If you're anything like me, the oppressive heat we've had in DC this summer has caused you to sweat like a wild animal the instant you set foot outside the confines of your air conditioned, pottery barn apartments. Sure there are rooftop parties and barbecues to attend, but who wants to be constantly wringing out the pools of sweat from their undies and reminiscing about the fond memories of “Snowmageddon” while indiscriminately slipping cubes of ice down their plunging v-necks? If you're looking to escape the heat or relax without spending buckets of dough, there's a plethora of great options to explore within the greater DC area. After all, let's not forget we're still in a recession, and a trip to Europe in the summer can leave you eating beans and rice until Christmas. Not a good look.
One of my favorite summer activities to do is river tubing. Not just because you can pack your own coolers full of beer and Cheetos, but more so because you realize which one of your friends is most willing to swim after you in case you consume one too many cold ones and float away from the pack. Just a short hour's drive from DC, you can find BTI's whitewater rafting and river tubing adventure in Harper's Ferry, WV (www.BTIwhitewater.com). For just under $30, you can rent a tube and get a day pass for unlimited river tubing down the Potomac River. If you happen to have your own tube, just $15 will get you an unlimited shuttle bus pass with life jacket for an entire day. My recommendation: scour the aisles of Wal-Mart or Target for a sturdy tube that can support not only you, but perhaps also a new friend you make along the way. What happens on the river stays on the river.
Another great summer activity that gets you out into the water and away from the urban heat island is sailing. Who needs the French Riviera when we have Annapolis, MD at our disposal? It's the new Mykonos, so get with it. While prices are significantly steeper than river tubing, it can be a great bargain if you're popular enough to enlist a group of friends to join you. Typically, a boat rental (and in this case, size DOES matter) can cost anywhere from $160-$400 for a half a day, and $250-$800 for a full day. The more expensive of those is a '37 sailboat which, if you're waking up in the morning and feeling like P. Diddy, would make for an unforgettable all-day yacht party. For an extra $200, you can enlist a captain and instructor/Latin cabana boy so you and your party boat can sail responsibly and fist pump all the way into the sunset. If your group is more interested in relaxing and taking a swim in the bay, you could pack some steaks or burgers and enjoy a barbecue out on open water, turn on some Bob Marley, spread eagle, and work on that all important summer tan. For more information on boat rentals, visit http://www.southriverboatrentals.com/rates/.
If you're not feeling all that adventurous, there are plenty of great restaurants to explore within DC. One of my personal favorites is Cava, a Greek Mezze restaurant owned by two young Greek friends that used to serve tables in Bethesda, MD. Cava first opened its doors in Rockville, MD in 2006 and quickly became a hit, spreading mostly by word of mouth and customer reviews. The Rockville location is teeming with young professionals and wino house moms that are adamant about enjoying half-price bottled wine on Tuesdays and downing small plates of spicy hummus and lamb souvlaki. Those of us that enjoy a cocktail or ten can setup shop at the full service martini bar that reminds me of some rustic, underground restaurant that seems more suitable for the alleyways of Athens than suburban Washington. The soft lighting and dark, wooden furniture create a very simple yet intimate setting that leaves me half expecting an elderly Greek grandmother sporting a headscarf to emerge from the kitchen while waving a leg of lamb at me and forcing Ouzo and feta cheese down my throat. It's fantastic. Moreover, it's easy to feed off the ambiance at Cava, where the great drink specials and free pita dip leads to endless conversations with attractive, young and middle aged patrons from all over. Just remember to pack some breath mints - the spicy hummus has quite a kick. Cava has just opened its second location in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. This location is slightly larger, but features a very similar menu. Long-time Cava server, Kyle Swanson, explains just how extraordinary Cava is. "The fact that the owners are two young Greek professionals and have been in the restaurant industry for so long creates a really laid back, Mediterranean feel to the place." he says, as he leans over and pours more Pinot Grigio into my eager glass to keep my buzz afloat. "The owners are actually great friends of mine, and they've found so much success with Cava. The wine, the mezze options, and the décor really represent who they are.” The relatively new Capitol Hill location offers more space and a quieter atmosphere. Still, things tend to get crowded at Cava, so plan to make a night of it and strike up a conversation with the surprisingly attractive bartenders. Who knows what magical things can happen? Perhaps you can scamper off with more than just free Pita and hummus. For more information on Cava, visit their website- www.cavamezze.com.
Summer doesn't have to be expensive. You can get a great tan, party with your friends, and eat great Mediterranean food without setting foot on a plane. Just get creative, down some chilled vodka, and let Europe come to you.
