Staycation: National Harbor
Before last year, I spent a few weekends at the National Harbor with my family, because it’s a nice change of scenery but not too far from home. We visited for the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. and for Christmas at the Gaylord where they create a wonderland of decorations that is absolutely marvelous. My therapist challenged me to do a solo getaway in 2019 and I chose here, this time solo. From Richmond, Virginia, it’s only about a two hour drive so it’s very possible to fit many activities into one short trip; however, my goal was to relax, so I’ll share the few things I did.
The Capital Wheel
When I travel north, I have always paid attention to the ferris wheel since it’s in view from the highway, and I had even been to the National Harbor several times before I actually decided to ride the ferris wheel.
The Capital Wheel, inspired by the Roue de Paris, is 180 feet above the Potomac River, so if you’re afraid of heights, I wouldn’t recommend. If you aren’t afraid, it can be a very serene experience. On the ride of about fifteen minutes, the ferris wheel revolves and stops periodically at its highest points so that passengers can experience a beautiful view of the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area; in fact, I took many of the photos you see here from the top of the wheel.
The ferris wheel is open for rides all year, so each passenger gondola is climate-controlled, and it lights up beautifully at night so it’s easily visible from the surrounding area. It’s $15/adult with the chance to purchase photos after your ride.
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
The Gaylord is a beautiful, extensive resort just on the border of Virginia and Maryland. It is the perfect place for a getaway from either state because you can drive and everything you could need from shopping to food to entertainment is right there on site. There are restaurants and dining experiences inside the resort but there are so many options just outside such as Cadillac Ranch where it can be a good laugh to watch patrons ride the bull or Mccormick and Schmick’s where you can enjoy some amazing seafood dishes.
Aside from what’s offered inside and around the Gaylord Resort, it is very possible to skip over to the newly built MGM hotel and casino to see performances in their theater, enjoy the nightlife in clubs and bars, or to gamble in the casino.
Relache Spa
Relache is located in the Gaylord and is my absolute favorite spa. The name is a french word that means “to take a break” and that’s exactly why I go. I spent my twenty-fourth birthday there and decided I wanted to go at least once a year to treat myself. They have an extensive list of services like makeup application, manicures, pedicures, hair styling and more. I personally go for the massages, which can be a little pricey but definitely worth it. Within the spa facility, there are lockers and cabanas for dressing and undressing, showers, a steam room, and luxury lounges for before and after treatments. I make myself right at home; in fact, I was so relaxed that I fell asleep in the Riverview Relaxation Lounge that overlooks the Potomac.
It is very possible to have a new and different experience every time you go to the National Harbor. It’s one of those places that works for a solo traveler like me who needs a short weekend getaway from time to time, but it’s also family-friendly and groups can be accommodated should different people want to do different things.
