Visit with the Easter Bunny - Dulles Town Center

aloha aloft fans! would you like to see the Easter Bunny a.k.a. Peter Cottontail? well here is your chance! from now until April 11th, 2009 you can take the whole family for a short ride over to the Dulles Town Center and have your picture taken with this famous Easter icon.

Keepsake photos will be available:Monday - Thursday: 10:30am - 8:00pm Friday - Saturday: 10:30am - 9:00pm Sunday: Noon - 6:00pm

The Bunny will take breaks to tend to his carrot patch: Monday - Saturday: 1:00pm - 2:00pm and 5:00pm - 6:00pm Sunday: 3:00pm - 3:30pm.

for those of you that are not familiar with Dulles Town Center - this is the closest shopping facility to the aloft Dulles Airport hotel. it is approximately 6 miles away, and has a various number of shops like Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, Gap & Gap Kids, H&M, Express, Lane Bryant, and Old Navy.

come spend the weekend with us www.alofthotels/dullesnorth and shop at the Dulles Town Center and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny!

Milan Patnaik

General Manager

Pet Expo Review

I can honestly say that I will be returning to Super Pet Expo Event next year. Aside from the fact that aloft Dulles Airport North Hotel sponsored one of the rescues at the expo, I went for my own curiosity. i had never been and heard great things about it. I went with my little munchkin (tootsie, yorkie-poodle) and one thing she showed me was, she isn't the tough dog she portrays to be. The amount of other dogs and animals for that matter overwhelmed her and she walked with her tail tucked behind her back, so I carried her thru our entire walk. I saw many rescues and humane leagues who were either adopting on the spot or asking for donations with a few incentives if you did. We gave away several Complimentary stays to our hotel in order to benefit the rescue. In the far back was a huge pool where dogs could run and jump to catch a frisbee and who ever jumped the farthest won "barking" rights and a gift. My favorite animal at the expo that I learned about was the sugarglider. I never thought they would make great pets but from all the information I gathered from the gentlemen that were giving us presentations on these little Marsupials, I learned that I want one now. They also had a beautiful Boa where you could wrap it around you for a photo. I couldn't leave without buying my dogs something and with that purchase was a donation to either a humane league or rescue. I had so much fun and recommend it to those who missed this one or have never been before. Have a great weekend, Everyone!


irssy perez
Sales Coordinator

NCAA Fever

aloha readers,

I know that everybody has been talking and going crazy about the NCAA March Madness that is currently going on now, so this blog may be a little bit past due its time. But, I just wanted to express the excitement that the NCAA is brewing up at the aloft Dulles Airport North hotel, and especially so as the tournament is getting more spicy and down to the wire. At present moment, the quarter finals have just finished and Connecticut, Missouri, Pittsburgh, and Villanova have tasted victory in their wins. Here at the aloft Dulles North, our A+ talent members have created brackets and made individual teams according to each department at the hotel to see who can outwit the other. So far, I believe our General Manager and senior talent coach, Milan Patnaik, is having the best luck out of all of us. Personally, my pick for Syracuse has been flushed down the toilet long ago.

What is more exciting is that you can watch the March Madness at our very own re:mix lobby on our big TV screen. Drop by during the remaining important dates of the tournament that will happen very soon: Friday the 27th and Saturday the 28th of this weekend and into the next week.

Thank you again for reading and good luck to those still alive in the NCAA bracket!

William Chang
Operations Manager

Cherry Blossom Hotel - Washington, D.C.

BOOK HOTEL RESERVATIONS NOW!!!!
aloft Dulles North hotel and lounge
22390 Flagstaff Plaza
Dulles, Virginia 20148
t 703 723 6969
f 703 723 9140
www.alofthotels.com/DullesNorth

Japan gave 3,020 sakura trees as a gift to the United States in 1912 to celebrate the nations' then-growing friendship. These trees were planted in Sakura Park in Manhattan and famously line the shore of the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. and the gift was renewed with another 3,800 trees in 1965. The sakura trees continue to be a popular tourist attraction (and the subject of the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival) when they reach full bloom in early spring. Also, Balboa Park of Los Angeles has 2,000 sakura trees that blossom in mid to late March. The trees are located on Balboa Boulevard in Van Nuys. Philadelphia is also home to over 2000 flowering Japanese cherry trees, half of which were a gift from the Japanese government in 1926 in honor of the 150th anniversary of American independence, with the other half planted by the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia between 1998 and 2007.

Milan Patnaik
General Manager

D.C.'s Wine Country

are you an big fan of wine? I am too - and I am so happy to announce that D.C.'s wine country is only a hop, skip and jump away from the new aloft Dulles North hotel and lounge in Dulles, Virginia.

travel the Loudoun Wine Trail with a Loudoun Wineries Passport. at each winery on the Trail, ask a staff member to stamp your passport. once you have received 9 different stamps, turn in your brochure to be entered into a quarterly drawing for great prizes! minutes from Dulles International Airport, as office buildings and suburban neighborhoods yield to tree-lined country roads and mountain views, Loudoun’s wineries invite you to come and enjoy award-winning wines.

in less than 25 years, Loudoun County’s wineries have emerged as the leading Virginia producers of vinifera and New World grape wines. soil conditions, temperate climate, access to technical experts and mentors, and skilled winemakers all contribute to Loudoun’s growing reputation as “DC's Wine Country.”

whether you visit a winery with your family for a picnic on a sunny afternoon, on an evening outing with friends, or for a special corporate of family event, the wineries have something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check each winery’s website for special events.

Look here for a list of events in March!

March Winery EventsMarch 21, 2009: LIVE MUSIC : Moon Music will perform at Bluemont Vineyard.
Open until 9 p.m.
March 21 2009: Corcoran Vineyard wants you to come out to the winter Farmers Market
on Catoctin Circle in Leesburg, we will be offering tasting's and sales. from 9 a. m – 12 p.m.
March 21, 2009: Loudoun Valley Vineyards -- “Fall & Winter Soup Days”. Nothing is
better on a cold day than a warm cup of soup and a glass of wine. Join us at the vineyard.
Enjoy a glass of wine and a cup of Roasted Red Pepper Soup for $12.00. We’ll have the
fireplace on to warm your toes, while our savory soups and wine warm your bellies! Open
from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
March 21, 2009: Notavia Vineyards invites you to come join us to the Live
Music of “Seth Fromal” from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
March 21, 2009: Winemaker for the Day Sign Up Sunset Hills Vineyard wants
to know I f you are interested in learning more about wine, and want to participate
in blending our outstanding '07 and '08 reds, this is the event for you from 12 p. m.
– 5 p. m. Limited to 40 wine club members, $50 in advance. Winning table wins a
case of wine!!
March 21, 2009: Village Winery - A showcase of "Natures Images" by Tim
McCracken - Tim has been shooting for over 20 years and has an extensive library of
landscape and wildlife images from North Carolina to Maine. - available for sale from
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
March 22, 2009: LIVE MUSIC : Josh Burgess will perform at Bluemont Vineyard.
Open until 9 p.m.
March 22, 2009: Come listen to live music at Quattro Goomba’s Winery by local
acoustic guitarists on Sunday afternoons from 12 p.m. -5 p.m. Featuring Dave
Pepper, Mike Bower, and others.
March 22, 2009: Village Winery - A showcase of "Natures Images" by Tim
McCracken - Tim has been shooting for over 20 years and has an extensive library of
landscape and wildlife images from North Carolina to Maine. - available for sale from
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
March 27, 2009: Last Fridays at 951- Bluemont Vineyard. Extended Hours! Food and
Live Music! Open until 9pm.
March 28, 2009: LIVE MUSIC : Kerry McCool will perform at Bluemont Vineyard.
Open until 9 p.m.
March 28, 2009: Corcoran Vineyard wants you to come out to the winter Farmers Market
on Catoctin Circle in Leesburg, we will be offering tasting's and sales from 9 a. m – 12 p.m.
March 28, 2009: History of Wine & the Art of Tasting & Food Pairings - Class
The proper way to taste wine and excite your senses. Class given by Kim Smith, CTO at
Corcoran Vineyards. Fee $35 (lunch included) from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Reservations
March 28, 2009: Varietal Characteristics of Wine - Class Identify each wine variety and
the flavor profiles of both Red and White wines. Class will be led by Kim Smith, CTO at
Corcoran Vineyards. Fee $35 (lunch included) from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Reservations

Milan Patnaik

General Manager

Cherry Blossom Festival

It's that time of the year again where we get to see the beauty that the cherry blossom festival brings to the DC area. If you are not familiar with how popular this festival is let me give you an insight, many come from around the world and base their vacation time to be here for this festival, especially those from Japan. In my Hospitality career I have booked groups who come from all walks of life just to be here and cherish this time of year. i have provided more information throughout this blog. The blooming of the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. has come to symbolize the natural beauty of our nation's capital city. The famous trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, signal Washington’s rite of spring with an explosion of life and color that surrounds the Tidal Basin in a sea of pale pink and white blossoms. Thousands of city residents and visitors from across the nation and around the world come here to witness the spectacle, hoping that the trees will be at the peak of bloom for the Cherry Blossom Festival.
2009 Bloom Watch
Average Peak Bloom Date: April 42009 Peak Bloom Date Forecast: April 1 - 4, 20092009 Blooming Period: March 28 – April 11, 2009
Exactly when the buds will open is not an easy question to answer. It is pretty much impossible to give an accurate forecast much more than 10 days before the peak bloom. National Park Service Horticulturists monitor 5 distinct stages of bud development and provide forecasts and updates as needed.
The Peak Bloom Date is defined as the day in which 70 percent of the blossoms of the Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) trees that surround the Tidal Basin are open. The date when the Yoshino cherry blossoms reach peak bloom varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions. Cherry Blossom Festival dates are set based on the average date of blooming (April 4), but nature is not always cooperative. Unseasonably warm and/or cool temperatures have resulted in the Yoshino cherries reaching peak bloom as early as March 15 (1990) and as late as April 18 (1958).
The Blooming Period is defined as a period that starts when 20 percent of the blossoms are open and ends when the petals fall and the leaves appear. * The blooming period starts several days before the peak bloom date and can last as long as 14 days; however, frost or high temperatures combined with wind and/or rain can shorten this period. During the blooming period, the National Park Service conducts annual Cherry Tree walks and bike tours around the Tidal Basin. These park ranger conducted programs present an interpretive look at the historical and cultural influence of the Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees in our Nation's Capital. I have been in the DC/VA area for over a year now and have yet to attend this event. I will definitely make time to take in everything this festival has to offer. I hope to see YOU there!

irssy perez
Sales Coordinator

The facebook page of Loudoun County

aloha aloft readers,

Because I am a facebook addict, I wanted to write our next blog on how you can get involved in the local Loudoun County facebook page. I assume most of the tech-bugs reading this blog are already active on the facebook community... for those of who aren't, facebook.com is a web based social utility tool that gets you in touch with other facebook users in any part of the world. If you are not on facebook, do enroll yourself as a new facebook member and join the Loudoun County interest group immediately! Better yet, spread the facebook bug to you and your friends in and outside of the Loudoun community.

By joining this group, not only do you become an ambassador of the aloft Dulles North hotel that is located in the county, buty ou also spread the cheer and excitement of this wonderful part of the country to people who have yet to discover it. Through being a part of this e-group, you can meet and expand your social networks in the county, become exposed to the current events activities for leisure, and become acquainted with socio-economic and financial market activity serving this county and the mid-atlantic area. To invite your friends to this group adds to more community involvement and sparked interest: just think of how a simple referral to join this group will spur continued curiosity and interest in our local community, adding to future development and growth?

So if you are looking for things to do on the weekend in Northern Virginia, meet new people from this area, or be informed on what events will take place in the re:mix lobby of the aloft hotel this Thursday... just look it up on our facebook page and follow the crowd!

Have a great rest of the week,

William Chang

Operations Manager

Home Sweet Home for LCVA

Congratulations to the Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association for their move to a new location that can be finally called home. I had the pleasure to be given a tour by one of the many wonderful people who work there and I can honestly say I am jealous. There is more room, high ceilings, and they are more tech savvy (could it have been the tech savvy bug they caught from us). The center looks fantastic and for anyone who needs information about anything and everything happening in the loudoun county area the NEW center is where it's at. If you are visiting the area and would like to get information before you arrive than here is the website that will give you a touch of Loudoun http://www.visitloudoun.org/. LCVA Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Loudoun County Visitors Center Hours: Daily 9am-5pm, Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Once again congrats and I can't wait to see the staff at the center again!


irssy perez
Sales Coordinator

The SEASON to Sail!

It's time to pull the covers off the boats and sail them out to the nearest river, beach or ocean. I can't wait to sail out to the potomac river with family & friends. Once again Dulles Expo Center is having its' National Capital Boat Show March 13-15, 2009 in the North & South Halls.

Show Hours:
Friday - 12pm (noon) - 8pm
Saturday - 10am - 8pm
Sunday - 11am - 5pm

Admission:
$8.00 - Adults
$2.00 - Children 6 to 16
Free for Children 5 & under

Boats, boats and more boats! That’s what you’ll see at the area’s largest Boat Show. More than 40 dealers will fill both buildings with everything from jon boats to motor yachts. Marinas, electronics, water sports and safety equipment will be on display. Plus you can talk to experts about insurance, financing, repair, maintenance and boating safety. And just as a reminder don't forget the Super Pets Expo coming in one week, I am so EXCITED!!! See you there!

irssy perez
Sales Coordinator

Upcoming rockfests' at the Verizon Center

Aloha rockers,

A good way to spruce up your nighttime activities is to make your way down to the Verizon Center to enjoy an always world-class and stunning array of music artists. In particular, I am talking about rock bands that will grace us with their presence this spring and summer period!

Like the complete rock fan I am, I am sure many of you enjoy crunchy guitars, deep bass, and pounding drums played to the maximum volume levels in a venue with great sound acoustics. This spring, both rock legends and rock newbies will come to DC to play at this downtown Chinatown venue. Fancy the unique and eclectic sounds of bluegrass, funk, and space rock mixes from the Grateful dead? How about heartland rock riffs infused with pop hooks and poetic lyrics from Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band, here on May the 18th... For all the young adults out there, the Jonas Brothers will be coming to town on July the 13th, known for their catchy pop tunes. A definite crowd pleaser for everyone will be the legendary Eric Clapton, who will be here with Steve Winwood on June the 13th bringing down the house.

The Verizon Center is only 32 miles away from the aloft and will make a perfect night for a evening out in the town. So, be sure to purchase your tickets early as I am sure these events will sell out soon! Rock on..

William Chang
Operations Manager

St. Patricks abuzz at the W xyz lounge!

come celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with us at the W xyz lounge at the aloft hotel in Dulles, Virginia. why go all the way to Washington, D.C. when you can just stay local?

our aloft DJ's will be hitting your ear drums with Hip Hop, House, 80's, 90's, old skool and new skool music...get ready to dance!

there have also been talks of a Ms. Lucky Leprechaun contest...but details of this have not been confirmed - stay tuned! there will be special door prizes for the best St. Patty's outfits we see...so show your GREEN!

simply click on this title or use this URL address: COME PARTY WITH ME to be routed to the facebook party invite. Invite anyone and all that you know and we will celebrate from happy hour to last call!

We will offer special $79.00 rates for all those late night partiers that just want to crash afterwards...

When: thursday March 17th, 2009

Time: 5:00pm till ???

Where: the W xyz lounge at the aloft Dulles North hotel

22390 Flagstaff Plaza

Ashburn, Virginia 20148

703 723 6969

info@aloftdulles.com

http://www.aloftdulles.com/

Milan Patnaik

General Manager

I AM MODERN MAGAZINE

aloha aloft fans! have you heard of I AM MODERN MAGAZINE? this is a mom's guide to an upscale life in Northern VA and Metro DC area. it is the answer to every mom in the community who feels disconnected or unaware of what is hot and what is new. that is why this magazine is a perfect partnership with the aloft Dulles North hotel and lounge.

it is a mom's best friend. it provides information, reviews, references, trends and allows women to connect in print, online and once a month...in person.

so what makes this magazine so interesting? it is 100% reader generated and Northern VA and Metro DC area specific sophisticated content. it helps businesses minimize advertising costs and streamline marketing efforts to reach their tipping point by delivering the most valued target market, moms.

it also provides in print, online and in person platform for thought leaders and business owners to meet the community members. we had the privilege of meeting Hulya Aksu at the hotel for a quick site tour last week. Hulya is the founder of I AM MODERN MAGAZINE and we are very excited to work with her in future endeavors, possibly a mom's "abuzz with aloft" at the W xyz lounge?

Milan Patnaik

General Manager