"The Awakening" at the Beach

Well you know what they say. If you can't go to the beach, bring the beach to you. Okay, maybe that isn't a saying...but that is what they have done here at National Harbor. Throughout the length of the harbor, guests have the capability of enjoying a walk right along the water's edge on the paved walkways. However, if you stroll a little farther away from The Gaylord Resort you'll find yourself approaching this little treasure tucked between one of the boardwalks and shopping centers. The Beach at National Harbor isn't exactly the size of an ideal beach, but it gives you the enjoyment of being able to take off your shoes and have your toes in the sand.

Oh did I forget to mention the giant (literally) sculpture rising from the ground of the beach?



"The Awakening" was created by J. Seward Johnson Jr. in 1980. The sculpture represents a 70 foot giant struggle in attempting to free himself from his entrapment in the earth. You can see the struggle as the giant's left hand, right foot, right arm, left leg, and head emerge from the ground. The tallest part of the sculpture is the gaint's right arm, reaching up to 17 feet in height! The detail of work put into this structure really captures the intense emotion of struggle in the giant's face. The sculpture was originally located in a long, flat field at Hains Point in Washington, DC. In 2007, the sculpture sold for $750,000 and was moved to its new home at National Harbor. I think this would be a trade up in location for this giant.

The beach provides an area of relaxation to guests of all ages. There are chairs throughout the area if you want to sit and take in the scenary while digging your toes into the sand. The giant sculpture serves as a challange to the many children who dream to climb to the top of his limbs. While Mindy and I visited National Harbor we got to observe the many attempts of these children. Despite the nasty fall some of these kids took while climbing on the giant's leg,  I just couldn't resist giving the sculpture a shot at my climbing skills....

Okay, maybe I didn't attempt to climb the largest portion....but it was a success in my book.

For those of you who do not take enjoyment in the mess that sand can provide, there are plenty of other beautiful areas to walk by the water's edge and take in the view. The entire harbor is lined with a paved walkway with just a barrier of large rocks seperating you from the water. There are benches every couple of feet if you want to take a break and just enjoy the scenario. The Gaylord provides a beautiful lawn sitting area which looks out at the Harbor, it even has a fountain.

Of course, there are plenty of options for enjoying the water itself....but we will save that for another time.

- Kristen