Power Wheels
Climb behind the wheel of a Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini or Aston Martin during the Capital Dream Cars Power Driving Tour (703/785-9357; www.capitaldreamcars.com; check Web site for specific dates). After an orientation and catered lunch at Lansdowne Resort (44050 Woodbridge Parkway, Lansdowne, Va.), you’ll head out to the twisty two-lane roads of the Blue Ridge-Piedmont region for a three-hour jaunt that’ll leave you feeling like Speed Racer.
Sports Center
Fans have two reasons to cheer this summer. On July 13, football stars, including the Redskins’ Darrell Green, tee off for the Bobby Mitchell/Toyota Hall of Fame Golf Classic at the Lansdowne Resort (44050 Woodridge Parkway, Lansdowne, Va.; 800/955-4572; www.leukemia-lymphoma.org) to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Then, August 9–17, tennis stars Andy Roddick, Mardy Fish and more match off during the 40th Legg Mason Tennis Classic at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park (16th and Kennedy streets, NW; 202/721-9500; www.leggmasontennisclassic.com).
Cool China
Not headed to the Olympics in Beijing this summer? The National Geographic Museum Explorer’s Hall (1145 17th St., NW; 202/857-7588; www.ngmuseum.org) will bring the Games to you with several feature exhibits on the country. From the snow-covered Great Wall to dazzling modern architecture, Visions of China offers a pictorial look at modern-day culture through July 13. Then, learn about this ancient nation in China’s Forgotten Fleet and discover the secrets of warrior monks in Shaolin: Temple of Zen. Both exhibits run through Sept. 7.
Spicy Style
Play up your wardrobe with Ginger, a new boutique on Bethesda Row (7114 Bethesda Lane, Bethesda, Md.; 202/210-0540; www.gingerstyle.net). The shop features styles by Saja, Yoana Baraschi, Tevrow + Chase and Trovata. During July and August, the store hosts its annual summer sale with up to 50 percent off spring items.
Bargain Hunter
Feeling sassy? Shoe store Sassanova will open a second locale in Baltimore (805 Aliceanna St., Baltimore, Md.; 410/244-1114) this summer. Whether you make it up to Baltimore Harbor East or the original in Georgetown (1641 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202/471-4400; www.sassanova.com), readers who mention Washington Flyer get an extra 20 percent off
during July and August.
Celebrate the Fourth of July in the nation's capital with a full day of festivities. The annual parade winds along Constitution Avenue, beginning at 11:45 a.m.; later, enjoy a concert featuring the National Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:20 p.m.
Ancient power players get the celebrity star treatment at the Shakespeare Theatre (610 F St., NW; 202/547-1122; www.shakespearetheatre.org), which will stage Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra through July 6.
Hear jazz, blues, pop, rock and reggae during the National Zoo's Sunset Serenades (3001 Connecticut Ave., NW; 202/633-4480; www.fonz.org). The free concert series runs every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in July.
Grab a blanket and head to the National Mall for Screen on the Green. Catch free classic movies on the Mall between 4th and 7th streets every Monday night at dusk from July 14 through Aug. 11.
The annual Hip-Hop Theater Festival (www.hiphoptheaterfest.org) brings free theater, dance and spoken-word performances to D.C., July 7–12.
Do you know all the words to "Sweet Caroline"? Start practicing for when Neil Diamond rocks the Verizon Center (601 F St., NW; 202/661-5000; www.verizoncenter.com) Aug. 5.
You'll be giggling during the D.C. Comedy Fest (www.dccomedyfest.com) Aug. 7–9, which features stand-up routines, sketch comedy acts, short films and improv at venues around the city.
