Summer of More

Your guide to Gaylord National Resort’s most enjoyable season

By WP Creative Group

June 10, 2022

As Americans ease into summer, staycations, and trips closer to home are proving to be an affordable and more convenient way for vacationers to experience the excitement and enjoyment of a summer getaway without the hefty price tag.

One option for travelers this summer is the picturesque Gaylord National Resort located on the banks of the Potomac River in National Harbor, Maryland – just 15 minutes from Washington, D.C. and under two hours from Philadelphia, Baltimore and Richmond.

The resort, known for its seasonal programming, has debuted an exciting lineup of events for its Summer of More celebration. With Pirates and Princesses-themed activities, creative cocktails at the pool and lobby bars, seasonal spa treatments, a July Fourth jazz event and so much more, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy. Visitors can skip the long lines at the airport, traffic jams and travel fatigue, and head to this lively destination that’s minutes away but feels miles apart from home.

Fun for the whole family

“The goal of our Summer of More programming is to give families more of the things they want — and need — in their summer vacation,” said Patrice Clayton, public relations manager at Gaylord National Resort. “More relaxation, more family time, more fun is the theme here.”

“After what we’ve all been through these last two years, I think people are really looking for vacations to feel the way they were before the pandemic, with the ability to get away, relax, feel carefree and make precious memories with their family and friends,” she continued.

Families who visit Gaylord National won’t soon forget their experience. With the resort’s unique programming, guests will be immersed in a fantasy world that includes hidden treasure, shipwrecked pirates, royal princesses and priceless jewels. The storyline introduces guests to a captain and his crew of notorious pirates scouring the resort for booty, as its resident princess attempts to protect her treasure. Guests can get swept up in the charade of the resort as an outpost full of buried treasure waiting to be found — or choose to defend the royal princess.

Keeping with the theme, kids and adults alike can let their imaginations run wild at the Pirates and Princesses Art Studio, which allows visitors to choose from a pirate or princess canvas and explore their creative side. As for entertainment, there’s an interactive Pirate and Princess Academy Stage Show where guests can take an oath to become an honorary pirate or princess for the day.

Wildlife adventures

The thrilling adventures continue with Live Animal Encounters. Overnight guests can enjoy meet-and-greets with real animals including Red-tailed Hawks, ferrets, bearded dragons, snakes, and turtles, and their handlers, to learn more about what they eat, their natural habitats, how they adapt to changing weather and other fun facts. Animal lovers can also get up close and personal with virtual creatures in the Wildlife Rescue, an augmented reality experience presented by bubly™. The AR experience allows individuals to embark on a larger-than-life virtual safari to discover elephants, tigers, and other animals — all without leaving the resort!

“When we’re designing seasonal events for Gaylord National, one of the big things that we really focus on is having a multi-generational approach,” said Niko Nickolaou, senior director of special events and entertainment for Gaylord Hotels. “So, while a scavenger hunt can be enjoyed by the whole family, there’s also niche programs like the art studio for younger children, and virtual reality experiences for teenagers.”

In addition to the scavenger hunt, movie nights in the resort’s iconic 19-story glass Atrium are a family bonding experience all ages can enjoy. Families are invited to put on their most comfortable PJs and bring some tasty snacks to watch the hand-picked, family-friendly classics.

A place for adults to unwind

While it may seem like kids are capitalizing on most of the fun, Gaylord National’s ‘multi-generational’ approach extends to teens, adults and all kids-at-heart. The 80s-themed pop-up lounge, Replay at POSE rooftop promises a fun, family experience by day, and a rad adult hotspot by night. Unwind with over-the-top 80s-themed cocktails, retro arcade games and spectacular views of the Potomac river. Nickolaou swears you can take the best sunset photos in the area from the Replay lounge.

Other adults-only programming boasts pirate-inspired rum cocktails and mocktails at the sundeck pool bar, as well as three brand-new refreshing summer cocktails available at the resort’s Belvedere Lobby Bar including the Ketel Botanical Spritz, Rangpur Summer and Spiced Palmer.

On America’s birthday, Gaylord National will host the July Fourth Jazz with a View event in partnership with the Lake Arbor Jazz Festival. The soiree will feature a local DMV-favorite jazz band, and attendees will be treated to a complimentary cocktail upon arrival. Not to mention, the rooftop views allow for guests to see fireworks for miles, weather permitting.

Of course, celebrating a Summer of More doesn’t mean that Gaylord National’s evergreen programming will cease. Guests can still enjoy delicious cuisine at the resort’s signature Old Hickory Steakhouse, grab coffee or a light bite at the Potomac District Café & Market and treat themselves to a spa treatment at Relâche Spa. The resort’s famous and highly anticipated nightly light and fountain show will also go on, delivering a dazzling display of lights, dancing water, music and lasers in the Atrium.

An unforgettable summer staycation

Clayton is also quick to remind visitors that while Gaylord National has so much to see and do at the resort, exploring National Harbor is a must-do during your trip.

National Harbor has more than 40 restaurants, 160 shops and endless entertainment just steps outside of the resort. Options include MGM National Harbor, The Capital Wheel, Tanger Outlets or even a day trip to D.C. And this summer, National Harbor will host a collection of diverse festivities including the Polynesian Festival, Celebrez en Rose, Water Lantern Festival, Mommy en Blanc and more. Gaylord National Resort guests receive complimentary access to the Harbor’s Circulator Bus which makes stops at MGM National Harbor, Tanger Outlets and more.

“We always say that Gaylord National Resort is ‘minutes away, and miles apart,’” Clayton says. “You might only be 30 minutes from your home, but this destination offers such a wide variety of activities and events that visitors will have a really amazing and relaxing getaway without the added anxiety of extended travel.”

Guests interested in experiencing Gaylord National’s Summer of More should check out Gaylord National’s website for the latest information. Advanced purchase rates begin at $259 and overnight packages are available. Marriott Bonvoy members may be eligible for additional discounts.

Treasure is within your reach: Summer of More festivities continue until September 5. Plan your trip to Gaylord National Resort today for the adventure of a lifetime, close to home.

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