Getting sick of the typical D.C. dating scene? Already been to all the hot bars and cool lounges down U Street? Well spice things up and head across the river for a change of pace. National Harbor is just on the outskirts of D.C. in Maryland. Whether you’re there with a date or to pick up someone new, there’s plenty to do.

Check out this beautiful sight with your loved one. (Photo: nationalharbor.com)

Since you’ll be right by the water, it’s obvious you have to eat some sort of seafood while here. National Harbor has plenty of restaurants, from up scale to casual locations. They all offer an abundance of aphrodisiacs to set the mood. And if you’re riding solo, there’s no need to worry. Just sit at the bar and enjoy the view of the harbor until you spot that someone special. If that doesn’t work out, don’t sweat it. There’s plenty of other fish in the sea.

After you and your date are stuffed, walk it off along the pier. Stop by the Capital Wheel and live out that stereotypical romantic comedy moment as the two of you gaze into the sunset from the top. Once that’s over, see if any shops are open and adventure.

Aside from shopping and stuffing your face with oysters, here are a few more ideas to do the next time you and your date venture to the harbor.

Boat rental

Feeling adventurous? Take your date out onto to the water! From paddle boating to kayaking, there’s so many water adventures to choose from. And if your feeling extra fancy, you can opt for a cruise on the Potomac or rent a private yacht.

Appreciate the arts

Art is all around harbor. From “The Awakening” to the “Beckoning,” it’s easy to just stop and observe the art by the water. Plus, if you do your research, you can impress your date with all the fun facts.

Movies on the Potomac

What’s better than a free movie after dinner? Every Sunday through September, a movie will be played on the lawn at 6 p.m. Checkout the movie listings before hand and pack up your picnic basket and blanket.

Your date will enjoy the lovely view at National Harbor. (Photo: Geoff Livingston)

Shots, shot, shots!

Once all the cute stuff is over, head to the bars to really pump up the night. Check out the dueling pianos at Bobby McKey’s or hangout at Cadillac Ranch or Public House for a good time. Remember to drink some water to prevent that hangover in the morning!

The after party

After a long night of intimate conversations over drinks, don’t put yourself at risk of drinking and driving. There are plenty of hotels by the harbor (cough, cough, the Gaylord National Resort), that your date would be more than thrilled to stay at. Although your wallet will hate you in the morning, you’ll end the date on the highest of notes at a fancy hotel with a smiling significant other. So next time you decide to embark on a date to the harbor, save up and expect to splurge on that special someone.

For many people, weekends are a time to stay in, catch up on household chores or simply relax. However, if a weekend at home doesn’t appeal to you, planning a weekend city getaway may be just the ticket. Many of the nation’s cities offer great opportunities for weekend visitors, with plenty of easy-to-access activities, ample city transportation options and enough culture and history to encourage a return trip in the future. Whether you choose a simple hotel or seek out a deluxe Bluegreen Resorts rental, you can be sure of an exciting stay in any of these fine cities.

The Stature of Liberty overlooks New York Harbor. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Top weekend getaway cities in the U.S.

If there is one U.S. city that you must visit in your lifetime, it is most definitely New York City. A world center for finance and art, New York is a true melting pot of cultures and influences. You can say that a city has something for everyone, but nowhere is that more true than here. Events are always on the schedule, from street fairs to theater and film premieres, sporting events to seasonal activities, new restaurants and clubs opening and, of course, the many landmark attractions from Central Park to the Statue of Liberty.

If skyscrapers are not to your taste, then the low-rise buildings and more neoclassical aesthetic of our nation’s capital make for an excellent weekend destination. Washington, D.C. is not only packed with museums housing natural history, historical relics and tributes to the spirit and accomplishments of Americans, but it has also become a real food destination in recent years. Its walkability and accessibility by train make it very attractive for a weekend visitor as well.

The beautiful city by the bay will most definitely capture your heart if you stop in for the weekend. San Francisco possesses scenic views, plenty of outdoor parks and some of the loveliest Victorian architecture in the country. A vibrant nightlife and diverse food scene give this city an allure that you will find difficult to leave behind.

If truly exciting nightlife is what you want out of a weekend break, then Miami may be the place for you. This is the place to be seen and to see the beautiful people, international partiers and the truly unique. Plenty of delicious food with a heavy Latin influence can be had, and the Art Deco district of South Beach is a must-see during the day and at night.

The Rocky statue in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. (Photo: visitphilly.com)

History may seem to be the only drawing card for Philadelphia, but the “City of Brotherly Love” has much more to offer than simply colonial architecture and historical documents. True, here is where you will find the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Benjamin Franklin’s grave, but “Philly” is also home to a diverse ethnic scene, including the Italian neighborhood and Chinatown, the spectacular indoor Reading Market and Fairmount Park; and where else can you run up the art museum steps and have your picture taken with a statue of Rocky Balboa?

The hardest part of planning for a weekend mini-break is deciding where to spend those three days. With so many diverse and exciting cities to choose from, all packed with activities, must-see sights and must-have experiences, you may need to start planning your next weekend as soon as this weekend ends.

Article by Luke Stanfield

As the back-to-school sales start sprouting and the weather begins cooling down, it is evident that summer is almost over. But don’t let that cool down your summer romance. Here are some great places to check out on your next date before fall starts.

Screen on the Green concludes Aug. 12 with Tootsie. (Photo: )

Outdoor movie festivals

This is a no-brainer. There are so many movie festivals in and around D.C. A great festival for D.C. newbies and natives alike is Screen on the Green, which takes place right on the National Mall. The last movie showing is Aug. 12 so run, don’t walk to the next film! For those looking for a smaller, more intimate setting, the Rosslyn Outdoor Film Festival is right outside Georgetown and is fun for romantic picnics.

Aug. 11-18 is Beer Week in D.C. (Photo: DC Beer Week)

D.C. Beer Week

D.C. Beer Week is almost here! Starting Aug. 11, take your honey around town to the different events. Brew some love at the D.C. Heritage Night Concert or hop into some romance at the special English Summer Ale tasting at Gordon-Biersch.

Kayaking on the Potomac

For those adventurous couples, kayaking on the Potomac River is a fun activity both of you can enjoy. Kayak rentals run between $15 to $20 per hour.

Photo: Tidal Basin Paddle Boats

Paddle boating at the Tidal Basin

If  kayaking seems too intense, enjoy paddle boating on the Tidal Basin. Heat things up as you enjoy gorgeous views of the city and the Jefferson Memorial. Paddle boating is only $12 for a two passenger boat, making it a fairly inexpensive date.

Nats game

Be sure to support our D.C. baseball team by heading out to a game. America’s favorite past-time is a great way to connect with your significant other over some beer and good times.

Markette snowboards backwards down a hill… don’t try this at home!

Where: White Tail Ski Resort in Mercersburg, Pa.
Distance from DC: 87 miles
Time in Car: 1 hours 51 minutes
Best time to Go: The peak season is winter, but they have outdoor activities all year round. The ideal snow conditions for skiing, boarding or tubing are just after a big snow. Additionally, you can always check the Snow Report for the most up to the minute details.
Things to Do: Ski, Snowboard, SnowTube, See and Be Seen.

When I first arrive, I am frightened at the notion of riding a lift to the top of a mountain only to have to slide down with both of my feet locked into a standing sled… also known as a snowboard.

I know, I know. My hair looks a HOT mess in this video. I didn’t see a reason to take it out of the pin curls since I was going to be wearing a hat all day.

Anyways, enough of that! Let’s get back to the trip… So at first, I really struggled to stay standing on my own two feet. I mean, I really struggled.

This chicken tender platter set me back a little over $8.

The food was not bad, but definitely more factory made, than fresh. It was also overpriced, but a ski resort can do that because they a captive audience — a bunch hungry people on a cold mountain with no other food options in sight.

Travel Tip: Eat a hearty breakfast before you go, and pack bottled water and snacks!

My guy did better with his burger selection. But it still set him back a pretty penny… more than $8.

With food in my belly and my mental block behind me, I went back to wrestle with the mountain and tried snowboarding once again.

Markette versus The Mountain: Slowly, but surely there’s triumph… who will nature win over (wo)man?

Victory over the mountain!

You know what? I think there really is something to that old addage,”If at first you don’t succeed, then try, try again.”

xoxo,

Markette

Let’s Connect!

P.S. – Check out our previous One Tank Trip to Colonial Williamsburg.