DC

Christmas on the Potomac at Gaylord National

Posted on by Amanda @ The Hungry Wanderers

Merry Christmas Eve blog world :-) The Husband and I have flown to the east coast to be with our families this week and have had a wonderful visit thus far.  We’ve spent time catching up with friends and are with my family today and his tomorrow.  We hope that wherever you are, that you’re enjoying this holiday with loved ones!

Yesterday, we met up with good friends that we haven’t seen since our wedding nearly 3 years ago.  Our friends Chris and Melissa and their little ones, Amelia and Eli, had plans to check out the Christmas on the Potomac display at the Gaylord National hotel at the National Harbor.  Since they live a good distance away from our families, we appreciated the opportunity to see them closer to home (though we would have traveled far to see them if that was the plan) and get in some holiday festivities at the same time.

When we first started planning this excursion, I confused myself on multiple instances.  First, I thought we were going to the Southwest Waterfront, which would have been metro accessible.  I had never heard of the National Harbor (per the wikipedia page above, it looks like it opened in April 2008, after we moved to North Carolina).  Luckily we cleared that up before heading out to meet with them.  Then, I thought the only activity at the National Harbor was the ICE! Experience, which is a 15,000 sq. ft. exhibit made entirely of ice with the theme of the Grinch Who Stole Christmas for this year.  When I looked at it yesterday morning, I learned that the tickets were sold out! Luckily, though, we actually were planning on checking out all of the free festivities at the resort anyway, so no tickets needed to enjoy!

After a relatively easy drive from my parents’ house (minus a bit of traffic around East Capitol Street on 295), we followed the very helpful signs to the National Harbor (if you aren’t familiar with it, it’s right at 295/495 on the Maryland side of the Wilson Bridge).  We followed signs to one of the parking garages, and made our way through the chilly wind to the other end of Waterfront Street where the hotel is located.  Our friends were already there so we found our way to the Christmas tree and Potomac Express train.

From the main lobby area, we saw the Christmas tree in the distance and took some escalators down to find the train.

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While we waited for the kids to get onto the train (the line moved quite slowly) we admired the decorations around us.  Although we didn’t see the big man himself, Santa is available for visits and photos according to this sign and Santa’s house where one can pick up their photos.

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The Potomac Express train was located directly below the Christmas tree and was a relatively small circle around this Christmas present.  However, it goes around multiple times (we think we determined it was 12 rotations) and all of the kids seemed to love it.  This activity does cost money and requires buying tokens at various locations throughout the resort.

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Behind the train (or in front of it depending on your perspective) was a fountain that changed colors throughout the wait.  It was also the location of an fountain show which you’ll see farther down in this post.

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Right at 6pm, the fountain show, music, and Christmas tree lighting began (we could only see the fountain from our angle).  It was like our own little Bellagio fountains show, but here in DC :-)

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The fountain show continues hourly at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm.  Throughout the atrium, there are beautiful “northern lights” sparkling throughout.

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And the trees are all decorated in a festive theme.

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At 6:15pm, it begins to “snow” much to the children’s delight :-)

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Pretty much any time I have the camera, I have to take a photo of the Husband :-)

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As we headed to the glass elevators for a “free ride” with the kids (who knew riding in a glass elevator was so exciting?!?!), we saw The Grinch who must have been taking a break from the ICE! Experience.

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At this point, after all of the festivities, we had two hungry kids (and one hungry HungryWanderer) on our hands so we decided to head out for some dinner.  As we did, we wandered through the very elegant reception area of the hotel.

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Apparently, there are polar bears hidden throughout the hotel.  We saw our only spotting poking down through the ceiling.  If I’d known, I would have been looking for them all along!

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Overall, this was a fun holiday experience, especially since it was free :-) We definitely encourage those of you with little kids to check this out as we’re sure they would love it (as gathered by the immense joy of the little kids all around us).  We hope to check out the ICE! Experience some time in the future.  Have any of you been to the ICE! Experience? If so, did you enjoy it? Was it worth the price?

Happy Holidays Blog Readers!

Lost Dog Cafe

Posted on by Amanda @ The Hungry Wanderers

The Husband and I traveled back to the DC area a handful of times this fall for a handful of weddings as well as some other fun personal reasons.  On one of these trips, we found ourselves in South Arlington during lunch time and decided to head to the Lost Dog Cafe on Columbia Pike.  The Husband had been many times but this was my first visit.

Per their website and the Husband’s knowledge of their background, the Lost Dog Cafe has a strong interest in rescuing dogs and finding them safe and loving new homes.  In 2001, they formed a foundation for stray dogs and cats and provide them safe shelter until they find them new homes.  There are two Lost Dog Cafe locations and one Stray Cat Cafe.  They are decorated with fun artwork of dogs (and I assume cats at the Stray Cat Cafe location).  I captured a small part of that art with my coaster :-)

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In terms of food and drink at these cafes, they have a great beer selection :-)

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They have a great selection of meals but the Husband and I were both feeling salads for lunch that day.  One of us had the Fiesta Dog Salad which included fresh romaine, chicken, cheddar, red onions, cucumbers, mushrooms, red peppers, and pico de gallo with peppery parmesan dressing.  The other one of us (I really need to work on blogging sooner after dining out!) had the Fat Willis Chopped Salad which was Grilled chicken breast, crisp smoked bacon, fresh avocado, crumbled feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions on top of romaine lettuce (also served with a peppery parmesan dressing).  We both enjoyed our lunches :-)   

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Overall, we enjoyed our meal just as the Husband had every other time he’d been to the locations.  The wait staff is friendly and laid back, the beer selection is great, and the food is good.  Looking forward to going back!



Lost Dog Cafe (S. Arlington) on Urbanspoon

Redskins Season Opener

Posted on by Amanda @ The Hungry Wanderers

After our relaxing week in the Outer Banks, and a delish breakfast with my sister at Cagney’s, we continued on north to celebrate the Husband’s mom’s birthday.  We also got to go to the first Redskins game of the year, against their rivals the Dallas Cowboys!  This year we got season tickets to the Redskins and we were so happy we were able to make it to the first game. 

Season tickets to the Redskins? And we live in Las Vegas? What? Yep, that’s right! The Husband is a huge Redskins fan and has been on the waiting list for season tickets since 2003 or 2004.  When his name was pulled this year, we decided to go for it! We have enough friends and family who can enjoy the games while we’re away and then hopefully when we move home one day, we’ll have amazing seats.

The seats we have now, though, are pretty darn good relatively speaking.  They’re pretty high up (6 rows from the top!) as one can expect for first year season ticket holders, but there really is no bad view from FedEx Field.  Look at the view of the team coming on the field.

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One negative side of being up this high – the moths!!! All those specs in this next photo are moths going to the light.  When they got too close, they would get stunned and fall on us and those around us, scaring us half to death! If you have a drink, you definitely want to cover the top to prevent them from falling in (unless you’re looking for some protein in your drink).

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The Husband intently watching the game…

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And the game… (I told you we had a pretty good view!)

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It was even more exciting to have the Redskins WIN! Woo hoo!

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This was my first Redskins game ever and I’m pumped for our future games over the years :-) As can be expected, food prices are expensive but not different than other sporting stadiums.  We took the metro there and HIGHLY recommend that mode of transportation for everyone.  It looked like parking was a pain in the ass.  The DC Metro System has got their act together and the process of getting on and off the train and the walk was smooth and seamless.  Two thumbs up to Metro – two thumbs down to the FedEx Field Parking system.

Go Skins!

Cafe Deluxe

Posted on by Amanda @ The Hungry Wanderers

Two weeks ago, the Husband and I headed back east to the DC area prior to heading to the beach with family and friends.  While out and about that Friday, we happened to be in the Tysons Corner area of northern Virginia around lunch time, and the first place that came to mind to eat was Cafe Deluxe.  Before I even spoke it out loud, the Husband knew where I was going to pick :-) There area  handful of locations in the DC area, one of which is in Bethesda, and I’ve dined there many times over the years.  I’ve never had anything there I didn’t like!

The Tysons Corner Cafe Deluxe is located across from the Tysons I, next to Crate & Barrel (love that store!), and shares a parking garage with C&B.

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The inside is classy, but a tad loud – one of our only complaints.  It’s very difficult to hear the people you’re with.

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Going in, I knew exactly what I was going to have :-) They have great sandwiches!

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And sides!

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But first… what the Husband had for lunch.  He ordered the Grilled Cheese with bacon and tomato and a side of Gruyere Mac & Cheese.

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I went with my favorite – Roasted Lamb and Goat Cheese on Sourdough.  It also comes with fresh spinach and roasted red peppers (if I remember correctly).  And of course, a side of Gruyere Mac N Cheese.

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The Husband enjoyed his sandwich, but I was actually slightly disappointed with mine.  The goat cheese didn’t stand out enough this time around, but I would definitely order it again.  As for the mac n cheese, it was excellent! Their Gruyere Mac & Cheese actually can be hit or miss, depending on the day you’re there, so I was happy that it was on the better side this visit.

Our friend we were dining with convinced us to share a dessert three ways :-) Our waiter recommended the Peach Cobbler and it was an excellent choice!

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Overall, it was an enjoyable meal and great service.  I was glad to be able to make it back to one of my old favorites and look forward to many visits in the future over the years.



Cafe Deluxe on Urbanspoon