NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — On Monday, when I took bicycled on the Wilson Bridge Trail for the first time, I also pedaled down to National Harbor, the new waterfront development in Prince George’s County, Maryland. I regularly see it from Alexandria, but this was my first visit close up. My first impression — this is going to be a pretty cool place someday.
The development, along the Potomac River, is not completed yet, though there are several places to eat and the enormous Gaylord hotel. The aesthetics are pleasant enoug and the docks will make it a fun stop for boaters. There were not many there, but it was Monday. I also like the distance signs with local and non-local destinations
Two things I was not crazy about — the unpaved path from the Wilson Bridge Trail and the music piped in over loud speakers. To me, a place like National Harbor ought to sound like — a harbor. I want to hear the water, the sound of flags blowing in the wind and the general streetlife, for a lack of a better term, not smooth jazz.
Overall though, National Harbor looks like a nice place to spend a few hours strolling with baby carriage, getting a bite to eat and looking out over the Potomac. I am sure we’ll go over there sometime this summer via the water taxi from Alexandria. Once this place reaches critical mass, probably in a few years and a better economy, I expect it to be another special place in the D.C. area. I wonder if they have enough room or interest in a soccer stadium too.
