Sometimes you just need to get away, even if it is just for a day. My day to day life of working on the blog, with H and our real estate business, taking care of three kids and all that those kiddos entails is no easy feat. Throw in the fact that sometimes I need to sleep, eat and maybe get a little exercise in so I can handle all those above mentioned things and I can be one burned out woman. I needed an escape from the norm. I needed to soak in some sights, good food, and a bit of relaxation. There was only one place to go.
Source: Victoria Mason
The National Harbor and the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Located on the Potomac River it is a gorgeous mix of restaurants, shops, outdoor spaces to play, dream and while away the day. If you are local you know about the Capital Wheel that resides along the riverfront. This giant ferris wheel beckons to kids from all over and can’t be missed. It sits right next to a little beach where the kids can play and climb The Awakening statue. When they are done with that they’ll probably spy The Peeps & Company store right across the street. It’s a must visit hot spot.
Locals! Be sure to visit now through April 24 to see the Washington Post’s PEEPS dioramas on display. A PEEPS eating contest is scheduled for April 2!
DINE
My friend María José and I decided to stop into the Redstone American Grill, which is located right next to the water and provides a gorgeous view of the harbor and all its comings and goings. We sat on the patio but indoors is nothing but view as well.
Source: Victoria Mason
Check out the Smokehouse Steak Cobb Salad with their generous serving of Key Lime Pie. #totalbliss
Sit Back & Relax at the Relâche Spa
Source: Victoria Mason
I was so excited to head into the Relâche Spa at the Gaylord National. I had booked an Organic Facial (a mid-week special at the spa) and Cherry Blossom Pedicure, an April special, that soaks the feet in a cherry blossom-infused warm bath that had me tickled pink. Yes, pedicures tickle me so much that I rarely indulge despite loving them. The salt scrub, warm mask and foot and calf massage didn’t just take away running calluses but soothed my spirit as well.
I loved having some quiet time to sip water, nosh on a few snacks and just relax before my facial and after it. A little quiet in the middle of the day is always needed but hardly had. Lesson learned.
The Organic facial was just what I needed to stay on track with my skincare routine and get some down time. I noticed that I was clenching my jaw at the beginning of the session but by the time she was done massaging my shoulders, arms and hands I had relaxed and enjoyed the gentle touch of having my face cleansed, exfoliated and moisturized. The sweet scent of fruits and enzymes in the mask felt invigorating too. I left feeling ready to rest some more!
By the time the day was done and María José and I were saying our good-byes we both felt better about the day and the days ahead. Sometimes you just need to get away even if it is just for the day and down the street. Or over the bridge in my case.
Local or Coming to DC?
Check out all that the National Harbor and Gaylord National have to offer. All the shops, dining experiences and entertainment options are within walking distance from the hotel. There are loads of fun things for couples, families and anyone in between. It’s a great place to take the kids when they are restless or for a day date. Stay longer and make it a family trip or getaway for friends or something more intimate. The options are endless here.
Coming soon (April 9) Urban Pirates will launch a new ship that will set sail from the harbor! Daytime is for families with loads of pirate fun. The Gaylord National will partner with the pirates for more fun. Evenings offer adult cruise options that are BYOB or BYOGrog, that is! Stay tuned…
That looks divine. Good for you that you got some R&R!