Well, another milestone met.  With this issue we start our 27^th year of publishing the Old Town Crier, and like that little log building on the cover…we have weathered the storm.  It hasn’t been easy, but it sure has been fun!  Starting with no investment money and no business plan, we still made it work, and I think that was because of all of our friends who continued to encourage us, even when others tried to deny us.

We have been lucky to have had inspired writers who have taken pen to paper each month, month in and month out, and produced articles worth reading.  Our covers, thanks to a lot of local photographers, have always been beautiful.  And clearly we could not have accomplished this, or survived over the past 26 years, if it were not for our advertisers and you, our readers, both to whom we are indebted.

The years ahead are going to be exciting times. With our new web/blog version and Facebook page, we have truly entered the digital age, while maintaining the warmth and feel of a regional publication.  The best of all worlds I would say.

The lay of the land is going to change over the next few years.  With the new MGM Casino Resort slated to open in 2016 across the Potomac River from Old Town, we can expect to see more visitors each year.  By that time Alexandria should be well on its’ way to implementing a new waterfront plan.  Check out the rendering of the new casino in the National Harbor section at the back of this publication.

My deepest thanks to all of you who, over the years, have made the Old Town Crier something to be proud of…Thanks.

Note: Don’t forget Restaurant Week January 17 to 26.  Check out our restaurant week ad to find a new restaurant to try.

Written by: Bob Tagert