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Just because the holiday season is over, doesn't mean you can't treat yourself to a day of shopping. Luckily, Washington, D.C. is replete with upscale stores and boutiques to quench your purchasing hunger. Browse the best merchandise and score killer deals at one or all of the following high-end shopping areas in DC. more Mazza Gallerie Step into DC's most renowned destination for upscale shopping. The Mazza Gallerie offers all the shops you crave, including big names like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Chocolate lovers will appreciate the delicacies offered by Krön Chocolatier, while those in need of a new handbag can stop by TW Luggage and Leather for an upgrade. If you tire after a long day of browsing the shelves, book an appointment at PR at Partners Salon to rejuvenate your body and mind. Mazza Gallerie is also home to a movie theater and numerous dining options, so it really provides all the entertainment you could need for a day on the town. Georgetown To skip the commercial chains and find something a little more unique, hit up Georgetown. This quaint college neighborhood features everything from independent gems to high-end boutiques offering the latest and greatest fashions. Some of the top stores you might want to browse include Hu's Wear, Tory Burch, rag & bone, and Billy Reid. Of course, there's more to Georgetown than just fashion. It's also the home of some of the region's most popular home design shops. If this is your goal, take a stroll down Cady's Alley to browse more than 20 furniture, decor, and antique stores just waiting for the chance to help you furnish your home. The Collection at Chevy Chase When you're shopping, you don't have time to browse stores that are irrelevant or tasteless. That's why The Collection at Chevy Chase exists. It totes itself as "a curated anthology of shops and restaurants" designed with the high-end shopper in mind. Grab the goods you're seeking without compromise when you stop into stores like Cartier, DePandi, Saks Fifth Avenue, Whyte House Monograms, and Tiffany & Co. While you're perusing the items available, don't forget to stop by Luxoptics to try on some luxury eyewear brands or the Merritt Gallery to purchase some fine art for your walls. Tysons Corner Center For a more traditional shopping experience, head to Tysons Corner Center. This destination features over 300 shopping, entertainment, and dining establishments to accommodate a variety of tastes and interests. Of particular note to upscale shoppers are some important name-brand boutiques like Michael Kors, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Nordstrom. You may also wish to browse Armani Exchange to stock up on business clothing or Lululemon Athletica to gear up for your next yoga class. If you don't feel like driving home once your day is done, stay in one of the luxurious rooms at the on-site Hyatt Regency. High-end shopping doesn't have to drag you down. By stopping at some of the above destinations, you'll find everything you're looking for in one convenient trip. Image “ Three decades of retail” by Payton Chung, used under CC BY 2.0

Washington, D.C. has endless dining options across all types of cuisine, but sometimes you just want a delicious dessert. Check out some of these bakeries in Washington, D.C. for a pastry to start the day or a snack after your meal. more Un Je Ne Sais Quoi Un Je Ne Sais Quoi is located at 1361 Connecticut Ave. NW in the Dupont Circle area of Washington, D.C. and is open daily. Un Je Ne Sais Quoi is definitely the place to go if you are a fan of French pastries, desserts, and bread. Start your morning off with either a flaky croissant or a delectable pain au chocolat paired with a hot chocolate, and you won't regret it. If you enjoy cakes, don't skip out on one of the cafe's specialties, the merveilleux. This cake is basically a sweet sandwich consisting of two meringues connected together with whipped cream, topped with whipped cream, and dusted with shavings of chocolate. The bakery rounds out its menu with fruit tarts, eclairs, and cream puffs among a myriad of other options. Baked & Wired Baked & Wired can be found in Georgetown at 1052 Thomas Jefferson St. NW and is open every day. Baked & Wired's specialty is the cupcake, which comes in over a dozen varieties, including vegan and gluten-free options. A couple cupcakes you need to try are the chocolate cupcake of doom, the razmanian devil, and the peppermint patty. Baked & Wired also bake a lot more than cupcakes. You can get things like biscotti, brownies, biscuits, cake, cookies, ice cream sandwiches, muffins, pies, and quiche as well. If you have your furry friend with you, they won't feel left out with zillabonez dog treats. Seylou Seylou is located downtown at 926 N St. NW and is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m until 6 p.m. Seylou is the place to go for a great loaf of freshly baked whole-grain bread. All of the loaves at Seylou are made with organic and whole-grain flours they mill themselves in-house. If you are on a vegan or wheat-free diet, they have products for you too. They bake everything from a classic rustic baguette to a sourdough pain au levain. All of their bread is baked on a specific schedule, so check their website to see what fresh loaves are being made each day. Bakeshop Bakeshop can be found at 1025 N Fillmore St. near Arlington and is open daily. Bakeshop has almost any type of cookie you can think of, including Asian treats. Some of the popular choices at Bakeshop are the brown butter chocolate chip cookies, macarons, and a gooey creation called the bookie, which is a mix between a brownie and a cookie. You can also enjoy a coffee or tea from their fully loaded drink bar. Whether you are in the mood for something sweet or something savory, any of the bakeries listed above will fill your needs. Treat yourself to a tasty snack, and you won't be disappointed.   Image “ French Pastries” by You As A Machine, used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Bubble tea has been around since the '80s, but don't feel bad if you aren't familiar per se. It is only recently that this Taiwanese invention has gained enough popularity in America that shops are actually featuring the beverage. Usually made from ice tea mixed with sweetened or flavored milk, it's topped off with chewy tapioca balls or popping boba, fruit jelly, grass jelly, agar jelly, or puddings. Here are a few places near Sterling you can find the fun beverage. more Kung Fu Tea Born from Taiwanese roots and fostered by the kung fu spirit, Kung Fu Tea brings authenticity to bubble tea in Sterling. Located in Community Plaza in Sterling, you can top off your tea with over 10 toppings — from fig jelly to tapioca, red bean, mung bean, herbal jelly, or the always popular popping flavors of coffee, grape, and mango. Panda Express Panda Express has 10 locations around Sterling. Panda Express has a great selection of Asian inspired drinks, including bubble teas. They have over 20 flavors of teas, from fruit teas and milk teas to sparkling teas and yogurt teas. Combine that with toppings like honey boba, aloe vera, jelly, fruit jelly, and even Chia seeds, and there is literally a drink for every taste. Tbreak Pho and Boba If you want Taiwanese, Tbreak is the Starbucks of bubble tea and a place you want to check out. Located on South Cottage Road, Tbreak brings Taiwan to you. They offer three different sweetness levels of their fresh brewed teas: Light, Regular, or Extra. Hot or iced, they only use real fruit in all of their teas, never a powdered mix. Order one of their 14 signature teas by number and then select from 18 toppings. They have everything from basil seeds and Lychee jelly, to rainbow jelly and Pandan jelly, to five different fruit bits, like pineapple and mango. Panda Tea House Located at Dulles Town Center on the Macy's side, Panda Tea House delivers the best bubble tea. Open whenever the mall is open, you can stop in and get an authentic fresh brewed tea with your choice of toppings, also made fresh every few hours. The Panda Tea House also offers rolled ice cream, and all you need to know is that it goes great with the teas. Stop on in the next time you're at Dulles Town Center and see for yourself. Guava and Java Uniquely designed and devoted to airports, this concept delivers excellent bubble tea. So next time you are jetting out of town, look for their kiosk in the airport and order up one of your favorite bubble teas for the flight. They use only fresh local farms wherever possible and focus on fresh local flavors to break from the typical fast food options that abound. So if you like bubble tea or are ready to try it for the first time, any one of these places will get you a great, authentic bubble tea.   Image “ Bubble Tea” by ljguitar, used under CC BY 2.0

Wine is very much like food in that there are more varieties and combinations than you could imagine. For many, it is a daunting task to even select a wine, but it doesn't have to be. Selected a wine is an adventure, and these days you don't have to be a sommelier to enjoy good wine, either. You need only have an adventurous spirit and a willing palate. Here are a few nearby wineries with tastings, restaurants, and cellars open to the public. more 868 Estate Vineyards Just up the Loudoun County wine trail on Harper's Ferry Road sits the 868 Estate Vineyards. 868 Estate Vineyards takes cutting-edge technology and blends it with Old-world practices to create distinctive wines from classic varietals like chardonnay, pinot grigio, merlot, and more. They have a wonderful tasting room, too, where you can select one of four types of tastings. The Standard Tasting is great for anyone, offering a sampling of their finest wines. You probably have a little foodie in you, so don't be surprised if you find yourself tempted by the Elevated Tasting Menu offering six wines paired with food or the Premier Tasting featuring reserve wines and led by a specially trained guide to help enjoy the nuance food and wine bring to each other. The food is prepared by the house restaurant Grandale Vintner's Table. Tastings range from $10 to $44 per person or special group rates are available. It is open by appointment only on Monday and Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Sunday, and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant itself is open weekends only. The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards The Barns is located off Highway 7 in Hamilton, where they converted an old dairy barn into one of the premier tasting rooms in the region. They specialize in wines styled after the French Bordeaux, producing award-winning malbec and meritage wines. Closed Tuesdays, The Barns tasting room is open every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Friday, which is open until 8:30 p.m. Tastings start at $10 per flight. While they don't have a restaurant on-site, they have marvelous space for private events. Bogati Bodega Another Loudoun County winery, Bogati's tasting room is located on Highway 7. You can taste all of Bogati's wines, including their distinctive Fat Ass Red, which won gold in the 2015 Virginia Wine Lover Wine Classic. The tasting room prides itself on offering world-class food to pair with their wines, so come hungry and enjoy. Wine tastings are $8 to $10 per person and the tasting room is open seven days a week. If you enjoy good food and you enjoy good wine, then you know the only way to elevate a great meal is with great wine. The same can be said for great wine being elevated by great food. Either way, these wineries have tasting rooms devoted to elevating the wine and food, no matter your familiarity with wine.   Image “ Wine Tasting” by mikeshelby, used under CC BY 2.0

Virginia is a beautiful area all year round, but it is especially nice in the winter. While there are a few people who think that winter is the time of year when you need to stay inside, it is actually one of the best times to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. No matter what types of interests you have, here are some spots for winter fun in Sterling. more Loudoun Ice Center Winter means ice, and that means ice skating. The Loudoun Ice Center offers all kinds of activities and training for both kids and adults. You can head over for the public skating hours whether you are an experienced skater or you are just learning, or get involved in one of the 3-on-3 leagues. There are leagues for all levels of skaters and players including games for adults. The center also offers a progressive hockey development program for kids who want to better their game, and there is a goalie academy for players who want to focus on their goalkeeping skills. Sledding at Franklin Park Purcellville's Franklin Park is one of the best places in the area for sledding. Whether it is the day after a few inches of snow or just a weekend day when you want to get outside, this is the place to go. It is less than a 30-minute drive from Sterling and well worth the trip. There are several different hills to try at Franklin Park, with a larger hill for those who want to pick up more speed and smaller hills for the little ones. You can also explore some of the trails at this park, which is also a great way to spend a beautiful winter day. Claude Moore Park There is nothing like winter hiking, and Claude Moore Park offers over 11 miles of trails that you can explore any time of year. Just make sure that you dress for the weather before heading out on a winter hike. Wear several layers and warm, waterproof boots to keep your feet dry. You can get a trail map online if you visit the park's website, so you can plan your route before you get started. After your adventure, make sure to stop in at the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum. Panther Family Laser Tag If the weather is bad and everyone wants to stay inside, then Panther Family Laser Tag is a great way to spend an exciting winter afternoon. Located on Overland Park Drive in Sterling, this fun center offers a high-tech laser tag experience. You can team up with your family and friends to compete for the highest score. The multilevel laser tag arena allows you to get moving while you try to take out members of the other teams. Make sure to visit these areas in and around Sterling, Virginia, for fun winter activities. You can enjoy the cooler weather or stay inside and have some fun where it is warm. Image “ Skating at the Ice Rink” by Valters Krontals, used under CC BY 2.0

The D.C. food scene is always changing and evolving, and with new restaurants opening up almost every week, it's hard to keep tabs on the latest and greatest places to eat. Whether you are a foodie looking for something new to try or you just enjoy going out for a good meal, these are some of the best new restaurants to try in Washington D.C. more Le Kon Le Kon is a new Mexican restaurant with some Asian influence. Owner Katsuji Tanabe, an alumnus of season 12 of Top Chef, created a menu that includes many traditional Mexican dishes created with some playful twists. One of the splashiest menu items is a pig head that comes to your table whole, and then the waitstaff whisks it away to turn it into the filling for your taco. You can also get delicious crab legs at Le Kon along with steaks and family-style taco platters. St. Anselm St. Anselm in the Union Market District has fantastic steaks on its menu along with a variety of other dishes. This place features an open kitchen with a large grill prominently displayed for all the diners to see. You can order items such as clams with Chartreuse butter and artichoke hearts, pork porterhouse, and lamb sirloin. Diners will also enjoy the unusual décor in St. Anselm which adds to the unconventional experience. Elle Not only is Elle one of the hottest new restaurants in D.C. it made Bon Appetite's list of 50 best new restaurants in America. This is a hybrid cafe-bakery and restaurant in Mount Pleasant that features a wide range of baked goods with both sweet and savory options lunch during the day and many delicious dinners at night. Some of the dishes you can expect to see on the menu include clam spaetzle with egg noodles and littleneck clams, or a grilled kimchi toast that comes with a spicy XO sauce. Breakfast includes a quiche of the day, and you can get a Cubano sandwich for lunch. The pastry menu rotates so there is something new every day from scones to bagels and muffins. La Vie La Vie at The Wharf offers stunning décor with wide open space and views of the waterfront. Sit out on the alfresco terrace for a unique experience while you enjoy the Mediterranean style dishes. The chef divides the drink menu into water-themed categories so you can choose from refreshing, bold, or strong cocktail options while you wait for your meal. You can dip your toes with a light refreshing drink or get something bolder from the Off the Deep End selections. Get started with something to eat from the cold bar such as the Riviera seafood tower, or start with crispy Brussels. The housemade lobster ravioli is a must for pasta lovers, or you can try the steak frites if you prefer beef. There are also several coastal options such as the whole Branzino or the sockeye salmon. Make sure to check out these up and coming restaurants in Washington D.C. Image “ Washington Navy Yard and USS Barry – 2013-09-17” by Tim Evanson, used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Farm-to-table restaurants celebrate fresh ingredients, and best of all, they support local farmers and producers. In Loudoun County, there are several establishments that use ingredients from local sources, whether it is vegetables from local farms or meat from Loudoun butchers. Make sure to try one or more of these farm-to-table restaurants the next time you want fresh, delicious food. more The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm is an award-winning establishment and one of the first farm eateries in the United States. The farm focuses on methods that will sustain the land and the environment, and the restaurant uses ingredients right from the farm. Guests enjoy a unique dining experience as they sit in a glass conservatory with beautiful views of Loudoun County. The menu changes daily and with each season, with the inspiration for each day's menu coming from the harvest. Market Table Bistro Market Table Bistro in Lovettsville serves wonderful food made with fresh ingredients sourced from local growers and producers. The menu is continuously changing to reflect seasonal ingredients, and they even offer gluten-free and vegan menu options. Some of the dishes you might see depending on the season include a pawpaw spring roll or mushroom ravioli. There is also mac and cheese made with cheese from a local creamery, and a pork belly pastrami that comes with corn fritters, pickled cabbage, watermelon, and barbecue gastrique. Head to Market Table Bistro for lunch, dinner, or brunch on the weekends. Brunch includes homemade glazed doughnuts, cinnamon French toast, tomato quiche and much more. The Wine Kitchen Situated in downtown Leesburg, The Wine Kitchen is a wine bar and restaurant featuring a seasonal menu with local organic ingredients. The owners work with local ranchers, cheese makers, wineries, and farmers, so you know everything is fresh, organic, and made right in Loudoun County or its neighbors. Diners can enjoy a wide variety of wine flights and small plates. In the fall, you can get Coq Au Vin and pumpkin pannacotta, and in the spring, the chef prepares many different unique vegetable dishes made with fresh seasonal veggies. In the winter, you can count on rich, delicious meals with wonderful root vegetables. Magnolias at the Mill Head to Loudoun County's wine country and stop in at Magnolia's at the Mill for a delicious meal. This unique restaurant offers seasonal food made with ingredients from local farmers. There are always daily specials to go with the rotating seasonal menus for both lunch and dinner. Dinner options include brick-oven pizzas and local hickory-grilled burgers, or you can get local smoked chicken Fettuccine made with house smoked bacon, local mushrooms, spinach, basil, roasted tomatoes, and shaved Gouda. The menu includes a list of the local farms and producers so you can see where your ingredients are coming from. Enjoy fresh local foods at any of these Loudoun County restaurants. The farm-to-table concept is a great way to help your local farmers and producers and get delicious food. Image “ Borscht to Be” by Noël Zia Lee, used under CC BY 2.0

The Claude Moore Park and Recreation Sportsplex has something for everyone. With outdoor activities, educational opportunities, and natural areas, the park provides plenty of opportunities to spend the day exploring and having fun. Park entrances sit on Old Vestal's Gap Road, which leads to the visitor's center, and Loudoun Park Lane, which leads to the Sportsplex and Community Center. Once you are in, these are some of the ways to have a fun day at the park. more Hiking The park features 11 miles of hiking trails, with several different hikes to choose from. The Scout Trail wraps around the park and runs for over 3 miles, and is dedicated to the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and their service projects that make the park a better place. There are also several shorter hikes, each with their own colored markers to help you find your way. You can get a trail map at the visitor's center or online. The Nature Area The Nature Area at Claude Moor Park includes the Lanesville Heritage Area and the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum, along with covered pavilions and an amphitheater. It is also where you'll find the visitor's center and the Education Center. Fishing Bring your fishing pole when you visit the park. There are two fishing ponds stocked with channel catfish, largemouth bass, and bluegill. Make sure you have a Virginia fishing license if you are 16 or older, and remember that kids 12 and under need to have adult supervision while they fish. Sports The Sportsplex is where to head to watch or play sports. There are four lighted baseball fields and three lighted softball fields along with a lit football field so the kids can experience playing under the lights. An unlit practice field is also available for many other sports including soccer, lacrosse, and flag football. The Sportsplex area also has a two-story building for the concession stand which houses two restrooms and a meeting space. Lanesville Heritage Area Take a walk along Vestal's Gap Road, which was once used by American Indians, and see many historic sights along the way. The heritage area is home to the Lanesville House, an 1870 Schoolhouse built for farm children, and the Frogshackle Nature Center. This is an 1860s log cabin that was once located on a farm in Ashburn and is now the nature center at the park with hands-on activities for visitors. The area also has an outhouse that served the schoolchildren and farm tenants and the tenant house where the farmhands lived. Indoor Fun The Community Center at the park houses a swimming pool, basketball court, and a climbing wall. There is a leisure pool with a huge waterslide, an aerobics studio, and an elevated jogging track. A multipurpose room offers space for birthday parties, and there is even a teen room for the younger adults to gather. Claude Moore Park and Recreation Sportsplex has both indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family. Head here on a nice day for hiking and fishing, or on a rainy day for indoor swimming and basketball. Image “ Grayson Highlands State Park” by Gamma Man, used under CC BY 2.0

Have you tried injera, tibs, or kitfo? If not, you're in for a treat. These foods are staples of Ethiopian cuisine, and they're sure to become new favorites in your diet. Thankfully, plenty of eateries around Sterling, VA serve these and other tasty dishes. Check out these five restaurants in and near Sterling that prepare fantastic Ethiopian food. more Enatye Ethiopian Restaurant Enatye Ethiopian Restaurant is one of the highest-rated shops in town. The main menu features breakfast items, such as scrambled eggs with dabbo, esh bread, or injera, an egg loaf (toasted bread stuffed with veggies), and chechebsa (shredded injera served in a beef and veggie salsa). Salads, sides, and entrees are available for lunch and dinner. Find Enatye Ethiopian Restaurant at 275 Sunset Park Drive. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant is another consistently well-reviewed restaurant in Virginia. It's definitely a must-try for fans of injera. The huge menu includes staples like baba ghanoush, falafel hummus, and chechebsa. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner options are served. For dessert, try cheesecake, baklava, or rice pudding — it's free with every main course. Hawwi Ethiopian Restaurant is at 1125 Queen St in Alexandria. It's open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mesob Cafe Mesob Cafe boasts the best Ethiopian food in coastal Virginia, but you'll have to judge for yourself. The food is inarguably exceptional, though, with options like kitfo and tibs for lunch and dinner. Try the doro wot or siga wot, if you're interested in traditional Ethiopian dishes. This restaurant also has lots of vegetarian options that will work with a vegan diet. Dessert and coffee is also available. Mesob Cafe is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It's at 1141 Elden St #107 in neighboring Herndon. Manna Bistro & Bakery If you find yourself in Centreville, do yourself a favor and go to Manna Bistro & Bakery. It's a great option for those who just want pastries and coffee, but there's also a full menu for lunch and dinner. Some of the most popular entrees include doro wat, beef kaey, and lamb tibs. The restaurant also serves seafood and Spanish dishes. Plus, since it's part bakery, the shop has plenty of options for dessert. Manna Bistro & Bakery is at 14215 Centreville Square in Centreville. It's open daily until 8:30 p.m. Dama Ethiopian Restaurant Pastry and Cafe Dama Ethiopian Restaurant Pastry and Cafe is another excellent choice for lighter appetites. Part coffee shop and bakery, you can stop by just for some caffeine and pastries in the morning. If you're hungrier, though, go for some traditional Ethiopian dishes served on injera. Dama Ethiopian Restaurant Pastry and Cafe is at 6669 Little River Turnpike in Annandale. It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Working up an appetite in Sterling, VA is a wonderful excuse to try some new cuisine or return to your favorite spots around town. If none of these Ethiopian restaurants fall in the latter category for you, rest assured that they'll become new go-to eateries after your first visit. Image via Flickr by starpause kid, used under CC BY 2.0

Washington, D.C. is a hub for politics, tourists, and business. So, naturally, things can get pretty hectic in terms of crowded city living. Thankfully, the capital is also conveniently located near coastal Virginia and the Maryland countryside. This means residents are never short of options when they want to escape to some peace and quiet in nature. Check out these three campgrounds near Washington, D.C. the next time you want to get away from the city bustle. more Capitol KOA KOA — Kampgrounds of America — is a chain of privately managed campgrounds throughout the U.S. and Canada. This includes a location between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. During morning traffic, it can take approximately 75 minutes to reach the site. Severn River, which feeds into the Atlantic, is just a short drive from the campground. A major benefit of staying at Capitol KOA is its many amenities. This includes: A dog park Firewood for sale Paid propane tank rentals Paid bike rentals Paid tour shuttles Wi-Fi access Public pavilions Free pool access from late May through early September The campground accommodates RVs and campers up to 90-feet long. Check online for deals and other information about staying at Capital KOA. The site is at 768 Cecil Ave N in Millersville, MD. You can check in any time after noon and must check out by noon on the day you leave. Cunningham Falls State Park For a camping experience further removed from the major cities in the coastal U.S., head northwest past Frederick, VA. U.S. Highway 15 will take you directly to Cunningham Falls State Park. Here you'll find 180 camping options, including nine cabins and dozens of sites for rustic living. The grounds have hot showers and flush toilets, though, so this is neither glamping nor the most rugged camping experience around. The eponymous Cunningham Falls is a 78-foot waterfall that you can reach following the park's trails. Plan for some hiking if you want to see this breathtaking sight. Greenbelt Park For an option closer to Washington, D.C., head northeast along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Though the site is just 13 miles away, it can take roughly 45 minutes to get there during morning traffic. Still, the campsite's proximity to the metropolis makes it a good choice for people who want to see the capital and other parts of Virginia and Maryland. This is a national park and a relatively small area. Though there are walking trails, don't expect the same level of hikes you'll find at Cunningham Falls State Park. Amenities are basic, but no other campground offers such an easy commute to D.C. and Baltimore. The cultural and political sights in Washington, D.C. are only part of this area's charm. The capital is surrounded by many wonderful campgrounds and other green spaces, making it easy for residents and tourists to escape for some time in nature. Make a campout part of your next trip to D.C., or head out to one of these locations when you need a break from urban living. Image “ Camp Cooking” by poly.kiss, used under CC BY 2.0

The Appalachian Trail runs all the way up the east coast from Georgia to Maine and covers exactly 2,190 miles. Each year, many hikers attempt to hike the whole trail, but only about one in four hikers make it. If you are up for some adventure but don't feel the need to attempt the whole thing, Virginia has 544 miles of the trail, which is more than any other state. Over 100 of these miles are in the Shenandoah National Park with great trails and beautiful views. Here is a guide to hiking the Virginia leg of the Appalachian Trail. more Shenandoah National Park The portion of the Appalachian Trail that runs through Shenandoah National Park is well-maintained and offers some gentle hills for those who are not as experienced. You can hike this portion in the spring, and from September to October. There are also other trails in the park so make sure to follow the white blazes for the Appalachian Trail. The blue blazes indicate a hiking trail and the yellow blazes indicate horse trails. Grayson Highlands State Park You can access the Appalachian Trail from Grayson Highlands State Park. Head out on the trail that travels through open fields with beautiful panoramic views. You can visit the area's famous wild ponies and explore several different types of environments along the way. Make it a short hike and cover just 2 miles, or make it longer and travel up to 10 miles of the trail. Keep in mind that this section tends to have cooler, foggy weather with the potential for bad weather. The Blue Ridge Park Way Head farther south for some more difficult terrain. This section of the Appalachian Trail  covers several 2,000- and 3,000-foot climbs and crosses over some ridges and valleys on its way to Roanoke. The trail runs roughly parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and even though it is several miles away, it crosses it two times over its 70-mile stretch. You can park at the Humpback Gap parking area and climb Humpback Mountain for a 2-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail, but keep in mind this is a strenuous hike and should not be done by inexperienced hikers. Angels Rest If you want some incredible views, hike the portion of the Appalachian Trail that climbs up the northeast portion of Pearis Mountain. Along the way, you'll come across three beautiful views. The trail starts near Pearisburg and follows several switchbacks up a ridge. Once you get to the crest, you can cross over the boulder garden and come out at Angels Rest. The reward for this challenging hike is spectacular views of the New River Valley. After enjoying the view, head south down along Pearis Mountain to another view, and then on to the Wilburn Valley Overlook. With hundreds of miles of the Appalachian Trail running through Virginia, there are hikes for adventurers of all kinds. Choose a relaxing walk along one of the flatter, well-maintained trails, or challenge yourself on some of the steeper climbs. Image “ Thorofare Mountain Overlook, Shenandoah National Park” by MatthewBenson, used under CC BY 2.0

Sometimes you get the best meal at the most unassuming restaurants. You don't need to spend a lot of money or go to the most elegant place in town to have a delicious dinner. Most of the time, the best food comes from the family-owned hidden gems. Make sure to try one of these surprising Washington D.C. holes in the wall the next time you want good food without all the fuss. more Well Dressed Burrito If you are not from the D.C. area, you will most likely walk right by Well Dressed Burrito without giving it a thought. But this would be a big mistake. Situated in the alley between N Street and 19th Street, this place serves up some of the most delicious burritos in the area. The servings are enormous whether you get the burrito, the enchilada, or any of the other Tex-Mex options on the menu, and you won't break the bank. There is a small dining area, but many customers order their food to go. Just make sure to get there early if you don't want to wait in line. Granville Moore's Granville Moore's offers a rustic atmosphere with Belgian inspired dishes such as gnocchi mac and cheese. Situated in the H Street Corridor, this gastropub is a local favorite where you can go to relax and enjoy good food. The menu includes whole market fish, several different mussel dishes, and some traditional pub fare such as the double burger, steak and cheese, and the chicken sandwich. The hand-cut fries come with a choice of sauces including truffle mayo or pesto mayo, and there are always daily specials. Dama Pastry & Cafe Fans of Ethiopian food will enjoy Dama Pastry & Cafe. This local place in the Arlington area doesn't look like much from the outside but step inside and its another story. Its quiet, laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a date or a group. All the dishes come out on traditional injera bread, served family style for everyone to share. The menu has something for everyone including beef, lamb, chicken, and some vegetarian dishes. After you eat, Dama serves delicious ginger tea, and you can get something from the bakery. Dumplings and Beyond Head to Dumplings and Beyond for some of the best dumplings in the D.C. area. You can get them steamed or pan-fried, and they are huge. This place sits in the Glover Park area and is not accessible by Metro, so if you can get there, it's never too busy. In addition to the dumplings, the menu also includes a variety of Chinese dishes. Just leave plenty of time for a meal at Dumplings and Beyond, the servers keep the pace slow and laid back, so you have plenty of time to consider what you want and enjoy it when it gets to the table. Try one of these D.C. holes in the wall the next time you want excellent food without all the fuss that comes with going to a high-end restaurant. Image “ steamed dumplings” by stu_spivack, used under CC BY-SA 2.0