Things to Do in Ewing

Howell Farm spins an agricultural story stretching back more than 250 years to the site's initial settlement in the 1730s. Within that time, the land has changed hands from many different families; the years have found it transformed from a grain farm to a dairy farm, with various incarnations in between. Today, it enjoys a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, and it invites visitors to travel back in time to experience a taste of what farm life was like in the years between 1890 and 1910.

Depending on the time of year, guests may get to help plant or harvest crops, or shell and grind corn inside the 1800s barn before baking it into cornbread. Visitors often get to help care for the animals, learn to make soap, or churn fresh butter and ice cream––all using authentic, turn-of-the-century methods. Admission is free, but during autumn the farm raises funds by charging admission to a miles-long corn maze that challenges families and friends to navigate winding paths and resist the urge to butter and season their surroundings.

Composed of head instructor Dave Barnes and Refresher course instructor Melissa Rybicki, Scubadelphia's diving duo teaches underwater maneuverability during an array of classes. The twosome stages lessons in classroom and pool settings, and the curriculum includes PADI Open Water Diver certification and specialties such as Wreck Diver, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster, a title normally bestowed on those who can break dance on a diving board. Scubadelphia also stocks a full range of scuba gear in its dog-friendly shop, overseen by Obie, Scubadelphia's perpetual four-legged employee of the month.

Fountain of Yoga's staff focuses on motivating its clients toward complete wellness through yoga, and tension- and pain-relieving therapies. In calming, subdued lighting, the instructors lead students through Vinyasa yoga classes in which they synchronize deep breathing to a quick, flowing series of poses. In each session, students can perform more challenging or easier movements based on their abilities, and the instructors walk around the classroom to offer slight modifications to help them to perfect their technique. Furthering their relaxation services, instructors soothe clients and assuage their aches with massage and reiki services by appointment.

The phosphorescent indoor landscape at Monster Mini Golf immerses putters in an eerie universe that inverts the sun-soaked cheer of conventional courses. Rimmed in glowing green barriers, 18 holes lure swingers of all sizes to challenge their coordination and resolve in the face of winged monsters, scowling animated trees, a creepy clown, and their opponents' shockingly dazzling smiles. Sheltered from searing rain and howling wind, the indoor course enables play around hazards such as a spell well and luminous, ghostly windmill at any time of the year. An in-house radio station and DJ mask the sound of pounding hearts with lively beats and course commentary, and golfers looking for additional glory can win prizes by participating in regular contests or at the on-site arcade.

Lorean, Open Center Yoga’s seasoned leader, sits crossed-legged on the glossy wood floor, focusing her breath before leading yogis of all levels through her lineup of flexibility-building classes. She guides students in setting their intentions—points of focus to transfer from yoga to day-to-day life, such as calming one’s mind, becoming more adaptable to change, or harnessing enough will power to finally beat _Donkey Kong_—to connect spiritually to the practice. The classes can include visualizing chakras and channeling energy. Throughout the 75-minute sessions, students build muscle and increase their flexibility while flowing through the fluid postures, and workshops offer a more spiritual experience in which students meditate using deep, even breaths to quiet anxious thoughts and assuage tension.

Beyond providing an opportunity for friendly competition and social interaction throughout the DC area, the organizers of Capital Bocce League only have one mission: help players have fun. During each season, teams of up to 12 players compete in lighthearted bouts of the classic Italian game, which unlike other sports, requires little to no experience, physical exertion, or physics PhDs to master. After each game, teams can head to local bars for exclusive drink specials, and a variety of prizes await the victor of each season's playoffs.