Chesapeake Bay crab cake at chef Todd Gray's new hot spot, Watershed.

6 Ideas to Jump-Start Your Summer Weekends

Perfect Bites. Todd Gray, the mastermind behind Equinox, opens another promising enterprise, Watershed, in the new NoMa Capitol Hill Hilton Garden Inn, featuring a raw bar and lounge plus a “mobile bar” with Friday evening live music on the outdoor patio. The semi-casual spot will dish out regional fare, so expect a lot of seafood; don’t miss the raw bar.

Perfect Treat. Head to Yola, the father-daughter Dupont Circle spot, for fresh—not frozen—yogurt parfaits and smoothies. Choose your base (Greek or plain yogurt) and go wild with unlimited toppings (think fresh fruits such as mango or peaches, granola, honey, dill or almond slices, for starters). The kiwi coconut parfait is a spring essential.

Perfect Buy. For a Mother’s Day—or any day—treat, stop by Toka Salon (Old Town Alexandria, Va., Georgetown and Penn Quarter) for May and June specials. The “I Love You, Mom!” package includes an aromatherapy facial and massage plus pedicure for $150, while the “Loving Touch” pampers a bit more with an hour-long stress-reducing massage, paraffin manicure/pedicure and aromatherapy facial for $225.

Perfect Escape. Yes, there’s an oasis in the city. Kalorama Park (19th Street and Columbia and Kalorama roads, NW) provides a 3-acre refuge from the fast-paced urban life. And the spot lives up to its name, which means “beautiful view” in Greek. Bring a picnic and your favorite four-legged companion to this dog-friendly spot.

Perfect Stay. Embrace your presidential dreams with an “Across the Aisle” package at the Liaison Capitol Hill with a “tea party” cocktail or a flight of red, white and blue drinks; a complimentary walking-tour kit of top political hot spots; and the morning paper of your choosing. The bipartisan pillow chocolates in the form of elephants and donkeys will please, whether you’re red or blue at heart.

Perfect Diversion. Need a new passport stamp? You don’t need a real one to enjoy fine cuisine and culture from more than 30 countries. Passport D.C. includes an Embassy Tour (May 14), an Asian street fair and an international children’s festival (both May 21). Enjoy wine tastings, sari-wrapping lessons, live music and henna demos, plus a spread of fun eats from different countries. Full schedule of May events online.