Happy September 2019! We are fortunate to live in such a happening area; every change of season brings new restaurants, outings and activities that weren’t available the year before. I’ve rounded up a few new options for you fun weekend plans, and included with some old favorites as well. I hope you have a great September, and please comment if you try any of these ideas!
Ballston Quarter
Can we please go to Ballston Quarter (formerly Ballston Mall)? I’m hearing so many fun things about it: obviously the ice skating rink, Punch Bowl, and now they have an Escape-Room type thing called 5 Wits, a live-action adventure where you’ll “encounter challenges, games and puzzles in ultra-realistic sets”. Of course I’ve checked out the food court too: careful readers will remember that I’m obsessed with trying the fried chicken sandwich at Hot Lola’s, and now WAPO says the Turu’s pizza place down there that may rival our beloved Pupatella. Wait there’s more! Free movie nights every Thursday this fall; my personal pick would be the Princess Bride on September 26. Have I talked you into it?
Nature Photography
Love looking at wildlife up close? This month is one of your last opportunities to see the Windland Smith Rice International Awards for Nature Photography at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Billed as the “best nature photography in the world”, this exhibit displays the top 60 photos chosen out of over 26,000 submitted. On the second floor; open 10 to 5:30 daily.
Authentic Mexican in Clarendon
La Esquina de Clarendon, aka Buena Vida, is a new three-level complex with authentic Mexican specialties like tableside Caesar salad and shellfish pozole. This is the same guy that brought us Ambar, which we love. You can start at the bottom with some legit Mexican Street food on the first floor, and work you way up to their rooftop bar for a booze-filled coconut or otherwise beach-y drinks while it’s still hot out.
Cocktails in Georgetown
So the kids are back in school. You’ve been slumming it at the pool or the backyard for a few months now, and maybe it’s time to gussy up and hit a fancy hotel lobby for some grown-up fun. The ultra-sophisticated Ritz Carlton in Georgetown has the answer: They are offering a very appealing happy hour for folks like us: it’s from 9:30 to 11:30 on Fridays and Saturdays in September. With specially priced cocktails, $7 wines and $6 beers, it’s worth the Uber.
The Float Boat 360
I haven’t actually seen the Float Boat, but maybe you have? It’s a specialty 2 hour cruise on the Potomac that offers a blank canvas for an outing for up to 9 people. Here’s the deal: you bring your own music (they have bluetooth speakers), bring your own booze (boat is equipped with a cooler), and bring your own food. No, it’s not too much work! You bring your favorite stuff and they do the rest. The expedition takes off near the roundabout by the big fountains at the Wharf. Oh I forgot to mention that it flashes red, green and purple as it does 360-degree rotations the whole time it’s cruising. Bring your best disco playlist and some Dramamine.
Have a Fun September!!!
