After my first week back in the District, I can proudly say that I am on my way to becoming a contributing member of society. In other words, my new bedtime is the prime time of 11:00 p.m., I complain about the traffic and the changing speed limits on Wisconsin Avenue, and I have yet to go to any of the Facebook events that I joined while of fun post-work outings. Although I have yet to chase any adventures, my commute to Bethesda has only made me realize all of D.C. and Maryland’s hidden gems. My summer bucket list has only grown because I continually drive past new places that I want to visit.

At the top of my list stands the Bethesda Community Store. It might not sound like much, but driving with the windows down, the smell of the barbecue is enough to make you hungry. For any comparison, the smell of Rockland’s is still mouthwatering, but my heart (and stomach) is very much set on Bethesda Community Store barbecue.

Staying on the food theme, Bethesda has its very own Founding Farmers. I have yet to venture to its downtown location because I always find my way to Farmers Fishers Bakers before I can make it there, but a work team breakfast prompted my first, and definitely not my last, trip. I’ve been to Farmers Fishers Bakers’ First Bake during the week, which offers an absolutely great deal, but it is somewhat lacking in variety. On the other hand, though more formal, Founding Farmers has an outstanding $9 breakfast deal that gives the eater enough choice and substance to start her day.

For some less interesting points of interest, I am currently a little envious of American University’s prime location between some of my favorite suburban staples. I’m currently awaiting my first paycheck before I stop in The Container Store, which I promise is more exciting than it sounds. I never thought that I needed a container that would perfectly hold my hair ties, but The Container Store has proved me wrong. I’ll have to make a stop in Tenleytown to sip on Robeks smoothies, beg the people at Panera to give me extra bread with my salad and finish it all off with frozen yogurt at Bloo Moo. Disclaimer: I have never personally had Bloo Moo, but I have been told that it is pretty life-changing. If it’s not that good, I can always just keep driving until I hit Thomas Sweet.

For me, living like a local is a balancing act of being an adult (or at least trying to be) and taking advantage of all that is around me. My first week has definitely been a whirlwind of a transition, but I’m confident that my more finalized schedule, color-coded bucket list and, finally, a mattress to call my own will lead to a successful summer in the district.

Christina Wing is a rising senior in the McDonough School of Business. Living like a Local appears every other Sunday at thehoya.com.