Real trip: National Harbor, MD
Distance from DC: 20 minutes
If the draw to Sin City is slot machines and gambling, National Harbor won't cut it. But, if you are more interested in everything else Vegas has to offer (and that's a lot), then the glitzy National Harbor is a perfect alternative. The new waterfront development offers fine dining, entertainment, and enough shopping to rival the Strip. Its only lacking poker chips and Elvis impersonators- but with Disney soon joining the neighborhood, anything can happen.
Like it's Nevada counterpart, conventions and meetings comprises majority of the National Harbor's business. The vast Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, which opened in 2008, boasts 2000 guest rooms, 47,000 square feet of meeting space, seven restaurants, and a 20,000 square foot spa. Aiming to lure business travelers away from staying in DC, the National Harbor markets its accessibility (water taxi service to/from Old Town Alexandria and the Nationals Stadium), competitive rates, and brand new facilities. The Gaylord National Resort even runs shuttle service between the National Harbor and both downtown Washington and Reagan National Airport. Besides the Gaylord National, the National Harbor has five other hotels, and the highly-anticipated Disney resort on the way.
You won't find Wayne Newton serenading National Harbor audiences, but there's no shortage of entertainment options. The waterfront location, unlike the desert of Vegas, creates many different opportunities for outdoor activities. The Gaylord National offers jet ski and boat rentals for guests wanting to explore the Potomac and get their sea legs. Bike rentals are also available- perfect for the new bike lane on the Woodrow Wilson bridge leading in to Old Town Alexandria. The water taxi service also offers an alternative mode of transportation for those wanting to check out the restaurants and shopping in Old Town, or catch a Nationals game with a direct ride to the ballpark. Like the famous fountains at the Strip's Bellagio, the Atrium Fountain in the Gaylord National offers nightly shows best viewed from the swanky Belvedere Lobby Bar.
Of course, food is also a big part of any Vegas trip. Like the numerous options offered along the Strip, the National Harbor is quickly becoming a foodie hot spot. In fact, it will be home to this year's Food & Wine Festival in June. Casual and fine dining restaurants are popping up all over National Harbor, with current options ranging from the eco-friendly Elevation Burger to the glamorous Bond 45, there's something for every budget and palate. End the night at one of the many great places to grab a cocktail, minus the infamous Vegas cover charges and guest lists. Kick back in blue jeans with a PBR at Cadillac Ranch, offering great music and a mechanical bull. Or, head to Bobby McKey's, the dueling piano bar that has live music every night of the week. Take the money you would have put into the slots and hit the sweets jackpot with a visit to the ever-popular CakeLove bakery or the newly opened Peeps store. Who needs bottle service when you have sugar-coated marshmallow chicks?
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