Posted July 24, 2018
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There’s one month left until Labor Day, marking the unofficial end of summer. How is it that winter drags on forever but summer seems to fly by in the blink of an eye? The bright side? That’s still a month! That’s about 4 weekends to soak up all you can before summer calls it quits. Think of all the possibilities! If you’re looking for suggestions, we have quite a few; so grab your besties and start crossing off the list!
BBQ
This is a summer staple that’s as American as apple pie but a million times easier to put together! Have you ever baked a pie? It’s hard! A barbecue? Not so much. All you need is good food, good drinks, and good friends. Stick everyone in a backyard or go find a park – the location doesn’t matter as long as everyone is chilling together. Something else that makes a barbecue a good idea is you don’t have to worry about a closing time. A barbecue is the perfect no pressure activity that screams summer and brings people together.
Don’t forget to take in a sunset while you’re there!
Vitamin Sea
What else is quintessential summer? Beach. No matter what you’re into, you can be happy there! Spend all day in the surf, play volleyball/soccer/*insert whatever sport you’re into here*, build a sandcastle, or lay out and work on your tan. Also, can you say beachy waves? Ocean City and Virginia Beach are within driving distance so really there’s no reason to skip out on one trip to the shore this last month.
Customized Bloody Mary from Logan Tavern – I never kid about onion rings.
Brunch!
Remember when I said that there are 4 more weekends left of summer? That means there are at least 8 more opportunities for a weekend brunch. Thankfully we are right by DC which has an incredible brunch scene! Feeling bottomless drinks? Check out Ambar. They have locations in Capitol Hill and Clarendon. Note – due to local laws, the Clarendon location is .25 cents / drink. Even so – quite the deal. Do you want a view? Farmers Fishers Bakers is right on the water in Georgetown. Do you want incredible food? Logan Tavern in Logan Circle is a local favorite! Plus you can customize your own Bloody Mary with things as normal as celery and Old Bay to accouterments that are a little more unexpected like cream cheese and onion rings. Brunch is no joke in the DMV so here’s a helpful hint wherever you go: make a reservation!
The bartenders at Del Mar can make some gorgeous cocktails too! Even ones that aren’t on the menu…
Night Out
The weather is warm so break out that cute dress and heels for a night out! Everyone knows about the clubs in Dupont Circle but if you’re looking for something different, District Wharf is open and thriving! Restaurants, bars, shopping, music, and incredible people watching all can be found along the water. All this variety means you can have the night you want without compromise. Dress to impress or rock the athleisure, everything goes here. Just between us Besties, go to drinks on the terrace at La Vie, dinner at Del Mar (tapas!), and dessert at Milk Bar.
Take in a Show
Wolf Trap fills up quickly so bring a blanket to snag your spot!
Summer is considered concert season and for good reason! There is almost nothing better than a show on a warm summer night. While the area is full of different venue options, you have to check out Wolf Trap. Located just off Route 7 in Northern VA, Wolf Trap boasts incredible performances of all kinds in a family-friendly environment. Music, plays, and festivals take place throughout the summer into September. Pro tip: buy lawn tickets and bring in your own food & drink.
Monuments
Washington, DC is known for many things but the monuments will always be at the top of the list. While they are open all year, the long, summer days provide more time to stroll through and really take in the history. Take it up a notch and go at night! The monuments all lit up make the experience almost surreal.
From the top of Little Devils Stairs. Legs were shaky and I was out of breath but I would 100% do it again for this view.
Take a Hike… Literally
For all my active Besties out there – this one is for you! This area is full of incredible hiking trips ranging from easy to hard all within driving distance. If you want to stay closer to DC, I recommend the Billy Goat Trail in Great Falls, MD. It provides a mix of level ground and more difficult climbing and there are a couple bailout points just in case you don’t want to make the entire trip. The hike runs along the Potomac River so you get a great backdrop for any Insta-worthy pics. If you want more of a challenge, take a trip to Sperryville, VA to Little Devils Stairs. The trail is 6 miles but the first 2 are where the fun happens. The trail runs along (and crosses) a stream and involves quite a bit of hand over hand climbing. It provides an incredible workout and, even though at times you feel like dying, the view is totally worth it.
Outdoor Movies
Ditch the theater and take in a film under the stars! There are enough places that do this so you never have to drive too far to make it happen. Movies on the Potomac provides both family and date night movies on the lawn at National Harbor (Oxon Hill, MD). Grab your significant other for an outing on Thursdays at 7pm for movies directed to an older crowd. Pack your family up on Sundays at 6pm for a more kid-friendly experience.
Let’s go, Nats!
Go to a Game
In DC, sports are definitely part of the culture. For the first time in a while, we have teams that are actually pretty decent! Just like barbecues and apple pie, baseball is a summer must-do. It’s our national pastime! Head out to Nationals Park (Navy Yard in DC) to watch the Nationals play and the presidents race. They’ve got great food and drinks there too so even if you aren’t about baseball, you’re in for a good time. Baseball not your thing? Soccer is getting a breath of life with the opening of Audi Field – the home of DC United. They have European soccer star Wayne Rooney, a brand new field, and food overseen by world-renowned chef, José Andrés. DC is taking the sporting experience to a whole other level.
Wine. Slushie.
Vineyards
Move over Napa and France, Virginia is Wine Country now! Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration but Loudoun County has a flourishing wine scene that is drawing international attention. There are options that are definitely geared toward adults while some have designated family spaces for children. Make it a day! Hop around or stay all day, there is no wrong way to do a vineyard. Some of our top NoVA faves include: Stone Tower Winery (Leesburg, VA), Paradise Springs Winery (Clifton, VA), Dry Mill Vineyards & Winery (Leesburg, VA), Bluemont Vineyard (Bluemont, VA), and Hiddencroft Vineyards (Lovettsville, VA). Bestie to Bestie, at Dry Mill, try the wine slushies.
Summer may be on its final lap but fabulous hair is always in-season. Stop by your local Bubbles to keep your look fabulous no matter the activity! Show us what you’re up to and use #BubblesBesties for a chance to be featured on our social pages.
