(The Gaylord Hotel at National Harbor)
So, it’s no secret that I grew up in NYC. My most fond Christmas memories involve walking down the busy city streets taking in all the lights, decorations and displays that have come to epitomize NY at Christmastime. There used to be a TV commercial for NBC that showcased all types of people singing the song “Silver Bells” out in the streets of New York and whenever I hear that song I am transported back to the days when Don & I would do our Christmas shopping in Manhattan after he received his Christmas tips (he was a maintenance man for a very ritzy apartment building on Park Avenue). As much as I am a “country girl” by choice now, I still get nostalgic for those times walking the streets of New York at night during Christmas time. Arriving at The Gaylord Hotel at National Harbor takes me way back to those times and I have to tell you, it feels good. This hotel makes it’s mission statement: “To Own Christmas in D.C.” and I can’t think of another place in Maryland, Virginia or the District that is even a close second. I first heard of the place 3 years ago when they were hosting the “Ice” exhibit that featured How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I was drooling to go but it was far and expensive so I put it off. Each Christmas since I have longingly wished to attend the festivites. This summer my best friend, Becky, & I stalked the grounds of The Gaylord trying to envision it’s Christmas majesty. Finally, when my sister began to ask where we wanted to plan our annual pre-Christmas celebration this year I told her about The Gaylord and asked her to check it out on line. She immediately told me that it looked awesome and we should look into going there this year.
(The Lobby)
If you live in the greater D.C. metro area you are familiar with how our traffic is and would probably rather have a tooth extracted than drive across the Woodrow Wilson on a Friday approaching rush hour. It was totally smooth sailing and we arrived in record time without a hitch. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Russo Road Trip if there wasn’t some slight problem and Don provided that by attempting to circumvent the bellhops by self-parking his car, entering the hotel through a rear door, commandeering a luggage cart and trying to assist himself to check in. Fortunatley, the bell captain was a former Navy guy who had been stationed on Don’s beloved J.F.K. so the repercussions were not too severe.
After we all checked in and scoped out our sweet rooms we decided to explore the place. Of course there is a full service spa, 2 bars, several restaurants, a coffee shop and a nightclub as well as several shopping venues. We had reservations at the Old Hickory Steak House this evening and still needed to procure our tickets for “Ice” which we planed to see tomorrow so it was off to the “DreamWorks” desk to acquire those tix.
The lobby is totally decked out in fully lit and decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. There is an atrium which houses a miniature train that kids can ride on as well as a shop where you can decorate your own gingerbread house. An enormous glass Christmas tree is suspended from the ceiling in front of the glass wall that overlooks the water and there are fountains in front of it.
A trio plays music and there is other nightly live entertainment. However, the most spectacular thing is the show that takes place twice nightly. While Christmas music plays (loudly) there is a light and fountain show and they make it snow in the atrium. When you see it from upstairs it is pure magic and when you see it from the atrium level you can tell that the snow is really only soap bubbles. IT’S STILL COOL!
We had pre-dinnner drinks in the sports bar and then we went on to dinner at the steak house. Don and my brother-in-law Darren, have been saving up their beef allotments in preparation for this meal. They ordered massive porterhouse steaks that they said were delicious. (Dawn & I being more sensible and of the high cholesterol orientation stuck with a wonderful halibut) Our waiter was a delightful guy named Chris (americanized version of his Bulgarian name) who was most gracious in accomodating our numerous requests for group photos.
(Don & I with Dawn & Darren)
(The Show)
We have a full day of fun, shopping, Ice, shopping, eating, drinking, shopping and more fun planned for tomorrow. It’s great to see my sister and brother-in-law!
(The Gaylord Hotel at National Harbor)
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