Washington, DC is justly famous as America’s capital city and home to many of the world’s best free museums and monuments. That distinction alone makes it well worth a visit, but those who scratch the marble façade will find a city bubbling with energy and full of surprises. Long celebrated as Chocolate City, DC’s cultural cake is now layered with flavors from every corner of America and the globe, adding breadth to the city’s world-class dining, music, and art. A bright, modern Metro system teleports visitors to dozens of neighborhoods, each with its own history and charm, spread over geography that’s uniquely suited to outdoor adventures. It’s a city of two rivers, crisscrossed with protected bike lanes and trails, and brimming with free attractions, including miles of greenspace plus America’s oldest urban national park. So how would you spend a long weekend in the District? Start with this sample itinerary that includes DC’s most accessible and interesting adventures.

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The National Park Service intends to evict residents of Washington, D.C.’s largest homeless encampment on February 15, two months earlier than previously planned, .

The decision could impact up to 70 people living in the camp, which is located in McPherson Square, two blocks away from the White House. As of Wednesday morning, only 15 of the 70 people living in tents at McPherson Square had been approved to receive housing assistance, and ten more were awaiting approval, the Post reported. According to Wayne Turnage, the city’s deputy mayor for health and human services, the rest “had simply refused to engage with our team.” But people living at the park, located in downtown D.C., said the city has provided them little support over the past few months.

Now, residents are being forced out in the middle of what the local department of health and human services calls —the period from November 1 to April 15 when the temperature or wind chill often reaches 32 degrees or below.

McPherson Square is , which are managed by the NPS.Ěý

Previously, the McPherson Square encampment was scheduled to be cleared by April 12, closer to when hypothermia season in D.C. would end. But on January 9, Turnage asked the NPS to move up the date of the encampment clearing, according to a January 27 letter from Jeffrey Reinbold, the National Mall and Memorial Parks superintendent.

“Specifically, the District reports that contracted social service providers and mental health clinicians feel increasingly unsafe working at McPherson Square and are unable to provide on-site services to an encampment of this size,” Reinbold says in the letter, .

Reinbold also said the NPS has received increasing complaints of “trash and debris blocking public access, prostitution, open air drug and alcohol use, and public harassment of residents and visitors to the area.”Ěý

The increase in criminal activity, he added, could have been exacerbated by the NPS’s December closure of , where violence and drug use was common. In the past year, U.S. Park Police say they have made 30 arrests at McPherson Square, and three people have died from drug overdoses there.Ěý

The decision to close the McPherson Square encampment later this month was prompted by “imminent health and safety risks,” Reinbold said.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the NPS has stopped enforcing its regulations against camping in D.C. But it’s slowly starting to clear encampments again, with the goal of fully enforcing the law in the district by the end of 2023, .

To assist with the clearing, D.C. will bus residents out of McPherson Square and distribute warm clothing, Turnage told DCist.

Resident Bernice Norman that McPherson Square is “not a safe place.”

“There’s a lot of drama that goes on here at nighttime,” Norman said.

But she wonders where her neighbors will go if the NPS moves forward with the eviction in a couple weeks.Ěý

“Some of them have friends, some of them have families, some of them don’t. Some of them might go to a shelter. Some of them might go to a hospital. Some of them might go to jail,” she said.

The post It’s the Middle of Winter. The NPS Still Plans to Evict a D.C. Homeless Encampment. appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

As a former mountain guide, wilderness therapy instructor, and trail worker, and now an obsessed recreationist, I’ve spent hundreds of nights sleeping outside in tents, under tarps, in yurts, portaledges, and bivy sacks. But nothing is better than landing in the perfect hut for a night or two to get away from it all. I love the fire towers in Washington, where I live, the ski-in mountain huts in British Columbia across the border, and the cozy tree houses scattered around the Pacific Northwest.

While many remote cabins require specific skills to reach, there are numerous huts with easy access right under our noses in the U.S. Virtually no experience is needed for a great experience, making the perfect backcountry weekend a reachable goal for everyone.

From Virginia to the Midwest, from Alaska to Hawaii, these backcountry huts provide the opportunity for all ages to experience nature, solitude, and the pleasures of hut life. With approaches ranging from zero to just under four miles, and with some ADA accessible, they are perfect for grandparents, babies, and everyone in between.

Cotten Cabin, Porcupine Mountains, Michigan

Hiking Distance: 1 Mile

This mostly flat state, shaped like a mitten, may not be the first place you think of for remote mountain settings. The Upper Peninsula, or the UP, as locals call it, is unlike the rest of the region, though. Here, adjacent to Lake Superior, lie the forested Porcupine Mountains, and within them is a cabin located only a mile from the parking area.

While there are 15 other cabins in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the Cotten Cabin is the newest addition, a rustic and beautiful three-room log cabin. You must carry in your own water, and there is no electricity: perfect for disconnecting and catching up on sleep.

Closer to Minneapolis than Detroit, and just across the Wisconsin border, this 60,000-acre state park is far from any big city. The closest major airport is in Marquette, approximately 140 miles away. Getting to the “Porkies” may feel like traveling to the edge of the country, and in fact it is, as Canada lies less than 150 miles north, with the border starting in the middle of Lake Superior, on which the cabin sits. With plenty of easy hiking trails nearby, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing opportunities in the winter, and even a ski resort within the park, the area offers plenty to do.

The Cabin: The Cotten Cabin is a 24- by 30-foot log structure with three rooms, mattresses, and even a living room for gazing out at the magical lake view below. It is perfect for families, relaxing and bonding over board games, star gazing, and staying up by a warm fire.

Booking Tips: $135 per night. Make reservations online; select “Backcountry” under the camping tab. Cabin is for all seasons.

Blue Lakes Hiking Hut, San Juan Mountains, Colorado

Hiking Distance: 0 Miles

The mountains of Colorado are a backcountry-hut paradise. Set in the San Juan Mountains in the southwest corner of the state, the San Juan Hut System offers four hiking huts, with off-grid accommodations for visitors of all abilities. The Blue Lakes Hiking Hut, sitting under towering Mount Sneffels, feels far from civilization, but requires no approach when you book the cabin during May, part of October, and November. Other than those times, the cabin is reserved for people hiking the four-night, five-day Sneffels Traverse.

The Hut: There’s no electricity or running water here, though a wood stove and propane lanterns provide ambiance and warmth. Sleeping eight people via padded bunk beds, this cozy haven is a perfect jumping-off point for hiking in summer, skiing in winter if you have the backcountry experience, or kicking back with a book.

Booking Tips: , $30 per night during the “off season” of May, part of October, and November. Reservations made over the phone at 970-626-3033. Visit during off season.

Heybrook Lookout, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington

Hiking Distance: 1 Mile

Sixty-seven feet tall, overlooking the impressive Wild Sky Wilderness, an old fire tower welcomes campers who are up for a short but steep one-mile hike, ending with 84 steps up to a private cabin at the top. This site is incredibly popular and hard to reserve, so plan ahead. Availability is released on a six-month rolling basis starting on November 1, so to score this distinctive backcountry spot will take persistence and luck.

While fire lookouts are endlessly fascinating, there are only 93 left in the state of Washington, compared to over 600 in the early to mid-1900s, and the public is only allowed to enter a handful. Heybrook Lookout is unique among them in that you can reserve it solely for your own party, though other visitors will still be allowed to climb most of the tower, at least up to the door, which you can lock. (You get a key from the Skykomish Ranger Station.)

The Lookout: Inside the lookout are a twin-size bed and several extra floor mattresses. It comes complete with a propane stove, cookware, and a coffee pot, but you’ll need to walk back down the stairs to use the toilet. The lookout is available May 1 through October 31 with reservation availability released on a six-month rolling basis.

Booking Tips: $75 per night. Log on first thing November 1 to get in ahead of the competition. All seasons.

Coyote Yurts, Smoky Mountains, Idaho

Hiking Distance: 0.3 Miles

Since 1982, Sun Valley Mountain Huts has provided shelter for hikers and skiers to escape the crowded resorts nearby. The system is comprised of six huts located in the Sawtooth Forest, with the Coyote Yurts being the easiest to get to: just one-third of a mile from the car in summer. The Coyote Yurts are two separate dwellings that sleep 19 total, connected by a porch and looking out on the Boulder and Pioneer mountains.

In winter, with road closures, the full trek to the yurts is six miles, but with the option of a snowmobile ride for the first four of those. You can hire a ski guide through in the winter or a hiking or mountain-bike guide in the summer. You can arrange a shuttle or a porter to carry provisions (food, beer, gear, etc.) through Sun Valley Mountain Huts, or be self-sufficient and bring your own food and supplies.

The Yurts: The beauty of a yurt is in its circular construction and impermanence, made famous by nomadic peoples in Mongolia. Staying in a yurt feels comforting and cozy, and the Coyote Yurts, each with a wood stove for warmth and with a three-burner stove in the cooking space, offer plenty of opportunities for kicking up feet and sipping on hot beverages.

Booking Tips: , $440 per night. Book online or call 208-788-1966. Visit in summer.

Range View Cabin, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Hiking Distance: 0.9 Miles

Offering a way to go from our nation’s capital to a remote cabin in just a few hours, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club provides access to 42 cabins throughout Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. One of the most accessible is the Range View Cabin in Shenandoah National Park.

Per its mission statement, the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club acquires and protects the lands of the Appalachian Trail, other trails, and related facilities in the Mid-Atlantic. Club members and volunteers manage each cabin in the system, with routine maintenance, building and renovation, even stonemasonry work. The primary role of the thousand-plus volunteers is maintaining trails and facilities, meaning there is always an opportunity to stay in a cabin and give back at the same time.

From the Range View Cabin, opportunities abound for exploring Shenandoah National Park, known for beautiful waterfalls, gorgeous hikes, and access to wildlife. Just .1 miles off the Appalachian Trail, the cabin is a great base camp for day hiking, backpacking, or people-watching and greeting thru-hikers as they tackle the rugged trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine.

The Cabin: This one-room stone cabin has been in operation since 1933. It is sparse and bare-boned, but the wood floors, intricate stonework, and wooden beams give it appeal. A $40 individual annual membership to the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club gives you access to all the cabins in the network, while 18 of them are open to nonmembers from a range of $35 to $145 for a standard weekend night. The Range View Cabin, considered a primitive cabin, costs $50 for a weekend night, and sleeps up to eight.

Booking Tips: , $35 per night average. Online booking closes 12 days before rental starts. Last-minute bookings can be made by calling 703-242-0315. All seasons.

Holua Cabin, Haleakala National Park, Hawaii

Hiking Distance: 3.7 Miles

The Holua Cabin in Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui is the farthest-away hut on this list. At 3.7 miles, this hike requires some stamina, though hiring pack animals to bring in gear can ease the approach. The HĹŤlua Cabin sits at the base of the Haleakala volcano crater. You can explore further into the crater itself via a well-maintained trail system.

Some endangered species can only be seen in Haleakala National Park, including exotic birds such as the Ę»ľ±Ę»·Éľ±, Ę»˛ąłľ˛ą°ěľ±łóľ±, and Ę»˛ą±č˛ą±č˛ą˛Ô±đ. Over 400 native plants are found within the park boundaries, due to the vast ecosystems that extend from the highest point, at 10,023 feet, down to sea level. There is a rich history of human influence in the area, beginning with the Polynesians, the first humans to discover the Hawaiian Islands. A stop in at the visitors center to view the rotating museum displays, which range from archeology to botany, gives visitors a chance to learn about the history of the park where the Holua cabin lies.

The Cabin: The Holua Cabin and two other cabins in the national park have bunk beds that sleep up to 12 people and contain a wood stove and firewood. You bring your own sleeping bags. Each cabin is unpretentious and basic, with no cell reception and minimal amenities. Each site has a vault toilet.

Booking Tips: , $75 per night. All seasons.

Ananda Treehouse, Fall City, Washington

Hiking Distance: 0 Miles

Our most accessible hut, really a treehouse, is also ADA compliant, inviting anyone to enjoy the forest in the Pacific Northwest. The Ananda treehouse is one of seven treehouses comprising Treehouse Point, the brainchild of Pete Nelsen, host of the Animal Planet show Treehouse Masters.

Treehouse Point is extremely popular, booked throughout the year by many wedding parties, and it is difficult but not impossible to secure a rental. Starting at $550 for a night, Ananda isn’t a rustic experience, more like an elegant getaway.

The Treehouse: While not exactly in the backcountry, the treehouses offer a remote feel and a unique opportunity to relax while suspended amongst giant western cedar and Douglas fir trees. Each treehouse is designed for privacy and intimacy, creating a luxurious and restorative getaway. The Ananda treehouse has a king-sized bed, a bathroom, and a private deck that overlooks the Raging River below.

Booking Tips: , $550-$625 per night. All seasons.

Triple Creek Cabin, Huntington, Vermont

Hiking Distance: 250 Yards

In the land of maple syrup and sharp white cheese, it’s easy to cozy up to a fireplace in a cabin in the woods any season. But you don’t have to have a family cabin passed down through the generations or spend a fortune on a five-star Airbnb to have an amazing backcountry experience. The Vermont Hut Association operates 11 backcountry dwellings, from yurts to a log cabin to modern wood-clad huts.

The Triple Creek Cabin, a winter-only hut in the Green Mountains, is a mere 250 yards from the car, but feels much more removed. The place is situated along the 300-mile Catamount Trail, which stretches over the entire state from Canada to Massachusetts, giving nordic skiers, snowshoers, and backcountry skiers access to snow and winter terrain. You can also hop on a groomed cross-country ski trail with an adult day pass (an inexpensive $15) to Camel’s Hump Nordic Ski Area, which offers 35 miles of groomed and wooded trails. Camel’s Hump is one of the few nordic ski areas in Vermont that allow dogs on the ski trails.

The Cabin: The Triple Creek Cabin has the basics: a wood stove, three-burner stove, and an outhouse, but what stands out is the beautiful windows that filter winter light into the hut, creating a comfortable and reflective environment. The hut is quite intimate, allowing only four visitors, but with a sleeping loft to duck away to at night; and with a small table and chairs for eating and playing games, it feels bigger than it first appears. Each of the 11 dwellings within the Vermont Hut Association’s network is different in construction and layout. The Triple Creek Cabin has a classic gable roof, small porch, and large front door. Privately held properties make up the hut system, allowing the public to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding lands without breaking the bank.

Booking Tips: , $90-$95 per night. All seasons.

Tilly Jane A-Frame, Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon

Hiking Distance: 0.25 Mile

On the south side of Mount Hood, Timberline Mountain ski area operates well into summer. While kids’ ski camps are taking place on one side of the mountain, on the other side, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a lovely backcountry cabin on the shadier northern slopes. In summertime, it’s a short quarter-mile hike to reach the cabin through the Tilly Jane Campground. The 2.7 mile winter journey to the cabin should only be undertaken by folks with backcountry avalanche training and extensive snow travel experience.

The cabin itself is large, allowing up to 20 people—often people you’ve never met—to sleep under one roof. Evergreen trees surround the building, creating an enveloping tunnel of greenery. The solid timber structure was built in the late 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is now maintained by the Oregon Nordic Club.

The Cabin: Numerous benches, picnic tables, and chairs line the cabin, perfect for mingling. More of a communal hang than a quaint hut, this place is meant for big gatherings and celebrations. The upstairs loft has plenty of space for catching some Z’s, but with the inevitability of snoring as likely background noise. There are lots of hooks and taut lines of cordage to hang up wet gear, and the outdoor firepit is a great place to get some fresh air.

Booking Tips: , $20 per night. Visit in summer.

Ollie Mayer Hikers’ Hut, Sam McDonald Park, California

Hiking Distance: 1.7 Miles

This small hut is perfect for San Francisco city dwellers. Only 50 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, the park and the hut are easily reached by urbanites looking for a wilderness escape. The Ollie Mayer Hikers’ Hut is easily accessed via a straightforward 1.7-mile hike on a dirt road. Tucked among redwood trees, the hut is an ideal jumping-off place for exploring the forested and grassy knolls of Sam McDonald Park.

There are many mellow hiking trails to choose from in the park, and horseback riding is a popular activity on five dedicated trails. Operated by the Sierra Club, with fees of only $30 per weekend night per person, this hut is a worthy destination for almost anyone, no matter the age.

The Hut: There is electricity, a refrigerator, a microwave, and an indoor bathroom. This cabin is less about roughing it, and more about enjoying peace and quiet in a beautiful setting. A large deck out front offers lounging on the many sunny days the region sees throughout the year. The cabin is within the Santa Cruz Mountains, which have a mild climate, with snowfall a few times each year.

Booking Tips: , $20-$30 per night. Must email olliemayerhikershut@gmail.com for reservations. Reservations are accepted only for three calendar months in advance. All seasons.

Bonus Hut: Sheldon Chalet, Denali National Park, Alaska

Hiking Distance: 0 Miles

We include this (11th) one for fun and daydreams as well as the zero-distance, fly-in only approach. The Sheldon Chalet, deep within Denali National Park, may be the most alluring hut in the world. It is a luxury experience like no other, an exclusive vacation for those willing to pay the whopping $35,500 price per couple for a three-night minimum stay.

Set within the Don Sheldon Amphitheater of the Ruth Glacier, just 10 miles from the summit of Denali, the Sheldon Chalet occupies a place previously only accessible by mountain climbers. The views of enormous mountains right out the door is breathtaking, as is the required helicopter ride to and from the chalet.

The Chalet: With a sauna, hot showers, and private chef at hand, you will be pampered throughout your stay. Activities include “gourmet glacier picnic,” “star and meteor shower gazing,” and “avalanche viewing.” There are both private rooms and a common area, so you can mingle with other guests or enjoy peace and quiet. This chalet takes backcountry lodging to a whole other level of luxury.

Booking Tips: , $75,000 for up to four people for an exclusive three-night minimum.. Call 907-733-2414 for reservations. All season.

Hut-Life Tips and Tricks

Despite the ease of access to these huts, having the right gear (think rain jacket, hiking footwear, trekking poles), knowing the weather forecast (), bringing safety equipment (first aid kit, headlamp), and having proper navigation tools is imperative. It’s possible to get lost in the backcountry, even on a short trek. Using , a navigational app with maps available to reach the huts on this list, is a great way to know where you are at all times, and to have a backup in case you get lost. Check out the , a list of important items recommended to carry in the backcountry. Above all, have common sense, use good judgment, and stay within your capabilities.

David Gladish is a Seattle-based writer who has hiked, climbed, surfed, skied, and mountain unicycled all over the world. He has visited mountain huts near and far, from the shelter along the Laugavegur trail in Iceland, to those of the Rees-Dart track in New Zealand. His favorite local huts are the fire lookouts in his home state of Washington.

How to Get Reservations at These Popular National Parks in 2023

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The hub of American political culture, Washington, D.C., is also one of the most active and ambitious running cities in the nation. Along with its historical monuments, the nation’s capital city boasts hundreds of miles of running trails in the greater metro area and a diverse running-club scene. D.C. also hosts one of the biggest running events of the year: the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run.

“I think it’s the best urban running environment in the country,” says Kerry Allen, an elite runner who trains with the . Here’s our guide to the city’s vibrant running culture, featuring tips from local runners on their favorite trails to explore, races to enter, and spots to grab a pre-run coffee or post-run drink.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting D.C.

Be prepared for sweltering summer weather. While summer is the peak tourist season in the nation’s capital, it’s also very with a typical July high of 89 degrees. Not exactly ideal for running. Consider visiting in early spring or fall for the best running weather. Bonus: you’ll have fewer crowds to work around.

Find local running clubs to link up with. D.C. is home to many local that host free social runs and events that are open to anyone. It’s a great way to meet other runners to explore the city with.

Don’t rent a car. D.C. is infamous for its terrible traffic. The city’s grid layout, however, makes it easy for pedestrians to navigate, and it has an extensive and convenient public transportation system. Consider purchasing a for your stay; your stress levels will benefit. Fares for Metro rides vary based on the ride length, day, and time you ride. You can use thisĚý site to calculate your fare or buy an unlimited pass ($13 for one day, $28 for three days, and $58 for a week).

Local Running Scene

The Washington, D.C., running community is extremely active, supportive, and community-minded. Whether you are a competitive runner, training for your first marathon, or just hoping to meet up for a quick jog before grabbing a beer, there’s a spot for you in D.C. Local runners say there’s always a group to run with or a bar or brewery run to join. You’ll never feel lonely on the roads or trails at any time of the day.

“The thing I love about D.C. is that it is a little bit more of a Type A city than some other cities, so you will find people running at 5 o’clock in the morning and also 11 at night,” says Elyse Braner, community manager at Pacers Running, a chain of local running stores. “You’ll always have company out on the roads.”

has three locations in the city and three nearby in Virginia.ĚýThe stores host free several nights per week, offering a variety of routes, distances, and paces, including track workouts, trail runs, and a new walking option. Joining a social run is a great way to mingle with local runners and get a taste of the community. “We always head to a favorite local hangout after,” says Braner.

Being community-focused is a distinguishing trait of D.C. running culture, says Guillermo Leon, a group-run leader for the (DCCS), which meets at several locations in D.C. and Virginia during the week. “We try to help out the small businesses and restaurants that were struggling in the D.C. area because of COVID,” Leon says. DCCS also cleans local parks on their Saturday runs.

D.C. is home to competitive groups as well. is one of the more structured and exclusive running groups in the city, made up of elite and sub-elite runners meeting twice a week for workouts. Still, Allen says, on non-practice days they integrate themselves into the greater D.C. running community by running with other groups and joining in local running events. The are another local training group that meets for practice six days a week with some sessions open to all comers. The group also offers an elite development program.

Races and Running Events

Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run

The Credit Union Cherry Blossom, one of the most iconic , takes place every year on the first Sunday in April, coinciding with the peak bloom of the city’s famous cherry blossoms and the . The race, founded in 1973, attracts an international field. The course takes in many of the city’s historic landmarks, including the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and Rock Creek Park. In 2019, the race had over 17,000 participants. The Cherry Blossom uses , or you can .

“It brings out all different types of runners, from some of the best in the country to people for whom this is their one big challenge a year,” GRC’s Allen says.

Marine Corps MarathonĚý

The anchors the D.C. fall running calendar. Established in 1976, “The People’s Marathon,” with a field of around 30,000, is the fourth-largest marathon in the United States, and the largest marathon in the world that doesn’t offer prize money.

The MCM is typically held on the last Sunday of October. The USA Track and Field–certified course begins in Arlington, Virginia, and takes runners past several D.C. landmarks. After looping around the National Mall, the course ends back in Virginia at the Marine Corps War Memorial.

Army Ten-Miler Race and Expo

The second-largest ten-mile race in the country, the attracts more than 35,000 runners from around the globe. The race, sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, is held every October in Arlington, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Freedom 5K at President Lincoln’s CottageĚý

The unique, family-friendly Freedom 5K is held at President Lincoln’s Cottage on September 22, the date Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.

The course winds through an idyllic landscape past ponds, fields, and historic buildings, eventually ending at the lawn of Lincoln’s cottage in northwest Washington, D.C. The race is combined with the associated nonprofit’s Family Day, so runners with kids may want to stick around for a day full of free activities, including pony rides, art projects, and storytelling. (Donations are encouraged to help preserve the historic space, fund tours, and provide educational resources.)

Pacers Running RacesĚý

puts on a number of popular running events in the Washington, D.C., area. A few favorites among local runners are the in September, the in November, and the —a destination race in September. Braner says that the D.C. half is a popular race to participate in and includes both a half-marathon race and a two-or-three-person half-marathon relay. The company also hosts the —a ten-mile race in April—and a race in December.

Pacers also organizes historical and cultural running events throughout the year, like the series of Black History Month group runs, touring culturally and historically significant Black landmarks in northwest D.C. It’s planning to organize similar runs for and Earth Day.

“D.C. is filled with history and important moments and important figures, so it’s really great for people who love history and current events and politics who are also runners,” Braner says.

Where to Run

National Mall

The most iconic D.C. run loops around the National Mall, which stretches for nearly two miles from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. The cinder path circles the Washington Monument, with the White House off to the side, and passes a number of other monuments and museums. is just under five miles. You can continue a bit past the Capitol to the Supreme Court building to extend your run, or, on the other end, loop down around the Tidal Basin and alongside the Martin Luther King and Jefferson Memorials. From there, it’s easy to add on the flat, 4.4-mile loop of , with views over the Potomac. This is a popular tourist location, so try heading out early in the morning to avoid crowds.

“Running is a really great way to sightsee all the monuments because the monuments are very far apart if you’re walking,” Allen says.

Leon’s D.C. Capital Striders run group meets at the Smithsonian Bikeshare Station near the Mall. He leads his group to hidden gems in the area that aren’t as obvious, such as murals or less famous landmarks. “I try to look for things that we haven’t seen or visited before,” says Leon. On the last run, he took the group past the , an art center that was formerly a church.

Rock Creek Park

With over 1,700 acres of shaded woods, massive Rock Creek Park offers options to run on bike paths or soft-surface trails. Allen says this is the best place to run in Washington, D.C. “You can go there multiple days a week and have a totally different running experience, depending on where you’re going,” she says.

Because the area is wooded and heavily shaded, it offers a small reprieve from the bustle of the city. “You can get some of your more technical trail runs in and you feel like you’re out of the city,” Braner says. “. You’ll see tons of runners through there on the weekends.”

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal

The —also known as the C&O trail—is a gravel trail stretching 184.5 miles from Georgetown to Cumberland, Maryland. This is a great option for a long run. You can start at the Georgetown Visitor Center at Wisconsin and M Streets. It’s also accessible from Rock Creek Park.

Ten miles along the canal you’ll find the a 100-acre park with numerous hiking trails one mile north of the Capital Beltway. “This is a beautiful, classic spot with some great views,” says Jerry Greenlaw, a member of the Georgetown Running Club. But, he warns, it can get packed on nice days.

Anacostia Riverwalk Trail

For a place to get in a tempo workout or time trial, or just for a great water view, check out the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, beginning on Anacostia Drive. The route, which continues for 20 miles on both sides of the Anacostia River, is part of the Riverwalk Trail System—a new recreational amenity in D.C. The trail is about 11 feet wide and designed to accommodate cyclists, runners, and walkers.

“It’s paved and flat, so I go there if I want to do a 5K time trial for myself or just kind of get some speed in my legs,” Braner says. “It’s also just a beautiful trail along the Anacostia River. And it’s close to the Navy Yard neighborhood, which is where a lot of great bar spots are.”

Theodore Roosevelt Island

Another place to escape from the city is , an 88.5-acre national park in the middle of the Potomac River with wooded lands and swamps. The island is closed to traffic and bikes, so it can be traveled onlyĚýon foot. The area has flat dirt trails, great for getting in a scenic shakeout run or a hike.

To get there, you can run along the Georgetown Waterfront and across the Key Bridge, then loop back down to the river on the bike path to the pedestrian bridge over the Potomac.

Where to Stay

For a central location near the mall with great running spots right outside your door, stay in . The area is known for its funky cafés, hip restaurants, museums, and art galleries. If you’re looking for more nightlife, (along P Street and running north on 14th Street) is nearby.

If you want to be in the center of political activity, and right next to Rock Creek Park, (named for the fog that often lingers in the neighborhood) is at the western edge of Georgetown, locked in by 17th Street. It’s where the U.S. Department of State, Kennedy Center, and other major political institutions are located.

For high-end charm, the neighborhood offers shops, cobblestone streets, riverfront bike paths, and some of D.C.’s best restaurants.

For easy access to public transportation and a lively atmosphere, stay in the area of the city (north of East Capitol Street and east of North Capitol Street). The area houses Union Station, where you can catch the Metro, Amtrak, and other public transportation.

If you want to lodge somewhere truly runner-centric, check out the in the West End neighborhood. Braner says it’s great for travelers from out of town as well as for grabbing a drink. (She recommends the Fashionably Whet Martini.) The manager is a Pacers Runner Ambassador, so the hotel hosts many of the company’s themed social runs.

Where to Fuel (and Drink) Up

Brunch and Quick Bites

For post-run refueling, Allen says the runner-approved Bullfrog Bagels and are two of her favorite chains. In addition to locations around the city, you can find Call Your Mother bagels at Yours Truly Hotel’s restaurant,

Leon says the D.C. Capital Striders like to end some runs at , a Cuban-food café with delicious bowls, empanadas, toast, and coffee drinks on the wharf south of the Mall. Local runners also recommend —an Armenian restaurant serving great food and famously strong lattes north of Dupont Circle, not far from Rock Creek Park.

Dining

Thanks to the rich immigrant influence in the city, D.C. offers a wide selection of world cuisines as well as traditional American food.

In northwest D.C., Greenlaw recommends visiting ’s for Middle Eastern cuisine or grabbing a bowl of ramen on H Street near Chinatown. D.C. is famous for having some of the best Ethiopian food in the country, and local runner Keith Carlson recommends over on U Street or on 9th Street in northwest D.C.

For a happy hour, head to , a D.C. Capital Striders post-run hangout, also in northwest D.C., where you can find deals on Mondays for drinks as well as tacos. , another of the group’s favorite places to grab post-run food, serves gourmet pizza in three D.C. locations: Navy Yard, Chinatown, and Foggy Bottom. If you want a place with multiple delicious options, check out the Roost, a food hall on Capitol Hill with something for everyone.

Looking to splurge and carbo-load before a race? Check out —a famed Italian restaurant with elegant decor, known as a presidential favorite. Head to 14th Street and U Street later in the evening for nightlife and a wide selection of restaurants. If you find yourself out after hours, is a famous joint for late-night food.

Bars and Breweries

Washington, D.C., is packed with independently owned breweries. Some favorites among the Pacers social-run groups are , in the Navy Yard neighborhood, and or , in Alexandria, Virginia.

If you love hazy IPAs, , off New York Avenue, is one of Allen’s favorite taprooms in the city. For a beer somewhere more casual, Greenlaw recommends Solly’s, a tavern on U Street. If craft cocktails are your thing, check out , in Barracks Row over in southeast D.C. For a simple beer after a run, head to in Navy Yard, where you can also grab a slice of .

Political junkies should check out —an upscale hotel bar and a favorite haunt of politicians. Greenlaw recommends going to a rooftop bar to grab drinks at night. Some favorites among locals include and with its stunning view overlooking the White House.

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Spring break is coming up soon, and it doesn’t have to be synonymous with expensive or crowded. You can get away from it all on a dime if you know where to go.ĚýPlus, you’ll find plenty of good reasons to travel at this time of year, from blooming wildflowersĚýłŮ´ÇĚýcorn snow.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California

The wildflowers in 620,000-acreĚý, two hours northeast of San Diego, are stunning come springtime. Take a hike along 18.9 milesĚýof the Pacific Crest Trail, which cuts through it, or the four-mile , and you’ll spot blooming yuccas, cacti, sunflowers, dandelions, and desert lilies. The flowering usually starts in late February or early March and lasts through May, but call the park’s wildflower hotline (760-767-4684) for the latest update. Stay at the 15-roomĚý (from $175), or use Hipcamp to findĚýaĚýĚýat a nearby retreat centerĚý(from $80).Ěý rents mountain bikes and offersĚýguided bike tours in the park.

Rossland, British Columbia

Hostels aren’t what they used to be.ĚýExpectĚýthe affordable, communal vibeĚýbut in a much moreĚýupscale package. Take, for example,Ěý, a design-forward hostel that opened in late 2018 at the base ofĚý, outside the town of Rossland. You can get private rooms or bunks starting at $30 a night, whip up a meal in a sleek shared kitchen, and tap into high-speed Wi-Fi in the lounge. Plus, spring skiing at RedĚýMountain is always a good time. The resort closes for the season on April 5, but before then, you’ll find zero crowds and plenty of corn snow, as well asĚýpond skimming, concerts, and end-of-season parties.

Reed Bingham State Park, Georgia

Want to stay on your own private island for just $35 a night? AtĚý, 20 minutes east of the town of Moultrie, Georgia, you can do just that. Rent a canoe from the park (from $60) and you can paddle a short distance to a primitive, remote campsite on Eagle Island, smack in the middle of the park’s 375-acre Lake Reed Bingham. From there, you can fish, swim, or explore the island. Or paddle back to shore to hike seven miles of trails. In spring, keep your eyes open for baby bald eagles hatching and leaving their nests.

Portland, Oregon

So you want to go camping for spring break, but you don’t want to fly with all your camping gear.Ěý in Portland recently partnered with gear-rental companyĚý on aĚý that solves that problem. Stay a few nights in the hotel and then a few nights road-tripping and camping along the Oregon coast. The package starts at $210, which includes one night in the hotel and one night of camping. That also includes 20 percent off your room rate and gear rental. Your kit—sleeping bags and pads, tents, a propane stove, kitchen supplies, campĚýchairs, a cooler, and more—can be arranged for pickup or delivered directly to the hotel. Xscape Pod’s campsite concierge can help you book a location,Ěýor try central Oregon’sĚý (from $21), a stunning campground on a sandy beach, perfect for whale-watching.

Playa Guiones, Costa Rica

Located on the Pacific coast’s Nicoya Peninsula, Playa Guiones is a four-mile-long, white-sand beach with a stellar surf break. Stay at theĚý (from $179), a shorefront hotel that has an on-site surf school for lessons, rentals, and guided outings. Don’t miss the property’s weekly live musicĚýand daily yoga classes.Ěý rents mountain bikes and leads tours of surroundingĚýtrails, and justĚýnorth, you can watch nesting turtles this time of year at . Liberia International Airport is about two and a half hours away, and the hotel can arrange for an airport shuttle, but flights from the U.S. into (five hours away) tend to be considerably cheaper.

Washington, D.C.Ěý

In the spring, the nation’s capital city turns pink with blooming cherry blossoms. The four-week-longĚý takes place from March 20 through April 12 and includes free events like kite festivals on the grounds of the Washington Monument and street parades down Constitution Avenue. TheĚý (from $153),Ěýminutes from theĚý, has a hip bar and lounge stocked with board games. Take a hike or run in 1,754-acreĚý, one of the country’s largest city parks, which has 32 miles of trails.

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I became alarmed around the third time I saw someone almost get nailed in the boob. On a recent Thursday evening, I stood on the sidelines in a community-center gym in Washington, D.C., watching a group of millennials duck and run while covering their heads and muttering expletives. Around themĚýa cloudburst of rubber balls streamed through the air, like unfed birds sweeping in toward death. I was there to observe a dodgeball game organized by , anĚýadult recreational league that organizes teams for after-work games like Skee-Ball, kickball, or ultimate Frisbee.

şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Podcast: Why Grown-Ups Need Recess, Too

Listen now

Adult sports leagues have been popularĚýfor decades, centered aroundĚýcompetitive activitiesĚýlike squash and soccer. But in recent years, a newer brand of grown-up recreation has begunĚýto materialize acrossĚýthe country that emphasizesĚýfun over competition, with a carefree name to match—adult recess. Last month, in Chicago hosted an adult field day, where folks ran relay races and bounced through inflatable obstacle courses. In Kokomo, Indiana, United Way hosts ĚýupĚýto ten times a yearĚýfilled with grown-upsĚýplaying giant Jenga or four square. Other adult recesses feature scavenger hunts, tug-of-war, or capture the flag, all activities that require a little less blood, sweat, and tears than signing up for a softball league. They allow adults to focus on the real benefit of these after-hour meetups: playing.

When contract manager Oliver Chang first moved to San Francisco tenĚýyears agoĚýwhen he wasĚý27, his options for after-work activities were limited to either joining a supercompetitiveĚýrec teamĚýor partaking in something more laissez-faire,Ěýlike kickball. SoĚýhe decided to create the , which combines the ethos of each. “We wanted to bring that kickball attitude, that playfulness and lightheartedness, and apply it to all different sports,” Chang says. The group switches activities weeklyĚýto keep things interesting and easygoing; one week it could be ultimate Frisbee, the next a scavenger hunt. Play Recess started out with just one seasonal league, and it’s now up to five annually, with about 1,000 yearly participants, most of whom, perhaps unsurprisingly, are young professionals in their twentiesĚýand early thirties, says Chang.

DC Fray has a similar backstory. Its CEO, Robert Kinsler, started the group as a Skee-Ball league a decade ago, thinking it was “a super silly, fun thing to do at a bar” with friends. NowĚýthe company manages over 15 activity leagues in four different cities, where participants can enjoy everything from flag football to bingo toĚýcornhole. It also hosts onetime events, like a Halloween scavenger hunt or an adult field day with potato-sack races and a watermelon-eating competition (plus drinking games like flip cup). Kinsler estimates thatĚýthe Fray organization, which also includes NOLAĚýFray, PHX Fray, and JAX Fray,Ěýsees around 55,000 participants a year.

Kinsler thinks thatĚýFray has been successful in part because it offers a forced break from the tiny computers everyone carries around all day. Instead of scrolling through Bumble or Instagram or stalking your ex’s Venmo account (no judgment), you’re interacting with people in real life, which is an added bonus if you’re new to a city and looking to make friends, as many millennials, a notoriously , are. You just need to sign up for a group. Someone else will organize the teams, matches, and postgame bar hangouts. “Fundamentally, you can’t do these things by yourself,” says Kinsler of the activities. “People are craving connection with others. They need a way of breaking out of the digital world that we’re all getting wrapped up into every single day.”

It also doesn’t hurt that playing has beenĚýprovenĚýto beĚýgood for you. The definition of adult “play” can be more nebulous than whenĚýit’s applied to children, but expertsĚýgenerally define it as an act without any sort of utilitarian purpose; engaging in play is more about the experience. “Play is pretty much in your head. So if I think, I’mĚýplaying,Ěýthen I am,” says Garry Chick, a Penn State professor emeritus who focuses on play theory. “If it feels like play to us, then why not? It is play.” That means anything from a tennis match to a crossword puzzle qualifies—all that matters is that it’s pleasurableĚýand not a necessary function of your day, says Chick.

Play is so important toĚýhuman well-being that Dr.ĚýStuart Brown, founder of the , classifies present-day society’s tendency to overlook it as a public-health issue. “Severe play deprivation is associated with smoldering depression, ideological rigidity, a lack of optimism, and often a quick response to confrontations that could otherwise be settled without violence or hostility,” says Brown, who has examinedĚýthe play histories of thousands of subjects throughout his career as a clinical researcher. Engaging in play can help increase optimism, self-motivation, trust, and empathy for others, he says.

The allure of these recess events is that they make it easier forĚýpeopleĚýwho may not be as, ahem,Ěýathletically inclined to get in on the playing. While baby boomers may have met up for activities like golf or squash, sports thatĚýrequired expertise, time, and financial commitments, a tetherball face-off or hula-hoop contest doesn’t call forĚýthat much equipment or skill (a welcome notion for the kids who sat in the outfield eating grass duringĚýPE, like I did). They also force players to commit to a time when all they’re doing is playing—and for a demographic that has been labeled the Ěýit may be more manageable to dedicate an hour to something fun if it’s tied to a reminder on your phone. “We need to make sure it’s on our calendar, where we know, OK, that’s the time I’m going to have fun with my friends,” says Kinsler of designating a night a week to bingo or flag football. “We’ve all gotten so busy that we have to be even more intentional about how we play.”

Still, some older generations may see recess participants as kickball-playing Peter Pan millennials who can’t handle adulting. “The cultural rules of the not actually too distant past were that these kinds of playful activities were not something that adults did, because adults don’t behave that way,” says Chick. ButĚýthat assumption is simply incorrect, says Chang. “These are incredibly hardworking, very successful people,” he says of the folks signing up for Play Recess,Ěýwho include lawyers, consultants, and nurses.Ěý“They, I think smartly, strive to find that work-life balance, and I think that’s part of what makes them so successful.”

Beyond these benefits, getting out and playing a game for an hour or two simply feels good. It’s just fun.Ěý“There’s a happiness associated with recess and getting outside and doing these things,”Ěýsays Chang.

As I watchedĚýthe players end their dodgeball game in the fluorescent-lit gym in Washington, I recognized—and I was envious of—that happiness Chang describes. There are few things that get me that excited in my adulthood. For a moment, I got it. Why do you come out on a Thursday night when there’s still laundry to be done and emailĚýto be sent and a lump on the cat that could be cancerous?ĚýYou come to play, to forget, to listen to the sound of plastic on wooden floors. ToĚýdisappear,Ěýjust for a little bit, as another sweaty someone running through a crowded room, the world waiting behind the closed double doors.

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Politics might be the focus of our nation’s capital, but D.C.’s greatest resource is adventure.Ěý

Ride

Rock Creek ParkĚý

Consider this , only bigger, with 1,700 acres of hiking and biking paths. Hike the creekside Valley Trail.Ěý

RunĚý

The NationalĚýMallĚý

It’s two miles from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol, with the Washington Monument, the Reflecting Pool, and Smith­­sonian Castle in between.Ěý

Air It OutĚý

American Parkour Academy

for backflip classes in the first parkour training center in the country.Ěý

Cool Off

Key BridgeĚýBoathouse

and paddle around Theodore Roosevelt Island.Ěý

Go Green

Great Falls Park

This is 30 min­utes from town and has 15 miles of hiking trails in the rocky Mather Gorge and more than 200 trad and top-rope routes on 60-foot-high walls.

Drink

Port City Brewing

Hop across the ­Potomac River to Alexa­ndria, Virginia, and grab a porter from , which won Small Brewery of the Year at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival.Ěý

Get Social

Capitol Hill Bikes

’s 11-mile shop ride snakes along singletrack at Fort Dupont and finishes at .

Eat

The DabneyĚý

Chef Jeremiah Langhorne on the locavore movement, sourcing fare from the mid-Atlantic and cooking it over the embers of an open fire. Order the oysters and hearth-roasted vegetables.Ěý

Local Joe

Mary Breed, masters national championĚýroad cyclist

“When I’m looking for a fast place to ride, I crank out laps at Hains Point (8), an island in the middle of the city with a three-mile loop and little traffic.”Ěý

Local ProĚý

, ultrarunnerĚýand marathoner

“I could run the Potomac Heritage Trail ­every day. It’s gnarly, full-on rock hopping with decent climbs. Start at Roosevelt Island and run it to Chain Bridge, then pick up the Towpath back for a six-mile loop along the river.”

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Earlier this year, when I moved from Washington, D.C., to Santa Fe, New Mexico, I prepared for most aspects of my life to change dramatically. As a lifelong East Coaster, I’d spent years living mostly in bustling cities, passing hours of my day on public transit while surrounded by the fast-moving, career-driven types of the Northeast—the antithesis of theĚýsmall, quirky Southwestern community that I now call home.

I feel this change most acutely in my new running routines.ĚýIn Santa Fe, I can run theĚýtrails near town at sunriseĚýor drive up into the national forest after work. On those early morning runs, the desert air is crispĚýand the trails are quiet and empty, save for the occasional jackrabbit darting between shrubs. I still gawkĚýlike a tourist every time the sun edges up over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east.ĚýAfter work, I’m spoiled with options—a dizzying network of trails spiderĚýthrough the national forest.ĚýIn Santa Fe, there’s no reason to complainĚýabout repetitive road routesĚýorĚýruns spent weaving around groups of tourists or stopping my watch while waiting to cross a busy street.

But here’s the thing:Ěýoccasionally, and unexpectedly, I’m hit with a bout of nostalgia for a run through the city.

Most of the time, I specifically long for nighttime city runs. In D.C., where I lived for a year and a half, ifĚýI got home late, I could always lace up my shoes and log a few miles before going to bed.ĚýIn the part of the cityĚýwhere I lived, the streets were wellĚýlit and people were around at all hours, unlike in Santa Fe.ĚýI hardly ever felt unsafe, regardless of the time. Those nighttime routes were far from my favorites, but the opportunity to loosen up my muscles and work through the day’s stressĚýmore than made up for it. (I also admit to feeling a kind of smugness running at an hour when almost everyone else wasĚýasleep.)

It’s not just the night runs that I miss.ĚýBefore I moved to D.C., I lived in Boston—a city overflowing with running culture and history. Along the Charles River, there’s a palpable sense of camaraderie between runners, even when the path is covered in snow and the wind off the water stings your face. Boston is truly a runner’sĚýcity: a place where the marathon feels like its own national holiday. And on those inevitable rough days when the miles inched by and I forgot what it meant to be fast (or that this sport could ever be enjoyable), it felt like I was out running with the rest of the city. All of us feeling tired and hurting and wanting to quit, but still moving along together.

Because of the crowds and inherent busy nature of the city, living in one also often means returning to aĚýsmallĚýroster of reliable running routes. I spent one summer during college living and working in New York City, and my hectic schedule and unfamiliarity with the area forced me to run varying distances along the same stretch of the Hudson River nearly every day for three months. At first, this was excruciatingly boring. But as the summer rolled on, I came to appreciate the opportunity for introspection.ĚýEvery morning, as I passed the same piers, tennis courts, and grassy parks, I was confronted by the same thoughts I’d had while running the identical route the day before—and I could watch asĚýmy thoughts slowly evolved for the better. The halfhearted relationship I’d left behind at school felt more distant; the stress I was feeling at work slowly became more manageable. The banality of running the same route over and over turned my attention back toward myself; my surroundings acted as bookmarks for what I’d been thinking at that spot on the previous day’s run. This is something my less-repetitive runs in Santa Fe—where I often focus my energy on enjoying the scenery or ensuring I don’t get lost—rarely allow for.

The nature of city running also makes any opportunity for a trail run—where you can find it—feel even more precious. The trails I ran in Boston and D.C. areĚýunderwhelming compared to those I run now, but I no longer experience that exhilarating feeling of finding refuge inĚýĚýorĚýĚýafter running a mile or two on asphalt just to get there.ĚýTo discover a place within a city where I could hear many layers of old leaves crunch under my shoes was invigorating.ĚýI was only a few miles away from a world of metro delays and endless Whole Foods lines, but in that moment, as I was running over a lone bridge across a rushing stream in the middle of the woods, those nuisances were far from my mind. A good trail in a city feels like a well-kept secret—a temporary hideaway from the crowded chaos.

I had earned it.

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When Equinox Holdings launches its first-ever hotel in 2018 on the far west side of Manhattan, it will be the largest fitness brand to branch out directly into the hotel business. It’s an interesting move, but Equinox is just hopping on a bandwagon: Many hotels are partnering with fitness brands to upgrade their workout facilities. While hitting urban trails or bike shares is usually a better option, humidity, time constraints, and freezing temps can make getting outside a hard call. But don’t sweat it, fit travelers,Ěýhere’s where to check in.

The Hotel at the Los Angeles Athletic Club, Los Angeles

One of L.A.’s premier gyms went down the road Equinox is now setting off onĚýand opened a above its massive (80,000-square-foot) workout facilities in newly cool downtown Los Angeles. The gym is a training ground for past and current Olympic contenders, who come for the yoga program, squash courts, indoor Olympic pool, and personal training.Ěý

Le Parker Meridien, New York City

The 15,000-square-foot workout facilities at this Ěýare the work of , a brand that aims to be tough and luxurious, functional and designĚýforward. The gymĚýhas more than 20,000 pounds to lift, push, and move; top-notch trainers; and a Ěýof classes six days a week, ranging from Body Shred Bootcamp to the CrossFit-inspired Cross X. Its signature offering is called the Quickie, a 30-minute full-body workout on a nine-machine circuit. Upstairs, the rooftop pool offers views of Central Park.

Whitney Peak Hotel, Reno

The world’s tallest climbing wall (they say) is in this (Reno’s only nongaming hotel) in the heart of downtown. The 164-foot-high outdoor climbing wall complements the 7,000-square-foot indoor bouldering park with more than 3,200 square feet of climbable space. The equipment and staff can accommodate families of first-timers or highly experienced climbers. The BaseCamp gym includesĚýthe usual gym equipment, plus a slackline and a roster of interesting classes ranging from acro-yoga to a superhero-themed workout.

Loews Atlanta Hotel, Atlanta

Exhale gyms are known for their tough classes, beautiful studios, and extensive spa services—and nearly half of them are in hotels. Among the standouts is Ěýin midtown Atlanta, which occupies nearly 10,000 square feet. In addition to a packed schedule of yoga, Core Fusion, HIIT, boot camp, and cycling classes is a large gym with top-of-the-line cardio and weight equipment, plusĚýa hammam, sauna, and steam rooms for post-workout recovery.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Miami

In addition to all the usual fitness tools—in a 5,800-square-foot facility with huge windows overlooking the pool—the gym here features the new high-techĚýĚýinteractive training system. Essentially, you run around as if playing a particularly active Wii game while you’re strapped into cables that provide resistance in every direction. Trainers might add TRX bands, medicine balls, or dumbbells to the video game.

Radisson Blu Aqua, Chicago

In summer, guests have access to an 80,000-square-foot “lifestyle garden” with a 1/5-mile running track, dedicated yoga space, and 25-yard lap pool. Since summer in Chicago doesn’t last very long, the also has an indoor gym with state-of-the-art cardio and weight equipment, a basketball court, a spinning studio and—earning the Aqua in the hotel’s name—an indoor swimming pool.Ěý

Hilton Anatole, DallasĚý

The Ěýat the Hilton Anatole encompasses 80,000 square feet and isĚýfilled with cardio machines with 15-inch TVs; studios for Spinning, barre, and other classes; a vast array of weights; a Kenesis room, a boxing gym, and racquetball and squash courts; and a 25-meter lap pool. The seven-acre park outside offers a quarter-mile cushioned running track, tennis courts, and a full basketball court. The club recently added a spa to help you recover.Ěý

The Houstonian Hotel, Club, and Spa, Houston

Guests at this hotel have access to the Ěýof one of the toniest clubs in HoustonĚýand its 300-plusĚýcardio and strength machines, staff of exercise and nutrition specialists, indoor running tracks, tennis and racquetball courts, pool, yoga studio, massively tricked-out Pilates and Gyrotonic studio, new room for TRX and Kineses Omega classes, and a full roster of cutting-edge classesĚýlike HIITĚý& Run, Get Ripped & Ride, and the women-only dance class Sensuale.

The Grand Hotel, Minneapolis

The size of the gym at this boutique hotel is all out of whack with the size of the 140-room hotel. The Grand’s Ěýhas 58,000 square feet of floor space, which includes a fitness floor with cardio and weight equipment; boxing, cycling, and aerobics studios; a running track; racquetball, handball, and squash courts; and an indoor six-lane lap pool. There’s a full roster of group classes.ĚýPrivate training, Pilates, and yoga are easily arranged.Ěý

The Ritz-Carlton Boston Common, Boston

There’s already a spectacular Equinox gym at this in downtown Boston. Ritz-CarltonĚýguests can take advantage of 114,000 square feet of workout-focused space, including state-of-the-art equipment, a full basketball court, four international squash courts, studios for classes from boxing to barre, and a 25-yard indoor pool. Group fitness fans, rejoice: There are more than 100 classes everyĚýweek.Ěý

Hotel Bellevue, Seattle

A running track circles the mezzanine around the full-size basketball court. That’s just the beginning at the 200,000 square foot mega-gym at the , an “urban retreat” just 20 minutes from central Seattle. There are also four weight and cardio rooms, a Pilates studio with reformers and cadillacs, three swimming pools, 10 indoor and outdoor tennis courts, tons of classes, and open-play games ofĚýbasketball, pickleball, and badminton.Ěý

Marriott Marquis, Washington, DC

When opened last year, it became home to the city’s largest hotel gym. The 24-hour fitness facilities houseĚý49 pieces of Technogym cardio equipment, which work with that company’s Ěý(including tailored workouts and training history) and have interactive touchscreens that can take guests on, say, a virtual running tour of London. There are also 34 pieces of strength and functional training equipment, plus trainers on hand to help you figure them all out.

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What’s better than ice cream? It’s not a purely rhetorical question. The answer? Grown-up ice cream, spiked with wine, beer, and spirits. As the summer heat cranks to high, head to one of these regional ice cream spots for a shot of cool, creamy delight.

Cayuga Lake Creamery

Interlaken, New York
Set along the Cayuga Wine Trail, it’s no wonder , with flavors ranging from the Americana Vineyard Barn Raising Red Dark Cherry Sorbet to the Swedish Hill Vineyard Doobie Blues Orange Sorbet. The Nut Brown Ale ice cream features the toasted notes of its signature ingredient, beer from the Ithaca Brewery, and the Mudslide flavor features a triple shot of KahlĂşa, vodka, and Irish Cream liqueur.Ěý

Dolcezza

Washington, D.C.
This gelateria crafts its creations with a conscience. The company, with , uses locally grown ingredients prepared by hand—from squeezed citrus juice to smoked spices. Dolcezza churns out unusual flavors like avocado-honey-orange. The sorbets-turned-cocktails often feature bourbon, vodka, and Southern Comfort, which shows up in a yellow-peach treat.

Purple Door Ice Cream

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
teamed with neighboring Great Lakes Distillery to serve two craft products for the price of one. Try the Kinnickinnic WhiskeyĚýor Whiskey Bacon flavors. Purple Door once offered an absinthe variety for a retro-taboo chill-thrill.

Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream

Columbia, Missouri
Cool off with the creative (think lavender-honey or pineapple upside-down cake) flavors at located on downtown Columbia’s busiest street. If you’re 21 or older, opt for a couple scoops of the creamy Les Bourgeois and Ghirardelli, which mixes local vino with gourmet chocolate chunks. If milkshakes are more your style, order the White Russian (vanilla ice cream, vodka, and KahlĂşa) or a simple Guinness float.Ěý

Sweet Republic

Scottsdale, Arizona
The desert does dessert, and does it well. In this heatscape, go for the cool comfort of chocolate-Guinness ice cream. And, if you’d like, will turn your scoop into an ice cream sandwich, pressing it between fresh-made chocolate chip cookies. Ěý ĚýĚý

Ice Cream Bar

San Francisco, California
At , the ice cream may not be infused with booze, but the sodas sure are. Jerks mix “remedies” for the 21-and-over set that feature Angostura Bitters, tawny port, Sutton Cellars vermouth, Flemish red ales, and sparkling wine, among other ingredients. These fizzes-with-a-kick must surely be the cure for all that ails.

Bonus: Surprise! Ice cream could well be an ideal post-workout-recovery food. The sugar high can promote muscle building by preventing protein breakdown. Studies haven’t revealed the particular fitness benefits of boozy ice cream, but there’s sure to be some scientist—or athlete—who will soon put that decadent variety of frozen dessert to the test.ĚýĚý

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