I spent the last 2 weeks working remotely from the Jersey shore. I don’t know how digital nomads do it, instead of feeling relaxed, I was always anxious I wouldn’t get to log off early enough to do what I wanted to do.

Would you be interested in hear about a cool bar I went to there? Or some dog friendly activities? Reply and let me know!

Valerie

Things to Know in DC

It’s hot out, I want a private pool in DC.

Since I’m never going to get that without hitting the Mega Millions, this little tanning pool is my latest obsession.

You can fill it up with some water to keep you cool while laying out in the sun, and it isn’t as wasteful as filling up a kiddie pool (which I have done in the past). It’s compact and doesn’t take up a lot of space, has two drink holders so you can stay hydrated, and can be used as a pool floatie should you end up at a pool.

​It starts at $33 on Amazon, which is cheaper than a private pool (if you order, I’ll get a commission to help keep this newsletter going).

ICYMI

Things to Eat in DC

​The RAMMY’s were this past weekend, celebrating DC’s restaurant industry. Perry’s is one of my favorite restaurants in DC, and chef Masako Morishita won Rising Culinary Star of the Year! Earlier this summer, she won the James Beard Foundation’s Emerging Chef of the Year—she just keeps winning.

She’s received a lot of buzz for things like her edamame dumplings, but my favorite is her mochi agedashi. Served warm in a broth, the mochi texture is beautifully gummy (while being gluten free!), it’s a really comforting dish.

Things to Do in DC: Next 4 Weeks

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This Week

• There’s a chance to see the corpse flower at the US Botanic Garden, and maybe even two at a time. One opened Sunday night, and the other one is getting ready to bloom, but the Botanic Garden is closed on Wednesday for a government event so it doesn’t seem like we’ll get to see them both blooming at once. Free.
• The final Cleveland Park Night Market of the season features artisan local vendors. Thursday 7/25. Free.
• The Embassy of France is hosting a free opening ceremony watch party at the embassy for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Friday 7/26. Free.
• ​Summer evening hours at National Arboretum mean you can explore until 8 PM as the day’s heat cools down. Friday 7/26. Free.
• It’s the last weekend of Maggie Michael’s “Understory” exhibit at Union Market, and they are closing it down with an espresso bar popup with coffee and mocktails while you enjoy the art. Saturday 7/27. Free.
• Humane Rescue Alliance is doing a fundraiser to select animals for their 2025 calendar. If you want to see you pet featured, you can enter them. Voting & submission through 8/4. $50 to enter.

Next Week

• Sick of the apps? Try meeting people in person with a 20s & 30s Single Run & Happy Hour. Wednesday 7/31. $20.
• ​Learn to tango at the Tango and Champagne Soiree. While it does take 2 to tango, you don’t need to bring a partner with you. Wednesday 7/31. $29.
• The Jollof Festival has chefs competing for the best Jollof rice, and you can sample it and vote. Saturday 8/3. $35-45 for tasting tickets.
• The Westin at National Harbor is hosting a murder mystery dinner. Includes a glass of champagne, light apps, dinner, and the game. Saturday 8/3. $109.

Further Out

• L&L Hawaiian BBQ is hosting a spam musubi making class and discounts for Spam Musubi Day on 8/08 (get it?). The legendary Hawaiian chain is known for this dish, but registration isn’t easy: you need to register & pay in person at Garden Social in Annandale by August 5. Thursday 8/8. $40 for the class.
• The floating wetlands exhibit at the National Aquarium opens August 9! This is a super cool project that they’ve been working towards for a decade and which recreates a salt marsh habitat, like the one that used to be in Baltimore’s harbor before industrialization. I can’t wait to see it. Friday 8/9. Free.
• Enjoy yoga and a drink at DC’s best summertime bar, Island Time. Island Yoga features vinyasas overlooking the marina and a tiki drink. Wednesday 8/14. $25.
• ​Uncorked Wine Festival is coming to Nats Park, letting you taste over 100 wines and non-wine beverages. Saturday 8/17. $75+.
• Love a red wine but looking for something cooler in the summer? Check out the chillable reds wine tasting at The Roost to find your new favorite. Sunday 8/18. $45.
• ​DC Jazz Fest is coming up on Labor Day Weekend. Wednesday 8/28-Sunday 9/1
• ​Survivor Rock Creek’s next game is coming up on September 7, and you can apply to join the cast through August 17