I wanted to start off by sharing my favorite trip of 2018 and that was to National Harbor Maryland. My mom, me, my son and his friend Charles all took this trip during the last weekend in November as an early birthday present for me. We had a blast! We stayed at the Gaylord National Resort, which was expensive, but pre-planned. It also helped that the hotel was part of my birthday present from my parents. The hotel is elegant and has a lot to offer, but the rooms are pretty basic. The previous year, we stayed at a Marriott in Alexandria VA, which was cheaper and only a short 10-15 min drive away. We enjoyed the gingerbread display of famous landmarks from around the world, very cool and unique! As well as the 12 Christmas trees that they had spread about the building, each decorated differently to represent a different country. I also love how the main area has the feel of a small village, with a variety of shops and restaurants.
There were 2 reasons why we ended up at National Harbor, the first was for ICE!, located at the hotel. If you have never been, it is an amazing experience and it is something people of all ages can enjoy! I recommend purchasing your tickets on Groupon for $25 vs. $32+ at the venue. ICE! is a walk through of ice sculptures set up to tell a story and they even include an ice slide that is a lot of fun! Last year was my 3rd year going because the theme was a Charlie Brown Christmas. They keep it interesting and change the theme every year. Anyway, I was like a kid again, I love Charlie Brown! To top it off, they always end the tour with a manger scene that is breathtakingly beautiful. The whole experience just really makes the holiday season feel special. Check it out on their website: https://www.marriott.com/hotel-info/wasgn-gaylord-national-resort-and-convention-center/christmas-on-the-potomac/xyjvxiz/ice.mi
The fun doesn’t stop there! At the end of your tour, you have to return your parka and there are hot beverages and treats available to purchase. For individual fees, they have a gingerbread decorating area, carousel, train and ice skating. The experience wouldn’t be complete without a gift shop full of ornaments, merchandise to commemorate your ICE! experience, build-a-bear workshop, stocking stuffers etc. It is all so nice, I could really drop some coin in there!!
The 2nd reason, my most favorite part of the trip, despite the fact that it was adults only, was going to Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar. It is conveniently located across the street from the hotel, which is safe to walk to. For the first time ever, me and my mom were out alone, in an awesome place, as adults, having drinks. Definitely tops the charts as one of my favorite lifetime memories with her. I won’t ever forget it! The drinks were good, the food was average. It was equivalent to food from a bowling alley, movie theater or something like that, not bad but nothing exciting. Ticket prices were reasonable and based on various seating options or standing room. We paid $35 for each ticket and had a table next to the stage. The entertainment was definitely worth every penny! Parents don’t fret, they also offer a family friendly day once a month, lunch is included in the ticket price! This is a great opportunity for those that can’t get a sitter or most importantly, to share the love of music with your family! Check it out, you wont regret it! https://www.bobbymckeys.com/
The next morning, we took our time enjoying the sites, shops and looking for a place for breakfast. On American Way, we enjoyed posing with many life like statues that honored people throughout America’s history. We took a picture in front of the enormous Christmas tree by the water. Facing and saluting the tree are 5 life like statues of a service man or woman, dressed in uniform, to represent each one of our branches of the military. FYI, I am happy to report that most places there offer a military/government discount. SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!
On the corner of American Way and Fleet Street, we finally stumbled upon our place for breakfast, the Potomac Gourmet Market. When you walk in you see beer, wine, snacks, cheeses and things of that sort. You look right and there is the counter that has a full menu for breakfast, lunch and beverages. I wish I remembered the gentleman’s name that worked the counter because he was awesome. Very welcoming, polite, helpful and personable, excellent customer service! All of the food was great, we all ordered something different so we could sample each other’s. My mom’s was my favorite. She got the Harbor Reuben($9.49 for a whole sub) and it was probably one of the best I have had. Perfectly warm, nice crispy crunch on the bread, fillings were well balanced and portioned, simply delicious!! It also helps that the prices were reasonable for the quality/quantity of food that you receive. Can’t wait to go back!!
We ended the busy morning with letting the boys take a ride on the Capitol Wheel. It is located right on the water and I am told the views are amazing, you can see the Washington Monument! In my opinion, I feel like the prices were fair. The ride lasted about 15-20 minutes and for $15+tax for adults, that isn’t bad. Finally, we walked back to the hotel, got packed up and headed home. I wish we would’ve had time to do the tour of the Air Force One Replica, located by the Gaylord, but you can only do so much in 2 days. Was an incredible trip and I look forward to repeating it for years to come!
~Special thanks to my mom and dad for the birthday trip!~
Below are a few pictures from our trip, enjoy!
A Life Full of Thrills! 