Carl and I had the BEST staycation last weekend at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort. Sometimes you just need to pack a bag and take a trip. Even if it’s only 45 mins away! Who else agrees?! *Raises Hand*

I first want to share this amazing view to you. Inside the Gaylord National is incredible. You have a “mini town” like feel inside with this view — I wanted to pack another bag and stay longer. Our room had a balcony with a chair, a great place to sit in the morning and watch the sunrise.

Below you can see the “mini town” feel I was speaking of. They have restaurants and a coffee bar you can enjoy without having to leave! Harbor Marketplace, The Cocoa Bean, Belvedere Lobby Bar, Pose Rooftop Lounge, National Pastime Sports Bar And Grill (We stopped here for apps before exploring the National Harbor), Pienza Marketplace (we had breakfast here), Old Hickory Steakhouse.

Our room was cozy and had such a nice home feel to it. I loved how spacious the room was, Carl is 6’4″ — he needs it, haha. We walked in and we had to force ourselves to go explore. The tv’s have Netflix — Don’t threaten us with a good time. We almost stayed in at 4pm and turned it on…but we didn’t! We went exploring to the Capital Wheel!

All dressed up for our night out! (He’s acting like he doesn’t like his photo taken…haha)

We walked hand and hand (cute as ever –right?) down to the Capital Wheel! It’s the first time for both of us to ride the wheel and I was beyond nervous. I’m afraid of heights and of course he was fine. It took me 2-3 times around at first to relax. After that, I was in awe of the view. We lucked out and perfectly planned our ride. Sunset!!!

 

It was like going on a first date all over again. Sometimes you have to act that way. Do spontaneous trips, stay-cations or date nights! We really had a great time on the Capital Wheel. Add it to your list of things to do when you’re in the area or if you’re local!

That smile is a smile of conquering my fear of heights!! I’m so glad I gave it shot, the view is incredible and I’m proud of doing something I normally would be too afraid to do.

After the Capital Wheel adventure we walked on over to do a little shopping. Stopped at the PEEPS store as well as Charming Charlie’s to kill some time before dinner at The Walrus – Oyster & Ale House. Dinner at The Walrus was mouth watering! Below I’ll share our dinner with you, but beware — You might be hungry after this portion of my post.

(Photo above is a great shot during the day! I got it from their website, wanted to give a better idea of how open and the atmosphere can be killer during lunch, happy hour or evening!)

We decided to start with some appetizers! Crispy Calamari for Carl, I had Shrimp and Hushpuppies! I was lucky to get any good photos during this meal. We both couldn’t wait to dive into the food. Everything looked AMAZING, it tasted even fresher than we thought it would. The Shrimp was my favorite, I usually love peel -n- eat shrimp when it’s boiled and hot. I was wondering how I would like this since it’s on ice. They spice the shrimp, go over it quickly with a flame to sear the top and then ice it. Honestly — It was better than anything I’ve had! Again, so glad to try something new.

We then ordered our main courses, let’s just say I love food and my eyes are always bigger than my stomach. ha-ha. I ordered the Bell & Evans Half Roasted Chicken, it takes 25 mins to slow cook but we had our wine refilled and didn’t mind waiting for the meal! It’s a herb citrus marinade, sautéed curly spinach, roasted fingerlings, red wine butter chicken gravy. YUMMMMYYYY!!

Carl got the Land & Sea! Half pound Shenandoah Valley ribeye, Maryland jumbo lump crab cake with butter sauce, grilled broccolini, mashed potatoes. He didn’t talk much when it came out so you know he was happy. He ate all of his meal and then half of mine! ha-ha.

I was SO FULL at this moment but if you’re anything like me, there is ALWAYS room for desert – right? I decided to go for the homemade apple pie and ice cream. It’s made to order. You guys, it was incredible, I mean …. Just look at it:

I will NOT be showing an after photo – we went to town! haha. I’m so thankful to The Walrus for hosting us. We had an incredible dinner and we truly enjoyed the atmosphere. We’ve been talking about when we will go next! We heard on Mondays they have the best fried chicken anyone could ever ask for. We’re gonna have to put that to the test here soon!

We headed back to the room after dinner to find a bottle of wine, cheese and crackers waiting for us. We decided to stay in, enjoy those and watch Stranger Things 2!!! (We binge watched and finished the next day haha) The next morning we woke up and had walked downstairs to enjoy the breakfast buffet at Pienza.

 

 

 

 

We explored the Relâche Spa & Salon after breakfast!

It was time to get pampered before heading back home.

I got a 80 minute facial and Carl got a 60 min massage. We both needed some extra love after our crazy schedules lately with work. Make sure to always take time for yourself and also as a couple.

They have a gorgeous couple massage room — we will def be having this next time. Look at that view!!

Also you can enjoy their separate Men’s & Women’s Lounges with tea, water and light snacks. A steam room and pool which you can see below. We def should of planned for more time there. We will be making sure that happens next time.

Their spa offers different lines of products, you can even purchase! Which is nice to be able to try certain products during your facial first and then decide which you love to bring home.

The service list they offer is impressive; Body scrub, Body wrap, Couple’s Massage, Eye Treatments, Facials, Foot bath, Hair & scalp treatments, Kids Services, Lip Treatments, Makeup Services, Manicures/pedicures, Massage lessons, Massages, Men’s services, Paraffin hand treatments and Waxing! You can truly go there and get all your needs handled.

We left our stay at the Gaylord National Harbor feeling refreshed and closer. Whether you’re in town for a conference, vacation or even live here I highly recommend you spend your time there. They treat you like royalty and all the options they have between restaurants and things to do in the area is incredible. It’s convenient and accessible! Always remember, take time for yourself and enjoy it.

Thank you to the Gaylord National Harbor for hosting us during our stay, you made it such a wonderful experience for the both of us. Thank you also to The Walrus – our dinner was delicious. You both forever has a customer in us and we can’t wait to come back.

Follow along on social media:

Gaylord National: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – Website

National Harbor: Facebook– Instagram – Twitter – Website

The Walrus Oyster & Ale: Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – Website 

xx, Tonya Michelle