A must see event this holiday season is ICE at the Gaylord National in National Harbor MD. Each year the Gaylord plans out a different theme to recreate all in ice.  This year's theme is Frosty the Snowman.   Join Frosty and his friends through the retelling of a holiday classic.   Favorite scenes come to life in more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, including a two-story tall ice slide.





What you need to wear
Hats, gloves, winter coat, Anything else that will keep you warm, layers is the key.  Once you get your tickets you will make your way to the blue parka section.  They have coats in all sizes, believe me the coat will be a welcomed layer once you step into the exhibit.  





Once inside
After you get your blue parka you will make your way to a tent to get your photo taken.  Then you proceed to the ICE tent, once you are inside you will be happy that you wore those extra layers so you can enjoy the story of Frosty.  

ICE features:

• Walk-through holiday attraction, kept at a chilly 9 degrees
• Two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures
• Four ice slides
• Six individual rooms depicting the story of Frosty the Snowman
• The Frostbite Factory – a live carving zone

Tips 

• Purchase you tickets in advance online (they do sell out)
• Bring a camera to take plenty of pictures (but make sure your camera can deal with the frigid temperatures).  Just make sure you can work it with your gloves on
• Try to visit during non peak hours 
• Take you time walking through there is so much to see
• Definitely take a trip or two down the ice slides
• No strollers are permitted inside the ICE exhibit
• You can park at the The Gaylord National, or there are parking garages throughout the National Harbor area

Visiting ICE put my family and I in the mood for the holiday season.  From the Philadelphia area National Harbor is about an 2 and 1/2 hour drive.  Because there is so much to do in the National Harbor you can do this as a day trip or an overnight stay.  Click here to read more about the National Harbor.




For more information:  http://www.marriott.com

Location:  Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street National Harbor Maryland 20745 

This event is appropriate for:  the whole family

Price: $16-$34

Recently, my family and I traveled to Washington DC to visit the sights and we stayed in the Aloft hotel in National Harbor Maryland, which is about 20 minutes outside DC. When we arrived at the hotel and walked in we were a little confused but quickly realized that you had to take the elevator to the second floor to check in. We were warmly greeted by the Aloft staff saying Aloha. After a quick check in we took the elevators to our room. My youngest noticed the floor of the elevator changed colors when you stepped on it. This entertained them every time we were in the elevator. Our room was very clean and roomy for a family of 4. Aloft hotels is a new high-design/low-cost brand from Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The hotel and rooms are designed with natural materials and textures like cork and wood, with loft-inspired, 9 foot high guest rooms, state-of-the-art technology, modern amenities, and signature “r & r” beds.

The pool area was nice and easy to get to from our room. It was very open and airy. The pool is not open all day it opens for a few hours in the morning and then a few hours at night. There is a lifeguard on duty and towels are provided (one less thing to pack).

They also have an outdoor area that has a fire pit to keep you warm on the cold nights. This also allows you to look out at the Harbor Area too.

Overall the hotel is very family friendly. There were quite a few families that were there the same time we were. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

Below is a video of the Aloft hotel:





We were given a free upgrade on our room during our visit. The review is our honest opinion and true experience.