If you’re not from the DC area and find yourself spending the summer here, you’re not alone. I’m from Atlanta, so this is quite a change of pace for me. Here are a few of the things that intrigue me as a temporary resident of the nation’s capital.
- Watch the sunset on the national mall
Can you say GORGEOUS? The monuments are a humbling, breathtaking experience any time of day, but I recommend visiting them right around sunset at 8:30 pm. Take a stroll past the Lincoln Memorial all the way to the Jefferson Memorial to get your fix of American history at the most beautiful time of day.
There’s no better way to spend a sunny afternoon in DC than on the water. Take a guided tour or steer yourself around to see the monuments and other historical sites from a different perspective. You can even reserve a spot to see the July 4th fireworks from the best angle possible. So come on in, the water’s fine!
Sick of waiting in DC traffic? Capital Bikeshare is the way to travel. With hundreds of locations throughout the district, Capital Bikeshare is the best way to see the area, get exercise and even run errands. You can pedal around the monuments, to the grocery store, the shops in Georgetown, or just about anywhere else you’d like.
- Visit the Newseum
Although there are many museum options in the DC area, the Newseum is my favorite. If you’re a journalism buff like me, you will nerd out (in the best way possible) while walking through this place. The Newseum lets you travel through time and see how journalism has developed through the years. The exhibits are vibrant and exciting, offering a unique perspective into how current events have been covered throughout history.
From designer pickles to hand-made granola, from fresh yogurt to aged cheeses, this market showcases foods guaranteed to make you hungry. Start your Sunday off right with one of the giant wheat blueberry pancakes or just come relax in the park for live music and the occasional visit from the DC Humane Society.
There’s no better way to end the work week than by grabbing a drink in the Sculpture Garden, located in the heart of Penn Square. Jazz in the Garden features food and drinks from the Pavilion Cafe; their set menu offers American cuisine and refreshments. The lineup of local DC jazz artists showcased at this event is always impressive. And the best part? Admission is free! This event draws large crowds, so get there early. Grab a blanket, get yourself a pitcher of Sangria (it’s to die for) and enjoy the show!