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By Amy Ayres, James Finley, and Michele Kettner
Kickstart the Fireworks
There’s no need to wait for the Fourth of July to begin celebrating the nation’s independence. It’s only fitting that Mount Vernon gets a head start on the holiday with its annual fireworks display over George Washington’s home on Thurs., June 24. (The June 25 show is already sold out.) –Amy Ayres, editor
Star Bright
One of my favorite things about summer is being able stay out late to catch a glimpse of the stars. And that’s definitely the plan for this week as six planets will align in the night sky. Sure, I’ll be a little tired the rest of the week, but I feel like it will be worth the view. —Michele Kettner, associate digital & research editor
Treasure Hunt
The weather looks chaotic this week, so in between the sunshine, you might want to spend a day or two doing something inside. The National Museum of Asian Art opens its exhibition on Ancient Yemen this week, which became a center for early artistic development in the ancient world through its status as a trade hub. —James Finley, senior editor
Feature image courtesy George Washington’s Mount Vernon