By Lani Gering True confession…I was running wayyyyy behind in getting all of the ducks required to get this issue to print in a row so this month’s column is more of a “pictorial” from a cool “foody” event I went to in the MGM Grand in late March. The event setting was in the heart of the spring exhibit in the middle of the Conservatory, making for a pretty happenin’ backdrop. It was invitation only, so I was in the company of other media people with the majority of them being “influencers”. Still trying to wrap my head around that “profession” but…they were very busy photographing, posting and comparing as they made the rounds. Participating in the tasting were: Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, Diablo’s Cantina, TAP Sports Bar, Ginger and Osteria Costa. They are all offering spring specials, including specialty cocktails, for a limited time during the entire month of April as well as some Cherry Blossom specials through April 14th. For reservations, call 844.646.6847 or visit mgmnationalharbor.com. Don’t forget that Cherry Blossom Festival activities on the plaza in the Harbor run through the 14th as well as food and beverage specials at several restaurants in the heart of the Harbor. Voltaggio Brothers Steak House Tuna Ceviche – Big eye tuna, hibiscus ponzu, coconut crushed ice, sea bean tostada Voltaggio’s House made O’s – Chicken parmesan meatballs, arrabiata sauce Diablo’s Cantina Shrimp Ceviche – Avocado, cucumber, red onion, radish, mango, pineapple chamoy, sweet potato chips Homemade Churros – Signature churros, chili-infused Ecuadorian chocolate sauce, dulce de leche caramel sauce TAP Sports Bar BBQ Jerk Chicken Sandwich – Sweet butter rolls, crispy chicken, jerk BBQ sauce, citrus slaw, island sauce Shrimp and Grits – Sauteed shrimp, Southern grits, Cajun cream sauce, corn salsa, andouille sausage, spinach, blistered tomatoes Steak, Bacon & Cheese Turn Over – Steak, bacon cheese, peppers &…
By Lani Gering Springtime in the Harbor is fast approaching. What better way to celebrate the season than taking a stroll around the waterfront and revel in the beauty of the very first cherry blossoms in the DMV as well as participating in the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The celebrations and events at the Harbor are on a much smaller scale than those in D.C. but they are equally as impressive without the huge crowds. Springtime also means that there is “love in the air”. The 2024 Wedding Walk Showcase is a fabulous place for those of you who are thinking about tying the knot to get some inspiration for the big day and all that is entailed leading up to it. I relied on my PR pals for the Harbor to provide all of the details for these events below: National Harbor Celebrates Cherry Blossoms March 20th to April 14th National Harbor has become a prime location in the D.C. region to celebrate its spectacular (early) cherry tree display. The 350-acre resort property has more than 200 cherry blossoms. Visitors can enjoy the trees along the 1.2 mile waterfront trail that bloom earlier than those on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. This year’s festivities take place from March 20th to April 14th with National Harbor also serving as an official participant of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. In addition to National Harbor’s breathtaking waterfront views, this year’s celebration will be filled with entertainment, hotel room packages, food and drink specials, classes and more. The annual Sakura Sunday festival, an official participating event of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, will be held on Sunday, March 24th from noon to 6 p.m. and will feature free cultural activities including Japanese inspired art, music, dance, culinary delights, and a Japanese market. Throughout…
By Lani Gering For the last few years, I have dedicated the majority of the February column to the Chinese New Year themed installation in the Conservatory at the MGM Grand. I just love the Chinese New Year “stuff” and I really get excited when I go to a Chinese restaurant and they have the place mats that have all of the years and animals on them. You know, the ones that tell you who you are and aren’t compatible with, what your personality is like, etc. According to my reliable source – Chinesenewyear.net – this is the Year of the Wood Dragon. Celebrations commence on February 10th and, 2024 and runs through January 28, 2025. About said Wood Dragon…According to my web search, Wood Dragons are very lively and enthusiastic, charming their way into every social circle with a dash of self-confidence. These highly intellectual individuals quickly take advantage of every opportunity. Dragons aren’t easily discouraged in the face of difficulties (although failures do pinch their egos)! They’re somewhat perfectionists (and mysteriously lucky) who always maintain the high standards they set for themselves. Humorous and diplomatic in their ways, Wood Dragons have a sixth sense for business that no other Chinese zodiac sign possesses. Overall, people born in the Year of the Wood Dragon are considered to be the luckiest folks out there, with good fortune being their constant companion. Wood Dragons truly have a Midas touch! This year’s display, as in the past, has elements of Chinese gardens, the likes of pagodas and koi fish, along with 16,000+ flowers, massive Chinese lanterns and a glistening pond where the beautiful silk rose koi fish is frolicking. The Money Tree is back as well. As far as the animatronics go…the dragon moves his tail and his head and I do believe there are…
I have a bit of a true confession my peeps. I totally couldn’t get my ducks in a row during the holidays in time to get my column ready for publishing in this issue so…I turned to my friend Victoria Zarbo at Bendure Communications for some help. Not that I plan on getting engaged but if I was, I would definitely think any one of these suggestions would be great. Top Locations to Get Engaged at National Harbor Given that National Harbor is a popular spot for couples, it’s no surprise that the property sees a spike in engagements from December through February. With a beautiful waterfront setting, there are many options for proposal locations. “We often see couples wanting to get engaged in a memorable location and National Harbor’s gorgeous waterfront setting in all of its holiday splendor, is ideal,” said Jackie Saunders, AVP of Marketing. Top engagement locations at National Harbor that will ensure lifetime memories include: The Capital Wheel (141 American Way) hosts many engagements and provides multiple packages that include everything from a “Wheel Memories” package at $44 for two that includes a photo in addition to two tickets, or “Holiday Joy” for two that includes two tickets, two drinks, two souvenir cups and four hours free parking for $60. It’s the perfect location to propose with views of Old Town Alexandria and distant Washington monuments—soaring 180-feet above it all in a private (heated) gondola. The Flight Deck (below the Wheel) is also available for private parties with up to 145 celebrants. The Belvedere Lobby Bar is located on Waterfront Street and American Way, the elevated Belvedere plaza provides beautiful views of the enclosed atrium as well as the Potomac River waterfront. It is a perfect location to capture the Harbor’s famous sunset views, The Capital Wheel and the marina….
By Lani Gering Those of you who have been reading this column for any amount of time, know how much I love the holiday festivities that take place at the Gaylord National each year. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer returns this year in all his glory along with Yukon Cornelius, Hermy and the Abominable Snowmonster aka “Bumble” in ICE@. These sculptures never disappoint. I am keeping this narrative short in order to feature more pictures and I have to admit that I didn’t take a ride down the ice slide this year since I forgot my gloves but I did take a couple of turns on the tube down Snow Flow Mountain and Bob and I both took a turn at the Snowball Build and Blast! Ice skating is back this year outdoors in front of the side entrance on the Lobby Level between the parking garage and the resort. It is a trail of real ice as opposed to a rink. I definitely need to check it out this season. The Christmas Village located in the Convention Center each year is sort of a miniature version of a Bavarian-style hamlet with all sorts of activities including the aforementioned Snow Flow Mountain and Snowball Build & Blast along with a Gingerbread Decorating Corner, a Build-A-Bear Workshop, Wildlife Rescue (an augmented reality experience presented by bubly™), a sing-a-long and story time with Mrs. Claus and the chance to meet Santa and have your photo taken with the big guy. And…don’t forget the gift shop. There are some amazing things for sale in this space. Something new this year is the “Make the World a Brighter Place” board that is outside of the entrance to Christmas Village. It gives visitors of all ages a chance to post a star pledging kindness and…
By Lani Gering This year marks the first anniversary of Spirit Park. While it got off to a slow start, it was sure worth the wait. The park opened last year on Veterans’ Day and is designed to honor the history of the American flag and all of those who represent it—veterans, first responders, public servants and Americans across the USA. It has proven to be a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. There are lots of activities planned on the 11th as we celebrate not only the anniversary but also Veteran’s Day. I want to thank Kimberly Jorden from Bendure Communications for getting me the details of the day: National Harbor to Hold Spirit Park Celebration on Veterans Day! The festivities will commemorate the park’s one year anniversary with a walk/run, sealing of a Patriot’s Value time capsule, performance by U.S. Air Force Band and the Harbor tree lighting! The day will begin at Spirit Park at 10 a.m. with a walk/run that will benefit The Check-6 Foundation. Since its inception in 2004, The Check-6 Foundation has assisted hundreds of veterans in need in paying their bills, receiving medical attention, finding jobs and so much more. It also continues to provide an unforgettable experience for children battling serious illnesses (and their families) through its Pilot for a Day Program nationwide. “Check-6” is a military term used to reference an aviator’s practice of checking his wingman’s 6 o’clock position (directly behind him) to ensure it is clear of any threat. Simply put, it means “I’ve got your back and am looking out for you.” Participants in the walk/run must register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spirit-park-walkrun-tickets-716153072117?aff=oddtdtcreator. The cost is $24.25 for civilians, $13.58 for military. There will be a pancake breakfast (early bird pricing is $13.58) in Spirit Park following the walk/run. From 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., National…
By Lani Gering Something to look forward to this fall is the arrival of this interactive exhibit featuring all things Titanic. While I am sure the major portion of you who read this have seen at least one of the movies that are based on this tragedy, this exhibit will bring its history back home. It opens on the 13th and appears to be ongoing. It comes here after a long stint in New York City. I tried to get some information from the PR people for the exhibit but had to rely on the internet. The following is info garnered from titanicexhibition.com. “An audio guide will take you on a narrative experience describing the events on that fateful day in 1912 while it unravels the true story of the ship through personal belongings, photographs and other relics as you walk through a recreation of the ship’s interior—from a first-class suite to a humble third-class cabin. Titanic – The Exhibition – is far more than a display of historic items: it is a unique narrative experience, a tale of the people aboard history’s most legendary ship on its maiden and final journey. Travel back to 1912 through photographs, handwritten letters, wayward keepsakes, and other personal belongings telling countless stories about the fates and heroic deeds on board. CONNECT WITH THE PAST The exhibition boasts over 200 original objects. Connect with the Titanic’s passengers, listen to their testimonies, and discover their stories through their belongings. You’ll walk in their footsteps as you explore life-size, detailed recreations of the ship’s interior, witnessing the stark contrast between a lavish first-class suite and a humble third-class cabin. DISCOVER THE TRUE STORY Created by the Spanish company Musealia and the contribution of Titanic historian and expert Claes-Göran Wetterholm, this experience separates fact from fiction like…
By Lani Gering I’m not sure if I’m happy or sad that summertime is coming to an end. I just celebrated my 70th birthday the end of last month with a very fun “Come Fly With Me” themed party at the Flight Deck at the base of the Capital Wheel a week or so ago and I guess I sort of consider that my send off to the season. I realize we still have a few weeks of “official” summertime left to cram some last minute adventures in but I really do look forward to the fall kind of activities. Football games and tailgating, roasted marshmallows and fire pits, Blue Ridge Mountain leaf peeping (during the week), Fall Wine Festivals, etc. I also look a whole lot better in fall clothes – you know…jeans, denim shirts, sweaters and cute fall boots! No more worrying about making sure my legs are shaved and tan and that my swimsuit tummy control panel is in full “working” mode. If you know, you know. September is also the prelude to the holiday season and Halloween is one of my favs. It also means that we are that much closer to the Christmas hullabaloo at the Harbor. Looking forward to welcoming Rudolph back to the Gaylord as this red-nosed icon is the subject matter of this year’s ICE display. Watch this space in the upcoming months for detailed info about Christmas 2023 at the Gaylord and the rest of the Harbor. Coming to an end this month are the all of the free weekly fitness classes – Monday Cardio Blast, Tuesday Dance Fitness and Saturday Yoga. All of these “get in/stay in shape” classes take place at the foot of the Plaza Stage. Cardio and Dance run from 7-8 pm and Yoga is a 10-11…
By Lani Gering For those of you who read this column on a regular basis, you know what a big fan I am of the displays in the Conservatory at the MGM. I stopped at the casino a couple of weeks ago just to check things out and donate my token $40 to the Wild, Wild Buffalo slot machine and strolled down the “District” retail and restaurant corridor into the conservatory. I make every attempt to check the displays out as they change during the year and I am always amazed at the talent that goes into bringing them into fruition. When you consider that there is 15,000 square foot of space to fill, it is quite an undertaking. The current Spring & Summer display is pretty eye-catching to say the least. It doesn’t really have a “theme” other than trying to capture the natural beauty of our region’s flowers, foliage and atmosphere during the spring and summer seasons in the DMV. The sheer SIZE of the displays are hard to comprehend until you see them in person. The photos don’t really do it justice. There are extraordinary butterflies and blooming flowers that cascade across the 85-foot atrium with the sounds of other natural elements – running water and chirping birds – in the background that exude a serene sense of calmness. I could sit on one of the benches and people watch for hours if I had the time. In order to give you a sense of the immenseness of the features, there are nearly 2,500 (yes, two thousand five hundred) plants used throughout the display. In addition to them, there are eight 6-foot yellow flowers and eight 8-foot orange flowers overhead, eighteen 8-foot butterflies at various heights and colors, a 20-foot bamboo watering can that includes a water…
By Lani Gering Man oh man…did I ever struggle with deciding on what the subject matter of this month’s column was going to be. Not that there is a lack of things to highlight in the Harbor, especially this time of year as summer is getting into full swing – concerts, movies, etc. Thankfully, my pal Bob suggested that we take a Sunday drive over the bridge to see if I could garner some inspiration. Well…it worked! It was a gorgeous sunny day and there was a bit of a breeze coming off of the water so we spent the afternoon just walking around and stopping into some old favorites along the way. After parking at the Fleet Street garage, we headed to Waterfront Street and landed at Bond 45 for a beverage and some nourishment to fuel up for the rest of the day. As always, the cocktails were great and the meatballs never disappoint. The best part of this visit is always the staff. John Alfy Edward is a great host. I always run into people that still live in my former condo building so it’s great to catch up with them. Leaving Bond we took a leisurely stroll over to the Gaylord along the waterfront path to see how things were going with the newly remodeled Old Hickory Steakhouse in the hopes that our longtime friend, Joseph, would be behind the bar. Our wish came true. He has been with the Gaylord staff almost since the first day they opened. Old Hickory has always been a special place for dinner but with the new model in place they are open for breakfast and lunch daily as well as brunch on Sundays. After seeing Joe, we stopped by the Belvedere Lobby Bar to see Carlos. I love this…
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