Located on 300 acres of prime real estate along the scenic Potomac River in Prince George’s County, National Harbor is a stunning new gateway to the nation’s capital. This urban waterfront, mixed-use community features several hotels, residential units, restaurants, offices, two marinas, plenty of shops and stunning views of downtown Washington, D.C., and Old Town Alexandria, Va. The real gem of this community, however, is the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center. With 2,000 guest rooms, five hospitality suites and 470,000 square feet of convention space (including four ballrooms, 82 meeting rooms and a 180,000-square-foot exhibition hall), it’s the perfect place for a spectacular getaway.
As gorgeous from the inside as it is from the waterfront, this grandiose resort anchors the community and features a stunning 18-story, glass-enclosed, barrel-vaulted atrium filled with gardens, shops and restaurants. For starters, check out Pienza Italian Market. Six market-inspired stations with options such as artisanal bread and antipasto, fresh produce, pasta and risotto, a rotisserie and carvery station, and, of course, a dolceria/sweet shop comprise this gastronomic oasis. Sports-minded patrons will enjoy National Pastime Sports Bar & Grill, which features a 30-foot, high-definition video wall and sports bar menu, while modern diners will no doubt appreciate the mouthwatering Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine–a refreshingly contemporary dining experience with an impressive show kitchen, a large wine collection, and a wharf-side bar and lounge. Beyond tempting libations, this snazzy restaurant features fresh seafood with a modern twist and sushi-sashimi creations. For a truly sophisticated dinner, however, be sure to try Old Hickory Steakhouse. This refined and comfortable space features a classic design that surrounds an intimate lounge, wine-cellar room and unique artisanal cheese cave. The maitre d’fromage (yes, this is an actual gig), Carolyn Stromberg, has more than two dozen offerings on any given day, and she brings a passion to every tableside presentation as part of the restaurant’s signature cheese course. Also, be sure to try chef Wolfgang Birk’s grass-fed beef tenderloin. This sumptuous dish will have you asking for seconds.
Once your appetite is satisfied (and it will be), there is another satisfying experience to be had at Relâche Spa and Fitness Center. The European-inspired spa offers a signature massage that can’t be beat and features sassy black and white décor, 12 treatment rooms, a relaxation room for meditation, steam rooms, a full-service beauty salon and spa boutique, and a signature couple’s suite that boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with a 180-degree panoramic view of the Potomac River. The indoor junior Olympic-sized 24-meter lap pool is just icing on the proverbial cake. During warmer months, the pool becomes “open air” as the entire front glass wall opens to a fantastic view of the river. For those dedicated enough to get in a workout, the facility’s 4,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center features 24 pieces of cardio equipment, strength equipment, and a free-weight and aerobics area.
Entertainment options also abound both inside and outside of the resort. Inside, guests will enjoy Pose Ultra Lounge, a two-story party bar that offers dramatic vistas, a dance floor located adjacent to the wraparound outdoor terrace, high-tech draperies that display color-changing fiber optics and 11 different infused liquors. Guests also will love the nightly 15-minute fountain shows in the atrium (a display of lights, sound and water that shoots up to 50 feet high!), as well as regular live entertainment in both the atrium and the restaurants.
Outside of the resort is an entirely different adventure. Guests can stroll along the nearby waterfront promenade or use it as a launching point to explore the local mid-Atlantic region. Located only 15 minutes from Reagan National Airport, National Harbor also is within a short drive to the heart of the nation’s capital, Old Town Alexandria, Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, and Georgetown. If so inclined, take a water taxi ride to these nearby locations and enjoy the sights along the Potomac River.
When in Washington, D.C., be sure to check out the plethora of national monuments and museums, all of which are incredible. For a slightly different spin, spend an afternoon at the Newseum–a 250,000-square-foot museum that blends five centuries of news with current technology and hands-on exhibitions. Items of interest and on view include sections of the Berlin Wall and an enormous spread of front-page news stories printed on Sept. 11, 2001. This is a visit you won’t want to miss, as the exhibitions are truly thought-provoking.
If shopping is on the agenda (and let’s be honest, it is!), then schedule a day to walk the historic streets of Old Town Alexandria. The quaint neighborhood stores and restaurants serve as a reminder of days past. Or catch an intimate glimpse into George Washington’s life at Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, where you can tour the personal home of the country’s first president and sprawling grounds. The new Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center also features 23 galleries and a theater–all with interactive components and original artifacts (including President Washington’s false teeth)–that illuminate the detailed story of his life.
With so much to see and do in this historic region of the country, you’re sure to find a wide variety of experiences that will create lasting memories. And with direct flights from Atlanta, it’s never been easier to access this beautiful mid-Atlantic region.