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By Katie Bianco, Holly Gambrell, Stefanie Gans and Jennifer Zeleski
Listen closely
The pen may be mightier than the sword, but the tongue is sharper than both. Pride Month is here, and as Pride parades and dance-worthy celebrations spread across NoVA, it’s easy to forget the deeply rooted emotions and passionate stories that come in its wake. You can find me listening to women’s spoken word and other LGBTQ members’ expressions tonight at Outspoken, held at Busboys and Poets in DC. There will be live music, a drag show and two hours of open-mic that ought to be heard. -JZ // Busboys and Poets: 625 Monroe St. SE, Washington, DC; $10
Quality time with Pops
Do I drink whiskey? No. As much as I aspire to be the type of woman who can throw down whiskey like it’s water, that is just not what my palette likes (but tequila, wine and beer are different stories). Do I smoke cigars? Also no. I tried one once at a party in college and immediately hated it; although the smell of tobacco leaves is perfect in candle form. This is all to say that although I dislike both whiskey and cigars, my dad, on the other hand, enjoys both. I’m celebrating Father’s Day a little early and taking him to The Arlington Whiskey & Cigar Festival this Saturday. He’ll sip Maker’s Mark and probably buy a few cigars for his collection, while I enjoy the food from Pamplona. -HG // Outside of Pamplona: 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington; Ages 21 and up; $50-$125
Experiments in ice cream
Rolled ice cream has always been more about the experience of watching ice cream freeze in front of my eyes than about the actual taste. I prefer the lushness of frozen custard, soft serve or gelato rather than the more icy texture of this style of Thai-rolled ice cream. But, I am willing to give Java Grill’s new rolled gelato a try. (And if you need more ideas on summery desserts, here you go.) -SG // Java Grill: 611 King St., Alexandria
Dino-mite!
With two young kids in tow, most of our weekends are spent in NoVA. Making the trip in to DC has to be really worth it. But the reopening of Fossil Hall at the Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum? That warrants getting on the Metro. The museum closed its popular dino exhibit back in 2014 and now it’s opening bigger and better. It officially opens June 8. The crowds will likely be bananas, but it will be worth it to see my little ones staring in awe at a T-rex. Check out all the other fun on tap in and around NoVA in June here. -KB // Natural History Museum: 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC; free
