For more information on Beer Week activities, follow these links: www.dcbeerweek.net, DCist, and the City Paper.

Tonight (Aug 20^th) is the KICK OFF PARTY AT THE ROCK AND ROLL HOTEL. $10 will get you craft beers AND a concert to start a week long beer celebration with a bang. Sounds like a WIN to me

Sunday (Aug 22^nd): For $70, enjoy craft beers while cruising around the Potomac. According to the official DC Beer Week website (visit here for tickets), breweries include Sam Adams, Dogfish, Ommegan, Heavy Seas, Sierra Nevada, Flying Dog, Magic Hat, Harpoon, Coney Island & He’Brew, Troegs, Abita, Victory, Chimay, Brooklyn, Allagash, Bell’s, Great Lakes, Lagunitas, Bitburger, Flying Fish, Tupper’s, Southern Tier, Boulder, Mendocino and Arcadia. (Ow. Fingers hurt from typing). Yummy food is also going to be offered but this is BEER week, so I’ll stick to the beer info.

Key Highlights of the Week (aka what I’m going to be doing):

Monday – 3 Beers 3 Courses at Dino in Cleveland Park. Dean of Dino’s is a trip – a quirky, hard working guy who dreams up great deals for his customers. Don’t miss this, especially since its only $39 per person.

Tuesday – Pints for Putts at the H Street Country Club. The website reads: “1 Beer. 1 Putt. 100 feet. Sink it win a Pool Table! Tues, 8/24 starting at 5pm.” I’m intrigued and I’m GOING! Not to mention that there are a bunch of places in the Atlas District that feature craft beer…pint->putt->bar hop?

Wednesday – Oh, this is a rough day. So many great options! First, SpeakeasyDC, Washington City Paper and The Big Hunt are joining forces to present “Fermented: A Night of True Tales About Beer”. If you have a real interest in beer, this is probably the event for you. Then, it’s also DC Beer Week Night at Nationals Park. John Fleury at DCist says that for $22 you get a ticket to the game plus a voucher for four complimentary Leinenkugel beer samples. On top of that, Capitol Lounge has a barbeque event in conjunction with Great Lakes Brewing Company.  For $35, you get things like hickory smoked brisket and some of the best brews from GCBC. Do I need to mention that Chef Teddy Folkman is behind the food here? (Let’s see if this gal can get to all three ::insert evil grin here::)

Thursday – No question about this one: “Rogue Ales Oyster Fest” at the Reef in Adams Morgan. Oysters + 7 of Rogue Ales’ beers. Done and Done. Call The Reef at (202) 518-3800 for more information.

Friday – “Michigan Rare Craft Beer Blowout” at The Big Hunt. Reps from Michigan breweries (Bells Brewing, Founders Brewing, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales and New Holland Brewing Company) will be on site to tell you about the beer and offer you rare tastings. Hmm…and there are rumors that a secret keg from Bell’s is going to be delivered and tapped.

Saturday – Another no question: RFD is selling tickets for $40 which gets you all cask access pass to RFD’s backroom to sample whatever you want. Seriously?! I’m on that like bbq sauce on pulled pork.

Additional Disclaimer: There are so many events and activities planned for DC Beer Week 2010 that I couldn’t possibly know of all of them (wish I did though. Pout.) Besides the above websites for more information, make sure you do additional research to avoid missing out on the best craft beer events! Cheers!

So, my Gentlemen Caller and I decided to venture out from downtown DC and head to to the wilds of Old Town.  Crazy, I know.  but sometimes it must be done. And for good food, this CityGirl is ready to wave her man over and demand with large gestures that he drive her places.  Or, you know, ask politely.

Dinner: Attempting to be healthy, we both had fish.  He had salmon and I had rockfish, and we found ourselves highly enjoying the food.  Serving size was just enough, but definitely not too much.  The flavor was also delicate but enjoyable and felt very fresh.  We also, in a moment of weakness, ordered the Belgian frites because…well, we were at a Belgian restaurant. Also–the fries they were AWESOME.  The mouth waters just thinking about it now.  Sighhhhh.

Drinks: Yes, there definitely were some! The wine list was long and what you would expect, and the bar was fully stocked with an OUTSTANDING mixologist. We were fans!

Bathroom Rating: The bathroom, located in the Lorian Hotel itself, was very sleek and….grey.  Lots of oddly shaped sinks and dimish lighting.  We were pleased, however, that the lights by the sink were bright enough for us to reapply our lipstick (crooked).  We give it a 6.9 out of 10.

High Heel Quotient: Not deadly! We actually were able to walk (had we not demanded a ride) from the metro on another occasion.  It’s about 1.5 blocks, and totally doable, which is normally not something we associate with Old Town….being more of a “flats” situation.

Eye Candy: Brabo’s clientele trends older…so, if you are there for dinner it’s probably best to bring your own date.

Waitstaff: Very smooth, polite, and totally on top of their work.  Dinner was seamless, and the experience was very very pleasant.

Overall Rating: In our armoire of restaurant ratings, we give Brabo pride of place in our top sock drawer — it is both the woolly argyle of winter comfort and the tennis sock of summer relaxation.  The ambiance is awesome — quiet, elegant, and classy.  The service is excellent, and did we mention the Belgian frites? Bravo Brabo! (We’ve been waiting to say that for far too long!). 4 out of 5.

[Photo Credit: Photo by Kristin Myers Harvey on Flickr]

Looking for a fun date alternative instead of the usual dinner-and-a-movie?  Looking to be a bit more adventurous?  Why not try going on a hike or bike ride for your next date!  It’s interactive, gives you a great backdrop to learn about each other and plenty to talk about.

If you decide to try a hike or bike ride date, make sure you pick a trail that’s easy.  Girls, PLEASE wear appropriate shoes!  I know we love our heels, but you don’t want to embarrass yourself by being uncomfortable and possibly ruin a great date moment.  Also, know your limits – you chose this date to have fun and get to know one another.

Choose an area with cool features like a forest, a local landmark, or a water feature such as a waterfall.  You can try a hiking or bike ride date just about any time of the year which is great, and even if you live in the city, a park or other wooded area can be found around 15 miles away.

I recently went on a hiking date and it was a great experience.  It really helped stir up conversation and I had an awesome time enjoying my surroundings.  We hiked right around sunset, and my date brought a bottle wine for us to enjoy when we were done.  Especially since we are in the midst of summer, I definitely recommend trying this date idea!

[Photo Credit: Photo by TheBag on Flickr]

Here’s one of those ideas that holds appeal from age 14 to 45. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about squeezing hands as the roller coaster mounts its largest peak. Or cheering your man on as he throws darts into tiny balloons so he can win you a Bart Simpson doll. Or walking around with giant rainbow swirly lollipops. It never gets old.

And after all, how often do we associate love with an amusement ride? Love is a roller coaster. You have me spinning like a Merry Go Round. All of these metaphors recognize the child-like highs and lows that love imposes on us. So why not travel together to the eye of the storm, and conquer the loop-dee-loop together?

Or better yet, with this heat, maybe the water park?

Below are a couple of suggestions for DC and Philly. My advice is to take a day off and go mid-week when there are less crowds and more time to hit all the rides. Hands up! Here we gooooooooooooooo!

In Philly

Dorney Park, Allentown, PA

Morey’s Pier, The Boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ

Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ

In DC

Six Flags America, Mitchellville, Maryland

Paramount’s King’s Dominion, Doswell, Virginia

Adventure Park USA, New Market, Maryland

Has anyone else read the book Born to Run? Awesome awesome book. The basic summary is:

1. Humans were made for running long distances. Our lungs/body is set up for exactly that.

2. Nike and the rest of the evil shoe empire has been feeding us all lies for years.  We don’t need shoes with padding that inhibit our running stride.  That craziness only ends in a world of hurt and shin splints.

3. Running barefoot, or with shoes that are practically barefoot (those green ones with the crazy toes) is the solution.  Run light, easy and free (or try) with a shorter, higher stride that has your foot hitting the way it was built to work.  Pain, weird shin problems, and odd foot issues will (in theory) become a thing of the past!

Which leads us to our randomly crazy date idea.  Did you know that exercise promotes nooky? And said nooky means a more fun date? Exxxxactly.

So, our thought is that you grab your honey, strap on some sort of non-shoe shoe, and then hit the streets on a warm night.  It’s cheap, it’s easy, and you don’t have to have any practice.  Also, it’s kind of freeing to do something a little bit different with someone you love. Jog, talk, and increase your…heart rate.  If you know what we mean!!!

Ahh, the starry night sky.  A cute man on your arm, and a basket full of french fries. Yum!  Take all of that and add a free outdoor movie on a giant screen with a cool backdrop, and life is grand, no?  Nothing beats this time of year  for fun outdoor events, and the movie season is just getting started.

Philadelphia:

Schuylkill Banks Movie Night: Who doesn’t love a great movie on the river? And apparently, if you arrive early there are free snacks and a raffle.  Score! Alternate Thursdays.

Washington:

Screen on the Green: The Mall, the Monuments, and fun old movies? Yes, yes and yes! Monday nights.

Crystal Screen: For those Virginian city girls, the theme this year is Star Trek.  Scotty–you know what to do!  Monday nights.

Since our Senor gave y’all a homework assignment to learn a little about the World Cup, we thought we’d help you out a little further by telling you WHERE to watch. The bonus here is that if you are SINGLE, you should be able to walk into any of these places and easily impress the dudes with your soccer factoids.

Of course maybe you play soccer or already know a lot about the sport. Kudos to you! I had to learn the hard way, by dating men in Europe. I learned that there are colored flags involved and flags can be very upsetting to the spectators.

And not to beat a dead horse but, is it me, or were the soccer dudes always the hottest jocks in school?

In Philly:

Druid’s Keep: 149 Brown St. Talk about loyalty? This pub is removing all English beer from the menu. If that’s not enough, they’re discounting domestic craft beer. Go USA!

London Grill: 2301 Fairmount Ave. Besides some fun specials, they’ll be raffling off Philadelphia Union tickets. Woot!

Brauhaus Schmitz: 718 South St. Showing all World Cup games live and raffling off a beer pass that will give you a free beer a day for the next year. If that’s not the ticket to a man’s heart…

In DC.

Lucky Bar: 1221 Connecticut Avenue Northwest. I love the Lucky Bar attitude toward the World Cup. Casual, irreverent, but still dedicated. Lucky is playing every game live as well as an evening replay. No matter what hour it is, they’ll be glad to offer you a $4 pint of Yuengling or Carlsberg (breakfast anyone?). Once the evening winds down, there will be dancing!

Summers: 1520 North Courthouse Road, Arlington. Proclaims itself to be the best soccer sports bar in the DC area and I believe it. You should especially consider this bar if you are single and like foreign men. Because we all know that foreign men are REALLY into soccer. They’ll flock to this place because it takes its job so seriously. GOAL!

Soccer Mansion: 2437 15th St. NW. Whoa, this place is all kinds of serious. There’s a $15 cover charge, limited seating, and reservations are encouraged. They’re doing a kick-off party tonight which is actually being sponsored —by Red Bull and Skyy Vodka. And I’ve learned that any party which starts with a Vodka Red Bull, is a good party.

[Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/seedingchaos/178821911/]

You know what ALWAYS makes for a good date idea? Alcohol. Ok, fine, fine, so it has certain drawbacks. But let me say this. There is something wonderous about being released from the office on a summer day and seizing the last of the sunshine with a cocktail in hand and your man at your side. No?

In Philly, we call this “Wednesday” and the Central Philadelphia Development Corporation calls this “Sips”. I don’t know anything else about the Central Philadelphia Development Corporation but any corporation that develops half-priced drinks is a corporation that I support.

Starting June 2nd, you can get $2 beer, $3 wine, and $4 cocktails from 5-7 on Wednesdays at nearly every watering hole downtown. And I should know, because I’ve sampled most of them. Oh and then there are half-priced apps and discounted dinners.

Check out the list on their site to see who’s participating. It’s also really fun to check out the signature Sips cocktail at each bar. Alfa and Vintage are two of my favorites IF you can get in (by all means, get there at FIVE if humanly possible). If you want a little romance in your HH, why not try XIX? Yes, they actually participate in Sips. Weird but pretty awesome, right?

And if you start out the evening without a date, there is NO reason at all that you shouldn’t end the evening with one. If you’re looking to score, I recommend Public House or Tir Na Nog. But bring your swimmies because, citygirls, there are sharks in those waters….

All bars, specials, menus, and locations can be found here at the CPDC site.

Keep us posted on Facebook each Wednesday and let us know where you’ll be. There could be a free CityGirls giveaway in it for you!

So, we could tell you to round up your significant other and head to the beginning of the Rosslyn Outdoor Film Festival (Wayne’s World!) but since it is mother’s day, we have to highlight the fun of mother daughter dates to be had.

1. Spa. Mani-Pedi or something else? We recommend the Red Door (so works with Mothers) or Diamond Spa in Vienna or Chestnut Hill–their hot stone pedicure is truly truly relaxing, though it takes about 1.5 hours…they just work slow.

2. Cupcake making! Hello Cupcake is doing a very cool cupcake making class for mother’s day that would be tres fun.

3. Lunch. We could recommend a lot of places (Founding Farmers? Co.Co.Sala? The Ritz) but also a down-home picnic in a friendly neighborhood park can be very fun (you need to let your toes dry-out after all). Great Falls? By a river somewhere? The Sculpture Garden?

To mother’s everywhere, we at CG just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for raising us, picking us up when we fell down, hugging us when we cried, buying our first (inappropriate) makeup, and loving us in the best possible way! We love you mom!!

Whether or not you live together, gardening can be a fun weekend activity. Potted plants are great for city balconies. For a starter project, try some easy herbs like basil and chives. They’re happy if you water them on occasion and keep them in full sun. And better yet, you’ll have fresh spices to work with all summer.

No outdoor space at all? Why not rent a garden plot? There are city squares all over that will give you a small piece of earth to plant in. Not only does it give you and your man a joint project and fresh produce, but you add to the city’s beautification. What better way to repurpose that abandoned lot making an eyesore of your neighborhood?

And cheesy as it sounds, there is something really satisfying to watching your little plants grow alongside your relationship. And just like love, a little hard work reaps the harvest…