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As the capital and political heart of America, there's no shortage of things to do and see in Washington, DC. And this has never been more true than in the summer of 2018. Here are just a few of the events we're eagerly anticipating this summer. more Hamilton Anyone who is even remotely interested in theater will be familiar with "Hamilton," the play by Lin-Manuel Miranda that has taken the world by storm. The popular and well-reviewed musical will be in Washington, DC from June 12 through September 16. Performances will be held at The Kennedy Center, and tickets are available at prices ranging from about $200 to $625. The play is both educational and enormously entertaining. If you're able to get your hands on these highly sought after tickets, you won't regret it. "Hamilton" tells a story of American history with a talented and diverse cast, using hip hop and R&B music to give it a character all its own. Capital Fringe Festival Check out the cutting edge of local culture by attending the Capital Fringe Festival. This award-winning avant-garde celebration features theater, music, art, dance, and “unclassifiable” forms of live performance. The festival is held in the Southwest quadrant and will provide various events throughout the month of July. From July 7 to July 29, you can peruse farmer's markets, attend yoga classes, sample delicious gelato, and  be entertained by the huge variety of live performances. Some of the acts for 2018 include Andromeda Breaks (a play that blends Gothic horror and Greek myth) and Entre Nous (a jazz duo). 17th Street Festival Visit DC later in the summer to attend this annual festival celebrating the city's incredible variety of restaurants and retailers. More than 100 vendors are expected to gather on August 25, including artists and live musicians. The 17th Street Festival is one the city's most vibrant and entertaining events, and each of the $10 admission tickets goes toward funding the festival for years to come. Some of the 2018 highlights include jazz musician Deon Cleancutt, a flamenco dancing group, and a mariachi band. The festival does tend to sell out in advance, so make sure to grab your tickets as soon as possible. There is so much to see and do in Washington, DC that visitors can easily be overwhelmed. You should always remain open to new and spontaneous experiences, but plan to attend a few of these events so that you don't miss the best of what the city has to offer. Image “ 13a.17thStreetFestival.WDC.13September2014” by Elvert Barnes, used under CC BY-SA 2.0

We're anticipating a hot summer here in Washington, DC. But if you're in town and need a good way to cool off, you're in luck. We've put together this short list of water-based suggestions to help you beat the heat. more The Yards Park Head to the Capital Riverfront neighborhood to visit The Yards Park, which hosts a variety of water-based activities along the Anacostia River. Kids will especially enjoy running through the park's Dancing Fountains, which are illuminated with color-changing lights after dark. The fountains and canal basins are great ways to cool off on a hot summer day, and the water is treated with chlorine for everyone's safety. If you visit on a Friday, you can also attend a concert facilitated by the Capital Riverfront Business Improvement District. The park even has a fenced-in dog run, in case you want to bring along your favorite canine companion. Tidal Basin Paddle Boats You'll get a workout when you pump the pedals of your very own paddle boat, but the views of the Jefferson Memorial and National Mall are more than worth the effort. You can rent a two-passenger boat for $18 per hour or a four-passenger boat for $30 per hour. If you'd prefer a more leisurely cruise around the Tidal Basin, consider a Swan boat instead. These motorized boats can be rented for $34 per hour. Customers with disabilities are prioritized, so boats for non-disabled customers may not always be available. Don't forget to bring a bottle of water to stay cool on a hot summer day. Key Bridge Boathouse Go out onto the Potomac River for a kayak or paddleboard adventure. The Key Bridge Boathouse offers lessons and rentals so that you can get onto the water and see the city from a unique vantage point. You'll be able to see familiar sights like the Georgetown Waterfront and Roosevelt Island, as well as the John F. Kennedy Center and Washington Monument, from an entirely new perspective. If you don't want to risk getting wet, you can also participate in a sunrise yoga session on the dock. One of our favorite activities here is the July 4th Firework Paddle, which is perhaps the very best place in D.C. to catch the Independence Day fireworks extravaganza. Great Waves Water Park Though it's technically located in Alexandria, the Great Waves Water Park is a favorite of Washington, DC locals. You can cool off with speed slides, regular waterslides, a splash pool, and a wading pool. If you want to get a little more adventurous, hop into the 17,500-square-foot wave pool for some extra excitement. Children can get personalized swimming lessons, and the whole family can enjoy some pizza and ice cream at the Surfside Pizza and Soft Serve restaurant. Tickets for the park start at just $11.75 per person. Washington, DC is famous for its enormous amount of fun activities, and this is especially true in summer. Check out any one of these ideas to stay cool and have a guaranteed great time. Image “ paddle boat on the tidal basin” by MattHurst, used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Since Sterling, Virginia, is located just outside of Washington, D.C., you know the area has plenty of great fireworks shows to celebrate the birth of America. This Fourth of July, pack up the car and head to one of these nearby locations to see some amazing fireworks. more National Mall The National Mall in Washington, D.C. is home to the National Mall Fourth of July Celebration on July 4. You'll find a variety of spots around the city to catch a good view of the spectacular show. Anywhere on the National Mall will give you an amazing vantage point, but spots fill up quickly, so you'll have to arrive early to claim yours. You can also take one of the family-friendly fireworks cruises on the Potomac River, rent a bike to see the show from the Mount Vernon Trail, or check out one of the bars with rooftop patios. Lansdowne Resort and Spa Lansdowne Resort and Spa in Leesburg is a good place to go on July 1 for the annual Lansdowne Celebrates America. The festivities at the resort start at 6 p.m. If you get hungry while you're there, you'll find food trucks selling hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream, shaved ice, wine, craft beer, and more. Enjoy lawn games, face painting, live music, and glow in the dark wands and necklaces before the grand fireworks show that starts after the sun goes down. Ida Lee Park Another great place in Leesburg to catch some fireworks is Ida Lee Park. While the celebrations start at 10 a.m. on July 4 with the annual Independence Day Parade in downtown Leesburg, the fun really begins at 6 p.m. when gates at Ida Lee Park open. You'll enjoy live music, and a full food court will be open, so you can get hot dogs, hamburgers, funnel cakes, ice cream, and more. At 9:30 p.m., the largest fireworks show in the region lights up the sky above the park. Bready Park You can enjoy Herndon's Fourth of July celebrations when you head to Bready Park on July 4 at 6:30 p.m. The event kicks off with free games, live music, and children's arts and crafts. You'll also be able to purchase festival foods while you're there. At 9:30 p.m., relax on the grassy fields to take in the fabulous fireworks show choreographed to music. If you just want to watch the fireworks, the Station Street municipal parking lot offers a great view. Franklin Park If you take a trip to Purcellville, you can join the town in its Fourth of July celebrations. Festivities start at 12:30 p.m. on July 4 with the annual 4th of July Fireman's Parade. This is Purcellville's largest parade, and it continues to grow every year. After the parade, head to Franklin Park for even more entertainment. Gates open at 6 p.m. for an evening of food, music, and a lovely fireworks display at dark. When you take a trip to one of these locations near Sterling, you're sure to see a beautiful fireworks show to celebrate the Fourth of July. Image “ DC Fireworks” by spi516, used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If your regular date night is starting to feel a little too regular, spice things up by checking out one of these top fun date night destinations in Sterling, Virginia. Whether you're looking to challenge each other to a game or pick out some delicious treats to savor, you're sure to find something you and your date will both love. more Topgolf Loudoun When you're interested in enjoying some good food and having plenty of fun, head to Topgolf Loudoun. Here you'll find over 100 climate-controlled hitting bays where you and your date can practice your swings. When you get hungry, the full-service restaurant and bar serves up beer, mixed drinks, cocktails, wines, sandwiches, burgers, flatbreads, and more. You can also head up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy the view and the fire pit, or you can check out one of the over 200 high-definition televisions to see the latest games. Escape Room Loudoun If you and your date want to put your heads together to solve puzzles, check out Escape Room Loudoun. Here you'll find two exciting rooms with unique storylines. In the Hippocratic Oath room, you're trapped in Dr. Grusome's house, and you need to use the clues to find your way out before he returns. In the Paradise Casino room, you're part of an elite police force working at Paradise Casino that's discovered a rival casino is attempting to sabotage the business, and you must find a way to stop it. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Don't settle for another dinner and a movie night when you can go to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to have dinner while watching your movie. Choose one of the latest movies to watch, and then kick back and relax in the comfortable seats as you browse the menu. When you're ready to order, simply write down what you want and place it in the clip located on the front of the table at your seat. Your waiter will unobtrusively serve your meal and drinks, and you'll get to enjoy a delicious dinner while you see the movie. Sweet Signatures If you and your date had a wonderful day out, make the evening perfect with a stop at family-owned and operated Sweet Signatures. Here you'll discover a delectable menu that includes gourmet chocolates, signature desserts, and a variety of pastries. To make your evening even more memorable, stop by when the shop is offering one of its special events, such as do-it-yourself cookie decorating, a paint and sip class, or a book signing. Rebounderz of Sterling For some extreme fun with your date, check out Rebounderz of Sterling. This indoor trampoline arena is the ideal place to bounce around in a safe and exhilarating environment. While you're there, challenge your date to a game of Air Dodgeball or Basketball Slam. You can also see who makes it through the Ninja Warrior Course the fastest. When you're planning your next date night, skip the routine spots and make plans to go to one of these fun destinations instead. Image “ Rebounderz – Rebeka-5” by markarmstrong919, used under CC BY-ND 2.0

It's all well and good having your BMW to make your commute from A to B as great as it possibly could be, but what is the point of having a great car to drive about in if you don't have places to go and visit that are as equally good? It's true, one of the best things about having a car are the places you get to go to eat drink and be merry, and thankfully, we've collected a bunch of the best places to eat, drink and be merry in Sterling for you to make your next destination! more The Bungalow Lakehouse The slogan for the Bungalow Lakehouse is literally 'eat, drink, relax,' and let's be honest here, relaxing is basically being merry, so if you're looking for a place to eat, drink, and be merry in Sterling, then this place should be your first port of call. And to be fair to them, they're certainly not wrong to have that slogan. Their website has a huge amount of offers, special food nights, happy hour drink advertisements, and fun events. Their most recent event was an '80s outfit contest. Put that alongside gourmet burger nights and margarita and wine offers, and you have the epitome of eat, drink and be merry. Sweetwater Tavern We all know that cowboys know how to eat, drink, and be merry from all those bar scenes in classic Western films. The Sweetwater Tavern tells us its not too late to be a cowboy, and it ticks all of the boxes. It boasts three microbreweries serving the finest handcrafted brews that anyone can find in the Wild West, meaning you can drink like a true gunslinger. Okay, so the Western metaphor may be going too far, but trust me when I say their hickory grilled Angus beef, handcrafted beer, and great atmosphere make the Sweetwater Tavern a great place to eat, drink and ... you get it! Joe's Cafe Don't be fooled by the fact that on the surface Joe's Cafe appears to just be a normal cafe without the immediate mystery and appeal of the previous places — Joe's Cafe is as good a place to eat, drink, and be merry as any other! Joe's Cafe focuses a little more on the eat part of the equation, offering a wide range of homestyle and unfussy food choices, including syrupy pancakes, waffles, and French toast for breakfast, and subs, burgers, sandwiches, and platters for lunch. This all-American diner is definitely a great way to start your day. There we go folks! If you're familiar with any of the above places because they're a favorite spot of yours, haven't been in a while, or if you've never heard of them but want to try them out, you should definitely take some time to make a trip to one, if not all, of them soon because they really are some of the best places in Sterling to, you guessed it, eat, drink, and be merry. Image “ Korean restaurant in Riga” by Janitors, used under CC BY 2.0

One of the best things to do with your BMW is to take it on a road trip somewhere nice in the city, but the tricky part is deciding where to go on that next day trip. Luckily for the people of Sterling, there's actually a wide variety of wonderful places to visit right on their doorstep — they don't even have to travel too far to take in some incredible areas of historical interest. We've scoured the local area to find some of the best historical points of interest near Sterling that are definitely worth a visit. more Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park says that it brings the Civil War to life, offering a guided tour of one of the Civil War's iconic military engagements, where you will get up close and personal with an actual battlefield. The park also offers a volunteer guided program and living history events where, true to their word, they literally bring the American Civil War to life. On top of that the Regional Park is an outstanding area of natural beauty, perfect for anyone who likes the outdoors. There's a stunning view of the Bluff overlooking the Potomac River. You can also visit America's third-smallest cemetery and make use of interpretive trails. Sully Historic Site Another amazing historic site within driving distance of Sterling is Sully Plantation, a site of national historic significance owned by Richard Brand Lee. If you don't know who Richard Brand Lee is, then definitely recommend give this house, built in 1794, a visit. The Fairfax County Park Authority now operates the site as an educational venue, teaching adults and children alike about the lives of the Lee family and the events that took place at the Sully Plantation. They offer several classes, historical recreations, touch tours where you can literally touch history, scout adventures for children, tours of the actual house, and much more. Mount Vernon Anyone who has seen Hamilton recently will know about George Washington being the Pride of Mount Vernon, but the lucky folks in Sterling can actually go and visit the legendary place any day of the year, as it's even open on Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year's. You can see the whole estate, including the mansion, gardens, tomb, farm, and museum. There's a range of varied and different tours, including a 45-minute cruise, a tour focusing on the slaves at the plantation. You can also see 4D war re-enactments, and meet Martha Washington. Whatever you decide to do at Mount Vernon, there's no denying how cool it is to follow in the footsteps of America's founding father. With so much of America's rich history right here on the doorstep of Sterling, there's absolutely no reason not to arrange a family day trip, jump in a car, and visit the above places of historical interest for an incredible day out. You can learn about the Civil War, the first president of the United States, and even have fun along the way with a whole host of tours, activities, and events to take part in. Image “ George Washington’s Mount Vernon” by jjandames, used under CC BY-ND 2.0

It can be incredibly difficult when you have children to find something to entertain them for the day. Countless hours can be lost desperately searching for places nearby to take them, hoping that they'll enjoy it. But no day trip needs to be stressful. To make things easier, here is a helpful list of some of the best and most exciting places guaranteed to be fun for the entire family and keep those little ones busy. Not only are these great fun-filled, family entertainment destinations, but they're just a car ride away! more Autobahn Indoor Speedway What could be better after a long drive with the children asking if they're there yet than arriving at the Autobahn Indoor Speedway and letting them finally get behind the wheel on a go-kart track? If you really want, you can join in and race them yourself! The Autobahn Indoor Speedway borrows from Germany's iconic road to have a simple philosophy of no speed limits — making it a go-karting experience like none other. But, there is still an emphasis on safety with years of research going into finding the safest karts, tracks, and barriers, so you can have peace of mind that your family will be safe while you leave them in your dust! Bowl America Bowl America may be the place where thousands cheer, but the only cheers you care about are those from your family. Bowling is definitely an activity for the entire family, from young children to grandparents, and Bowl America prides themselves on their ability to cater to everyone's needs. With bumper bowling, lightweight bowling balls, and small shoes for the kids, as well as visually exciting cosmic bowling where the lights go out, the neon comes on, and lasers shoot around the room, it's guaranteed to be a fun day for children of any age, and as a result all of the family. Volcano Island Waterpark If it is really sunny outside you might not want to be stuck inside in a go-karting place or bowling alley, which is where Volcano Island Waterpark comes in. The park has two adrenaline-inducing water slides, a 500-gallon dumping bucket, and a giant wading pool and water play structure for the children. Meanwhile, while the children are playing and splashing around, the adults can relax underneath the palm trees and tiki canopies. Then the whole family can go and get a delicious bite to eat at the Paradise Cafe. There is even a mini golf course right next to the water, in case you fancy a dry spell. Whether it's bowling, go-karting, splashing about at a water park, or something else entirely, there's certainly no denying that Sterling is actually a great place for families with a multitude of fun family-friendly destinations. So, the next time you're looking for something for the children to do and you've got a free day, why not take a trip to one of these amazing places? Image “ White Water” by Branson Missouri, used under CC BY 2.0

When hunger strikes while you're out enjoying the sights and sounds in Sterling, you want to be able to quickly grab a tasty meal that will leave you satisfied. Fortunately, Sterling is home to a variety of top-notch sandwich shops where you can enjoy a memorable meal. Here are a few of the top sandwich shops in Sterling that you should visit next time you get a craving for a mouthwatering treat. more The Deli If you're someone who can never get enough food, then the best Sterling sandwich shop to visit is The Deli. Don't be fooled by this shop's simple name; they offer some of the most delicious sandwiches that you've ever had the pleasure of eating. For example, they have a wide variety of gourmet subs, including signature options such as the Mafioso, the Italian Stallion, and the New Yorker. You can also grab a delicious hot sub such as the Beef BBQ or the Pizza Steak. When you visit The Deli, you're sure to find a sandwich that you'll want to eat again and again. Romano's Deli & Pizzeria When you want to visit a restaurant that has something for the whole family, you should plan a meal at Romano's Deli & Pizzeria. While this restaurant is mostly known for their fresh made pizza pie, they also offer an array of tasty sandwiches that you're going to love. One of their most popular sandwiches is the Temptation, which includes corned beef, pastrami, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. Other sandwich options include the Blackened Chicken, the BLT, and the Cajun Chicken. You can also create your own wrap, ensuring you can enjoy a meal that was made especially for you. Zoup! There's nothing that goes with a sandwich quite like a hot bowl of soup, and if you're in the mood for this classic combo, then your perfect destination is Zoup! At this restaurant, you can enjoy a filling sandwich and one of the tastiest bowls of soup that you've ever sampled. Take a look at the Zoup! menu, and you'll see a great selection of soups that you may not be able to find at other Sterling restaurants. Some of their most popular soup options include Jamaican Bay Gumbo, Rustic Vegetable Bean, and Spicy Crab and Rice. After you've picked out your perfect bowl of soup, you can pair it with a signature sandwich with options including Pesto 3-Cheese, Maple Ham & Bacon, and Chicken Toscana. Young's Deli For Sterling residents that want to be able to enjoy a sandwich for every meal of the day, the only restaurant to visit is Young's Deli. This deli offers sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even has a variety of healthy selections for the health-conscious sandwich lover. In addition to classic sandwich options, Young's Deli offers a variety of original sandwiches, all of which are served with pickles and chips. Some of these original sandwiches include the Greek Chicken, the Pastrami and Corned Beef Delight, and the American Express. The next time you're in the mood for a fresh-made sandwich, be sure to visit one of these popular Sterling sandwich shops. Image “ Roast Beef Sandwich” by Pen Waggener, used under CC BY 2.0

Sterling is one of the most interesting towns in Virginia. Take a drive through this welcoming community, and you'll be able to visit several exciting attractions that you'll never forget. Here are a few of the top attractions in Sterling, Virginia, that you should be sure to visit the next time you find yourself in this town. more Algonkian Regional Park Whether you're a visitor to Sterling or one of the city's longtime resident's, one of the top attractions in this city is the Algonkian Regional Park. This outdoor spot has something for everyone, particularly if you want to enjoy some of the most picturesque views in all of Virginia. For instance, this park is located on the banks of the Potomac River, and there are several picnic areas where you can enjoy a tasty meal while looking out onto the water. Speaking of water, visiting Algonkian Regional Park is a great way to cool off during the summer thanks to the Volcano Island Water Park. When you choose to visit this park, you can play 18 holes of golf on a world-class course. Algonkian Regional Park is also a fantastic place to hold a birthday party, family reunion, or wedding reception, thanks to the Woodlands event facility. Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum The Sterling area has a long and interesting history, and the best way to learn about its history is by planning a trip to the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum. The exhibits at this museum are dedicated to educating visitors about the 250-year agricultural history of Loudoun. Touring the exhibits at this museum is like taking a step back in time and allows you to experience how previous generations lived their everyday lives. For example, in the Grandma's Kitchen exhibit, you can walk through a pre-World War I farm room that includes rustic furniture and appliances that didn't rely on electricity. You can also view a replica one-room school house that reflects education in the early 1900s. Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum also offers regular events that are perfect for families, including Kids Night at the Museum and a summer camp. Claude Moore Park Another attraction that you should be sure to visit the next time you're in Sterling is Claude Moore Park. Named after one of the area's most famous residents, this park provides you with the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy nature. The best reason to stop by Claude Moore Park is to go for an invigorating hike, as this outdoor spot offers 11 miles of hiking trails. If you want to relax while enjoying some fishing, there are two ponds at this park. You should also be sure to take a stroll by the park's Historic Area, which is included on the National Register of Historic Places. There is also a world-class Sportsplex where you can play softball or baseball. Experience these top attractions in Sterling, Virginia if you want to make sure that you have an entertaining time in this city. Image “ Algonkian Park, Sterling VA” by TMMY PHTOG, used under CC BY 2.0

We can all agree that not a lot of food comes close to beating pizza. Not all pizzas were created equal, however, and you'll find a lot of pizzerias here in Sterling, VA. After doing our own yummy research, we've come up with a list of the top three pizzerias in town. Next time you feel like a slice, make sure you check them out! more Ledo Pizza For over 60 years, Ledo Pizza has been the number one choice for Sterling residents looking for a fresh, hot pizza pie. What's the secret to their success? Aside from using the best ingredients, Ledo has something else that helps them stand out - the shape of their pizzas. Ledo likes to do things a little differently. They serve their pizzas square. With a flaky, delicious crust and an exquisitely sweet sauce, Ledo takes the square slices you might remember from grade school and turns them into something extraordinary. You'll find all your favorites on the menu, along with some off-the-wall options such as the Sweet Baby-q Chicken Combo and their very own version of a BLT on a pizza! The Dons' Wood-Fired Pizza Do you prefer New York-style pizzas or do you like to keep it classic and Italian? With The Dons', you get the best of both worlds. This family-owned pizzeria takes everything you love about pizza and puts an authentic Italian spin on it. From their imported meats to their emphasis on only using homemade ingredients, you're sure to feel right at home at The Dons'. Highlights of their menu include Stefano's Buffalo Chicken Pizza that puts a hot twist on the chicken with their special hot sauce, then slathers it with a mix of blue cheese and New York mozzarella. Alternatively, try Rico's Chicken and Bacon Ranch, a recipe made especially for NFL star Kedric Golston. Cooking their pizzas in a wood-fired oven adds a great smoky flavor. Next time you feel like pizza, keep The Dons' in mind. Emilio's Brick Oven Gourmet Pizza Gourmet is a word that gets thrown around a lot in today's culinary climate, but Emilio's lives up to the name. In fact, it's such a hit with locals that it gets packed, so make sure you book ahead. Once you're in, though, you're in for a real treat. Someone once said that a pizza is only as good as its crust and Emilio's gets that right. Light and airy, its crust acts as the perfect bed for lots of different toppings to choose from. Whether you want to spice up your Margherita with Portobello mushrooms or add artichoke hearts to a classic Puttanesca, you'll find that the combinations are simply to die for. Pizza is an Italian mainstay that's gone on to become a staple of American cuisine and we can't imagine life without some delicious pies. Next time you are in Sterling, VA, make sure you stop by these pizzerias — they are well worth a visit! Image “ Ledo’s pizza” by mathrock, used under CC BY-SA 2.0