Couple’s Date

There is no more classic or cute way to go on a date than simply going out to dinner and then catching a movie with your significant other. Georgetown has several different places to eat, such as Johnny Rockets and Moby Dicks, which are sure to fill you up. Georgetown also recently opened Serendipity 3, a restaurant mimicking the one featured in the movie Serendipity. But, be sure to hold off on ordering dessert at the restaurant, because if you walk just a little farther down towards the Potomac River, there is a movie theater. There, you can both grab a few sweet or buttery snacks and relax for the rest of the date.

Serendipity 3: 3150 M St NW, Washington

D.C., DC 20007

Double Date

Double dates can go one of two ways: they can be entertaining and fun for all or they can be awkward and boring. In order to avoid dull silences, you and your significant other should go out with a couple that both of you are close friends with also. If you’re feeling competitive, you can split up into teams as couples for a night of bowling or board games. Just remember to relax, as double dates are meant to be fun and carefree and allow you to connect with other couples.

AMF Annandale Lanes: 4245 Markham St.

Annandale, VA 22003

Study Date

Your bed is begging for you to crawl back in it and a new episode of your favorite show is about to air; there always seems to be something distracting you from getting any work done. Getting out of the house can eliminate distractions and even motivate you to be productive. Call up the student in your class that you have been crushing on and ask to meet up to study for an upcoming test or work on a tedious project. Pick a place that is close for the both of you, offers free Wi-Fi, and has enough space to handle all of your schoolwork while also leaving enough privacy for your date.

Panera: 5578 Vincent Gate Terrace

Alexandria, VA 22312

Girl’s Night Out

Alluring dress, glittery jewels and high heels make up the perfect outfit for a night out with your best girl friends. All you need to do is get together with your group of girls and make a dinner reservation. Set a date in advance to make sure everyone is free. You should also establish a dress code beforehand so that you all know how classy or casual to dress. Then choose a restaurant to meet up at, like one of the Great American Restaurants (including Silverado, Costal Flats, Sweetwater Tavern and more). Between school and sports, finding time to hang out and catch up with your girls can be difficult. A girls night out allows you to take a break from your hectic life and do just that.

Guy’s Night In

Order your favorite pizza and heat up some popcorn; it’s time for a guys night in. Whether you prefer football, hockey or basketball, there is always a game on TV for your group of guys. Call your best guy friends and pick a house to meet up at – preferably one with a large, flat screen TV and home theater speakers. You can represent your team by throwing on a jersey or going all out with team gear. You can be as loud as you want with your friends, yelling cheering on the same team or rival teams. After the game, head outside and start a backyard bonfire to calm down and warm up. A guys night in is a cheap way to relax and have a good time with your guy friends who enjoy the same things you do.

This restaurant doesn’t have many branches in the area, making their Salvadoran meals, like their location, extra unique. Upon stepping in you can hear different types of Hispanic music playing, from bachata to salsa and merengue. The waiters primarily speak Spanish, but they also speak English and are very kind. If you end up sitting close to where the food is prepared you can see your entire meal being fixed, in the kitchen.

Besides the average soda and coffee that most restaurants offer, Dona Azuceña has four different types of Hispanic drinks, including horchata, tamarindo, maranon and melon con pina. The horchata, made from mainly from almond nuts and sesame seeds, is one of the most well known drinks in El Salvador and definitely one of the best overall.

While their menu may not be packed with a large selection of entrées, everything is quite filling. If you are a steak lover, then the carne de res asada is certainly for you. The plate contains a big, well-spiced piece of steak, traditional yellow rice and a choice of either salad or beans as a side along with two tortillas for $9. The second entrée on the menu is yuca frita o salcochada con chicharon, or in other words, fried or boiled cassava with pork chops, for $5. The pork is a bit overly chewy, but the crisp fried cassava is very good.

Even if you are not in the mood for something too big, there is pan con pollo. This is basically a Hispanic version of a chicken sandwich. Lastly, the sopa de mondongo or tripe soup, is only served on weekends

What this restaurant is most known for is their mouth-drenching pupusas, which are served four different ways. There are pupusas made of only cheese, cheese with Salvadoran plants, cheese with beans and cheese with green squash/zucchini. These cost only $1.50 per pupusa.

If you are not already full from just your entrée and have a sweet tooth, try a delicious pastry which include quesadillas (cheesecake), budin (bread pudding) and empanadas de platano con leche (plantain turnovers filled with milk-pudding). It is the perfect way to end a great meal that will fill you up, enrich your cultural taste buds and, overall, make you happy.

Location: 6961 Hechinger Dr,

Springfield, VA 22151

Massanutten is a nearby resort known for its snowy slopes. For over 40 years, Massanutten has offered skiing and snowboarding from its current 14 operating trails.

“I’ve always wanted to go snowboarding,” senior Sam Kamara said. “I enjoy the thrill of going downhill, and I enjoy speed.”

Aside from skiing and snowboarding, the resort offers snow tubing. But don’t worry about hiking about the approximate 1,110 foot mountains. There are quad-chairlifts at the start of each trail to carry you safely to the top after each slippery ride to the bottom.

For beginners, there are both skiing and snowboarding classes. Massanutten has a specially designed Pathway Program for first-time skiers and snowboarders, which allow them to learn the activity within two separate one-hour coaching sessions in a group.

“My favorite part [of skiing] is after I learn how to turn so I don’t crash into things. That’s always nice,” freshman Peter Scheible said.

These sessions, including slope use and equipment rental, cost $46-66 for an 8 hour session and $34-60 for a 4 hour session. Check online for further details about these classes and information about private lessons.

Although most of the snow covering these icy slopes is artificial, the chilly air and crunchy, white ground can replace the winter season that was skipped over this year.

Location: 1822 Resort Drive

Elkton, VA 22827

A: I’ve been an instructor for three years. At first I was just a student at Asuka’s class, but then I got addicted to it so I became a zumba certified zumba instructor and started teaching at Kazaxe.

Q: What are some of your biggest accomplishments as an instructor?

A: Definitely being able to teach here at Kazaxe.

Q: What kind of good things have you received from this type of job?

A: I’ve made really good friends here and met such great students.

Q: Besides loosing weight, what else can people benefit from participating in Kazaxe?

A: You gain a lot of confidence because I think people become a lot more happy just coming here and enjoying themselves.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is new to Kazaxe?

A: One should be confident; you have to be ready to have a lot of fun and always bring positive energy because that’s the most important.

Q: What are some good tips prior to coming to Kazaxe?

A: Bring a lot of water, lots and lots of water. You don’t really need to do much before coming, just expect to sweat a lot while you’re having fun.

Kazaxe

What’s better than being able to work out enough to drip sweat while simultaneously having fun? Zumba, a Latin inspired dance fitness workout appropriate for any age, let’s you experience exactly that. Kazaxe, owned by Azuka and her crew of other zumba professionals, has zumba classes just about every single day of the month, excluding Sundays and holidays.

Boot-camp classes are also offered Mon. – Thurs. at 7:40 p.m. The dance classes have a variety of time slots available, including 5:15 p.m., 7:40 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. for people with already busy schedules. Although, times may vary depending on Kazaxe’s occasional special events and fundraisers. For a more detailed schedule, check out the calendar on their website from the link given below.

Every class costs $5 and it is not necessary to buy any type of pass or subscription, although there are package deals for regular customers. The dance classes are definitely for people who enjoy dancing and would like to take their interest to another level. Unlike the dance classes that burn off only a few calories, the boot-camp is designed for those that are ready to get toned muscles and an overall fit body. Kazaxe does get somewhat crowded every once in a while, so be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Website: www.azuka-bom.com

Location: ABGC Bingo Auditorium

6200 D Little River Tpke

Rebounderz

Jump into walls and body-slam yourself on the floor without any injuries. Rebounderz offers a 14,000 square foot arena full of rebounding surfaces, making it the perfect place to work off those leftover holiday calories.

The indoor trampoline arena, called the Jumper, is family-friendly and completely safe. All guests are trained how to use the Jumper before entering the arena. Safety gear, including padded helmets, safety shoes and ankle bracelets, are provided to all Jumper participants for no additional fee.

Every Friday night, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Rebounderz offers Friday Night Frenzy. For $35, participants can jump as much as they want and then chow down on pizza. Rebounderz also has dodgeball games and Rebound with Jimmie for those looking to learn how to become a better jumper.

Rebounderz is open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mon. – Thurs., 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fri. – Sat. and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sun. Open Jump costs $15.75 for the first hour and $12.75 for each additional hour. Or, participants can jump for 30 min. for only $10.00. Non-jumper guests 18 and under must pay $3 each. Check the website for the company’s Daily Dealz.

Website: www.rebounderzsterling.com

Location: 22400 Davis Drive

Sterling, VA 20164

Sport Rock

Forget going to the gym day after day to stay fit. Instead, try rock climbing at Sportrock as an enjoyable recreational activity that will keep you in tip-top shape.

Grasping for rock after rock, scale the many 20 and 40-foot walls available at Sportrock. But don’t let a little fear of heights stop you from all the fun. Climbers are attached to a rope to prevent them from falling and getting injured. And no worries if you have never climbed before, as there are many classes and events open to members and non-members alike.

You can go alone or with a group as rock climbing serves as a fun outing with others. Sportrock offers team building activities that allow you to bond with your groupmates. You can also reserve a party at Sportrock online, in person or over the phone.

Sportrock is open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Mon. – Fri. and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sat. – Sun. The daily cost for those 13 years of age or older is $18. Gear rental is $11, shoes and harnesses cost $5, chalk bags cost $2 and belay devices and locking carabiners cost $3.

“Just go check out a climbing gym nearby [you], and just try it,” said senior Alex Brown, who frequently climbs. “It’s a good work out and it’s really fun.”

Website: www.sportrock.com

Location: 5308 Eisenhower Avenue

Alexandria, VA 22304

Thai Ghang Waan Cuisine is located in the Brookfield Shopping Center, not too far from AHS. Don’t let the bland exterior of the restaurant turn you away. The quaint interior has dim lighting, modern furniture and an abundance of small Thai decorations. As great as the interior appears, the food itself is even better.

Like any other Thai cuisine, this restaraunt is known for incorporating traditional spices into its well-prepared dishes. It is also original in the sense that aside from typical Thai dishes, it serves some of its own unique Thai entrées.

Thai Ghang Waan Cuisine offers a variety of meal options to fit your hunger needs. For a lighter meal, try the soups and salads. For a heavier meal, try the curry, noodles or fried rice or pick from one of the restaurant’s many entrées and specialties. But save room for dessert, because the restaurant also has a few mango-themed options to choose from.

In terms of entrées, the Pad Gai Him Ma Pan is an excellent choice. A plate of crispy, fried chicken is mixed with chopped onions, carrots, celery and cashew nuts. The meal is covered with a well-balanced amount of a sweet and sour sauce and includes a bowl of white rice on the side.

Another meal to try is the Kapow Thai. This plate of chicken stir-fried rice includes bits of scrambled eggs, carrots and onions. Slices of lime are set on the side for those who enjoy the bitter spritz of lime juice on top of their rice. Although many other Asian countries have fried rice plates, the Thai fried rice differs from the rest because it is not as oily.

On top of its delicious dishes, Thai Ghang Waan Cuisine has excellent customer service. The kind manager walks around serving food and continually checking up on customers and their satisfaction levels.

The restaurant isn’t too crowded on weeknights, so there is little to no wait to get a table. However, parking can be difficult in the small parking area in front of the restaurant on any given night.

If you’re looking for a nice night out with friends or family and a great meal, Thai Ghang Waan Cuisine is the place for you.

Unlike what I had seen in movies and T.V. shows, Miso did not have karaoke set up in a bar, where you have to sing from lyrics on a small screen while a bunch of drunk people yell at you. Instead, Miso offers small, private rooms for karaoke groups in the back of the café. Rooms can hold up to four people apiece, and contain a cushioned bench to sit on, large widescreen T.V. to read lyrics on, two microphones and a small, but loud speaker-system.

It’s a good thing the rooms are private, because my group sang very loud and very poorly. Luckily, with the music blaring and nearly soundproof walls, nobody could hear our horribly off-pitch voices from the hallways and cafe.

While there, I couldn’t help but try some of the food after soaking up the aroma of the Japanese and Korean cuisines. I bought and ordered my food when I got there, and it was later delivered to me while I was in one of the karaoke rooms. The California rolls, soup, and sushi are all good options – and work well as a meal for lunch or dinner for the whole family.

Miso is open from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sunday. Dining options include eating in there or taking the food to go. Each karaoke room cost $25 per hour, which can be pricey the longer you stay, but is worth it in the end for a fun night out with friends or family.

Location: 7410 Little River Turnpike

Annandale, VA 22003

On December 10th, leadership students took a charter bus down to National Harbor to have a bonding adventure inside the 9 degree weather of ICE, an indoor ice sculpture that changes year to year relating to a movie.

It is that time of the year again where just about everywhere you go has some type of holiday event going on. Most events begin right after Thanksgiving and although it is hardly the end of November, it is not too early to being getting into the spirit.

The National Harbor has much to offer throughout the entire month of December. Every Friday from now until Dec. 23 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. there will be fireworks and a tree lighting show for free. Although it is quite a chilly season, there are many places nearby to warm up in. Restaurants surrounding the harbor, including Ketchup, Potbelly Sandwich Works, Baja Fresh and Thai Pavilion, are all great places to catch a bite to eat with family and friends while keeping cozy warm.

“[I go to National Harbor] because my grandparents live five minutes away. So, we go when we go visit them,” senior Danielle Turner said.

There will also be a holiday market available from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m, on weekends until Dec. 18. Decorative holiday cookies, ornaments and much more will be sold. There will be a workshop called “America” which will be open for children. This workshop will allow them to make holiday crafts while their parents are shopping. The shop will be open from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., and is completely free of charge.

“I always wanted to go [to the National Harbor],” senior Sam Kamara said, “because everyone talks about it all the time.”

For more information visit their website: http://www.harborholidays.com/

Location: 137 National Plaza

National Harbor, MD 20745

Acroyoga

Instead of practicing the art of basic yoga, those who attend the park use the grassy fields to practice AcroYoga. This is a mix of three ancient Buddhist and Hindu practices of yoga and acrobatic concepts. It was first officially established as a practice in 2006, and has taken off as a mass trend in Malcolm X Park ever since. There are seven different elements that make up the practice: circle ceremony, asana, partner flow, inversions and spotting, therapeutic flying, Thai massage, and partner acrobatics. All of these elements involve two to three people, therefore trust is a key factor in this practice. Amongst these groups are three primary roles: the base, the flier and the spotter. The base has the most contact with the ground in order to provide stability for the flier. The flier balances on top of the base and twists into a multitude of acrobatic positions, letting gravity do most of his or her work. The spotter is basically the safety net for the flier, making sure that he or she does not get injured or harm the base by slipping. Many people practice AcroYoga on a field to the north side of the park, and encourage newcomers to participate.

Drummers

The park was built on a hill, so whether you are walking down the street, running up the stairs or walking in from the north side, you can instantly hear the loud pounding of the drums. The drummers of the park are not there to simply bang out their own beats, but rather because they love being one with the park. Typically, the drummers begin arriving at the park around 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. All of them gather at the top of the park, where the concrete benches are located. Creativity is what catches peoples’ attention the most because the drummers do not play reading off of sheet music or with specific rythyms. Instead, they come up with their own beats and combine them with other instruments, such as guitars and maracas. At first, the drummers warm-up with something soft, but they progressively move onto more exciting beats to encourage dance. Whether you are a professional or just a beginner, any instrument you bring to the park is welcomed. There is no need to be shy; all of the people have different origins and ages, and come to enjoy the time they spend creating this great atmosphmere for others.

Dancers

There are no requirements or permission needed to participate; anyone and everyone are encouraged to jump in and give it all they’ve got. Many parents bring their toddlers to the park because it is very family-friendly and kids enjoy moving along to beats they hear. Not only do the little kids move their arms and legs in their own crazy styles, but adults also find their own style to go along with the music. The majority of the dancing is African-based and performed barefoot. Like in the photo to the right, many people add a plethura of creativity to their dancing styles. Some people bring groove staffs and practice pois, which are are basically balls on chords that are generally used for fire dancing. However, they do not actually use them for fire dancing, but rather as a dance accessory. Although it may seem simple, dancing with these items is actually a lot harder than it seems, because it requires a lot of hand-eye coordination. Upon visitng the park, feel free to let loose, feel the groove of the music and just have fun with yourself and friends.

Location: 2500 16th Street Northwest,

Washington D.C., DC 20009

Open: Sundays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.