My cousins Sha and La brought me to National Harbor in Maryland. It was a beautiful day to be outdoors.
National Harbor is a relatively new waterfront development on the shores of the Potomac River. It has hotels, residential condominiums, retail stores and a marina. 
McCormick & Schmick restaurant
I couldn’t resist having this picture taken.
“The Awakening”, a five-piece, cast aluminum sculpture more than 70 feet in length and approximately 15 feet at its highest point, has been arduously rising from an earth-covered slumber at the tip of Hains Point since its installation in 1980 as part of a city-wide public art exhibition. more info here
There was a small outdoor market selling some food stuff, jewelry, fruits and vegetables. 
We bought a loaf of dark chocolate, coconut banana bread from Havana Banana Bread for $12. It was so good and I loved the addition of dark chocolate and coconut. It was a wonderful combination. We had the banana bread for dessert and breakfast with tea and coffee. 
After lunch and some window shopping we walked to the Gaylord National Hotel. I wondered why they were bringing me to a hotel. 
Isn’t that a beautiful garden? 
We entered through the back entrance. The whole wall was made of glass. 
As soon as I stepped in the hotel I knew why they wanted me to see the hotel. It was beautiful! They literally brought the outdoors inside. 
The lobby was just up the escalator. 
We sat here for a few minutes and enjoyed the view. 
I thought this store that looked like a house seemed out of place inside the hotel. 
My niece Erin, probably wondering when her parents will bring her back to the hotel for an overnight stay. According to my cousins the hotel looks totally different in December with all the holiday decor and activities. 
Havana Banana Breads
PO Box 3332, Laurel, MD 20709
(301) 503-1113
Toll Free: 1-866-500-1113
Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD 20745
Shoot First Eat Later 