replica of Air Force One - will be in residence at the NAT and welcoming guests, October 19 thru January 6. 

The larger-than-life exhibit comes by way of the  Children's Democracy Project (CDP). It was c reated to inspire the next generation of leaders and is focused on connecting young people (actually, anyone for that matter) with the principles of American democracy through a relatable and exciting experience.

Inside and out, no detail has been overlooked and no expense has been spared in this re-creation of one of America's (and the world's) most famous iconic symbols. CDP spent years transforming a regular 747 jumbo jet into a museum-quality exhibit - with all the bells and whistles.

SO, HOW DO YOU LAND "AIR FORCE ONE" AT NATIONAL HARBOR? You don't. The Air Force One Experience is making its way by barge from Rhode Island. In its only DMV/B'more metroplex appearance, it is scheduled to arrive at National Harbor on October 1, between 6-10 am.  Then, the plane will be lifted by cranes into its landing pad (at 701 Waterfront Street) adjacent to the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. 

And, for all you picture takers out there, seeing this baby float its way down the Potomac River (on a barge) and then hoisted onto its pad...now that's a photo opp!

At the 2018 MARYLAND CRAFT BEER COMPETITION, two Prince George's County based brew houses walked away with medals.

 

FRANKLINS BREWERY, located in the Gateway Arts District in Hyattsville, took home two Gold medal. CALVERT BREWING COMPANY, which has its Production Brewery & Taproom in Upper Marlboro, took home a Sliver medal.

STRONG ALES

Gold - Franklin's Brewery, Jack the Giant Killer

BELGIAN-STYLE ALES

Gold - Franklin's Brewery, Silver General

WHEAT BEER

Silver - Calvert Brewing Company, Crazy Daisy

 

Competition was stiff as Maryland has some remarkable craft beer brewers. Over 200 beers were judged by BJCP-certified beer connoisseurs across 18 categories. Being awarded a medal is a major accomplishment for every brewer. Congratulations to Franklins and Calvert Brewing Co. on their medals!

Here's a chance to meet one of nature's most majestic and misunderstood creatures, in person. The NATIONAL WILDLIFE VISITOR CENTER (at the Patuxent Research Refuge) will host a live wolf, Saturday October 20. Three showings are scheduled at 10 am, 12:30 pm, and 3 pm.

Appearing will be "Wolf Ambassador" LUTHER, a black wolf from Ironwood Wolves of Central Ohio. 

Each one-hour program includes a discussion of wolf family life, habitat, diet, and myths & facts about wolves. Guest will also learn the important role wolves play in the ecosystem, and why we should respect them - rather than fear them. 

After the program, feel free to explore the National Wildlife Visitor Center wolf exhibit and other displays. In addition, enjoy Family Fun: Wonderful Wolves, in which you can learn more about wolves with hands-on activities, games and crafts. Great for all ages. Family Fun is free and included in the price of your ticket.  Tickets are $10 (ages 13 & up; $5 (ages 12 & under). Advance tickets only, available online. No tickets will be sold at the door. 

INFO & TICKETS>>

Maryland's newest, official wine trail - the LEGACY WINE TRAIL (LWT) in Prince George's County - is gaining cred and turning heads as its young wineries craft award-winning bottles. 

The four wineries along the LWT (all located in Brandywine, how cool is that?) include Romano Vineyard & Winery (the county's first winery); Janemark Winery & Vineyard, Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards; and Gemeny Winery & Vineyard.

Recently, at the  MARYLAND GOVERNOR'S CUP COMPETITION 2018 , PGC wineries earned Best in Class, Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals:  

BEST IN CLASS

Sweet: Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards * Bliss 2017

GOLD MEDALS

Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards * Bliss 2017
Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards * Legacy 2017
Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards * MD-32 2017

SILVER MEDALS

Janemark Winery * & Vineyard * Chambourcin  2016
Janemark Winery * & Vineyard * Vidal Blanc 2016

Romano Vineyard & Winery * Chambourcin 2017

BRONZE MEDALS

Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards * Home Sweet Home 2017
Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards * Pi'Goat Blanc 2017
Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards * Red Barn 2016
Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards * RHF Russell's Reserve 2016

Romano Vineyard & Winery * Fallen Leaf 2017

AND, earlier this year, at the MARYLAND COMPTROLLER'S CUP COMPETITION 2018, PGC wineries were again among Maryland's best:

BEST IN CLASS

Red Blend: Janemark Winery & Vineyard * Aviation 2016
Off-Dry: Romano Vineyard & Winery * Fallen Leaf
Dessert: Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards * Home Sweet Home 2016

DOUBLE GOLD MEDALIST

Romano Vineyard & Winery * Fallen Leaf 2017

GOLD MEDALIST

Janemark Winery & Vineyard * Aviation 2016
Janemark Winery & Vineyard * Barbera NV
Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards * Home Sweet Home 2016
Romano Vineyard & Winery * Bald Eagle White 2017
Romano Vineyard & Winery * Fallen Leaf 2017

SILVER MEDALIST

Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards * Pi'Goat Blanc 2016

BRONZE MEDALIST

Janemark Winery & Vineyard * Mean Jane 2016
Janemark Winery & Vineyard * Vidal Blanc 2016

Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards * MD-32 2016
Romano Vineyard & Winery * Chambourcin 2017

VINO FABULOUS: Want to "wine" your way thru Merry-Land? Check out our friends at  VINO 301 Wine Concierge. Based in PGC, these wine aficionados sponsor fabulous monthly wine tasting tours and events across all of Maryland...visiting, tasting, celebrating everything wine and more. 

On October 19, at 8 pm, THE CLARICE will host a special musical performance inspired by the writings of famed author James Baldwin (and his groundbreaking essay, Notes Of A Native Son).

NOTES OF A NATIVE SONG is a jambalaya of music and message presented by award-winning singer, songwriter & author Mark "Stew" Stewart, joined by his band "The Negro Problem".  Stewart, along with his long-time collaborator Heidi Rodewald, are 2008 Tony Award winners for their Broadway rock musical "Passing Strange".

"Notes of a Native Song" features rock, jazz, and rhythm & blues songs that comment on alienation, white supremacy, love, and tolerance injected with modern observations. The production  is intentionally low-tech and intimate to drive the importance of the narrative. The vibe is framed by spoken word and video that compliment the group's original music.

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Bud Light's "Dilly, Dilly!" commercials are a riot. Especially the latest - Bud Lights For Everyone - featuring a wonderful take on Mead (an ancient wine, derived from honey).

So, it is timely that MARYLAND MEADWORKS, based in Prince George's County, brings this ancient spirit to life. 

Maryland Meadworks is located in the Gateway Arts District/Hyattsville at 4700 Rhode Island Ave.  Coming off their final soft openings on September 28-29, the Maryland Meadworks storefront and headquarters will be fully operational this month.

What Maryland Meadworks produces is handmade, high-quality honey wine (Mead) utilizing natural brewing processes. Maryland Meadworks utilizes local and regional ingredients. And, in collaboration, use honey  supplied by Prince George's County apiary, Hope Honey Farm (also based in Hyattsville). 

If you're a fan of history, or a fan a craft beer, or a fan of both, time to get on bus. The Prince George's County Historical Society is presenting the fall PGCHS Bus Tour, appropriately titled PAST THROUGH PRESENT PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, along the Patuxent. 

The tour will be held Saturday, October 13, and begins at 8:30 am.  It will wind its way through the county visiting such historic areas as Riversdale, Bladensburg, Beltsville, Marietta, Upper Marlboro, Nottingham, Mount Calvert, and more. Closing out the tour will be a visit and tasting at Calvert Brewing Co. in Upper Marlboro.

The bus boards at College Park Airport in College Park. The tour is a rain or shine event and registration is required.

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