DC Weekends

Make It A Tradition

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:01:29 +0000

I went to the opening of The New Capital of Christmas spectacular at Gaylord National Resort at National Harbor last night. As I watched the beautiful fireworks off the Potomac and walked through the atrium in all its glory with more lights then you can imagine and a 60 foot glass Christmas tree to “top it off,” I got to wondering. Every Holiday season, Washingtonians make it a point to visit the many Holiday events around the region, including viewing the gorgeous lights at the Mormon Temple or driving through one of the many light displays in area parks, or attending Ford Theatre’s annual Christmas Carol and so on. It’s called a family tradition. After seeing what I saw last night there is no doubt in my mind that Gaylord National Resort’s latest ICE spectacular will fast become a family tradition as well. I couldn’t believe what I saw – a winter wonderland of 5,000 blocks of ice weighing 2 million pounds. The ice was hand-sculpted by 40 international artisans and kept at a chilling nine degrees Fahrenheit. What makes it even more amazing is the ice slides for the children. I took my niece and nephew and my niece told me that “this is the best Thursday I ever had!” What is so cool (pardon the pun) about this ice show are the different ice scenes. You can walk across an ice bridge or over a river of ice or get your picture sitting inside a full-sized ice horse and sleigh. I do have one suggestion, however. If you live in the metro area, I would spend a weekend at the Gaylord National Resort and “live” the new family tradition instead of just going for an evening, which you can also do. The prices are very reasonable to spend the night at the Gaylord hotel and you get a lot of bang for your buck by doing so. All in all, last night was truly spectacular and Gaylord National Resort’s New Capital of Christmas does not disappoint. For more information on this event and pricing visit www.gaylordnational.com.

Final Review. New York may have Rockefeller Center’s Famous Ice Rink – BUT Washington Has Gaylord National Resort’s ICE!!

Maryland Christmas Show

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:56:45 +0000

I’ve been to the Maryland Christmas Show, located at the Frederick Fairgrounds in Frederick, Maryland, almost every year since 1985. At first the show was held the first weekend after Thanksgiving. It proved to be so popular that it was extended to the first weekend before Thanksgiving and the weekend after Thanksgiving. This year is no exception. From November 20-22 and 27-29, you can pretty much do all your Holiday shopping. The Maryland Christmas Show was voted one of America’s top events to attend and it really doesn’t disappoint. You’ll enjoy the works of more than 200 top artists and craftspeople, wonderful Holiday food, music performances and much more. Visit www.marylandchristmasshow.com for more information on ticket pricing.

The Newseum Recreates Tim Russert’s Office

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:53:46 +0000

Weekends have never been the same since the death of NBC’s Meet the Press moderator, Tim Russert, in June 2008. It was not unusual for millions of Americans to turn on their TVs every Sunday and hear the award-winning Russert grill his political guests. Now, visitors to the Newseum can step into Russert’s office surrounded by his favorite books, family photos and mementoes of his beloved Buffalo Bills. Take time out of your busy weekend to see where Russert spent his days preparing for his political program. For more information on this exciting exhibit visit www.newseum.org.

The New Capital of Christmas

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:41:05 +0000

The Gaylord National Resort will feature its second annual Capital of Christmas celebration at the National Harbor. This year, however, there will be a twist. Folks attending the opening of this year’s Christmas spectacular (Thursday, November 19th) will see the lighting of a 60-foot glass Christmas tree, fireworks, musical performances, an indoor snowfall, laser light show and many other surprises including 2 million pounds of ice (that’s right two million pounds – with an “M”). The winter wonderland runs from November 19th through January 3rd. Let us know what you think. We’ll let you know our thoughts on Friday. Visit www.christmasonthepotomac.com for ticket prices.