This betrays all of my loyalties. As somebody born and raised in D.C., I have spent all my life weeding out the people who pretend to be from D.C. but really reside in Bethesda, Rockville, Potomac, Arlington (you get the point). So, when I sat down and thought about writing for Social Capital, I was elated at the idea that now I would get to show off my intimate knowledge of my city by telling everybody where to eat, party, see free stuff, etc. Then, today, I sat down at the desk to write and I had nothing. Well, that’s not entirely true. I thought about lots of fun cheesy things I used to do with my friends pre 21, places I go to eat, and sketchy bars that I have been dragged to but I couldn’t help but think that I have all summer to post about those things. Instead, all I could think about was something outside of my city, something that touches almost every place that people who falsely claim D.C. actually hale from.

So, although it pains me, I'm telling everybody to get out of their apartment, dorm, or house this weekend, skip the tourist ridden, 115 degree national mall and go spend some time by the Potomac River. I know, I know, many of you are probably thinking: “doesn’t this guy know anything; the Potomac River is in D.C.” and you would be right. Many others may be thinking: “is this a joke? The only things to see in that river are three-eyed fish and sewer runoff.” Well, those people would kind of be mistaken.

Ok, so the river partially deserves that rap and don’t get me wrong I would never swim or fish in it; however, if you venture outside the city lines and into Maryland or Virginia, the Potomac River transforms into a truly beautiful site (not to mention cooler site) at which I recommend you spend part of your weekend.  

Specifically, I would travel into Montgomery County (MD) and take a visit to Potomac Gorge or travel over the bridge to Virginia and check out Great Falls Park. Being from D.C., it’s hard for me to advocate going to Virginia. I always get lost there and I swear Virginia drivers are the cause of most traffic related problems in the District so personally I would check out Potomac Gorge but both are absolutely beautiful. Potomac Gorge is also home to one of the places I was dragged to over and over as a child: the Billy Goat Trail. The almost 5 mile Billy goat trail splits the C&O Canal and the Potomac River and it provides incredible views of the Falls.  

So, take lots of water, a snack or two, and go have a nice afternoon. Sit and watch people try to climb rock faces that line the river, kayak through class four rapids, and bike the C&O canal. In fact, if you have one, skip the Billy Goat Trail and bring your bike. The canal runs for 184 miles and passes such famous places as Harper’s Ferry and Rock Creek Park (in D.C.!). Well, Harper’s Ferry might not be a realistic place to ride but you get the point. The trail is gorgeous, cooler than the national mall or your local park, and free of all of those pesky tourists with light-up umbrellas and family reunion t-shirts.

Although it pains me to tell you to leave, I promise that this will be well worth it. After all, you have the rest of the summer to see Dorothy’s ruby slippers, fight somebody as you push to get into the Cafeteria at the Museum of the American Indian, and try tirelessly to book a tour at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Besides, if I can swallow my pride and in a moment of sacrilege tell you to go, there must be something good to see or do there.