By: Samantha
1. Burger, Tap, & Shake (Foggy Bottom)
Now that the Foggy Bottom “The Avenue” renovations are complete, D.C. resident have access to a brand-new wonderland of FOOD. Whole Foods, Circa, Sweet Green, Roti, Devon and Blakely. It’s actually the GW students’ newest outlet for careless spending. However, there is one new food hot spot in particular that must be discussed: Burger, Tap, & Shake. The place is happening. Not only can you get pretty delicious burgers, fries and shakes (as the title already preludes to), but also if you are 21+, there’s a bar. The atmosphere is super comfortable and usually packed with cool 20-somethings that are there for a quick bite, drink, and glimpse of that night’s aired game. All in all, it’s a win. It’s delicious, it’s cheap, and there are wonderful people to meet. Go.
*Tip: Make sure you order a BTS Shake. It’s Butterfinger, Twix, and Snickers. In a shake. Don’t even think about your diet.
http://www.facebook.com/BurgerTapShake
2. Markoff’s Haunted Forest (Dickerson, Maryland)
Rated one of the best in the country, Markoff’s Haunted Forest is guaranteed to make you pee your pants. The trails change slightly every year, so if you have been there before, you will still be surprised this time around. There are countless options to choose from, including haunted trails, hayrides, a fortuneteller, zip line, and a haunted bus. Additionally, there are options that are less scary for children, so the entire family can join in the fun together. Correction: the entire family can join in the FRIGHT together.
*Tip: Thousands of people attend this haunted forest each year, so your best bet is to order tickets online ahead of time off of their website. The forest is only open on weekends, so decide quickly and book those tickets pronto.
http://www.markoffshauntedforest.com/graveyard.html
3. Maggiano’s Little Italy (Chevy Chase)
Need a place to go for a big family dinner? Birthday? Just really hungry? Get yourself to Maggiano’s. This restaurant chain is unique in that every dish is all you can eat. Seriously. Oh, you finished that plate of chicken francese? Here’s another one. However, please do not mistake this restaurant for a cheap, janky chain restaurant. It has received rave reviews from critics and diners a like since it was first established and continues to do so on a daily basis. The atmosphere is old school, traditional Italian that is sure to remind you of dinners back at your grandmother’s kitchen table. So, go pick up grandma and take her to Maggiano’s.
*Tip: The fried zucchini is a necessary item to order. I don’t care how full you are.
http://www.maggianos.com/en/Pages/home.aspx
4. Pumpkin Carving, Hocus Pocus, and other Halloween Traditions
Now that October is in full swing, it is definitely time to start performing the usual Halloween rituals we all do leading up to Halloween night. It is likely that we are all used to different traditions, so I decided to share some of mine.
-Having grand plans for an artistic and original pumpkin carving design and then realizing you overestimated your artistic ability and just carve two triangles and a mouth
-Watching Bette Midler’s Oscar-deserving performance in Hocus Pocus and then re-watching it again 19 times
-Buying Halloween candy for the Trick-or-Treaters early because it’s on sale and then accidentally eating all of it before Halloween night
-Searching the Internet for original Halloween costume ideas at 3 a.m.
*Tip: Comment on this post with some of your Halloween rituals so OJBG can get some more ideas!
