LogoData2023-V5

In the summer time, when the living is easy…

or so the song says, right?  Well, things do slow down in the summer, and traffic is noticeably lighter during the morning and evening commutes.  But getting out of town for beach or mountain weekend getaways can be challenging.  Seems like Fridays and Sundays (and now creeping into Thursdays and Mondays) our major arteries in and out of town are completely clogged.

So, what better way to avoid the weekend cluster than staying put.  That’s right – weekend staycations can be much less stressful, and frankly, a lot of fun.  In this edition we have highlighted a long list of swimming facilities and water parks located in Northern Virginia.  Most of these are accessible by local trails, so walking or biking to these swimmin’ holes is even more relaxing and good exercise.

Summer is also the high time for local fairs.  Fortunately in Northern Virginia we host a wide variety of county fairs – from the traditional, farm oriented – to the amusement park ambience.  Check out our listing and take the whole family out to these unique experiences.  Good food and good times await you!

And last, but certainly not least, it is with some sadness that I am writing my last note to you as the Executive Director of DATA.  Like the seasons, professional careers change over time.  I have accepted a new position at
Arlington County, serving as their Bureau Chief of Commuter Services.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my 16 years at DATA – meeting incredible people and working with very talented staff and board.  But it is time to open another chapter in my life. I sincerely hope that @livemore continues to prosper and expand its readership, and that DATA continues to grow as an organization.  There are many fine people that I will miss, but in all honesty I will simply be “around the corner” living more and commuting less – but it will just be in Arlington.

As Always – Best Regards,

James N. Larsen
Executive Director/CEO
Dulles Area Transportation Association