In addition to all of the amenities those of us have who live at National Harbor, Peterson Companies has added a lot of extras that are attracting new visitors. We got a very cool carousel last summer, the Tanger Outlets opened just in time for holiday shopping on Black Friday, we even had an ice skating rink and warming station on the main pier during the holidays, MGM Grand got the bid during the “casino wars” and will begin construction on the Plateau this spring and now we will have the “Capital Wheel” scheduled to be in our midst sometime in April/May.

Let’s talk about the new “wheel”. While many have been referring to it as a “ferris” wheel – including myself – it is something very different. It is much taller at 175 feet with a diameter of 165 feet than the amusement park ride we are familiar with. The “seats” are actually 42 3enclosed, climate controlled Gondola’s that will seat 6-8 people with a maximum of 336 riders. The wheel makes 1.5 rotations per minute and each ride is $15 and averages 15 minutes. Visible from the top of the wheel will be the Washington Monument, the Capitol, Old Town Alexandria and the surrounding area. The rendition pictured here will give you a bit of perspective on the size and placement of this fun new ride. Renowned chef, Wolfgang Puck, will have one of his teams providing creative seasonal concessions. Yes, this means that the Capitol Wheel will be running year round. It will also be available for public, corporate and private events. More information on this as they near completion!

In addition to letting you all know what is happening at NH, we have decided to spotlight an individual retailer each month in this section. This is in the hopes that it will provide our local “From the Bay to the Blue Ridge” readers a chance to get more familiar with what every day shopping is like in the harbor. We have written about new retail openings and about several of the restaurants, chefs and bartenders in our “established” columns over the last 5 years; but we felt that by doing a spotlight each month, it may encourage you to plan a day in the harbor that wasn’t to attend many of the fun events held there each year, but rather just to take in what is available to you every day of the year.

While we do get inundated with requests for free publicity from almost everybody and their mother in any given month, however, if any of you readers feel that there is an individual business that merits “spotlighting” send me your ideas. I can be contacted at lani@oldtowncrier.com.

Even though this issue hit the streets on the 30^th of January and that only left 3 days to promote “Super Bowl” I wanted to give a shout out to those of you who are making last minute plans to watch my Denver Broncos win, to consider taking advantage of all the special game day offerings at Harrington’s Pub and Kitchen, Public House on Fleet Street and National Past Time Sports Bar in the Gaylord Atrium!

Let’s don’t forget the big “V Day”! Lots of great restaurant promotions going on in the harbor that just reek of love and romance! Be sure to check out the Old Hickory package – that sounds ominous – they are offering all things romantic every Friday and Saturday night in February! See their ad in this section for details.

Go Broncos, Happy Presidents Day and Happy Valentine’s Day!!

Written by: Lani Gering