Sadly the summer is beginning to end. One of my friends is leaving the city this Sunday, and another the following Sunday. With that in mind, I was trying to come up with five great things for them to do before they leave the city. Sure some of them might be a bit cliched, but having lived in the city I think everyone should do them:

1.  Midnight Monument Tour:  Everyone at this point has seen the monuments at least once.  However, there is nothing like a walk to the FDR memorial just past midnight, or seeing the moon rise over the Washington Monument.  You haven't really lived in DC until you've done this.

2.  Go to Eastern Market.  Eastern Market is like no other market I've ever been to.  The flea market actually sells useful and new things, and the produce is reasonably priced and good.  For this reason its probably the best place to buy your food if you can make it over there on a Saturday.

3.  Taken the last train out of a Metro Station.  I've done this numerous times including my first night in DC.  There's nothing quite like barely avoiding having to walk 30 blocks home or take a cab.  Plus you can learn some really interesting things from other metro patrons.

4. Engaged in direct action.  Although its much more difficult to do now that Congress is out, you can still hold a sign out in front of the White House (just don't sit), sign a petition or working with a non-profit on a fall campaign.

 5.  Seen a concert.  Although DC doesn't always attract the biggest bands, there are plenty of amazing concerts in DC.  Make sure you check some of them out, as you never know who will be the next big thing.