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By Katie Bianco, Alice Levitt, Jess Feldman, Holly Gambrell, Michele Kettner and Jennifer Zeleski
How I roll
Every summer growing up, my brother and I would head to our grandparents house for a week, and it was always thrilling. They had a pool, golf carts, a huge backyard and would pack the snack closet full of our favorite junk food. Something we’d always do with my grandma was go to the bowling alley, so I have a soft spot for the sport. Last summer I was a part of a bowling league, and although I didn’t sign up this year (thanks, COVID) I do have a new bowling alley on my list to check out in the area soon: Crystal City’s new Bowlero location. It has 50,000 square feet of entertainment, including, of course, bowling, along with an arcade featuring more than 80 games, hi-def video walls and more. Check out the fun here. -Holly Gambrell, Digital Editor // 320 S. 23rd St., Arlington
Modern-day history lessons
After nearly seven months of what has felt like a truly tiring year, I keep reminding myself of one thing: “You’re living through history.” As great as that sounds in a cliche way, it’s exhausting, and I get fatigued just thinking about the potential of “one day I’ll tell my grandchildren about all of this.” So, instead of constantly feeling the weight of the present, I am looking forward to the days when I’ll be able to explore the history that has already passed again. I recently spoke with Chris Browne, the deputy director of the National Air and Space Museum, about how local museums have been impacted by COVID-19 and what they might look like in the future. Here’s one thing that stuck with me from our talk: “I look at what we’re doing [at the Smithsonian] as being, frankly, more relevant now than ever before. In terms of being in the education space, but also I think there’s a thirst for people to understand their histories and where that has gotten us, whether good, bad or otherwise.” Hopefully one day soon, we’ll be able to explore both present day and past history, and take a hard look at how we’ll write our future. -Jennifer Zeleski, Editorial Assistant
Give a little
My mom has never really been a big shopper. For her, it’s more of an act born from necessity, whereas for my dad and me, it’s more of an addiction. That’s why when her birthday rolls around every July 23, I try to get her a splurge item she typically wouldn’t buy herself. And, more than that, the piece has to be made with an intention or purpose, as my mom loves a handmade anything with a little story behind it. So this year, before making my way to Nantucket for the weekend to celebrate with her, I will be purchasing a fairytale-inspired dress from local maker Rebekah Murray. The best part? A percentage of the proceeds will go toward those on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, ensuring my mom will don the dress with pride. -Jess Feldman, Editorial Assistant
Bike it out
Throughout this pandemic, I have been endlessly grateful that we have a backyard for our kids to play in. I know not everyone has a place where their little ones can safely get the wiggles out, and honestly it has saved my sanity. We’ve spent hours outside on the (purchased when the pandemic hit) swing set, splashed in the baby pool and played never-ending games of Red Light, Green Light. That said, I’m still always looking for ways to get a change of scenery while remaining outside in the fresh air and properly socially distanced. This weekend, I’m going to put my hours of stationary bike riding in our basement to use and take the fam on a real bike ride. Check out this roundup of local trails to find the right place if you want to pedal it out too. -Katie Bianco, Editor
Celebrate (belatedly) with some sweets
My birthday is an April. This year, I wasn’t able to leave my apartment to see friends or have a fun meal, so it still feels like it didn’t really happen. That’s why I’ve decided to celebrate my un-birthday at Ballston Quarter on Friday. Its Summer of Surprises means cool treats like ice cream pints and gift certificates at Ice Cream Jubilee. Now I just have to decide between mango-habanero and honey lemon lavender. -Alice Levitt, Food Editor/Critic
Play ball!
There is always a buzz around the city when the Nationals return for Opening Day. I will never forget my first Opening Day experience back in 2013 when Bryce Harper started the season with two home runs. The streets were packed and the crowd was electric before the first pitch was even thrown. While this year’s Opening Day will be fanless, there is still some excitement as the reigning World Series champion Washington Nationals return to the field to start the 2020 season. Sure, there won’t be any big celebrations or banner ceremonies, but I still have the same level of excitement. With the MLB season shortened significantly, this year could either be a fan’s dream or nightmare as the pressure is on right out of the gates. On Thursday, I’ll be on my couch anxiously watching the Nats start their back-to-back campaign in a season that should be full of drama and surprises with new schedules, new rules and star players sitting out. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming season. -Michele Kettner, Editorial Assistant // Thursday, July 23, 7:08 p.m.; ESPN