Top summer getaways

(Elaine Thompson / AP)

Looking to plan a last-minute escape this Memorial Day weekend? These destinations are perfect for a weekend trip.

Style

TOPSHOTS US President Barack Obama speaks during a memorial service for the victims and relatives of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting on December 16, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut. Twenty-six people were killed when a gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary and began a shooting spree. AFP PHOTO/Mandel NGANMANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

A growing role for presidents: America’s consoler in chief

In the wake of any tragedy, the president’s presence has become an expected part of grieving ritual.

Magazine

SILVER SPRING, MD - APRIL 18:  Koby Maxwell poses for a portrait on Thursday April 18, 2013 in Silver Spring, MD.  Maxwell worked as a producer of the film, 'One Night in Vegas'.  He is also a singer and actor.  (Photo by Matt McClain/ The Washington Post)

‘Nollywood’ filmmaker brings Africa’s biggest stars to Washington

Ni­ger­ian film industry is second-largest in the world

Food

When women drink alone. . .

We might just want a cocktail, period. Mostly, we want the experience on our own terms.

Wellness

Deb Thomas, of Clark, Wyoming, speaks at the 'Stop the Frack Attack People's Forum' to discuss how people living near oil and gas fields are impacted by fracking, in Washington May 22, 2013.   REUTERS/Gary Cameron  (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY ENVIRONMENT)

Green groups criticize Environmental Defense Fund

Large pro-environment group is scolded for joining forces with oil companies on “fracking.”

Weddings & Romance

Date Lab: When shy collides with outgoing

They both like sports. But while he’s an adventurer, she’d rather sit on the sidelines. Will it be a deal-breaker?

KidsPost

Chad Tracy hit a homer Friday, but he and Washington’s other bench players generally haven’t been doing well.

Nats’ Goon Squad is not scary good

Last year’s big-hitting bench players aren’t coming through for their struggling team.

Reliable Source

Olympia Snowe: Congress 'doesn't have to be this way'

There's a powerful demand out there for the juicy personal-life stories of powerful women. So you have to admire the former senator for resisting that trend -- and delivering a legislative history instead.

Advice

Carolyn Hax: Third-wheel ex controls the relationship

The reader clings to the high road as her boyfriend’s married ex spends more time with him than she does.

Travel

Travel Guide 2013

Advice on the guide books versus Apps, the use of electronics on planes and more practical trips for savvy globe trotters.

Travel coverage

Home & Garden

Magicicada septendecim, 17 year Cicada

Cicadas and their threat to trees

Get ready for the 17-year cicada and get info on how it will affect your garden.

Fashion

CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 15:  US singer Solange Knowles attends the Opening Ceremony and 'The Great Gatsby' Premiere during the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival at the Theatre Lumiere on May 15, 2013 in Cannes, France.  (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Fashion at Cannes

Between photo calls and red carpet appearances, the film festival is full of incredible style moments.

Parenting

Illustration for Almanac0509

A trace of dishonesty

A mom suspects her teen of copying art and claiming the work as her own.

Lifestyle Videos

A peep is worth a thousand pictures

A peep is worth a thousand pictures

Resident “Peeps editor” Tracy Grant describes the marshmallow-stuffed recipe for a winning entry.
Tantehorse’s ‘Dante: Light in a Darkness’ (Preview)

Tantehorse’s ‘Dante: Light in a Darkness’ (Preview)

Founded in 2006 by Mirenka Cechova and Radim Vizvary, Tantehorse is a physical mime theatre company based in the Czech Republic. The black comedy, “Dante: Light in a Darkness” is part of Tantehorse’s “Dark Trilogy.”
‘Eveningland’ by Christopher K. Morgan & Artists and Skybetter & Associates

‘Eveningland’ by Christopher K. Morgan & Artists and Skybetter & Associates

Preview of “Eveningland,” a collaborative work by D.C.-based contemporary dance company Christopher K. Morgan & Artists and New York’s Skybetter and Associates.
Arachne Aerial Arts and In-Flight Theater: ‘For That Which Returns’

Arachne Aerial Arts and In-Flight Theater: ‘For That Which Returns’

Preview of “For That Which Returns,” an aerial performance based on the myth of Demeter and Persephone.