FUN
There’s so much to do in National Harbor that you might just find
yourself staying put in this scenic riverfront spot. Begin with a ride on the
Capital Wheel, a heady Ferris wheel ride that takes you 180 feet high for
views of the D.C. skyline, Potomac River, and surrounding countryside
from enclosed gondolas that the whole family can safely enjoy.
And if the kids are along for the fun, make your next stop the Carousel
at National Harbor, where colorful horses, lions, hummingbirds, and
dragons turn along the water. Nearby is a playground for toddlers
and bigger kids and a sandy beach, where everyone marvels at “The
Awakening,” — a gigantic aluminum sculpture by J. Seward Johnson Jr.
of a giant breaking free of the sand. Kids are encouraged to play on it.
If that visit entices more art exploration, the National Harbor has
works scattered throughout the neighborhood; including murals
and mosaics; copper panels; bronze statues of George Washington,
Abraham Lincoln, and Frederick Douglass; and more abstract, modern
steel sculptures. The Rosie the Riveter statue is a particular favorite for
shooting funny selfies. Access an art scavenger hunt and interactive
guide by texting ACNH to 56512.
You’re in for a particular treat at Fish by José Andrés in the MGM
National Harbor. This elegant yet comfortable restaurant pays homage
to the nearby Chesapeake Bay on its menu. That means Maryland
blue crab is represented with a fat, juicy crab cake, as well as seasonal
specialties like soft-shell crab and a classic crab boil. But it’s the lobster
jambalaya that will rock your world. And you can feel good about
supporting Andrés; he was nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize
for his humanitarian work.
Other highlights of the National Harbor dining scene include giant
steaks at Voltaggio Brothers Steakhouse at MGM, the crab cake BLT
at Bond 45, or Korean-tinged, Southern cooking at Succotash, by Chef
Edward Lee, a James Beard–award nominee.
For a night that’s all about life, head to Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano
Bar on Fleet Street, where live music and laughs go off every night.
Take two pianos, add a bunch of talented musicians and drinks with
names like “Almost Famous” and “Effen Good Time,” a weekend
closing time of 2 am, and there’s definitely some good times rollin’ in
the heart of National Harbor.
In warmer weather, even more excitement for the younger set (and
those who love a good “Arr.”) is found aboard a pirate ship. Urban
Pirates runs a 1.5-hour family adventure tour on the Potomac River,
complete with costumes, tattoos (faux, of course) and water cannons.
And everyone can have a good time at Topgolf nearby, too, which
boasts over 100 golf bays, where all ages can whack some balls, play
games, and take lessons year-round. If your entourage is filled with oenophiles, you can burn the midnight
oil (or partake at a more reasonable hour) at The Tasting Room Wine
Bar & Shop on Waterfront Street. Take a flight there between 12 pm
and 3 pm each day with four varied wines, or choose from wineries as
near as Virginia and as far as Australia (and everywhere in between).
During the warmer months, down your dog at morning yoga in the
plaza, then rent paddleboards, kayaks, or pedal boats to get out on
the water. Outdoor sunset concerts happen all summer long and free
movies screen on a jumbo outdoor screen at District Stadium — in
National Harbor’s main plaza — throughout the year (even in the
winter, when holiday movies are on tap). During football season,
games are aired on the big screen, too. To round out a National Harbor adventure, there’s nothing quite like
finding the perfect pair of shoes or an elegant timepiece to remind
you of your time in the D.C. area. Men with a love of sharp-looking
clothes will adore the stylish suits and tuxedoes at Miguel Wilson
Collection, right in the heart of National Harbor. SJP by Sarah Jessica
Parker is bound to satisfy even the most shoe-loving female, especially
if leopard-pattern stilettos are your thing; find that and other high-end
boutiques like Breitling watches at MGM.
This holiday season, stoke your yuletide glow under National
Harbor’s 60-foot Christmas tree, starting with a lighting ceremony
on November 16, and then head over to the Gaylord National
Resort & Convention Center to experience Ice! This magical world
of ice — open from November 15 to December 30 — features an
outdoor ice-skating rink and an adrenaline-inducing Reindeer Rush
Ice Tubing hill guaranteed to elicit screams of fear — and joy. This
year’s theme pays tribute to the 1957 Dr. Seuss classic, How The
Grinch Stole Christmas!, through colorful ice sculptures and displays
carved from more than two million pounds of ice.
Adults will discover a different kind of joy at the MGM National Harbor,
either by winning big in the casino or indulging in one of the signature
“rituals” in the resort’s large, elegant spa.
FOOD
If eating top-notch food, sipping fine wine, discovering a perfect
cocktail are on your holiday bucket list, National Harbor may turn into
your favorite D.C.-area neighborhood. Ever since the harbor project
came to life in 2008, high-profile chefs, sommeliers, mixologists,
musicians, and entertainers have found their way to this lively spot on
the Potomac.
FLYWASHINGTON.COM 56 WINTER 2019/20
SHOPPING
And for those who love a great deal, National Harbor is home to one of
the high-end Tanger Outlets, where spending hours of retail therapy
is way too easy. Travelers who love to see the world in style, start at
the Tumi luggage outlet, where their incredibly sleek, tough luggage
is deeply discounted. Then it’s on to Kate Spade New York and Coach
to add to the handbag collection, and stops at Cole Haan Outlet,
Hugo Boss Factory Store, Theory, Michael Kors, and Banana Republic
Factory can fill an afternoon.
If you’ve brought the kids along, surprise them with a trip to the Build-
a-Bear Workshop, where your little munchkins can create teddy bears
that will be lifelong friends. Finish up on the main plaza of National
Harbor at Peeps & Company, where marshmallow chicks satisfy the
little one’s sweet tooth, and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews make adults
swoon with that uniquely regional dark chocolate and nuts confection.
Buy everyone (from infants to grandparents) a pair of Peeps socks or
slippers to top off your National Harbor visit with a souvenir to remind
you of this unique D.C. area neighborhood.