With just a month left until Labor Day, it’s time to get out of the house and make the most of all that DC has to offer this summer. Here is a roundup of not-to-miss exhibits, restaurants, sporting events, and more–so buckle up for a busy August. The Hive family of smart home products and services will take care of your home while you’re out exploring, giving you the peace of mind to make the most of each activity and experience. Discover how here.
Museums
Get your cultural fix at one of DC’s hottest summer exhibits. For a unique virtual experience, visit the XYZT exhibition at Artechouse–the interactive, multi-space digital art installation lets you manipulate space and time. Or head to the National Building Museum to check out their latest summer installation in the Great Hall. Also called “Hive,” the installation is the tallest ever to be installed in the museum and is constructed of more than 2,700 wound-paper tubes, forming three interconnecting domes for visitors to explore. If you’re more into photography, visit “Revival” at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, a contemporary mixed-media exhibit of photography, sculpture, and video focusing on intense subject matter in celebration of the museum’s 30th anniversary.
Whichever exhibit you choose to explore, you can rest easy knowing that all is well at home while you’re out. The Hive Home Check Plan is equipped with a camera so you can live stream HD footage of your house straight to your smartphone. The camera also features built-in two-way audio, so not only can you see your dog hanging out on the couch, but you can actually ask him to get down.
Drinking and dining
Rosé is having a big moment in DC, with popular restaurants and bars turning outdoor space into an oasis for all pink wine lovers. Whaley’s 30-seat patio is outfitted with tropical plants and pink-striped umbrellas, and offers frozen drinks, cocktails, and rosés by the bottle and glass. You can play bocce at Vinoteca’s rosé garden, which features more than 16 rosés on draft in addition to rosé sangria and boozy ice cream floats. The Ritz’s upscale rosé garden is open every Friday from 4:30 to 7pm and serves rosé flights, unique cocktails, and summer treats like oysters and glazed pork belly.
For all Game of Thrones fans, Shaw bars Mockingbird Hill, Southern Efficiency, and Eat the Rich have been transformed into different parts of the Seven Kingdoms, so you can take a picture on the Iron Throne and sip thematic cocktails like the Dothraquiri and The North Remembers. The third week in August is also Restaurant Week, so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to try some of the pricier places on your DC-dining bucket list.
Whether you’re heading out to a glamorous rosé garden or a chic restaurant for dinner, you can leave the house without worrying about whether or not you left your hair straightener on. If it’s plugged into a Hive Active Plug, you can use the Hive app to turn the outlet off from your smartphone.
Outdoor films and concerts
Skip the overpriced movie tickets this summer and opt for a free outdoor film instead. Just grab a blanket, snacks, and some friends and enjoy the fresh air while you watch your favorite film under the stars. This season’s movie screenings feature classic oldies, rom-coms, animated films and more, and take place all across the DC metro region. Check out the lineups and locations here.
Popular concert venues Wolf Trap and Jiffy Lube Live have a packed summer schedule, featuring popular artists from Sting to Florida Georgia Line to John Mayer. To listen to popular local bands, head to Yards Park for free outdoor concerts every Friday night. In addition to great music, you’ll enjoy food and beverages and great river views.
While you’re out enjoying your favorite musicians and bands, you can make it look like someone is home thanks to Hive Active Lights. You can schedule the lights to come on at a certain time before you go, or can control them on-demand using the Hive app on your smartphone.
Sporting events
Don’t miss your chance to see the division-leading Washington Nationals play at home this summer. The Nats sent five players to the All-Star Game this year, including Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmerman, and Max Scherzer, and the team is on track to score more runs than any other Nationals team in history. In August, the Nats will face the Marlins, Giants, Angels, and Mets at home, so get your tickets and head down to the waterfront. An added perk–Nats Park has stepped up its food game this season. Check out some of the delicious new offerings here.
On your way to the ball park, you can turn off your air conditioning from your phone so you don’t waste energy cooling an empty house. When you get in the car to head home, you can turn it back on, along with the lights, so you are greeted by a cool and bright house.
Discover even more ways that Hive smart home plans can help you live life to the fullest this summer.
