Summer will come to its unofficial end Monday, as Labor Day comes and goes. To those who abide by the Autumnal Equinox, September 23 is the official start of fall. For others, the real end of summer comes when they can no longer wear sleeveless shirts, which may arrive by the beginning of October. Below, we humbly offer a few suggestions for activities in the D.C. area to partake in before the sandals are packed away and sweaters make an appearance. Please add your own recommendations in the comments.
Photo by Mr. T in D.C.
PICNIC IN A NEW PARK
While it’s tempting to continually visit your favorite D.C. green spot — hello, Lincoln Park — you should take advantage of the warm weather and visit a new location for an end-of-summer picnic. Want to see the city’s newest park? Head to Chuck Brown Memorial Park, part of Ward 5’s Langdon Park. Live in the Northwest and always visit Rock Creek Park? See what the Northeast has to offer and visit Marvin Gaye Park in Ward 7. Live in Southwest and love Hains Point? See what’s happening at Battery Kemble or Montrose Park. Note: We won’t fault you for picnicking on the National Mall or at the Lincoln Memorial.
GO STARGAZING
This one will require traveling outside of D.C. to do it properly, but there are some nearby locations. Observatory Park in Falls Church, Va. is open on summers Fridays from sunset to 10:30 p.m., and offers really clear views of the sky. Make sure to check with the Analemma Society before heading over. The Northern Virginia Astronomy Club will host its 32nd annual Stargaze on September 27 at C.M. Crockett Park in Midland, Va. Observing begins at dark and goes until 11 p.m. Entrance to the park is $6 per vehicle for non-Fauquier County residents.
SWIM AT A PUBLIC POOL
You may not have proper representation, but your D.C. residency entitles you to free swimming at the city’s public pools. Five outdoor pools — Banneker, Francis, Upshur, Rosedale and Oxon Run — will close on Labor Day, with just one remaining open until October.
SWIM IN AN OPEN BODY OF WATER
If you have a bit more time and energy, travel outside of D.C. to a local beach for one final summer trip. We’ve previously recommended Rehoboth Beach in Delaware and Assateague Island, and we’re sticking with those. Swim in the Chesapeake Bay by visiting a Maryland state park, like Point Lookout, or take advantage of the Potomac River in a clean spot like Swains Lock.
VOLUNTEER AT AN URBAN FARM OR COMMUNITY GARDEN
While urban farms and community gardens need help year-round, the best time to try out this volunteering activity is when the weather is still warm. Find opportunities through DC Urban Greens and DC Greens. You can also drop-in at Common Good City Farm or with the Neighborhood Farm Initiative. City Blossoms offers open times until November.
VISIT AN AMUSEMENT PARK
The kids are back in school, but the weather is still nice. What better time of year to visit a local amusement park? Eight-year-old Sarah Hughes would highly recommend King’s Dominion, which is hosting its final Dinos After Dark! event tomorrow. Busch Gardens in Williamsburg is also an option. Bonus: It’s located near Water Country USA, home to a great lazy river. If you’re willing to visit Pennsylvania, Hershey Park is a reliable standby, and Knoebels Amusement Resort is a personal favorite.
Maybe you an adventure park is more your speed? There’s one in Harpers Ferry, W.V. that features zip-lines along its six-trail challenge. Similar elements can be found closer to D.C. at Hemlock Overlook in Clifton, Va.
DRINK A LOCAL SUMMER BEER
Pumpkin beer is already available, which is fine. There’s nothing we can do about it, so why stress out? Instead, we’re going to relax with a local summer beer. DC Brau’s collaboration with Baxter Brewing, Daughters of Poseidon, is a black oyster IPA available on draft for a limited time, so fill up a growler at the Northeast brewery while you can. 3 Stars offers a few summertime beers, including a lime basil saison and a citra lemon saison currently being served at Meridian Pint, while Bluejacket is serving its “late summer quencher” Haywire. The revived Bardo just began serving its own beer in Northeast, including a ginger beer “perfect for hot weather.” Pints are still $4.
CAMP ALONG THE C&O CANAL: While the C&O Canal Towpath certainly makes for a great day hike or long bike ride, what not many people realize is that the whole thing is rather long. 184.5 miles, to be exact. If you’re looking for a close-to-home night or weekend-long camping trip, there’s plenty of great campsites along the Canal’s towpath—about every 12 miles. If you’re feeling brave enough (and have the time), take a week or so off and hike the entire thing to Cumberland, Md., known as The Douglas Hike. You can find a list of campsites here.
