Take in amazing city views while staying active on the Metropolitan Branch Trail. Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons Payton Chung. Looking for a way to spend time in the beautiful outdoors this summer?

Summer is almost here and downtown Silver Spring offers lots of great outdoor activities for the entire family. From live music to farmer’s markets to playing in the fountains, here are a few ideas to kick off your Summer fun.

Alexandria's City Hall is the perfect backdrop for a summer concert series. Photo courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons Michel Curi Jr. Looking for a fun, free way to kick off your summer? Check out the 2014 Alexandria Concert Series happening all summer long! Go back in time to the War of 1812 at the Carlyle House Magnolia Terrace every Thursday evening in June for a fun twist on history with live music or jam out to rock ‘n roll in Ben Brenman Park. Enjoy men’s barbershop tunes during an evening in July or soul influenced rock during an afternoon in August. Additional genres include blues, acoustic jazz, world music, jazz vibraphone, Americana, folk, rockabilly and honky tonk, choral, R &B, and folk rock.

The 2005 hit movie “Syriana” featuring George Clooney was in a small part filmed in an EYA townhome. The living room, kitchen and front porch were all seen in the film as the home of Jeffrey Wright’s character. The townhome recently went on the market and with seven offers at or above asking price, sold well above its asking price of $1.125 million.

Old Town Alexandria was recently named one of the Top 10 Best Downtowns, according to livability.com. Ranked #5 on the list, Old Town scored high marks due to its vibrancy and appeal to both businesses and families, waterfront setting, many acclaimed restaurants and close proximity to DC. The Mount Vernon Trail and neighborhood walkability also adds to Old Town’s appeal as a top place to live.

For the second time in a row, EYA has been voted Best Residential Builder in Washington City Paper's Reader's Poll.