With its bright, picturesque autumns and springs, balmy summers and mostly mild winters – nor'easters notwithstanding – D.C. and the surrounding areas have four distinct seasons that appeal to a broad demographic. Check out what the weather is doing right now.

For the outdoor enthusiast, the D.C. Metro Area offers an abundance of outdoor activities to keep adventurers on their toes. Hike or bike rugged trails, ski the snowy slopes, play a round of golf at some of D.C.'s premier golf courses, explore the Smithsonian National Zoological Park – home to more than 5,800 animals located in 137,000 acres of Rock Creek Park – and more. For more information on any number of parks in the area check out D.C.'s Department of Parks and Recreation.

There may be some important business taking place behind closed doors in D.C., yet a slew of cultural offerings and seemingly endless supply of artistic expressionism help to lighten the collective mood within the city and its neighboring areas. Luckily for locals, D.C. is a national center for the arts. The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts is home to The National Symphony Orchestra, The Washington National Opera and The Washington Ballet. And with over 19 museums, zoos and nine research centers – several which are located in the heart of D.C. – the Smithsonian Institution is a true Mecca for the culturally minded. It has over 136 million items in its collections and publishes two magazines: Smithsonian(monthly) and Air & Space (bimonthly). For the latest on all the goings-on in and around D.C., visit Washington.org.

Referred to as, "one of the most exciting restaurant cities on the East Coast", by Travel + Leisure Magazine, D.C. proper delivers unparalleled dining to please even the most discerning palettes. There are more than 100 restaurants located in downtown alone, not including the old standbys – delis, fast food and take out – for a true "soup-to-nuts" experience. For information on restaurants in and around D.C., click here.

The sports teams in D.C. and the surrounding areas know how to get the fans on their feet! Enjoy a hard-hitting Washington Redskins' or Baltimore Ravens' game in the fall, and check out the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles as they wield their bats during the spring and summer. Heading out to a Washington Wizards' or Washington Mystics' game are also great ways to unwind after a busy workweek.

Whether you're looking for high-end designers, nationally-known retail outlets or neighborhood specialty shops, D.C. is a preeminent shoppers' paradise. Several renowned shopping districts in and around D.C. including, Barracks Row on Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Downtown D.C. and Friendship Heights in Chevy Chase, MD, offer shoppers of all varieties a broad selection of merchandise. For general commerce information, visit the D.C. Chamber of Commerce.

Perhaps the only mainstay in D.C. more prominent than The Washington Monument is its festivals. Show your support of all things "green" during the Annual Earth Day celebration along the National Mall in April, demonstrate your patriotism on Independence Day during some of the best 4th of July parades in the nation – complete with spectacular fireworks displays – or take in the breathtaking sights at the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a springtime favorite of tourists and locals alike – not to mention fun for the whole family!

Searching for the best schools for your growing family or planning on completing some coursework yourself? There's no shortage of distinguished learning institutions in D.C. and the surrounding communities including: (this list is not comprehensive and is in no particular order) Georgetown University, Howard University, Johns Hopkins University and Loyola College in Maryland. D.C. also just happens to be home to the National Defense University – an option some Saab Sensis employees may find enticing for continuing education.