This months’ day trip is going to be a little bit different. I am leaving the Fiat in the garage and taking the water taxi from Old Town, Alexandria to National’s Park for a ball game. Potomac Riverboat Company, which already runs water taxis to National Harbor and Georgetown, added National’s Park to this years schedule for selected games. What a cool way to get to and back from the game with no hassle. The $20 round trip ticked even includes free parking across from Chadwick’s Restaurant on the Strand.

The boat ride to the game leaves from the city docks about an hour before game time and leaves the Park 20 minutes after the last out for the return trip. The trip only takes about ½ hour and the scenery along the way is great. You can actually get some sight seeing in on this day trip. Charlotte Hall, Vice President of the Potomac Riverboat Company, tells me that response to the taxi has exceeded expectations. This was evidenced by the crowd that was aboard for the game against the White Sox. She also informed me that the boat holds about 120 people, so if you are going to go, get your tickets early.

The air was filled with excitement as the passengers boarded for the game. Rookie pitching phenom Stephen Strasberg was pitching that night, so we knew the stadium would be packed and electric. As the boat got underway we ran into some good friends from Alexandria. This made the ride up and back even more enjoyable. Beer, wine, soda and water are offered for sale on the boat, so after a few rounds everyone was pumped for the game and a ball park hot dog. The boat arrives at the newly constructed floating dock along the first base side of the stadium. After a short walk up the steps and across the street you enter the new stadium. National’s Park is so well laid out, that even with a sell-out crowd, I did not feel crowded and the lines at the concession stands were short.

The game was a pitchers duel and unfortunately the Nat’s lost 2 to 1 in 11 innings. Strasberg got a no decision and struck out 11 batters. Even though the game was a bit of a disappointment, we eagerly anticipated the boat ride back to town. Passing sailboats ghosting up the river under spinnaker, it was, as Jimmy Buffet says, a lovely cruise.
If you are hungry before or after the game, there are great places right on the waterfront to fill your stomach and quench your thirst. The Chart House Restaurant sits on the docks at the waterfront and has a great view of the Potomac River. As you cross over Union Street on to King Street, you will find the Fish Market Restaurant and O’Connell’s Irish Pub and Restaurant across the street. If you can’t make the game, you can watch it at all of these places and the Fish Market even offers $3.00 draft beers during the game. Right up the street from the Fish Market is Bugsy’s Pizzeria and Sports Bar. Up a block on Lee Street you can find Overwood’s, which organizes trips to the ball game aboard the water taxi.

Down Union Street you will discover Union Street Public House, a popular gathering place in the Tap Room or the Oyster Bar. Down along the Strand and near your car you will find Chadwick’s. This place has been a popular watering hole and eatery for 30 years, and if you keep your water taxi ticket you will discover a coupon on the backside for Chadwick’s. All of these establishments offer the best in food and beverage to help make your “Day Trip” to the ball game truly memorable.

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