Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

Fireworks on the National Mall this year are going to be on another level. Not only will they be longer and later than ever before, but there will be lots more security (no chairs or coolers allowed), and lotsmore people (officials are expecting up to 150,000). All this to say that it’s a great year to not go to the National Mall. But that doesn't mean you have to stay home either. We rounded up our tried-and-true spots for watching the fireworks without the crowds.

Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss, known for their work at Pascual and Maison Bar à Vins, took home Chef of the Year at D.C.’s RAMMY Awards, and The Occidental nabbed Best New Restaurant of the Year. Also, Martel Stone of Dōgon was named Rising Culinary Star of the Year. The winners were announced Monday night at a black-tie soiree at Arena Stage.

“Nobody, there’s seriously nobody!” a man shouted into his phone as he exited the Great American State Fair. It was a pretty good one liner for what I was about to experience. I got there at 5 p.m. on opening day and walked right in. Despite being one of America 250’s “biggest attractions,” there was no line. Suddenly, I was a lone Sims character dropped into a brand new game. There was nothing but me and a vast expanse of awe-inspiringly verdant grass.