What is there to do around the National Harbor - is it just food and shops? or more? Thought of taking my gf... (Baltimore: hotel)

[Cmusic29]

I don't care about a bunch of chain restaurants or what not. I mean, I have a feeling for what kind of places might be there, like a nicer version of cheese cake factory or PF Changs or something (not interested in those types of places). Is there decent priced shopping or is it all high end (for the gf)? Is there anything cultural around? Museum? etc.? Can you at least get some nice views and walks? I know that odd statue is on the beach but looking for a few more reasons to take that bus from either southern ave or branch ave. (coming all the way from upper NW near Maryland) - statues or structures as well. Or am I better off showing her Mt. Rainier or something?

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by Cmusic29

I don't care about a bunch of chain restaurants or what not. I mean, I have a feeling for what kind of places might be there, like a nicer version of cheese cake factory or PF Changs or something (not interested in those types of places). Is there decent priced shopping or is it all high end (for the gf)? Is there anything cultural around? Museum? etc.? Can you at least get some nice views and walks? I know that odd statue is on the beach but looking for a few more reasons to take that bus from either southern ave or branch ave. (coming all the way from upper NW near Maryland) - statues or structures as well. Or am I better off showing her Mt. Rainier or something?

Things to Do in Washington DC | National Harbor

[Cmusic29]

Meh. I visited.

Found it to be a bit sterile. More of a corporate feel to it with no real soul or anything cultural. I think the place has potential but as it stands now, there was nothing there that I could not get by just staying in DC and without any solid means of getting from NW to the NH, it loses my interest quick. I have to walk to the metro, go to Ctown for a transfer, go alll the way to the end of the green and wait for a bus, and travel for a good distance on that bus. Not appealing. I just found it to be lacking over all.

So, if you live in DC, especially NW or near downtown, not worth the hassle. I guess if you are from a smaller nearby town in PG, it is probably worth it if you don't want to go all the way into DC.

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by Cmusic29

So, if you live in DC, especially NW or near downtown, not worth the hassle. I guess if you are from a smaller nearby town in PG, it is probably worth it if you don't want to go all the way into DC.

A few things. One, development is not completed. Two, it was never meant to be a self contained, secluded harbor. It was built on the Potomac to take advantage of its proximity to DC and Old Town - a springboard if you will, for those who chose to book a hotel at NH or to live there.

Nevertheless, people from NW DC and even Nova travel to NH for specific events such as the Food and Wine Festival, the weekly live music shows at night on the pier during the summer, and the many social and civic events such as walks, runs, and parades. But meh, it's not for everyone.

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

A few things. One, development is not completed. Two, it was never meant to be a self contained, secluded harbor. It was built on the Potomac to take advantage of its proximity to DC and Old Town - a springboard if you will, for those who chose to book a hotel at NH or to live there.

Nevertheless, people from NW DC and even Nova travel to NH for specific events such as the Food and Wine Festival, the weekly live music shows at night on the pier during the summer, and the many social and civic events such as walks, runs, and parades. But meh, it's not for everyone.

That is the real point. Everyone has there own interpretation of what is interesting. Aside from the occasional play event or restaurant the DC metro area doesn't do it for me. I think there are cities that are far more interesting but that doesn't mean that it doesn't appeal to others. Its a matter of preference. Another thing to consider is that the long-term vision is that the NH will serve as an economic engine for development in areas surrounding it. It was never the plan for the NH to be self contained. Eventually it will extend to adjacent areas just like Baltimore with East Point and the Navy Yard with Navy East and Buzzard's Point.