We’ve just had the Summer Solstice and the summer season has officially started. It’s sunny and warm, so it’s a great opportunity to go outside and be active. Outdoor activity can actually be beneficial to your health. Spending time in the sunlight can also help improve your sleep and reduce depression symptoms.
Great Places to Spend Time Outdoors
Just simply being outside is great but sometimes it isn’t enough. Sometimes you need to immerse yourself in nature. Other times you might just be bored and want something to do while your outside. Thankfully, the DMV has tons of options for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Cunningham Falls State Park
This park is in Thurmont, Maryland and it is gigantic! The park is full of big trees that have the greenest of leaves. You can try one of the many beautiful hiking trails and see the serene waterfall. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can still go swimming or boating in the lake. I’ve been here with my friends, and we all had a great time. The air was fresh and sun rays were warm. It truly is a great place to go and relax. Visiting this park is definitely worth it.
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve
Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is located Mclean, Virginia. The Preserve is a great place to go hiking; its hiking trail is over 3 miles long. Since it’s a nature preserve, it is also a great place to go birdwatching. While you’re there you can also see a small yet amazing waterfall. Also, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail runs through Scott’s Run.
Buzzard Rock
Buzzard Rock is in Front Royal, Virginia. Similar to Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, there are over 3 miles worth of hiking trail at Buzzard Rock. The park is known for having great views because of its high elevation. If you decide to bring your dog along for the trip, make sure it’s on a leash.
Summertime Events in DC
Another thing about Summertime is that provides a lot of opportunity to socialize. Getting together with friends and meeting a new people is a always a great experience. Unsurprisingly, DC has no shortage of summertime events.
Not everyone will enjoy the same events. Which events you will enjoy often depends on what you’re interested in and what you like to do. Thankfully, there are enough events that everyone can find something they will enjoy.
DC Black Food & Wine Festival
The DC Black Food & Wine Festival is going to be great celebration of food, wine, and community. The event will feature wine tastings, live music, cooking demonstrations and culinary delights from black-owned business. It is the perfect event for foodies and wine lovers, and it takes place Saturday, July 1, from 2–9:30pm at 2700 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington DC.
MLS All-Star Week
This event is great because it’s really multiple events. On July 18, Major League Soccer’s best players will face off against Arsenal FC in MLS All-Stars Skills Challenge. On July 19, MLS and Arsenal FC will come back to Audi Field to play against each other in the Major League Soccer All-Star Game. The whole event is a big gift to soccer fans. Check out the details at mlssoccer.com.
Broccoli City Festival
If you like music, then you are going to love Broccoli City Festival. Broccoli City Festival puts emphasis on putting the youth, local businesses, and community organizations on a path towards a racially equitable society. The Festival has a star-studded musical lineup of artists including Lil Uzi Vert, Jazmine Sullivan, Brent Faiyaz, Kodak Black, City Girl, Ice Spice, Glorilla, Chlöe, Asake, Mariah the Scientist, Rema and more. If you want to attend, the place to be is RFK Festival Grounds on July 15 & 16.
Summertime in DC can be a lot of fun. There’s a ton of places to go, things to do, and people to meet. It’s always great to make time to enjoy yourself and maybe try something new.