Last Chance for Summer (Pt. 2)

It seems like it was just yesterday we were planning our Memorial Day barbecue, and now here we are sending out a Save the Date for the Labor Day backyard party.  There are just a few more weeks to take advantage of summer, so savor every opportunity.  

Last week, I gave you a few ideas for enjoying your evenings outside coupled with some cinema or even a little yoga.  If air conditioning is more your thing, though, stay cool and enjoy theatrics of a different sort:

See a show.  Capitol Hill has some amazing live theater (and I’m not talking about the “outrage” on display at the west end of East Capitol).  This summer, the neighborhood offers up pirates, a beheading and family drama.  What more could you want?

– Atlas Performing Arts Center has a special, one-night-only showing of The Masks We Wear on July 20th.  “This thought provoking stage play will have you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end. As it takes you through the lives of the Almost Family, with trying to balance family and following his dreams while holding it all together. You will enjoy this roller coaster ride that will have you question your own morals and values in handling life, career and family. Starring DC’s own Gill Nelson.”

– If you’ve had enough family drama this summer, Atlas also offers Oscar Wilde’s take on a twisted love story with Salomé.  “King Herod begs the captivating Princess Salomé to dance for him. She agrees only when he swears to give her anything she wants. Consequently, she desires John the Baptist’s head on a platter since he is the only man not transfixed by her beauty. See Wilde’s exotic, provocative take on this ancient biblical tale.”  Thursday-Sunday, through August 18th

– If zombies have gotten you down, visit the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) for the perfect combination of pirates, comedy and opera you’ve been looking for all summer long.  During the first two weekends of August, CHAW is presenting Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, the tale of Frederic (poor, duty-bound Frederic) and his steadfast love, Mabel.  “Cast members hail from the CHAW community, glbt arts community, and the community-at-large. This summer’s production continues the tradition of the slightly-twisted versions of previous Gilbert & Sullivan offerings at CHAW over the past eleven years.”

Try something new (or again).  If you’re planning a staycation or just looking for something to do with all that free time you have because you aren’t staying at work until all hours, the Hill Center and CHAW have options to challenge your body and get your creativity flowing.

– There is no better time than summer to slow down and get grounded.  The Hill Center has something almost every night of the week to help connect mind and body.  Let their classes in yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi and Awareness Through Movement prepare you to take on the challenges of autumn.

– Enjoying all the rain?  Then cook up a storm at home too.  Hill Center is offering “Italy Al Fresco” on August 24th, and Hill’s Kitchen has classes through August covering cuisine from Italy and the Middle East, and one especially for helping you decide what to make with the latest bounty from your CSA or Eastern Market.

– CHAW is offering a number of single classes that cater to your inner artist or dancer.  They have family-friendly options, like a jazz/hip-hop class and a family art afternoon, that let parents and kids play side-by-side.  There’s also the decidedly adult Sip & Paint this Friday, where CHAW provides all the supplies – paint, canvas, subject and wine – for your creative masterpiece. If you’re one to reflect in a journal, there’s also a workshop that challenges you to step up your game with mixed media and collage techniques.

– If you want to plan ahead, on August 1st,  Tennis on the Hill opens registration for the fall adult and junior programs.

Have a picnic.  We live in a beautiful and leafy neighborhood.  Find a spot under a tree, spread your blanket and enjoy an afternoon of food and games.

– Right on our doorstep is Congressional Cemetery, unique for how welcoming it is not only to the formerly living but also to the surrounding community.  Pack a picnic basket, perhaps with something from your latest cooking class, or put something together from the many tasty offerings at Eastern Market, Silver Spork, P&C Market, Union Market, or come for the Food Truck Festival on August 24th.  Enjoy a sandwich (respectfully) among the dearly departed and, when you’re finished, try one of their cell phone or QR code tours.  If you’ve never had a tour before, you’ll be surprised at just how many bold face names and rabble rousers are there.

These are just a few of my ideas.  Feel free to share yours in the comments!