By Monica Smith-Acuna

Between our two-week-long Fourth of July hangover and our pre-Olympic celebrating, July has come and gone in a flash, which brings us to August. Not only is this month a little slower in general in this city, but it also signifies the end of summer vacation, if not physically, than at least the vacations in our mind. But alas, I say keep that banana hammock on! Summer ain’t over yet and we still have plenty of things to do, such as:

Kayak on the Potomac.
Although the Potomac is known to be filled with shards of glass, grocery carts and the occasional hobo, kayaking never fails to disappoint. Paddle up to the Lincoln at sunset or make a stop to Roosevelt Island. Just remember to resist the urge to actually jump in, despite the excessive back sweat underneath your lifejacket. A good place to start is Jack's Boathouse right in Georgetown.

Picnic at Rock Creek Park
I’m really giving you a freebee with one. Since Rock Creek spans almost the whole of the NW quadrant many of us can easily check this off our bucket lists. This park is so big, you could probably eat on a grass highway median and it would be considered part of Rock Creek Park. Just enjoy your food outdoors and get your tan on before returning to the office. Although picnic spots abound, one of the most easily accessible and ready-made is the spot off Tilden Dr. near Cleveland Park, which even offers restrooms.

Indulge in Restaurant Week
August in DC is synonymous with Restaurant Week, and this year alcohol is included on the pre fixe menu. Get all your weekday binge drinking out of your system before formal workweeks begin. Three courses and a bottle of wine are included at selected restaurants. Subsequent food comas and epic hangover also included. Lunches run $20.12 and dinners are $35.12.

Go Berry Picking
In case restaurant week really wiped out your savings or caused excessive weight gain, here is a solution to both your problems. This activity is not just for farmers anymore, but perfectly hipster-approved with its local/organic/vegan associations. Lose some of your summer flub by walking the fields at multiple Virginia locations. (Click here to read all about it.)

Attend a Summer Concert
Kenny Chesney graces the FedEx Field August 12th. But if the bald ex-husband of Renee Zellweger isn’t your favorite musician (just a guess), there are plenty of other August concert opinions. Enjoy free music and large crowds at Jazz in the Garden. Or watch local musicians at the Georgetown Waterfront three days a week. Or better yet, check out the local impresarios of Listen Local First and find out where your favorite new musicians are playing next.