The Capital Region’s newly developed waterfronts have undergone serious rejuvenation in 2017. From new accommodations and eateries to an expanding water taxi service, it has never been easier to discover the region’s thriving bankside cities; Washington D.C., National Harbor and Alexandria.
D.C.’s Brand New Neighbourhood: The Wharf
D.C.’s innovative new neighbourhood, the Wharf, opened in October 2017 bringing a trio of new hotels, 20+ vibrant restaurants from fine dining to cool cafes, retail outlets, residential opportunities and enviable entertainment facilities to the cities shoreline – a stone’s throw from the National Mall.
Reconnecting the Nation’s capital to its waterfront history by regenerating a mile-long stretch of shoreline between D.C.’s Municipal Fish Market and Fort McNair – The Wharf will add 690 rooms to the cities accommodation portfolio across three properties, including America’s first Canopy by Hilton Hotel, Hyatt House and the Intercontinental Washington DC while also re-inventing D.C.’s public spaces by providing 10 acres of parkland, four public piers complete with outdoor recreational activities and expansive events and entertainment facilities at The Anthem, in addition to an exclusive marina and yacht club.
Visitors can now explore the Capital Region by land and water as the Wharf features four Capital Bikeshare stations along its half mile of dedicated bike path, allowing visitors to D.C. to easily discover the capital on two wheels.
Expanding Water Taxi Service with the Potomac Riverboat Company
Offering a scenic way to cruise the Capital Region the water taxi offers visitors a unique perspective on the region’s iconic skylines.
Potomac Riverboat Company will be expanding on its current services between D.C., Old Town Alexandria and Georgetown to transport visitors from the Wharf’s Transit Pier to five destinations throughout the Capital Region including National Harbour in Maryland, with an additional eight future dockings planned to open as the development moves towards completion in 2021.
The Potomac Riverboat Co has recently expanded its routes via the Potomac River between Alexandria and Downtown D.C. with plans to create a new public plaza on King Street.
The Potomac Belle and Nina’s Dandy also offer a variety of charters connecting the Capital region’s waterfront ports departing from Alexandria. History buffs can dive into the past aboard the Alexandria by Water Seaport Cruise or hop on the Washington by Water Monuments Cruise for a no-sweat solution to seeing D.C. highlights. Head south to the first president’s estate on the Mount Vernon by Water narrated boat cruise or opt to bike there and cruise back on the Mount Vernon by Bike and Boat tour.
Alexandria’s Waterfront Expands its offerings
This year Alexandria welcomed its first waterfront hotel, the Hotel Indigo in Old Town Alexandria, a boutique 120-room property with a nod to the city’s seaport past. The hotel’s patio dining at restaurant Hummingbird – brought to the waterfront by the creators of Restaurant Eve, a favourite of Barack Obama – provides stunning views of the Potomac River and serves up locally-sourced seafood and seasonal fare from Chef Cathal Armstrong, as well as a waterfront raw bar and cocktail menu from mixologist Todd Thrasher. Room rates start at $159 (£109) per night.
The waterfront has also seen the addition of new dining options including Vola’s Dockside Grill, Blackwall Hitch and the Hi-Tide Lounge Oyster Bar.
The Mount Vernon Trail beckons runners, walkers and cyclists with 18 miles of waterfront vistas, loads of green space and a route that runs all the way from George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate up to Arlington through Old Town Alexandria. Capital Bikeshare stations located throughout the city make grabbing a bike and pedalling along the Potomac – or even into D.C., easy.
National Harbor, Maryland
The newest landmark on Maryland’s waterfront, the MGM National Harbor celebrates its first birthday this December. Offering seven exclusive hotels, 160+ retailers, 40 restaurants and a casino, the MGM National Harbor has re-invented National Harbor as a destination in its own right and is rapidly becoming a Maryland must-see. Located close to Tanger Outlets, and a short distance from National Harbor’s Old Town, the MGM is perfectly located to easily explore what the city has to offer.
Taking advantage of its Potomac location, the MGM is also easily accessible by water taxi, with regular services running to Gaylord, Alexandria and Washington DC. An adult return starts from $28 return with the Potomac River Boat Co.
Also new for 2017: Visitors to National Harbor can now enjoy happy hour at a height from the newly opened Flight Deck at National Harbor’s Capital Wheel, a new outdoor lounge offering bites, bubbly and local craft brews with uninterrupted views of Washington D.C. and the Potomac shoreline.
For more information on the Capital Region USA visit: www.capitalregionusa.co.uk