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.

Earth Day celebrations are taking place around the world and there are many ways you can make a difference in your community and your home. Here are a few ideas:

If you love Thanksgiving, but not the cooking, there are many restaurants and markets near your EYA neighborhood that offer fully prepared take home meals or dine-in Thanksgiving Day feasts. From southern-style fried turkeys to organic Thanksgiving meals, there’s plenty to tempt your taste buds this holiday season.

This Halloween, head to Old Town Alexandria to learn about its haunted history and indulge in some tasty treats. From graveyard tours to trick-or-treat shopping, there’s something for Halloween enthusiasts of all ages, including your four-legged friends - all steps from EYA's new home communities in Alexandria!