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BMW's new personal assistant makes it feel like you're not alone, no matter where you are on the road. The manufacturer will make the technology available in spring of 2019 on select models that feature the new BMW iDrive 7.0 system and as part of the Live Cockpit Professional. This service will help both the driver and passengers with many of the car's functions, offer assistance with directions, and provide information about the vehicle. Here is everything you need to know about the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. more Your Digital Companion When owners first start using their BMW personal assistant, it will respond to "Hey BMW," but you can change this and name your vehicle using the digital customer profile. The system will allow owners to name it whatever they want, and they can even choose the gender. The assistant responds to natural language, and over time, the system builds a digital character that interacts with you. The more you use the car and the assistant, the better it gets to know you and can predict what you need before you even have to ask. It Can Control Vehicle Settings The personal assistant is always available to help make you more comfortable. It will respond to both direct requests and vague statements. You can specifically ask it to turn on the heat or tell it that you are cold, and it will turn up the heat for you. If you tell your digital companion you are tired, it will adjust the ambient lighting in the car and as well as the music and temperature to help keep you alert. Helps With Productivity The assistant works with Microsoft Office 365 and will read emails to you while you drive. It can even predict your travel routes depending on what time of day it is. It will take information from your calendar and offer directions to an upcoming meeting or appointment. Voice-Activated Owners Manual The BMW personal assistant knows everything about your car. You don't have to shuffle through pages of information to find out what it can do or what a certain indicator light means. Just ask, and your digital assistant will tell you. Premium cars such as BMWs often do much more than drivers know, and you can now find out everything about your car's functionality just by listening to the assistant while you're driving down the road. Vehicle Information Over time, as the personal assistant learns your driving habits, it can start to offer driving tips to help save fuel. It can also let you know when there are vehicle issues you need to address, such as low tire pressure. It will send you service reminders, and it can even schedule the service for you, so all you need to do is show up. BMW designed the technology to get to know its driver and to continuously get better every day. The personal assistant will remember your preferences and even offer suggestions to help make your ride more comfortable and make it safer. Image “ BMW 650i” by tFidelis, used under CC BY-SA 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

In the market for a new vehicle and considering a BMW? If you're hesitating, it's likely because of the sticker price. These vehicles do cost more than some other models, but they also have features that you can't get from any other manufacturer. These are some reasons why BMWs are worth the expense in terms of quality, luxury, performance, and reliability. more Quality and Luxury BMWs are undeniably gorgeous. If you hope to turn heads whenever you get into your vehicle, rest assured that these models will deliver. Even the more practical options have a sleek, sporty look that no other brand can replicate. This is also true for the newer i8. This plug-in hybrid, which has been in production since 2014, comes at a high price but is simply beautiful. Though this BMW is popular for its efficiency, you'll have a hard time deciding which you like more — the vehicle's incredible efficiency, getting approximately 112 miles per gallon, or the fact that the i8 looks like a sleek machine out of a sci-fi movie. Performance No matter which BMW you pick, you'll have a fantastic driving experience. Even the new i8 roadster and coupe — hybrid vehicles — deliver 369 horsepower and can get from zero to 60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds. Plenty of other cars in the BMW lineup are blazing fast and fun to drive, too. The new M5, for example, gets 617 horsepower and is the manufacturer's fastest-ever vehicle. BMW's Certified Pre-Owned Program When you visit an official dealership, you'll see certified pre-owned vehicles on the lot. These BMWs have passed a thorough inspection to ensure their quality. They are only serviced with official parts and have no more than 60,000 miles. Finally, it's guaranteed that these BMWs have a clean service history. If you're buying used under this program, you can rest assured that the manufacturer's scrutiny in certifying these vehicles justifies their cost. Warranty Coverage Every new BMW comes with a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty that covers certain repairs. This is transferable to new owners, so if you buy used, you'll inherit the coverage as long as you haven't hit the year or mile limit. If you buy used under the certified pre-owned program, you'll automatically be granted an additional year of coverage with unlimited miles on top of whatever is remaining of the new vehicle warranty. Buying used, you also have the option of purchasing extended coverage. This will give you warranty protection for your BMW up to the manufacturer's maximum-allowed six years. Cutting-Edge Features BMW is always pushing the limits of what a vehicle can do. For example, the 2019 i8 features charging while driving technology. If you exhaust the electric charge on the road and switch over to gasoline power, the engine will start recharging the vehicle. Still need more convincing? Take a look at some BMWs in person. Nothing beats getting behind the wheel of one of these vehicles, so come check out the inventory at BMW of Sterling and take your favorites out for a test drive. Image via BMW

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

Regardless of whether you go for something sporty or something with lots of utility, your BMW is guaranteed to deliver a luxury driving experience. Choosing your first vehicle from BMW isn't like shopping for other makes and models. These are some of the things a new owner should know about before leaving the lot with their first BMW. more Check for Warranties and Maintenance Packages Every new BMW comes with a standard warranty that covers certain repairs. This stays in effect for up to four years or 50,000 miles. This warranty is transferable, so if the vehicle hasn't hit either of these limits, you'll inherit the coverage when you buy used. If you're buying used, warranties and maintenance packages may or may not apply to your vehicle. Ask your car dealer how much coverage is remaining on the current packages. You may need to extend your coverage or purchase a new warranty to ensure your BMW is protected. Note that if you pick a certified pre-owned BMW, it will come with an additional year of coverage for unlimited miles following the end of the four year/50,000-mile warranty. Research BMW's Certified Pre-Owned Program Shoppers buying used should learn about BMW's Certified Pre-Owned Program. If you come across a vehicle that's part of this program, it means the car or SUV has: Been thoroughly inspected and reconditioned by a BMW technician. A clean maintenance history confirmed through a CARFAX report. Only been serviced using official BMW parts. More than 300 miles but fewer than 60,000 miles. Been repaired to correct any issues before being certified. This is a great offer for new drivers of these vehicles, but it's worth noting that not all used BMWs are certified pre-owned. You'll need to visit a dealership and ask about vehicles that have met the criteria to qualify for this program. This certification gives you peace of mind that not only are you getting an exceptional deal but also that your BMW will run well. Watch Your Fluids If you're coming from a non-luxury vehicle, you may be surprised by the additional responsibilities that come with routine BMW care. For example, most newer BMWs require synthetic oil and premium gasoline. If you ignore these necessities, it can damage the engine and cut your BMW's life short. Understand the Cost of Future Maintenance Similarly, if you ever need to make repairs to the vehicle in the future, you'll need to buy special parts made for your BMW. Expect these to be more expensive than you'd pay for non-luxury models. BMW brakes, for example, are high-quality and use soft pads that wear out faster than other types of brakes. Though you'll need to do some extra research when buying a BMW, your due diligence will pay off. Not only will you find a quality vehicle from one of the best manufacturers around, but you'll also be an informed consumer who's ready to walk on the lot with confidence. Stop by BMW of Sterling with any questions and to take your favorite BMW models out for a test drive. Image “ BMW” by Max Patzig, 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

more Changing your car's oil regularly is an important part of every maintenance plan. At BMW of Sterling, we offer a myriad of services for your car, not just BMW's. Check out our Service Department for a full list of services offered, including an oil change, as well as learn more about BMW FastService ® and schedule your appointment online. For those BMW enthusiasts who like to get their hands dirty, take a look at this handy guide on how to properly change the oil on your car.

The BMW 8 Series is a powerful luxury vehicle and is back for the 2019 model year. After a 20-year absence, BMW will bring back the 8 Series Coupe, and it is better than ever. The 2019 will come in two different variants, starting first with the M850i x Drive M Performance, and then the 840d xDrive Coupe. It will hit showroom floors soon, and these are some of the reasons the 2019 BMW 8 Series will be the best luxury car out there. more The Power Each model will have its own powertrain, with the M850i xDrive launching first with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine that produces 530 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. BMW pairs this with an eight-speed automatic transmission, they say it can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.6 seconds, and it has a top speed that they electronically cap at 155 mph. Later in the year, BMW will also launch the 840d xDrive Coupe which will have a six-cylinder diesel engine. The Exterior Look This latest 8 Series is sleek. Up front, there are thin headlights, and it has long, low profile with a chiseled shape to give it a more extreme look than the other performance vehicles in BMW's lineup. The kidney-shaped grilles have a chrome strip to connect them, and the flanks have air outlets complete with some character lines to give it a bold look. The M Sport package has smaller air intakes than other models, and it comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, and M logos on the door sills that light up. An M Performance model will have 20-inch wheels along with performance tires, and it will also come with upgraded brakes, and some interior touches unique to the Performance model. The Interior BMW gave the 8 Series a unique interior look to set it apart from the 5 and the 7 Series vehicles. All the gauges, vents, and the center stack are unique to the 8 Series, and the instrument panel has a futuristic look. A driving mode selector allows you to choose how you want the steering to react, and the instrument panel display changes depending on which mode you select. The Technology The new BMW 8 Series comes loaded with new technology. You can replace the key with your smartphone, and you'll also get BMW Live Cockpit Professional. This allows you to customize the display depending on what you want to see. A heads-up display comes standard, and it comes with the latest version of BMW's digital services that work with Apple CarPlay and Android phones. There is an 11-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system, a 12.3-inch touch-screen display, and wireless phone charging. There is a lot to get excited about with the new 2019 BMW 8 Series. It has a sleek new look, it comes with the latest technology both inside and out, and you can expect to get all the comforts of home inside. Expect to see it hit showroom floors near the end of 2018. Image “ BMW” by blondinrikard, 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

The BMW M3 is a luxury performance sedan that still hits all the marks. Over the years, this car established a wide and true fan base, and car enthusiasts have hung posters of this iconic car on their walls. Now, the newest edition still offers a track-ready performance and still gives its passengers a comfortable ride. Here are some of the reasons why the 2018 BMW M3 is still a legend. more The Exterior Look The M3 starts with the 3-Series sedan and then BMW adds the performance elements. Up front, the M3 has a hood bulge and a large central cooling duct with two additional ducts on each side. The flared front fenders and low, wide stance help give it a menacing look, and in the back, there is a lip spoiler, and quad exhaust tips and along the side, sculpted side mirrors add to the style. Its one trim comes with 18-inch wheels with performance tires, and it has an adaptive suspension along with LED headlights. Optional additions include 19-inch wheels and a sunroof. The Power The M3 comes with a 3.0-liter twin turbo six-cylinder engine that delivers 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, or you can opt for the 7-speed M-tuned double-clutch automated manual transmission. No matter which transmission you choose, the M3 is rear-wheel drive, and the engine will get the car up to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. Add the Competition Package to increase the horsepower to 444, and this also recalibrates the stability control system and the limited-slip rear differential to make it track-ready. The Interior The M3's cabin is just as sleek as the exterior. The front bucket seats provide plenty of support with high side bolsters designed to keep passengers in their place and stable during a spirited ride. All the materials in the cabin are high-quality with a luxury feel, and the dashboard and center console feature sleek looking curves. The driving position gives the driver excellent visibility, and the numerous controls are easy to use. The Technology The M3 comes with an 8.8-inch display screen and the iDrive infotainment system complete with voice controls, navigation, and smartphone app integration. There is a high-end Harman Kardon stereo system with 16 speakers, satellite radio, a USB port, and auxiliary input. Additional technology including Wi-Fi, a powered rear sunshade, wireless charging, and Apple CarPlay are also available as stand-alone options. The Safety Features You'll get many standard safety features in the M3 with more offered as options. A rearview camera comes standard along with anti-lock disc brakes, and a full suite of air bags. Add the Active Driver Assistance Package for forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, and a lane-departure warning system. The Executive Package adds adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, a 360-degree top-down camera system, and a head-up display. The BMW continues to impress with its style, power, utility, and performance. Drivers who loved this car in the '80s and '90s will still love it just as much if not more today.

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