paying tribute to the East Coast seafood fare, Moon Bay adds a twist to its creations with
both tropical flair and sushi, while providing options for landlubbers, too. Its menu choices
are indeed fresh, creative, and tasty.
Gaylord’s signature restaurant is Old Hickory Steakhouse. Though some upscale
steakhouses are simply glamorized and more expensive but not always better than
steakhouse chains, Old Hickory is an exception. Wagyu beef seared on a heated salt stone
is unbelievably tender, juicy, and flavorful. Short ribs, prepared in a red wine reduction over
fall vegetables, nearly melt in one’s mouth. The restaurant’s attention to detail is apparent
in the presence of a maitre d’fromage: expert Carolyn Stromberg is as passionate as she
is knowledgeable about cheese—its flavor, texture, heritage, and aging. She oversees the
procurement, care, and presentation of more than two dozen artisanal cheeses, from Virginia
and around the world, of different textures and flavors, housing them all in a specially made
“cheese cave.” Carolyn wheels her cart to the table, where guests can choose a customized
sampler, dished up with as much education as they would like from her storehouse of
knowledge.
Nightlife night owls can enjoy Pose Ultra Lounge, as much an experience as a bar.
snow falls twice each evening—despite the year-round 72-degree temperature Situated at the top of the Gaylord hotel, the venue has its own private elevator that glides
by Annie Tobey
inside the glassy cover. Special holiday events include Brunch with a Claus, Lunch straight from the lobby level to the 18th floor, setting the atmosphere during the ride with a
with a Claus, Kwanzaa Brunch, and Dive-In Movies at the indoor pool. While multimedia monitor, a preview of the club’s projected colors and dancing images. The floor-
wandering the hotel, kids can play Peeps Pursuit, seeking “hidden” three-foot-tall to-ceiling windows in the two-story lounge present views of the nation’s capital, a dramatic
plush Peeps (those little yellow marshmallow chicks and their new friends). Beside backdrop for the Pose Infusion Bar, where bartenders “infuse” guests’ alcohol with a choice
the ICE! tent is an outdoor ice skating rink, open daily (weather permitting). All of flavors—fruits, spices, herbs, and other interesting tastes. A dance floor and DJ keep the
activities except the Dive-In Movies are open to day visitors as well as resort electricity buzzing in this cutting-edge lounge.
guests.
The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center’s location at National
Harbor makes it a comfortable starting point for local exploration, though the
range of amenities under its roof offer the option of cocooning—albeit in a very
large cocoon.
Still a work in progress, National Harbor will boast of the new 150,000 square
foot National Children’s Museum in 2013 and a 15-acre Disney property. Already,
the lifestyle destination presents an enticing collection of shops, restaurants,
offices, hotels, and residences. Dining is diverse, from Ketchup’s upscale American
fare and Cadillac Ranch with its mechanical bull to McCormick & Schmick’s
seafood. Shoppers’ choices range from Harley Davidson, Life Is Good, and
Peeps & Company to Swarovski, Art Whino, and Amber Tree Gallery. (For more
information, including the updated lists of restaurants and retailers, visit www.
NationalHarbor.com.)
This lifestyle center is conveniently located on the Potomac River just across
from Northern Virginia and just downstream from Washington, D.C. Guided tours
and numerous transportation services from Gaylord allow guests to explore the
capital’s monuments and museums, cheer on the Washington Nationals, and
enjoy other nearby attractions without the hassle of navigating busy streets. A
water taxi stops at the hotel and the Harbor, and drops passengers off at two
worthwhile destinations: Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria. (To read about
Gingerbread and George and other holiday treats at Mount Vernon, visit http://
www.myvmagazine.com/index.php/Travel-Lite/gingerbread-and-george.html.
To learn more about the dining, shopping, and history of modern yet quaint
Alexandria, go to
www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com.)
Other activities under the Gaylord roof include the family arcade and pool tables; fitness
Guests of the 2,000-room Gaylord National hotel will find plenty to occupy
room; pool; retail shops, with Pajama Party and Strictly First Glass; and the Relache Spa &
their time and their senses without even leaving the 40-acre property. Peering up
Salon. The National Pastime Sports Bar and Grill offers a 30-foot video wall, golf simulator,
at the expansive glass-enclosed atrium overlooking the Potomac River; basking
live radio broadcasts of Nats Insider, and other sporting events specials (including a Super
in the climate-controlled interior that mimics a perfect day; and surrounded by
Bowl party, the next big event after the holidays!). Business travelers will appreciate the
thousands of scattered plants and trees, a water fountain of 37 separate jets, and
easy-to-access high-speed Internet, the business center, and the free morning newspaper,
free-standing shops, guests could almost forget they’re inside—and will certainly
and may have the opportunity to attend a conference at the convention center, which serves
forget any adverse weather conditions lurking outside.
small groups or up to 17,000.
All Gaylord properties are a tribute to their location, seen here in a Mid-Atlantic
Gaylord at National Harbor provides enjoyment year round, with a multitude of special
theme, with subtle, tone-setting touches all around. Replicas of a Federalist-style
events and overnight packages, but there’s no time like the present. Though ICE! extends
farmhouse and a Colonial-era mercantile shop paint the atmosphere while
through January 10, other Christmas on the Potomac celebrations ends January 3. For more
housing useful retail stores. Shops and restaurants pay homage to the region, in
information, including guest packages like ICE! Family Fun or Grandparents Stay and Play
the patriotic goods at Stars N’ Stripes, the seafood dining at Moon Bay, and a
Free, visit
www.ChristmasOnThePotomac.com. For more information on Gaylord,
life-sized statue of Babe Ruth at the entrance to National Pastime Sports Bar and
visit
www.GaylordNational.com.
Grill, the official bar of the Washington Nationals.
Though lacking in local wines or microbrews, Gaylord National restaurants
The only frustration that V editor Annie Tobey experienced on the media
state their preference for local food products. Says Moon Bay, “We partner with
trip to Gaylord National was the realization that there isn’t enough time to
local farmers and fishermen to create simple, flavorful and fresh meals.” While
experience all that the hotel and the surrounding area have to offer.
www
•
myVmagazine.com
Vmagazine for women
• DECEMBER 2009
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