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C ontents
3 THINGS TO DO
Arts venues, farmers markets, outdoor adventures, shops and more
19 EAT & DRINK
Great restaurants, a guide to Montgomery County breweries and wineries, and Best of Bethesda picks
31 KIDS & SCHOOLS
Playgrounds for kids to explore, and facts about local public and private schools
39
NEIGHBORHOODS
communities that make up
53 HEALTH & WELLNESS
Local hospitals, a guide to top dentists and more
ESSENTIALS
All the info you need on local government and frequently used services
Clockwise from top left: Pizzas from Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana; Jeff Koons’ playful “Split-Rocker” at Glenstone; Cabin John Regional Park Adventure Playground
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Things to Do
Explore what Montgomery County has to offer, including arts venues, farmers markets, shops and outdoor adventures
PHOTO BY ADAM BROCKETT
Paddleboat rentals, shopping, dining and entertainment are among the offerings at Rio, a development in Gaithersburg.
The Instagram-ready sunflower field at McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area
Plan your next outing, from kayaking and hiking to ice-skating and golf
BY NEVIN MARTELL
Many activities are seasonal and some venues adjust their hours at various times of the year. Check the websites for the latest information.
1 HIKE TO WHITE ROCKS ON SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN
Carpeted in swaths of red and white oaks, Sugarloaf Mountain looks ablaze in autumn as leaves transform into fiery shades, but its majestic forests are breathtaking at any time. To take in its full glory, hike up Northern Peaks Trail, a 5-mile loop that passes White Rocks, a collection of giant boulders with wide-screen views of the surroundings that offers a perfect spot for picnicking or a meditative pause. The parking lot can fill up quickly, so plan on arriving early in the day.
Open daily 8 a.m. until sunset. Suggested donation of $5 or more per person. 7901 Comus Road, Dickerson, sugarloafmd.com
2 MOUNTAIN BIKE SCHAEFFER FARM AT SENECA CREEK STATE PARK
This 16-mile web of color-coded trails circling and crisscrossing the park challenges riders to navigate brutal bumps, hardcore hills, fallen logs and twisty roots. If you’re looking to clock more mileage, head onto the numerous trails outside the park, including Seneca Bluffs Trail, Muddy Branch Trail and Hoyles Mill Trail. To warm up, hit the 5,000-square-foot South Germantown Mountain Bike and BMX Pump Track, which is only a couple minutes away (14501 Schaeffer Road, Boyds).
Open March through October from 8 a.m. to sunset. Free. 14801 Schaeffer Road, Germantown, 301-924-2127, dnr.maryland.gov
3 TAKE ALL THE INSTAGRAMS IN THE SUNFLOWER FIELD AT THE MCKEE-BESHERS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
Sunflowers ignite in July for one to three weeks, lighting up several fields at this 1,971-acre natural reserve. They serve as a valuable food source for mourning doves and other birds, along with some mammals and pollinators. The yellow-rimmed, black-eyed florals are equally attractive for creating Instagram posts. But be careful where you’re stepping while getting selfies because it’s illegal to trample the flowers, cut them down or dig them up.
Open 24 hours a day, year-round. Free. 18600 River Road, Poolesville, 410-260-8540, dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/pages/publiclands/central/ mckeebeshers.aspx
4 KAYAK SENECA BREAKS ON THE POTOMAC RIVER
Slip your kayak into the Potomac River by Violettes Lock/Lock 23 (mile marker 22.1), then head downstream, staying between Pond Island and Beech Island. If the water level is high, you can expect up to Class II (moderate) white-water adventures in Seneca Breaks, full of righteous rips. Many kayakers get out at Pennyfield (Lock 22) via the first inlet on the left and paddle back up the C&O Canal to Violettes Lock to do it all over again.
Free. Lock 23 at the end of Violettes Lock Road, Darnestown, canaltrust.org
5 MARVEL AT THE OUTDOOR ART AT GLENSTONE
One of the greatest contemporary art museums in the world is tucked away on a lush and meticulously groomed 300-acre compound in the Potomac countryside. Amble along the trails to take in stunning outdoor works, including “Contour 290,” Richard Serra’s massive ribbon-like steel wall that melds with the rolling slopes it sits on, and Jeff Koons’ playful “Split-Rocker,” a giant giraffe-like head sculpture covered in flowers that bloom May through October. The indoor galleries showcase rotating exhibits—from iconoclasts to future legends.
Open Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (The museum generally stays open later on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer.) Free; advance timed tickets highly suggested. Visitors must be at least 12 years old (infants younger than 1 year old are welcome and do not need a ticket). 12100 Glen Road, Potomac, 301-983-5001, glenstone.org
6
GET WET IN THE SPLASH PARK AT SOUTH GERMANTOWN RECREATIONAL PARK
Formed by 280 water jets, this splishy, splashy water maze is, well, amazing. Along the way, kids can frolic under the spraying animal sculptures, head down the slide, get doused by the bucket drops, or check out the cave behind the waterfall. Meanwhile, moms and dads can hang out at the shaded picnic tables nearby. After everyone dries off, pop next door to the 18-hole mini golf course to play a round.
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (open weekends only for the first couple of weeks, then Tuesday-Sunday).
$6.50 per person age 2 and older. 18056 Central Park Circle, Boyds, 301-670-4680, montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/splash-parkmini-golf
7 GO FISHING IN BLACK HILL REGIONAL PARK
Get ready for some fin-tastic fun, because the park’s 505-acre Little Seneca Lake is packed to the gills with largemouth bass, bluegills, catfish, tiger muskies and crappies. Cast from the shoreline, take out your own boat, or rent a rowboat, canoe, or kayak on-site. (All anglers age 16 and older must have a Maryland fishing license.) While you’re there, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including ospreys, American red-bellied turtles, wood ducks and beavers.
Open sunrise to sunset. Year-round fishing permitted from the shoreline; contact the park for dates and regulations for boat fishing. Free. 20930 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, 301-495-2595, montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/black-hill-regional-park/ boating-and-fishing
8 SLEEP OUTDOORS AT LITTLE BENNETT CAMPGROUND
This family-friendly, pet-welcoming park sprawls across 3,700 acres and is home to 91 campsites, as well as a trio of wellappointed cabins and three yurts for the glamping crowd. There’s access to bathrooms, showers, drinking fountains and water spigots, as well as a convenient camp store. For an additional $70 fee, any campsite can be set up in advance via the Camper-Ready program, so you’ll arrive to find a four-person tent, two camp chairs, a propane stove and a lantern.
Open year-round, but bathhouses are closed March and November (portable toilets are available). $35 and up per night for county residents, two-night minimum required. 23705 Frederick Road, Clarksburg, 301-528-3430, montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/ little-bennett-regional-park/little-bennett-campground
9 PICK BERRIES AT BUTLER’S ORCHARD
Part working farm, part agri-entertainment complex, the more than 300-acre property offers pick-yourown berries from mid-May until October. Strawberries are the first to arrive, with flushes of black raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and red raspberries becoming available
as the year progresses. Once finished harvesting, those with little ones should stop by the play area, which features slides and pedal tractors. Feeling peckish? Pop into The Farmer’s Porch Kitchen to grab salads, sandwiches, snacks, wedges of pie and apple cider doughnuts.
Generally open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. in season; check website for current hours. Reservations recommended; $4 per person 2 years and older. 22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, 301-428-0444, butlersorchard.com
10 PLAY OUTDOOR BEACH TENNIS AT NIKE MISSILE LOCAL PARK
Get ready for a grand slam good time. Montgomery County’s first outdoor beach tennis court debuted in April 2024 at the 18.3-acre park in Gaithersburg. Combining elements of beach volleyball, badminton and traditional tennis, beach tennis just might be the next pickleball. Thanks to an adjustable net system, the sand court also can be used for volleyball matches. Sports enthusiasts also can avail themselves of nearby basketball and tennis courts, as well as soccer and softball fields.
Open sunrise to sunset. Free; first come, first served. 8500 Snouffer School Road, Gaithersburg, 301-495-2595, montgomeryparks.org/ parks-and-trails/nike-missile-local-park
11 GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH FARM ANIMALS (AND DEVOUR DEEP-FRIED TWINKIES) AT THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Be prepared to be happily overwhelmed by everything going on at the 62-acre fair, featuring more than 5,000 farm animals, tons of rides—from a merry-go-round and teacups to a gondola wheel and a tilt-a-whirl—and free entertainment galore, such as chain saw carvings, a stilt walker, raptor demonstrations, circuses, swine races and a comedic hypnotist. Hit the midway to nosh on high-calorie, high-fun fair foods such as barbecued turkey legs, nacho-style fries, churro ice cream sandwiches and deep-fried Twinkies.
Mid-August (see website for dates, times and prices). 301-926-3100, 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, mcagfair.com
Nike Missile Local Park’s sand court can be used for beach tennis or volleyball.
12
TAKE OUT A DRAGON-SHAPED PADDLEBOAT AT RIO
Live out your childhood fantasy of riding a dragon by pedaling yourself around in a paddleboat shaped like the mythical creature. Or rent a boat that looks like a swan or duck instead. Each craft can hold up to four adults and one small child for a maximum total weight of 1,200 pounds. There must be at least one adult at least 18 years old in each boat, and life jackets must be worn.
Open daily noon until sunset (weather permitting). $30 per boat for 30 minutes. 9811 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg, 301-370-5105, riolakefront.com/lakefrontfun
13 RIDE THE TINY TRAIN AT CABIN JOHN REGIONAL PARK
Hop on the miniature railroad as it takes a relaxing 15-minute trip through 2 miles of the shady woodland park. The area surrounding the station features a playground, picnic spots, bathrooms, vending machines stocked with ice cream and drinks, and a hippo-shaped water fountain. For folks who want to get their adrenaline going, the park is home to a soccer field, volleyball court, ballfield, year-round indoor ice rink, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and about 6 miles of paths perfect for biking and hiking.
The train is generally running April through October on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $3.50 per person; children under the age of 2 ride free with an adult. 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, 301-495-2595, montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/cabin-johnregional-park
14 HIKE THE BILLY GOAT TRAIL
Though it’s only 1.75 miles long, Section A of the Billy Goat Trail in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park is arguably the county’s most challenging hike, usually a two- to three-hour endeavor. After parking at Great Falls Tavern, begin the one-way expedition at the entrance by the falls, proceeding downstream while following the blue markers along the Potomac River. The trek involves scrambling across stony stretches, scaling rock walls, and getting across a stream before reaching the out point near Old Angler’s Inn. Return to your car by taking the much more leisurely towpath alongside the C&O Canal. The trek also can be done by parking in the free small lot across from Old Angler’s Inn and proceeding along the towpath from there to Billy Goat’s entrance.
Open sunrise to sunset. $20 per car at the Great Falls Tavern area, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, 301-739-4200, nps.gov/choh
15
TAKE
A WHIRL ON THE DENTZEL CAROUSEL AT GLEN ECHO PARK
For over a century, kids have ridden this carousel’s colorful menagerie of 52 animals—40 horses, four rabbits, a quartet of ostriches, a giraffe, a deer, a lion and a tiger—and two gilt-accented circus chariots. One of only 135 operating antique carousels in the country, the artfully restored amusement park ride is on the National Register of Historic Places. To learn even more about its history, arrange for a free rangerled tour. (Call 301-320-1400 at least three days in advance to book.)
$2 per single-ride ticket; $5 for an all-day pass. The park is open daily from 6 a.m.-1 a.m. the next morning; the carousel is open May through August, Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 301-634-2222, glenechopark.org
16
TACKLE GO APE’S ROPES COURSE AT ROCK CREEK REGIONAL PARK
Spend a few hours pretending you’re Tarzan at this high-flying ropes course suspended over 6 acres in the forest of Rock Creek Regional Park. After gearing up and participating in a brief safety training session, head into the canopy to tackle a series of swaying platforms, swinging bridges, climbing nets, suspended barrels, swings and epic ziplines that send you rocketing through the overstory.
Tickets are $64.95 for the Treetop Adventure. Climbers must be at least 10 years old and a minimum of 4 feet, 7 inches tall; maximum weight per climber is 285 pounds. Children ages 10-15 years old must be supervised by an adult 18 or older; one adult may supervise up to two children. Gloves are required (and available for purchase on-site). 6129 Needwood Lake Drive, Derwood, 800-971-8271, goape.com/ location/maryland-rockville
17 TAKE A GUIDED EDUCATIONAL WALK ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD EXPERIENCE TRAIL AT WOODLAWN MANOR CULTURAL PARK
Embark on an emotional deep dive as you walk and learn about 19th century freedom seekers and the Montgomery County residents who endeavored to help them through the Underground Railroad. Guides will discuss techniques used for navigation, eluding detection, and finding food and shelter. The educational jaunt traverses a 2-mile natural surface trail that isn’t strollerfriendly or ADA accessible. For a longer trek afterward, head back to the trail, which is part of the 25-mile-long Rachel Carson
The miniature train at Cabin John Regional Park takes riders on a 15-minute trip.
Greenway Trail Corridor.
Saturdays from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. late March until late November. $8; free for kids younger than 6. 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, 301-929-5989, montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/woodlawnmanor-cultural-park/underground-railroad-experience-trail
18 HIT THE LINKS AT NORTHWEST GOLF COURSE
With the back tees stretching the course to just under 7,400 yards and with 27 holes to play, this nicely maintained public course offers challenges for beginners and pros. After a round, hit the pro shop or grab a bite to eat at the snack bar, which has a patio overlooking the course. Or spend some time at one of the driving range’s 41 lighted stalls (20 are covered and heated) working on your short game, practicing with different clubs and honing your swing.
Prices vary based on tee time and other factors; reservations available starting seven days in advance. Driving range open Monday during daylight hours, Tuesday noon to sunset, Wednesday-Saturday during daylight hours, Sunday sunrise to 5 p.m. 301-598-6100, 15711 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, mcggolf.com/ courses/northwest
19 HAVE A MOMENT OF ZEN AT BROOKSIDE GARDENS
There is something profoundly soothing about ambling
through this meticulously maintained 50-acre public display garden punctuated by tranquil ponds, a rainbow of flowers, and the soothing shade of weeping katsura, pond cypress and towering dawn redwood trees. Rest for a moment in the Japanese teahouse, suspended above a pond where turtles and ducks swim. Make sure to stroll through the butterfly garden, where you might spot a monarch, tiger swallowtail or pearl crescent during the spring or summer.
Open sunrise to sunset. Free. 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, 301-9621400, montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/brookside-gardens
20 GET YOUR BLADES ON AT SILVER SPRING ICE-SKATING
Channel your inner Brian Boitano or Michelle Kwan at this outdoor rink at Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring. Confident skaters of all ages glide across the ice accompanied by a high-energy soundtrack, while newbies can take private or group lessons. Bonus: On Saturday mornings, the Silver Spring farmers market unfolds nearby, featuring roughly 50 vendors selling everything from produce and baked goods to goat cheese and freshly made pasta.
Open mid-October to late March on Sunday 10 a.m.-10 p.m., MondayThursday noon-10 p.m., Friday noon-11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-11 p.m. $11 per adult and $10 per child or senior for two hours of skating; $6 for skate rentals. 8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring, 301-588-1221, silverspringiceskating.com
Left: Waredaca Brewing Right: Glenstone Museum Split-Rocker by Je Koons
CATCH A
YShow
ou can find the curtains rising on beloved musicals, national debuts, famous singers, and creative shows for kids at theaters and performance venues throughout Montgomery County BY STEPHANIE SIEGEL BURKE
ADVENTURE THEATRE MTC
The theater presents professional productions for children and offers training for budding actors. During the 2023-2024 season, the shows Junie B. Jones: The Musical and Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical were the most popular.
The horse stable-turned-visual and performing arts center offers a stage for community performances of all types and classes for children and adults. Magic, comedy and improv shows, concerts, musical theater and dramas have all been presented here.
311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, 301-258-6394, gaithersburgmd.gov
BETHESDA THEATER
Formerly an art deco movie palace, the venue was home to the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club until July 2023, when it rebranded to reflect the variety of genres that are featured there. The blues and jazz haven’t gone away, but now there are also Motown, R&B, rock and comedy acts. Some of the most popular shows have included Chanté Moore, Peabo Bryson, actress Lisa Ann Walter from Abbott Elementary and Broadway star Avery Wilson.
Established in 2002 as a home for performing and visual arts, the venue presents concerts by regional, national and international talent plus contemporary theatrical shows and its own professional productions. The
2023-2024 season included an in-house production of the musical The Color Purple, female Aerosmith tribute band RagDolls as well as dance, hip-hop and folk music performances.
12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, 301-528-2260, blackrockcenter.org
CULTURAL ARTS CENTER–MONTGOMERY COLLEGE
The complex includes a 500-seat theater and concert hall, and a 116-seat lecture hall and lab theater space. See future professionals perfect their craft in student productions, or catch a regional or national touring act, such as the musical show Fairytales on Ice, which covered the stage with a synthetic “ice” surface, allowing performers to skate.
The Fillmore Silver Spring can hold up to 2,000 people for concerts.
THE FILLMORE SILVER SPRING
A spin-off of the legendary Fillmore in San Francisco, the 2,000-capacity venue honors its rock ’n’ roll heritage with vintage posters on the walls and large chandeliers hanging over the dance floor, a nod to the original. In the past year, notable acts included Santigold, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Porno for Pyros, GZA and Fishbone. 8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, 301-960-9999, fillmoresilverspring.com
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD THEATRE
The 428-seat theater is the home stage for community groups including Rockville Musical Theatre, Rockville Little Theatre, Rockville Civic Ballet, Victorian Lyric Opera Co. and Rockville Chorus. National touring groups also perform there occasionally. 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, 240-314-8690, rockvillemd.gov/382/ f-scott-fitzgerald-theatre
IMAGINATION STAGE
Imagination Stage offers year-round professional theater for young audiences, as well as classes in acting, musical theater and dance for ages 1-18. A Year with Frog and Toad and The Very Hungry Caterpillar were the biggest hits in the 2023-2024 season.
A professional regional theater, Olney Theatre Center offers productions yearround. The 2023-2024 season saw many sold-out performances, including Fiddler on the Roof, Avaaz, Long Way Down and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Its outdoor summer season includes cabaret, comedy, drag shows and concerts. 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, 301-924-3400, olneytheatre.org
THE PUPPET CO. PLAYHOUSE
The theater presents professional puppetry productions based on fairy tales and classic children’s literature, plus a variety of Tiny Tots performances designed for children 18 months to 4 years old.
On the Rockville campus of Montgomery College, the center hosts concerts, dance and theatrical productions by student, community and touring groups. The 20232024 season included performances by Latin singer-songwriter Gina Chavez, Celtic rock band Tartan Terrors and a moderated discussion with actor Alan Cumming. 51 Mannakee St., Rockville, 240-567-5301, mcblogs.montgomerycollege.edu/reppac
ROUND HOUSE THEATRE
Round House Theatre presents a six-show season of new plays, modern classics and musicals, including many world and regional premieres. The musical Next to Normal was the most popular show of the 2023-2024 season, and even had an extension to its run due to high demand. 4545 East West Highway, Bethesda, 240-644-1100, roundhousetheatre.org
SILVER SPRING BLACK BOX THEATRE
The intimate space is home to the Theatre Consortium of Silver Spring, which includes resident companies. The theater hosts everything from magic, improv and standup comedy shows to plays, concerts,
Silver Spring Stage is a community theater with a mission to present contemporary plays. It produces a season of full-length productions and a one-act festival. The 2023-2024 season included Dance Nation by Clare Barron, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Assassins by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman, as well as a holiday production of The Little Mermaid: A Family Pantomime by The British Players. 10145 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, 301-593-6036, ssstage.org
STRATHMORE
The Music Center presents major international folk, blues, pop, R&B, jazz, world and classical music, and show tunes artists. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the National Philharmonic also perform there. In the 2023-2024 season there were 23 sell-out shows and some of the most popular included Sona Jobarteh, David Sedaris, Mandy Patinkin, Caetano Veloso, Nickel Creek and Rhiannon Giddens. 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda The Mansion, built in 1899, consists of the 100-seat Dorothy M. and Maurice C. Shapiro Music Room, a tearoom, The Shop at Strathmore and art galleries.
10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 301-581-5100, strathmore.org
The arts are essential. The arts are for all of us. All to create. All to enjoy. All to share. All to cherish.
Luna
Negra by Cheryl Mann, Strathmmore
photos by Jim Saah and David Stuck
WShop where to
hether you’re looking for an outfit for a special occasion, a gift with a “wow” factor or that missing piece of decor to make your house a home, you can find it at one of many shopping centers in Montgomery County and Upper Northwest D.C. Along with big-name stores and quirky small businesses, most commercial destinations also have extra draws—from fancy and fast-casual restaurants to paddleboats and escape rooms. Here’s a taste of where you can go for some retail therapy and fun in the area.
BY CARALEE ADAMS
BETHESDA ROW
At the heart of this shopping area is Bethesda Lane, a wide cobblestone pedestrian street with white lights hanging above, connecting Bethesda Avenue and Elm Street. It’s a bustling place with benches for the public and outdoor dining at Hawkers Asian Street Food, Luke’s Lobster and Maman coffee shop and bakery. It is lined with stores for high-end resort wear (Morley), fine jewelry (Pampillonia) and home decor (Simon Pearce). Popular stops along Bethesda Avenue: Lululemon, the Apple Store and a three-story Anthropologie. Garage and street parking for a fee. bethesdarow.com
CLARKSBURG PREMIUM OUTLETS
For the serious shopper looking for discounts on favorite brands,
it’s worth the drive up I-270 to Clarksburg Premium Outlets. Sports fans can choose from Nike, Under Armour, Converse and others, while fashionistas who love a deal will find factory prices at Coach, Marc Jacobs, Armani, Kate Spade and others. Stop by the airy Market Hall for a variety of fast-food options. If kids are along, let them take a break at the free outdoor playground or at ZPlanet Kid’s Fun Center, which boasts a bounce house and arcade games. Plenty of free parking.
Anchored by The Container Store at one end and Buy Buy Baby at the other, Congressional Plaza on Rockville Pike is a strip mall that features retail, dining and an array of services. Barnes & Noble,
PHOTO BY ANNABELLE GORDON
Shops along Bethesda Lane, part of Bethesda Row
The Fresh Market and Lands’ End are among the larger tenants. There are also exercise centers, including CorePower Yoga and Orangetheory Fitness. Free parking.
Shoppers can explore a cluster of stores near the intersection of Wisconsin and Western avenues near the Chevy Chase, Maryland/Washington, D.C., line in Friendship Heights. Bloomingdale’s serves as the retail hub for The Shops at Wisconsin Place, which also features Talbots, J.Jill and Eileen Fisher women’s clothing stores. The neighborhood caters to upscale customers with Tiffany & Co., Brooks Brothers and Saks Fifth Avenue. Popular restaurants in the area include The Capital Grille, Maggiano’s Little Italy, and Clyde’s. Mazza Gallerie, a longtime upscale shopping center at 5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., was razed recently and is being replaced by a seven-story building that will include apartment and retail space. Customers pay for garage and street parking.
PIKE & ROSE
Nordstrom. There’s bowling (plus arcade games) at Lucky Strike; indoor slides and ball pits at Jolly Yolly Kids; and a 16-screen AMC movie theater. For unwinding on a big shopping day, several businesses (Zenscape, Synergy Health and Relax Station) offer massages, acupressure, foot reflexology and other spa services. Plenty of free parking.
Located on about nine square blocks at the corner of Rockville Pike and Old Georgetown Road in North Bethesda, Pike & Rose is one of the newer mixed-use neighborhoods in Montgomery County, packed with retail, restaurants and entertainment. Many eateries have outdoor dining, and there is green space with reclining chairs for just hanging out. REI Co-op and L.L.Bean are big draws for shoppers. For a date night, the IPIC movie theater has plush chairs, blankets and craft cocktails, while Pinstripes beckons with bowling and bocce. Garage parking (first two hours free).
11580 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda, pikeandrose.com
RIO
The lake at Rio in Gaithersburg provides a serene backdrop for this sprawling mixed-use development. Stroll around the water on the boardwalk, or explore on a swan-shaped paddleboat while you feed the ducks. There are several blocks of retail shopping (Kohl’s, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bluemercury) and restaurants such as Silver Diner and True Food Kitchen. Outdoors, kids can work off their energy on the carousel or in the playground. Indoor entertainment includes arcade games at Dave & Buster’s, the Red Door Escape Room and AMC theaters. Complimentary garage parking.
9841 Washington Blvd., Gaithersburg, riolakefront.com
WESTFIELD MONTGOMERY MALL
With about 115 stores, more than 30 restaurants and a spacious food court, Westfield Montgomery is one of the county’s largest indoor malls. Major retailers include Macy’s, Macy’s Home and
The main attraction at the corner of Democracy Boulevard and Old Georgetown Road is Balducci’s, a gourmet market for foodies. It is one of about three dozen businesses in the Wildwood strip mall. There are several eateries along the covered walkway (Chopt, Fish Taco, Piccoli Piatti, Rakugaki and Flower Child), including some with outdoor seating. Shoppers can find unique buys at Red Orchard for gifts; Indigo Octopus, an upscale beach boutique; and Yves Delorme for luxury linens. Free parking.
10241 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, shopsatwildwood.com
Gaithersburg’s Rio includes the beauty retailer Bluemercury.
Markets FARMERS W
hether you’re craving heirloom tomatoes, or you just want to stroll and browse, farm-fresh produce is never far away. Here’s a sampling of the markets in our area. BY STEPHANIE SIEGEL BURKE
BETHESDA CENTRAL FARM MARKET
Open Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (January and February) and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (March through December).
Bethesda Elementary School parking lot, 7600 Arlington Road, Bethesda, centralfarmmarkets.com/bethesda
BROOKMONT FARM MARKET
Open Wednesdays, 4 to 7:30 p.m. (year-round).
Brookmont Village Green, intersection of Broad Street and Maryland Avenue, Bethesda, brookmontmarket.com
CABIN JOHN MARKET
Open Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (May 19 through Sept. 29, 2024).
11325 Seven Locks Road (Cabin John Village), Potomac, milkladymarkets.org/ cabin-john-market.html
CASEY
FARMERS MARKET
Open Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (May 2 through Nov. 21, 2024) and monthly third Thursdays December through April.
Casey Community Center, 810 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, gaithersburgmd.gov/ recreation/farmersmarkets
CHICANO SOL FARM MARKET
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (April through December) and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (January through March).
In front of Penn Place, 4600 Waverly Ave., Garrett Park, garrettparkmd.gov/residents/ penn_place/farmers_market.php
CROSSROADS FARMERS MARKET
Open Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (April 24 to Nov. 27, 2024).
Anne Street at University Boulevard East, Takoma Park, crossroadscommunity foodnetwork.org
DERWOOD FARMERS MARKET
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (April 6 through Oct. 5, 2024).
The Purple Mountain Grown stand at the Takoma Park Farmers Market
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KENSINGTON FARMERS MARKET
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (year-round).
Kensington Historic Train Station, 3701 Howard Ave., Kensington, explorekensington.com/ about-the-farmers-market
MAIN
STREET FARMERS AND ARTISTS MARKET
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (year-round).
Kentlands Main Street Park and Pavilion, 301 Main St., Gaithersburg, gaithersburgmd. gov/recreation.farmers-markets
MONTGOMERY FARM WOMEN’S COOPERATIVE MARKET
Open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (year-round except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Produce and flowers 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., most others 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
7155 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, facebook.com/mfwcm
MONTGOMERY VILLAGE FARMERS’ MARKET
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (June 1 through Oct. 26, 2024).
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church parking lot, 9801 Centerway Road, Montgomery Village, mvfarmersmarket.com
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (April 27 through Dec. 21, 2024, closed Thanksgiving weekend).
Parking lot next to Bark Social, 935 Prose St. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda, pike.centralfarmmarkets.com
ROCKVILLE FARMERS MARKET
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (May 18 to Nov. 23, 2024).
Jury parking lot, corner of Route 28 and Monroe Street, Rockville, rockvillemd.gov/ farmers
SHADY GROVE FARMERS MARKET
Open Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (May 1 to Oct. 30, 2024).
NCI campus rear parking lot, 9605 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, milkladymarkets. org/shady-grove-market.html
TAKOMA PARK FARMERS MARKET
Open Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (year-round).
Behind the shops on Laurel Avenue, entrance next to Truist Bank, 6931 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park, takomaparkmarket.com
WHEATON MARKET
Open Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m. (May 9 to Nov. 21, 2024).
Evans Neighborhood Park, 2001 Evans Parkway, Wheaton, milkladymarkets.org/ wheaton.html
BEST OF BETHESDA 2024 READERS’ PICKS
Things to Do
Nearly 7,300 people voted in our online readers’ poll. Here are the winners and the finalists listed in order of the number of votes received.
PLACE TO LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC
Winner: Strathmore
Finalists:
Caddies on Cordell
Hank Dietle’s
Bethesda Theater
Java Nation
PLACE TO HANG OUT ON A RAINY DAY
Winner: Westfield Montgomery mall
Finalists:
Pinstripes
Caddies on Cordell
Landmark Cinema
PLACE TO TAKE OUT OF TOWN VISITORS
Winner: Great Falls
Finalists:
Glenstone
Rio Lakefront
VISIT KID MUSEUM
Bethesda Row
Pike & Rose
TRIVIA NIGHT
Winner: Caddies on Cordell
Finalists:
Quincy’s
World of Beer
7 Locks Brewing
Hank Dietle’s Glenstone
Pinstripes
BEST OF BETHESDA 2024 READERS’ PICKS
Shopping
Nearly 7,300 people voted in our online readers’ poll. Here are the winners and the finalists listed in order of the number of votes received.
BOUTIQUE
Winner: Belina Boutique
Finalists: The Blue House Morley Sassanova
CONSIGNMENT/RESALE STORE
Winner: Reddz Trading Finalists:
New4You Thrift Boutique
Kid to Kid
FINE JEWELRY STORE
Winner: Boone & Sons Jewelers
Finalists:
Kaufmann Jewelers
Pampillonia Jewelers
LOCALLY OWNED PLACE TO BUY GLASSES
Winner: Wink Eyecare Boutique Finalists:
Voorthuis Opticians
Colonial Opticians
PERSONALIZED GIFTS
Winner: Whyte House Monograms Finalists: The Blue House Occasions
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
We are all living longer –and as we age, it’s harder to stay connected to friends, neighbors and make new friends.
PLACE FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION DRESS
Winner: Saks Fifth Avenue
Finalists: Nordstrom Bloomingdale’s Lilac
SHOPPING CENTER
Winner: Wildwood Shopping Center Finalists: Westfield Montgomery mall Pike & Rose
Bethesda Row
In Montgomery County, we are lucky to have dozens of “villages” of neighbors helping neighbors – as a way to keep and grow our network of friends – for an evening out, a fun activity together, or when you need help with a task or want to offer help as a volunteer.
To learn more and find a village near you, go to the Montgomery County website (montgomerycountymd.gov) and search for villages
We’re the Bethesda Metro Area Village, and we welcome new members and volunteers looking for friendship, fun, and a caring connection to each other. Find out more at bmavillage.org!
Eat & Drink
Dine at great restaurants in Montgomery County, and find a brewery or winery for an outing with super sips
PHOTO BY DEB LINDSEY
Margherita pizza at Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana
10 GREAT RESTAURANTS
Lots of things factor into what makes a restaurant appealing, be it an intriguing cocktail list, a groovy vibe or extra-gracious service. But to be truly great, one thing is nonnegotiable: The food has to be superlative. Here are 10 Montgomery County restaurants where the chow wows. BY
DAVID
The Black Magic Signature Maki Roll at Kenaki Sushi Counter
HAGEDORN | PHOTOS BY DEB LINDSEY
AVENTINO
Named after one of Rome’s seven hills, Aventino was a smash hit from the day its chef and owner, Olney resident Mike Friedman, opened it in Bethesda in January 2024. The bustling bi-level restaurant is a love letter to the cuisine of Italy’s capital, so housemade pastas—among them spaghetti with lemon butter and caviar and a rich rigatoni carbonara—are not to be missed. Suppli al telefono (crispy risotto fritters filled with oozy mozzarella) and a fritto misto of batter-dipped seasonal vegetables and salt cod are standout starters. Fall-offthe-bone spice-rubbed lamb ribs with wildflower honey vinegar and pickled fennel are a dreamy entree. Pastry chef Anne Specker’s desserts, such as the baba al rhum with honeyed apricots and chamomile gelato or the dark chocolate semifreddo with coffee cocoa nib crunch, are sophisticated yet unfussy.
“Beteseb” means “family” in the Amharic language, reflecting the vibe of this Ethiopian mainstay in Silver Spring helmed by chef and co-owner Darmyalesh Alemu. The food is flavor-packed, down to the injera. At Beteseb, that spongy bread, used as an edible utensil to sop up all of the richly seasoned wots (stews), is made only from teff (a gluten-free millet), which gives it a bit more tang than injera made with a combination of wheat and teff flours. Alemu is known for her kitfo—beef tartare made with niter kibbeh (spice-laced clarified butter) and mitmita (a chili-based spice blend)—but the cognoscenti order the special version that comes with collard greens and housemade farmers cheese. Vegan and vegetarian dishes abound; the veggie combo (misir wot, kik alicha, atakilt wot, ye gomen wot, shiro wot) is the perfect way to sample. Crispy beef tibs are a specialty, the meaty morsels deep-fried, then sauteed with peppers, onions and tomatoes.
Business partners and best friends Surfy Rahman and chef K.N. (Kottapurath Narayanan) Vinod opened Bombay Bistro in Rockville in 1992 and are still going strong in both regards. To open the restaurant, they pooled all their resources—$35,000 each—maxed out credit cards and took a risk on a dream that paid off handsomely for them and the dining public. Start with papri chaat (flour crisps with potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt and two chutneys: tamarind and cilantro) and vegetable samosas, and then hit the curries: shrimp and scallop masala, chicken korma, lamb vindaloo and paneer makhani. Supplement with dal tadka (yellow lentils with tomatoes and cumin), bhindi masala (okra), baingan bharta (tandoori eggplant mash) and an assortment of breads, such as onion kulcha and garlic naan.
from the fried calamari or tomato braised pork meatball starters to entrees such as veal francaise, linguini with clam sauce, and lemony trout piccata dotted with crispy capers. Start with an antipasti dirty martini (tomato-infused gin, mozzarella, basil, olives) and finish with—what else?—tiramisu.
11820 Trade St. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda, 301-245-1226, carusosgrocery.com
98 W. Montgomery Ave., Rockville, 301-762-8798, bombaybistro.com
CARUSO’S GROCERY
If ever there were a place to satisfy a craving for chicken parm, Caruso’s Grocery at Pike & Rose is it. For his rendition, chef Matt Adler fries a breaded cutlet large enough to fill an oval dinner plate until it’s crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, places it on a throne
INFERNO PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA
Who could have predicted that some of most acclaimed pizzas in the Washington, D.C., area would turn out to be made at Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana in Darnestown? Answer: anyone who had tasted chef and owner Tony Conte’s cooking during his nine-year stint at The Oval Room (now closed) in the District. Turning to his rustic Italian roots, Conte opened the pizzeria in 2015 famously declaring
The Margherita pizza at Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana
that in order to maintain consistency, he’d only make a certain amount of dough daily, and when it ran out, so be it. The place was an instant hit and remains one—be prepared to stand in line before the doors open at this 40-seat eatery.
The five thin, crisp-bottomed 11-inch pies on the menu bear the hallmark air-bubble blisters of Neapolitan dough when it emerges from Inferno’s wood-fired oven. Some offerings (they change regularly) include roasted potatoes and onions with smoked mozzarella; summer truffles with baked tomato jam, fontina and fresh mozzarella; and a stellar Margherita. You’ll also find five small plates and a handful of simple desserts. It’s not for nothing that while at Inferno, Conte was nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award as Best Chef Mid-Atlantic twice, in 2018 and 2024.
Sister-and-brother team (and Montgomery County residents) Aki and Ken Ballogdajan—she does management, he’s the executive chef—opened Kenaki Sushi Counter in Gaithersburg’s Kentlands Market Square in 2018, followed by Ako by Kenaki in D.C. in 2020 and Kema by Kenaki in Potomac’s Cabin John Village in July 2023.
Sushi Counter’s nigiri and standard maki are firstrate, and Ken’s signature rolls are particularly creative, among them the Black Magic (forbidden rice, spicy tuna and pickled jalapenos ringed with black caviar and topped with sliced avocado and truffle oil); Old Bai (lump crabmeat, avocado and scallions coated with Old Bay-seasoned crispy potato crunch); and White Tiger (seared scallop, salmon, eel, Granny Smith apple and avocado topped with puffed rice and chunky chili oil). Small plate highlights include karaage (Japanese fried chicken with bonito flakes and truffle Kewpie mayo) and tuna tataki pizza.
706 Center Point Way, Gaithersburg, 240-224-7189, kenakisushi.com
KUYA JA’S LECHON BELLY
A large black-and-white mural at Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly states “Kaon na ta,” meaning “let’s eat” in the Cebuan dialect of the Philippine island from which chef and owner Javier Fernandez’s family emigrated. It’s an order we’re happy to comply with at this 14-seat counter-service restaurant, especially by indulging in that island’s specialty, lechon belly: crackly skinned, slow-roasted pork belly stuffed with pork tenderloin, lemongrass and garlic. (Kuya means “brother,” and Ja is short for Fernandez’s nickname, Jaja.) A lechon belly combo with garlic rice, a fried egg and an add-on of sweet longanisa sausage is a perfect meal. Crispy pork and shrimp lumpia (spring rolls) and sisig (a hash of pork belly, headcheese, onions, peppers and chilies) are also must-haves. Top off the meal with something sweet, such as an ube milkshake, leche flan or ube custard cake.
Chicken parmigiana served with spaghetti marinara at Caruso’s Grocery
LAO SZE CHUAN
The North Bethesda outpost of the Chicago-based chain, Lao Sze Chuan offers boldly flavored Sichuan fare in elegant surroundings outfitted with spiraling swaths of transparent gold fabric suspended from its two-story ceiling. The main attraction is Peking duck, which takes three days to prepare, starting with an air compressor used to separate the bird’s skin from its flesh. The ducks (sourced from a Pennsylvania farm) are air-dried overnight, then roasted while suspended from hooks in a special oven so the rendering fat drips off. Neat squares of the delectably crispy skin are served atop brown sugar crystals as a starting snack, then the duck arrives neatly sliced and arranged like roof shingles on a special platter. Accoutrements include julienne scallions, cucumber batons, pickled daikon radish, sweet bean sauce and ultrathin pancakes ready to be filled.
20 Paseo Drive, North Bethesda, 301-968-2096, laoszechuandmv.com
MELINA
Childhood friends Ike Grigoropoulos, Dimitri Moshovitis, and Ted Xenohristos are Montgomery County natives and business partners who built their Cava fast-casual restaurant empire based on their Greek heritage. Opening Melina in November 2021, they turned their eyes toward Greek fine dining, naming the elegant restaurant after Moshovitis’ then-12year-old daughter. Aris Tsekouras is the talented chef responsible for Melina’s clever neo-Hellenic menu, including starters such as grilled octopus with yellow fava bean puree and caramelized shallots, and a crudo of fluke, smoked hazelnuts and tarama (fish roe) cream. His signature dish is a stunner: braised lamb neck baked in parchment paper with red peppers, cherry tomatoes and cubes of kefalograviera (a hard sheep’s milk cheese) and served with mint ginger tzatziki and crispy potatoes.
905 Rose Ave. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda, 301-818-9090, melinagreek.com
THE SALT LINE
Sometimes a restaurant’s success is a matter of opening the right thing in the right place at the right time. Case in point: The Salt Line, which Long Shot Hospitality opened on Bethesda Row in July 2023. The New England-inspired eatery delivers warm service, great cocktails (hello, blue cheese martinis), solid seafood dishes and perhaps our favorite thing of all: plenty of soundproofing. Start with sumptuous clam chowder, baked stuffed clams or pimento cheese and crab dip, then move on to Ritz crackercrusted baked cod, bucatini with clams and bacon, and Nashville-style batter-fried soft-shell crab with spicy honey sauce. Another smart strategy is to go the raw bar route with a seafood tower, snow crab claws with miso yuzu mayo, oysters on the half shell and rockfish ceviche.
Aaron Wang with customers at Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly
Kenaki Sushi Counter’s Old Bai Signature Maki Roll
7
O TIPPLINGPoints
ur guide to breweries, wineries and cideries in Montgomery County, plus a distillery and a meadery BY
NEVIN MARTELL
BREWERIES
7 LOCKS BREWING
Since 2015, this 7,200-square-foot taproom and brewery in Rockville has been crafting beloved beers that have become staples in the region’s restaurants and grocery stores. Enjoy a flight of five 5-ounce pours ($15) or three 5-ounce pours ($10), which might include award winners such as Devil’s Alley IPA and Redland Lager. Feel free to bring something to eat or have food delivered, though food trucks are often on-site Thursday through Saturday from 4-8 p.m. Most Saturday evenings feature live music, and there’s almost always a game on one of the wide-screen TVs in the taproom. Kids and leashed pets are welcome anytime.
Opened in 2022 by founders Terry Redmond and Sam Mussomeli, the Kensington brewery’s taproom offers an industrial sensibility punctuated by poppy beer label artwork. There’s room inside for 100 guests, with space for another 150 on the patio and deck. Sip on a flight of four 4-ounce pours for $12. The onsite food trailer Cattie Shack is open Thursday through Sunday, serving wings, fries, tacos, hot dogs and more. Additionally, a rotating cast of food trucks is on-site, and guests can order delivery from The Dish & Dram nearby. Feel free to bring pets and kiddos. In August 2024, BabyCat announced that it would open a second locaiion in downtown Bethesda. 10241 Kensington Parkway, Kensington, 301-302-8892, babycatbrewery.com
THE BROOKEVILLE BEER FARM
There’s a holistic mindset to this working farm in Brookeville. The land is planted with everything from hops and shiitake mushrooms to raspberries and blackberries, which are often used as ingredients for its beers. In turn, the spent grain from the brewing process is put to work as compost to enrich the soil. Welcoming to children and leashed pets, the brewery has a large taproom and a sprawling outdoor area dotted with picnic tables. Taste any four beers for $16. If you’re feeling noshy, you can purchase pizzas, appetizers and salads (no outside food is permitted, except cakes for celebrations).
20315 A Georgia Ave., Brookeville, 301-260-1000, brookevillebeerfarm.com
Locks Brewing in Rockville
ELDER PINE BREWING & BLENDING CO.
Popular beers at this Gaithersburg farm brewery include its ever-changing IPAs and Kankitsu, a Japanese-inspired rice lager. Try a tasting flight of three or four 4-ounce samples (prices vary). Children are discouraged, but pets are encouraged. A food truck is always open at the same time as the 45-seat tasting room (there’s more seating outside), serving sandwiches—including a beer-braised beef cheesesteak and another starring pork that’s cooked in cider from Two Story Chimney Ciderworks—sides and salads. Every Saturday in the spring through the fall, the brewery hosts live music outside at its Forest Floor Stage. 4200 Sundown Road, Gaithersburg, 301-377-9906, elderpine.com
LONE OAK FARM BREWING CO.
Nearly 29 acres of picture-perfect farmland are planted with barley, hops, berries and hay, but are also home to fields, gurgling streams and a pond. Sit in the taproom, on the patio, or at a picnic table on a first come, first served basis. Or reserve specialty seating in increments of one hour 45 minutes: VIP table ($26.50), small tent ($132.50) or large tent ($159). A 20% gratuity is added to all of these reservation purchases. Feel free to bring dogs and children; there’s a sizable playground for littles to enjoy. Tasting flights offer the chance to sample a range of the brewery’s offerings ($15.50 for five 5-ounce pours), such as its Sandbar Tropical Hazy IPA. Bonus: Their cocktail bar offers craft drinks, featuring vodka and whiskeys from their sister operation, Fallen Oak Distilling. 5000 Olney Laytonsville Road, Olney, 240-261-4967, loneoakbrewingco.com
SAINTS ROW BREWING
Tony and Lacy Prebula popped the cap in 2017 on this laid-back brewery, which also roasts and packages coffee as a side hustle. Savor a flight of four 5-ounce pours ($13). Stop in around Christmas for the annual release of Dark Necessities, a crowd-pleasing imperial milk stout laced with espresso, cinnamon and a fiery hit of cayenne. You’re welcome to bring your own nibbles, though there is often a food truck on-site. Well-behaved children and leashed pets are welcome in the 50-seat taproom and the outdoor beer garden, which has room for another 45. 15 Fulks Corner Ave., Suite 101-102, Gaithersburg, 240-756-6454, saintsrowbeer.com
SILLY YAK BEER
Opened in 2022 by Ryan Hill and Tommy Evans, the operation is the sudsy sibling of Two Story Chimney Ciderworks. One of the state’s only gluten-free breweries, it uses corn, rice, buckwheat, millet, sorghum and quinoa to create its beers, which can be sampled in a tasting flight of four 4-ounce pours ($12). Make sure to try the Amber Ale, the most popular brew. Hang out in the 50-seat tasting room or outside, where you can reserve a firepit ($40 for two hours). Check the online calendar to find out which food trucks will be on-site. Saturday is a great time to visit, thanks to live music in the tasting room.
Standing tall and proud, this farm’s picture-worthy stone silo, built in 1931, inspired the moniker of this agrarian brewery by Don and Susan Katzenberger. In keeping with the rustic aesthetic of this 70-acre property, the taproom is located in the onetime milk house. Beers include a tangerine-accented hazy IPA, a strawberries-and-cream-laced sour, and a gose infused with key lime and cinnamon. Leashed dogs allowed, but only outside. Kids can come, too, but they must always be attended. Bring your own food or avail yourself of one of the food trucks on-site Thursday through Sunday.
Founded by Christian Layke and Brett Robison in 2019, this brewery with a taproom and biergarten for 275 guests is next to the Silver Spring Metro station. Take a tour around the globe with its Four Worlds Flight, featuring its IPA, saison, doppelbock, dry Irish stout, hefeweizen and pilsner ($20). Complement your suds with sandwiches, salads, tacos and appetizers. The brewery regularly hosts events, including trivia nights, and in the fall it goes all out for Oktoberfest, with live music, games, a German-style menu and an abundance of gemütlichkeit (a feeling of coziness and good cheer).
Montgomery County’s first farm brewery is surrounded by paddocks full of horses, offering great photo ops during your visit (no petting allowed). Survey the agrarian operation’s sudsy offerings with a flight of five 5-ounce tasters ($16), which might include popular brews such as their premium extra pale lager, Shiloh Belgian Blonde and Winslow NE Pale Ale. Complement drinks with bites such as warm pretzels, charcuterie, cheese, popcorn and Detroit-style pizza (only available Thursday and Friday). There’s space for up to 70 guests in the taproom, as well as a couple hundred more outside. Children and pets are welcome.
Made with fermented honey, water and yeast, mead is often referred to as honey wine. The vision of meadmaker Yancy Bodestein and business operations guru Manisha Eigner, this boutique meadery gives longtime lovers and first-timers alike a taste of the hive with flights of 2-ounce pours ($14.50 for four, $18 for five), which might include the award-winning Friending Fenrir, a dry mead that tastes like a dry prosecco blossoming with floral notes. You can pair drinks with packaged foods—such as chips, cheese and charcuterie—though the meadery sometimes hosts food trucks on weekends. Wednesdays are board game nights, while trivia happens every Thursday evening in the tasting room with space for 60 guests. Feel free to bring tykes and leashed pets.
Since opening in 2018, the first cidery in the county has been racking up awards for its apple-powered creations, including those that are hopped and oak-aged. Try a quartet of them in their natural state ($17) or as refreshing slushies ($23). The outdooronly cidery offers plenty of shaded seating in the warm-weather months, while igloos and firepits are available to rent once it gets chilly (prices vary). Stop in for trivia on Friday nights, live music on Saturday and Sunday, and food trucks from Friday through Sunday (you also can bring your own food and nonalcoholic beverages). In September and October, pick a variety of apples in the orchard, including Crimson Crisps, Hudson Golden Gems and Pink Ladies.
For five years, this charming cidery has been cranking out small-batch hard ciders, many featuring apples from its orchards. Its bestselling Sweet Tart, crafted with crab apples, is a core offering that can be tried in
a tasting flight ($12 for four 4-ounce pours) in Two Story Chimney’s 50-seat tasting room or at a bevy of outdoor seats. A sister operation to Silly Yak Beer, the pet- and kid-friendly spot hosts rotating food trucks Friday through Sunday. For entertainment, pretend you’re a Viking warrior by hurling axes at the range with Sister Axe Throwing.
Pop into the distillery’s 2,500-square-foot showroom whenever it’s open to sample and purchase its spirits, such as single-cask bourbon, apple-cinnamon-infused whiskey, hibiscus-sorrel rum, and coffee liqueur. But if you stop by when the bar is open (Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.), you also can access a full cocktail list—including a smoked old fashioned, grapefruit-forward Paloma and bourbon-powered lemonade— a trio of housemade beers, and a food menu featuring pizza, panini and beef patties. Near the end of the year, the distillery releases seasonal spirits, including festive flavors such as eggnog and chocolate.
1029 E. Gude Drive, Rockville, 240-421-1115, twinvalleyd.com
WINERIES
61 VINEYARD
To sample a range of the efforts from vineyard owners Mark and Pam Giganti, order a five-wine tasting flight ($20) that features a pair of reds, two whites and a rosé. Enjoy it in the well-appointed tasting room with 25 seats; there are another 50 seats out on the enclosed patio and 100 more scattered across the scenic 47-acre farm striped with 19 acres of vines and an Instagram-worthy view of Sugarloaf Mountain (all seating is first come, first served). You can bring a picnic, though the vineyard sells upscale snacks (charcuterie boards, hummus and olives), regularly hosts food trucks, and several local restaurants will deliver there. Children and leashed pets are welcome outside, but not in the tasting room.
You can taste any four wines for $10 at this sip spot with a suburban sensibility. Its lineup of more than 30 options includes classic varietals such as cabernet sauvignon and pinot grigio, and wines infused with the flavors of peach, pina colada and watermelon lemonade. For a deeper dive, sign up for the make-yourown-wine experience—you’ll create a one-ofa-kind label with their graphic designer and head home with 27 to 29 bottles of a personalized varietal ($450-$750). Food options include charcuterie, salads, sandwiches and brick oven pizzas, including a porky proposition featuring prosciutto, bacon and sausage, and one topped with seven types of mushrooms.
52 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Ashton, 301-570-1907, olneywinery.com
ROCKLANDS FARM WINERY
You know you’ve reached this rural vineyard when you pull up to the big red barn. Seating is first come, first served inside and also out on the sprawling lawn. Wet your whistle by enjoying a guided five-wine flight ($22 per person). No matter what, make sure to savor Anna’s Rosé, a dry low-alcohol easy drinker that is the winery’s bestseller. Kids
are welcome; dogs are not. Bring your own nibbles to nosh on, patronize one of the rotating local food vendors, or pick up small bites in the market, such as cheese, charcuterie, dips, chips, sips and sweets. On Saturdays at 1 p.m., the vineyard offers a complimentary 45-minute tour of the 12-acre vineyard and its operations (adults only).
this bucolic estate features 22 acres of vines spread out around a cozy tasting room, sizable patio and extensive grassy seating areas. Get a free tour of the operation by emailing in advance (info@smvwinery.com). Indulge in the full range of offerings at the bar or try a four-wine flight at a table (prices vary). The vineyard is dog-friendly and kidready, so feel free to bring a Frisbee, baseball or yard games to keep them amused. There’s also live music on Friday through Sunday so the good vibes stay strong. On the food front, there is a small selection of cheese and charcuterie available for purchase, and
Located in downtown Silver Spring, this vino hangout offers a variety of tasting flights ($15$20) so you can dive deep into its cellar’s offerings. Want to learn how wine is made and craft a small batch of your own? Sign up for the two-session Wine Making Experience ($500$750), which yields bespoke bottles varying from sweet whites to robust dark reds. Bebop over on Thursday nights to hear live jazz; there’s a variety of live music on Saturdays. For food, you can build your own board with a variety of cheeses and charcuterie, savor mezze— such as tinned seafood, Old Bay-dusted chicken wings and Greek meatballs—or enjoy desserts, including baklava and chocolate cake.
2315 Stewart Ave., Silver Spring, 301-585-4100, theurbanwinery.com
WINDRIDGE VINEYARDS
The tasting room and outdoor seating at this picturesque property on the Piedmont Plateau look out over 10 acres of vines neatly laid out on the slopes below (another 20 acres’ worth are under cultivation at other sites). Settle in to sip on the latest vintage of Windridge’s refreshing sparkling rosé or its summery albariño. Complimentary reservations are highly recommended. Book a 20-minute guided tasting with an expert, which includes samples of five signature wines ($25 per person). You can bring your own food, though the vineyard also sells charcuterie, local cheeses, crackers, snacks and sweets. 15700 Darnestown Road, Darnestown, 301-750-9463, windridge.wine
The Urban Winery of Silver Spring
BEST OF BETHESDA 2024 READERS’ PICKS Food & Drink
Nearly 7,300 people voted in our online readers’ poll. Here are the winners and the finalists listed in order of the number of votes received.
BRUNCH
Winner: Mon Ami Gabi (temporarily closed)
Finalists: Silver
Founding Farmers
Tatte Bakery & Café
INDIAN RESTAURANT
Winner: Kadhai
Finalists:
Passage to India
Commonwealth Indian
Tikka Masala
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Winner: Olazzo
Finalists:
Pines of Rome
Il Pizzico
Gregorio’s Trattoria
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Winner: Uncle Julio’s
Finalists:
Guapo’s Restaurant
Gringos & Mariachis
Casa Oaxaca
MIDDLE EASTERN/ MEDITERRANEAN
Winner: Bacchus of Lebanon
Finalists:
Moby Dick House of Kabob
Cava
Melina
Lebanese Taverna Cafe
OUTDOOR DINING
Winner: Caddies on Cordell
Finalists:
Mon Ami Gabi (temporarily closed)
Old Angler’s Inn
Millie’s
PIZZA
Winner: Ledo Pizza
Finalists: Frankly...Pizza!
Pizzeria Da Marco
Potomac Pizza
SANDWICH SHOP
Winner: Jetties
Finalists: Caddies on Cordell
Best Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean: Bacchus of Lebanon
Potbelly
Bradley Food & Beverage
SPECIAL OCCASION RESTAURANT
Winner: Woodmont Grill
Finalists:
La Ferme
Mon Ami Gabi (temporarily closed)
The Salt Line
SUSHI
Winner: Raku
Finalists:
Kusshi Sushi
Sushiko
Maki Maki Sushi
TACOS
Winner: Fish Taco
Finalists:
Taco Bamba
Gringos & Mariachis
TAKEOUT FOR A NIGHT IN
Winner: Moby Dick House of Kabob
Finalists:
The Big Greek Cafe
Chiko
Silver and Sons BBQ
THAI RESTAURANT
Winner: Sisters Thai
Finalists:
Sala Thai
Kiin Imm Thai
VEGETARIAN DISHES
Winner: Planta
Finalists:
True Food Kitchen
Flower Child
Yuan Fu Vegetarian
WORKDAY LUNCH SPOT
Winner: Cava
Finalists:
Sweetgreen
Tatte Bakery & Café
Caddies on Cordell
LOCALLY OWNED COFFEE SHOP
Winner: Java Nation
Finalists:
Quartermaine Coffee Roasters
Grace Street Coffee
Black Lion Café
Filicori Zecchini
BREWERY
Winner: Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co.
Finalists:
BabyCat Brewery
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
7 Locks Brewing
BAR SCENE
Winner: Caddies on Cordell
Finalists:
Tommy Joe’s
Hip Flask
The Salt Line
Quincy’s
COCKTAILS & MOCKTAILS
Winner: Hip Flask
Finalists: Planta
Julii
Caddies on Cordell
Joy By Seven Reasons
FARMERS MARKET
Winner: Bethesda Central Farm Market
Finalists:
Kensington Farmers Market
Pike Central Farm Market
Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market
RESTAURANT IN BETHESDA
Winner: Woodmont Grill
Finalists:
Mon Ami Gabi (temporarily closed)
Barrel & Crow
Raku
The Salt Line
RESTAURANT IN CHEVY CHASE
Winner: La Ferme
Finalists: Lia’s
Clyde’s
Opal
Joy by Seven Reasons
RESTAURANT IN CLARKSBURG/ DAMASCUS/DICKERSON
Winner: Hornet’s Nest Grille
Finalist:
The Comus Inn
RESTAURANT IN GAITHERSBURG/ NORTH POTOMAC
Winner: Isaac’s Poultry Market
Finalists:
Coastal Flats Il Porto
Vasili’s Kitchen
RESTAURANT IN KENSINGTON/GARRETT PARK
Winner: Black Market Bistro
Finalists:
The Dish & Dram Frankly...Pizza!
RESTAURANT IN NORTH BETHESDA/ ROCKVILLE
Winner: Julii
Best Cocktails & Mocktails: Hip Flask
Finalists:
Melina
Summer House Santa Monica
Seasons 52
RESTAURANT IN OLNEY/SANDY SPRING
Winner: Mamma Lucia
Finalists: GrillMarX
Salt & Vine
Cava Mezze
RESTAURANT IN POTOMAC
Winner: Hunter’s Bar & Grill
Finalists:
Renato’s at River Falls
Founding Farmers
Gregorio’s Trattoria
RESTAURANT IN SILVER SPRING
Winner: Zinnia
Finalists:
All Set Restaurant & Bar
Miss Toya’s Creole House
Mi Rancho J. Hollinger’s Waterman’s Chophouse
RESTAURANT IN UPPER NORTHWEST D.C.
Winner: Opal
Finalists:
Millie’s Matisse
Best Restaurant in Silver Spring: Zinnia
Kids & Schools
Places for kids to play, plus details on public and private education options in the area
Cabin John Regional Park Adventure Playground
Hadley’s Playground was designed to be accessible to people of all abilities. Inset: Cabin John Regional Park Adventure Playground includes vehicle-themed equipment.
5 fun
playgrounds
Where to splash in a fountain, ride on a paved trike track and feed a talking pig
trash can
BY STEPHANIE SIEGEL BURKE
Playgrounds aren’t just for burning energy, although they’re fantastic for that. They’re places where kids can use their imaginations, practice their social skills, and, let’s be honest, give their caregivers a bit of a breather. So, grab the snacks and sunscreen and embark on a playground expedition. Here are a few top choices.
CABIN JOHN REGIONAL PARK ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
This shady playground has been a favorite of Montgomery County families for generations. Parents and even grandparents may remember features such as the miniature train, which began operating in 1970 and chugs passengers through the surrounding woods on a 2-mile track, and Porky the talking trash receptacle pig, a remnant from the early days of the park in the 1960s. The expansive play area features equipment for young children and older kids, including swings, tall and short slides, and various climbing structures. Car, train and tractor play equipment are perennial draws for young vehicle enthusiasts. There are also picnic tables and restrooms on-site.
This peaceful playground only covers half an acre, but it’s full of elements that reflect Gaithersburg’s history and the region’s natural features. You won’t find colorful jungle gyms here. Instead, kids can dig in sand, splash in a fountain, sway on bench swings, and play pretend in log houses. There are two pairs of slides, one for little kids and another for those ready to brave steeper slopes. A circle of wooden benches, a giant wooden storyteller’s chair and a “little free library” commemorate the Gaithersburg Library, which stood on the site until a fire in 1981. A concrete “stream bed” winds through the shady back end of the park; crank a hand-operated water pump and open a dam to watch water flow through it. There are no public restrooms. 112 Brookes Ave., Gaithersburg, gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/ parks-fields/constitution-gardens-park
DEWEY LOCAL PARK
Young thrill seekers and aspiring ninja warriors can scramble through an obstacle course, cross a rope bridge and ascend a turf-covered hill at this playground with many uncommon features. There are also swings, slides and spinners. A paved trike track with traffic signs and painted lane lines surrounds the play area, which is split into sections for older and younger children. A covered pavilion with picnic tables offers shade. Beyond the playground, the park also includes outdoor fitness equipment, an inline skating rink and a dog park. Portable toilets are available April 1 through Nov. 30.
This playground in Falls Road Local Park is designed with thoughtful features that allow children of all abilities to play together. The three main play structures—a castle, a pirate ship and a frontier village—are built with accessible ramps. There are various slides, monkey bars, climbing equipment, a tire swing and
Porky, the talking trash receptacle pig, at Cabin John
standard swings. The play area is covered in a smooth rubbery surface so wheelchairs and walkers, as well as bikes and scooters, can glide easily. The park also includes accessible picnic tables under a large covered pavilion, as well as accessible baseball and soccer fields, pickleball courts and outdoor exercise equipment. Three portable restrooms, accessible to people with disabilities, are available year-round.
There are plenty of opportunities for imaginative play at this park in Rockville’s King Farm neighborhood. A large plastic Loch Ness Monster-type creature “swims” in a mulch “lake” along with other whimsical animal figures at the center of the playground, which also includes swings, slides and equipment with ladders, stairs, bridges and tunnels. Paved pathways offer routes for kids on bikes
or scooters to spin their wheels. There are lots of benches, several picnic tables and even an outdoor ping-pong table (BYO balls and paddles). The park also includes tennis and basketball courts, a soccer/football field, a dog park and Mattie’s Peace Garden, which features a bronze statue of the child for whom the park is named with his service dog, and several stone tables for chess and checkers. Restroom facilities are only open to the public during athletic events. 1800 Piccard Drive, Rockville, rockvillemd.gov/facilities/facility/ details/mattie-jt-stepanek-park-37
MOCO Schools 101
How to navigate Maryland’s largest school system
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) continues to be one of the key reasons families choose to call this county home. The school district boasted a 89.6% graduation rate in 2023, according to the state education department—almost four percentage points higher than the Maryland average. The budget funds a plethora of initiatives and services that support the three major components of the MCPS strategic plan: academic excellence, well-being
and family engagement, and professional and operational excellence.
SUPERINTENDENT THOMAS TAYLOR
Leading MCPS is Superintendent of Schools Thomas Taylor, who took over the role in July 2024, overseeing the state’s largest school district. He previously served as superintendent of Stafford County Public Schools in Virginia. He has more than 25 years of experience in education, including six as super-
intendent. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Wesleyan University, a master’s in educational leadership and a doctorate in PK-12 education policy from the University of Virginia, and a Master of Business Administration degree from William & Mary. Thomas’ office can be reached via email at thomas_w_taylor@ mcpsmd.org or by phone at 240-740-3020.
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Holding Thomas and the school district accountable to serving the student population fairly and effectively is the county’s
Thomas Taylor
Board of Education. Its eight elected officials represent five districts, two at-large seats and, with a student member, the student population. The seven adult members are seated for four-year terms, with elections held every two years. Elections for the student member are held every year.
The board regularly reviews school policies, procedures and priorities to ensure that they align with the school district’s vision and values.
The board meets twice monthly; in the interim, board members are regularly meeting with officials and community members, attending public events and conferences, learning from constituents and
seeking out various perspectives on issues. Any community member can sign up
to present testimony to the school board to voice their thoughts or concerns on a school-related topic. Board meetings—always available via livestream on the MCPS YouTube channel—are a great chance for families to check the pulse of the school district and hear more about new initiatives and opportunities across the county.
The school board can be reached via email at boe@ mcpsmd.org or by phone at 240-740-3030.
For insider scoops, deep dives and updates on all things MCPS, readers can sign up to receive MoCo360’s free weekly School Notes newsletter by visiting MoCo360.media/newsletters.
STUDENTS IN MCPS MCPS
1 61,000 26 40136
OURHigh Schools
Here’s what you need to know about local public schools
* % of graduates scoring 3 or higher on AP test or scoring 4 or higher on IB test ’21–’22 school year ** Attainment of college and career readiness benchmarks set by the College Board for SAT
and writing (480
TOP PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Here’s what you need to know about some of MoCo’s private high schools and how they rank in Maryland according to Niche.com, a website that uses data and reviews to grade schools on factors such as academics, diversity and sports. The data is from the “2024 Best Private High Schools in Maryland” list.
BEST OF BETHESDA 2024 READERS’ PICKS
Nearly 7,300 people voted in our online readers’ poll. Here are the winners and the finalists listed in order of the number of votes received.
INDOOR PLAY SPACE
Winner: The Little Towns Children’s Museum
Finalists:
Jolly Yolly Kids
My Gym Sky Zone ZavaZone
KIDS ART OR MUSIC CLASSES
Winner: Red Panda Art Studio
Finalists: Glen Echo Park
VisArts
Bach 2 Rock
Kids & Schools
Imagination Stage
PLACE FOR KIDS
BIRTHDAY PARTIES
Winner: Henry’s Sweet Retreat
Finalists:
My Gym ZavaZone
The Little Towns Children’s Museum
PRESCHOOL/DAY CARE
Winner: Geneva Day School
Finalists:
Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church Nursery School
The Woods Academy
Christ Episcopal School
Georgetown Hill Early School
PRIVATE SCHOOL—LOWER
Winner: The Woods Academy Finalists:
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart McLean School Bullis
PRIVATE SCHOOL—UPPER
Winner: Bullis Finalists:
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart McLean School
Georgetown Preparatory School
PRIVATE SCHOOL—RELIGIOUS
Winner: Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart Finalists:
Major communities that make up Montgomery County, from bucolic Potomac to the more urban environs of Bethesda
PHOTO BY SKIP BROWN
North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose development
SWHAT Locals SAY Bethesda
omeone once referred to Bethesda as “big city, small town.” It’s an apt description. Bethesda, which is actually unincorporated, has many attributes of a big city—a bustling downtown, an educated and sophisticated populace and a striking number and variety of restaurants. (The flip side is that it also has bad traffic, limited parking and expensive housing.) In the past few years, Marriott International and Fox 5 DC both debuted stunning new headquarters in high-rise buildings in the heart of downtown. Many new shops and eateries have opened, adding to the area’s vitality. And high-end housing, upscale condos and apartment buildings try to fill the demand for convenient living and easy access to shops, dining and mass transportation. Construction of the Purple Line, a 16-mile light rail service, is underway. Once complete, it will extend from downtown Bethesda to Silver Spring, College Park and New Carrollton, connecting to Metro, rail and local bus lines. But in many ways, Bethesda still feels like a small town: People recognize each other on the street, and there are dozens of leafy neighborhoods and a strong sense of community.
Median household income: $185,546
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $1,088,000
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 29.2 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
“In the year 2000, I moved to Bethesda—I find this place absolutely fabulous, because to me, I view it as a campus. I go around the corner, one block from me is a theater. Within two blocks, I have Bethesda Metro. I’ve got banks, I’ve got movie theaters, and my very favorite is the Capital Crescent Trail, which used to be a line of the railroad, now converted to a walking path—it’s wonderful. I think Bethesda is a fabulous place—it’s very well balanced and is a safe and welcoming place.”
—Darryl Fagin, retired, former legislative director at Americans for Democratic Action
Richest City in America
Best Place to Live in Maryland Niche 2024 #20 #6
Bethesda Row shops and restaurants
Cabin John
Cross the single-lane stone bridge to Cabin John, which is bordered by the C&O Canal National Historical Park and the Beltway, and you feel like you’ve traveled through time as well as space. Its housing stock of around 700 homes includes everything from 1900s Sears catalog houses to modern mansions. It’s not uncommon to see kids riding their bikes to the nearby C&O Canal or residents launching canoes and kayaks on the Potomac River. There’s a community pool and the Clara Barton Neighborhood Recreation Center offers exercise classes, sports and activities for all ages. There is also a civic association that organizes special events, community outreach and volunteer opportunities.
WHAT Locals SAY
POPULATION
2,196
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 99.9%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 94.7%
INCOME
Median household income: $208,598
HOUSING
Median value of owneroccupied housing units: $1,117,300
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 30.6 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Maryland Niche 2024 #24
#3
Places with Best Public Schools in Maryland Niche 2024
“We’ve lived in Cabin John almost three years. We moved from D.C. for more room and great public schools for our 8-year-old twin boys. Neighbors are friendly and helpful. We like that we’re close to D.C. and Virginia and that we’re close to nature but not far from city life. We can walk to the canal, go on hikes, take long walks and also walk to a few restaurants.”
—Rebecka Mevorah, clinical social worker (pictured with sons Leo, left, and Jojo)
COURTESY PHOTO
Kayakers at the C&O Canal
Glen Echo
Started in 1889, Glen Echo is a chartered town with its own mayor and ZIP code that’s located along the west side of MacArthur Boulevard. Glen Echo is bordered by the C&O Canal, Glen Echo Park and the Clara Barton House, named for the founder of the American Red Cross who called Glen Echo home from 1897 until her death in 1912. Streets are named after universities in the United States, such as Princeton and Harvard avenues, and many of the homes date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Glen Echo Park provides many opportunities for fun, including a puppet theater and Adventure Theatre MTC, which produces children’s plays. There’s a renovated 1921 Dentzel Carousel, and also the Spanish Ballroom, which offers dance classes and holds dances year-round. The park is also home to an aquarium and several art studios, many of which offer classes.
EDUCATION
Median household income: $194,375
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $962,800
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 31.2 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
“For me, it’s an oasis. When you look at the busy life that a lot of people have to deal with around Montgomery County now, Glen Echo is one of these places that you can really get away to—it’s certainly quiet. You always feel like there’s no pressure or anything. It’s really a great, great place that way— so hidden away in Montgomery County.”
—Walter Bartman, owner since 1994 of the Yellow Barn Studio & Gallery in Glen Echo Park
COURTESY PHOTO
Glen Echo Park’s Dentzel Carousel
POPULATION
10,176
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 98% Bachelor’s degree or higher: 87.4%
INCOME
Median household income: $217,500
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $1,159,700
COMMUTE
Chevy Chase
Mean travel time to work: 29.3 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Despite its heavy concentration of high-profile inhabitants—politicians, journalists, authors, lawyers and Supreme Court justices call the place home—Chevy Chase somehow manages to seem bucolic and old-fashioned, a place that time forgot. Chevy Chase isn’t a single entity, but rather a collection of neighborhoods, small towns and villages, including the Town of Chevy Chase, Chevy Chase Village, Chevy Chase Section 3, Chevy Chase Section 5, Martin’s Additions and North Chevy Chase. Together they make up an affluent enclave of pricey homes, manicured lawns and hushed streets, as well as top-notch public schools—although many families choose private schools. Residents praise Chevy Chase for its family-friendliness and charm—as well as its proximity to the nation’s capital—and enjoy the convenience of having three Metro stops close by. The new mixed-use community of Chevy Chase Lake is bringing fresh residential and retail development to the area, while opulent older stores such as Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s continue to make the region a destination for high-end shopping.
“What I love about living here is the smaller-town feel—friendly neighbors, pretty tree-lined streets, quiet surroundings, feeling of safety and security, highly rated and nearby schools, dog-friendly, the convenience of being a short walk to a small city—downtown Bethesda—with most everything we could possibly want: restaurants, retail, parks, trails, Trader Joe’s, Target and a short drive or Metro ride to D.C.”
—Suzanne Parmet, Realtor at Compass
Gaithersburg/North Potomac
From the historic central business district known as “Olde Towne” to the newer planned neighborhoods that emphasize pedestrian-friendliness and community closeness, to the retail and restaurants at the Rio shopping center, Gaithersburg has a lot to offer. It’s a diverse community that provides an affordable alternative to Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac. Neighborhoods such as Downtown Crown and Kentlands are designed to offer a variety of housing and recreation within walking distance of bustling shops, restaurants and businesses. Gaithersburg is home to the National Institute of Standards and Technology and nearly two dozen biotech companies. Nearby, the Universities at Shady Grove in North Potomac is a draw for students and professionals. Over the past 50 years, North Potomac has transformed from farmland to a quiet suburban community.
Rio in Gaithersburg features shopping, dining, paddleboats, a carousel and more.
GAITHERSBURG
POPULATION
68,952
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 88.9% Bachelor’s degree or higher: 53.4%
INCOME
Median household income: $104,544
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $472,800 COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 30.5 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
#1
Most Diverse City in America
WalletHub 2024
NORTH POTOMAC
POPULATION
23,790
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 96% Bachelor’s degree or higher: 75.8%
INCOME
Median household income: $182,083
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $770,000
“[In North Potomac], our Quince Orchard Knolls neighborhood of wellkept family homes has delightful and friendly neighbors, and a park with tennis courts, a baseball field, basketball and playground equipment. Everyone walks dogs and kids on the streets, and it is so safe. There are community picnics, food trucks and neighborhood yard sales. When it snows, everyone pitches in to help those that can’t shovel. My children went to fabulous elementary, middle and high schools—among the county’s best.”
—Ray Bialek, owner of Bialek’s Music, a full-service talent agency in Rockville, and a retired musician
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 34.2 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
#2
Best Places to Live in Maryland
Niche 2024
#19
Best Suburbs to Live in America
Niche 2024
Kensington
WWHAT Locals SAY
POPULATION
2,241
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 97.8%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 80%
INCOME
Median household income: $143,021
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $882,900
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 32.6 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
ith historic Victorian homes, tree-lined streets and shady parks, Kensington doesn’t feel all that removed from its late-19th-century roots, when it was created as a haven from the summer heat in Washington, D.C. The Town of Kensington, which dates back to 1894, is home to antiques shops, art studios, galleries, restaurants, a farmers market and a unique children’s library. Greater Kensington stretches out toward Wheaton, Chevy Chase and Bethesda.
“Living in Kensington is a joy for our family due to its vibrant community life and abundance of activities. I grew up in Kensington, and my parents and aunt are in the area, so the location is very convenient. Some of our favorite things are Knowles Station [Wine & Co.], Frankly…Pizza!, and gelato at [La] Gelatteria. The local parks, especially with their playgrounds and trails, are perfect for our 2-year-old, who enjoys watching the trains go by. The Noyes children’s library is another favorite spot, offering children’s story hour. Additionally, the proximity to I-495 makes commuting convenient for work and allows us to explore nearby attractions easily. We are also excited for the new developments being built and the new retail and restaurants to join our neighborhood.”
—Joshua Boyd, director of commercial sales for a cybersecurity company (pictured with his wife, Michelle, and son, Barrett)
Shops along Antique Row
Garrett Park
arrett Park, an incorporated town located west of Kensington, offers impeccably preserved Victorian homes and “Chevy houses” of the mid-1920s. The entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places. Hallmarks include the towering trees and manicured gardens that led the town to designate itself as an arboretum in 1977. One quirky tradition is the lack of home mail delivery, which means that residents must pick up their mail—and interact with their neighbors—at the town post office. In 1982 it became the first nuclear-weapons-free zone in the United States after a town vote.
POPULATION
816
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 100% Bachelor’s degree or higher: 89.8% INCOME
Median household income: $250,001
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $909,300
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 28.4 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
“When my wife and I first stumbled upon the town, passing through by accident, we were instantly enamored by the verdant and abundant trees, which the town proudly maintains as an official arboretum, and we were amazed at the cohesiveness of the place. We knew we had to live here, so we sold our house, moved into an apartment and waited for an opening.”
—Stephen Welker, attorney with the Internal Revenue Service (pictured with his wife, Suzanne, an equine veterinarian)
Rockville Town Square’s fountain is surrounded by shops and restaurants.
POPULATION
66,924
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 92.9% Bachelor’s degree or higher: 65.1%
INCOME
Median household income: $122,270
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $623,800
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 31.7 minutes
Rockville
OPlaces to Live in Maryland Niche 2024 #15 #9
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Most Diverse Cities in U.S. WalletHub.com 2024
ne of the county’s oldest towns—it was established in 1801 and named for its proximity to Rock Creek— Rockville is nonetheless a quintessentially 21st-century American suburb: From the busy Rockville Pike with its big-box stores and shopping centers to its comfortable homes and quiet cul-de-sacs, Rockville is a study in contrasts. It somehow manages to be both a fitting setting for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s burial site (at St. Mary’s Catholic Church) and an attractive magnet for vibrant new immigrant communities. It boasts an impressive number of restaurants, shops and grocery stores offering authentic international cuisine. It’s also the site of Montgomery College’s main campus, as well as where the county government and courthouse are located. In next-door North Bethesda, Pike & Rose, a multiuse development with restaurants, stores, entertainment venues and housing, provides a modern vibe to the area at the corner of Rockville Pike and Old Georgetown Road. Just down Rockville Pike, The Music Center at Strathmore is a worldclass concert hall featuring classical, jazz, pop and world music as well as dance and other cultural performances.
“I moved to Rockville from Kensington in 1997. I am married and I have three adult children. My kids had a great experience in MCPS schools— Lakewood, Frost and Wootton. I enjoy playing pickleball at Thomas Farm Community Center, King Farm and the North Potomac Community Center.
The Rockville Farmers Market is a great resource for local produce and really good smoothies. There are many beautiful parks for hiking, such as Lake Frank and Lake Needwood. I enjoy biking in Rockville as well.”
—Beth Davidson, project manager at Marvin, a window and door company
North Bethesda
POPULATION
50,094
EDUCATION
INCOME
Median household income: $131,142
HOUSING
Median
Potomac
The Bravo TV show The Real Housewives of Potomac may have put the place on the map for some, but locals know the real deal. True, Potomac is one of the area’s most affluent communities, characterized by large homes, sprawling lots, rolling fields and the genteel, outdoorsy feel of horse country, but when it comes to nightlife hot spots and juicy drama—not so much. It is a community with top-notch schools and abundant parks and preserves, close to the C&O Canal, Potomac River and Great Falls. The Glenstone museum draws visitors to its collection of modern and contemporary art as well as its stunning grounds. The Potomac Village Shopping Center, a cluster of stores and restaurants at the intersection of Falls and River roads, has long been at the heart of the community, while mixed-use developments at Park Potomac and Cabin John Village offer a variety of shops and well-regarded restaurants.
POPULATION
47,018
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 97.5%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 84.8%
INCOME
Median household income: $218,710
HOUSING
Median value of owneroccupied housing units: $1,044,900
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 31.2 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau America’s Richest Cities 24/7 Wall St. #10 Best Places with Public Schools in Maryland Niche 2024 #1 Top Places to Lives in Maryland Niche 2024 #7
“I’ve lived in Potomac for more than 30 years—it’s one of the best places to live. Raising a family, it’s an ideal location, not only from a school and safety perspective, but from a diversity perspective as well. Potomac has a lot of families coming here for the schools and for the rich after-school programs. My son goes to a school here that just opened [in 2024]; it’s a STEM school and he’s 15 months old. Also, like everything, retailers change over time, but we have very old, established mom-and-pop shops still—that’s unique.”
—Jared Russell, Realtor and team leader of DMV Living Group at Real Broker (pictured with wife Kim, son Roman and dog Belly)
COURTESY PHOTO
Silver Spring
OEDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 87.1%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 59.3%
INCOME
Median household income: $95,213
HOUSING
Median value of owneroccupied housing units: $606,100
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 33.5 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Best Suburb for Young Professionals in Maryland Niche 2024 #2
Most Diverse City in America WalletHub 2024 #2
nce known for its tranquil neighborhoods filled with brick colonials and pedestrian-friendly streets, Silver Spring is growing into an increasingly urban center with a rich diversity of dining, shopping, entertainment and recreation, as well as tall office buildings, residential high-rises and public transit. The downtown area is a lively scene with shops and restaurants near Veterans Plaza, where there’s likely to be something going on, whether it’s a cultural festival in the summer or outdoor ice-skating in the winter. Arts venues such as The Fillmore and AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, as well as large businesses, governmental agencies and the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center contribute to making Silver Spring a cultural and economic hub.
“I love living in Silver Spring. My favorite spots include Jesup Blair Park for the fields of native spring beauty that come up each year and the hundreds of daffodils that also bloom there each spring. I love living across the street from the Fenton Community Garden. I grow lots of vegetables, cutting flowers and herbs there. It is great to get to know my fellow plot gardeners, many of whom live nearby. Every year, the plot gardeners have an end-of-harvest potluck party where we share what we grew and collect excess produce for the local HarvestShare program.”
—Kathy Jentz, host of the GardenDC podcast and garden communicator (speaker, author and editor)
HOME SALES
Data is for single-family homes and was provided by BrightMLS and MarketStats for ShowingTime. These statistics were generated Aug. 22, 2024, and include median sale price data and number of houses sold data from Jan. 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. Neighborhoods where fewer than three houses sold are not listed. Some numbers have been rounded.
Health & Wellness
A guide to local hospitals, dentists and Best of Bethesda readers’ picks
COURTESY MAXWELL MACKENZIE
Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring
the scoop on Hospitals
Learn how they stack up—before you’re headed to the emergency room
ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE
SHADY GROVE MEDICAL CENTER
9901 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, 240-826-6000, adventistsgmc.com
Founded: 1979 Beds: 443
Affiliation: Adventist HealthCare
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: two stars out of five; patient survey: three stars
Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade C
Notable: Deemed high performing in 202324 by U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia. Excellence in Bariatric Surgery in 2024 from HealthGrades.
Details: Focus areas include cancer, childbirth, emergency (adult and pediatric in Rockville, plus a freestanding emergency center in Germantown), heart and stroke care, joint replacement, neonatal intensive care and specialized surgeries. It is also the state’s second-largest provider of mental
health services, including at the Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness.
The hospital houses a Forensic Medical Unit unique to Montgomery County, with specially trained nurses caring for those who have suffered abuse or assault.
The Birth Center welcomes 4,500 babies a year, has a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for premature or critically ill newborns and earned the 2024 Minogue Award for Patient Safety Innovation, Maryland’s highest award from the Maryland Patient Safety Center.
Its joint replacement programs have earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval. In 2023, construction began on a new care tower, which will feature all-private medicalsurgical rooms and a new emergency room and intensive care unit. The tower is expected to open in 2026, but the helipad and other elements are likely to be put into use sooner.
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: three stars; patient survey: three stars
Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade A
Notable: Deemed high performing in 2023-24 by USNWR for heart attack, heart failure, stroke.
Details: Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center specializes in heart care, childbirth, orthopedics and surgery, and care for emergencies, stroke, cancer and women’s and infants’ services. It has 198 private rooms. It is expected to add 30 more for acute care by the end of 2024 on the eighth floor of the hospital’s south tower.
White Oak earned the Society of Thoracic Surgeons highest three-star rating in its overall composite score and is an American College of Cardiology Accredited Chest Pain Center.
The Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services and Systems (MIEMSS) has designated the hospital as a Cardiac Interventional Center and Primary Stroke Center. It also received the Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award from the American Heart Association.
A second medical office building and ambulatory surgical center is planned for the campus, with an expected groundbreaking in late 2024.
The campus also offers a wide range of outpatient services in its Medical Pavilion, including the White Oak Cancer Center.
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: two stars; patient survey: two stars
Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade C
Notable: Five-star rating in labor and delivery from HealthGrades.
Details: The 237,000-square-foot facility offers medical, surgical, emergency, birthing, intensive and diagnostic care, as well as emergency and voluntary inpatient psychiatric care. Patient rooms are private.
Services include bariatric surgery, behav-
COURTESY PHOTO
Suburban Hospital in Bethesda
ioral health, cancer treatment, dialysis, digestive health, gynecologic surgery, hernia surgery, imaging, joint repair, palliative care, physical rehabilitation and treatment for spine issues.
The hospital is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by MIEMSS. It is also part of the Pinkney Innovation Complex for Science and Technology at Montgomery College.
The Holy Cross Health Cancer Center, which opened last year in Wheaton, is the first center in the Washington, D.C., area to offer the Varian Edge radiosurgery system, which precisely targets radiation to brain, lung and spine tumors.
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: two stars; patient survey: two stars
Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade C
Notable: Deemed high performing in 202324 by USNWR for colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart failure, stroke.
Details: Holy Cross is one of the state’s largest hospitals, with 449 private rooms. It was founded by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1963.
It provides expertise in women’s and infant health, including gynecologic surgery, maternity, neonatal intensive care and urogynecology.
Other services provided include bariatric surgery, cancer treatment, dialysis, treatment for epilepsy, joint repair, neurosurgery, pain management, cardiac and stroke care and sleep medicine.
The Seniors Emergency Center, designed for older adults with non-life-threatening needs, was the first of its kind in the nation. Holy Cross Hospital is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by MIEMSS and has been designated an Advanced Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission.
MEDSTAR MONTGOMERY MEDICAL CENTER
18101 Prince Philip Drive, Olney, 301-774-8882, medstarhealth.org/locations/ medstar-montgomery-medical-center
Founded: 1918 Beds: 104
Affiliation: MedStar
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: three stars; patient survey: two stars
Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade B
Notable: Deemed high performing in 202324 by USNWR for stroke care. Received the Magnet designation for excellence in nursing in January 2024.
Details: MedStar Montgomery Medical Center offers a full range of services, a separate pediatric center, and addiction and mental health treatment services. Founded in 1918, it was known as Montgomery General Hospital until it merged in 2008 with MedStar Health. Additional services include bariatric surgery, women’s health, cardiology, gastroenterology, non-surgical weight loss, oncology, orthopedics, physical therapy and rehabilitation, pulmonology and an outpatient imaging center.
The Center for Successful Aging specializes in geriatric syndromes such as cognitive impairment, mobility issues, polypharmacy, depression, incontinence and psychosocial concerns.
In fall 2023, the new $1.5 million cath lab was completed to treat more complex aneurysms, endovascular limb salvage and deep venous procedures than previously possible. In April 2024, ground was broken on the John D. Maylath, MD, Oncology Pavilion, which will include nearby patient parking, a new building facade and a new lobby. The pavilion, which is expected to open in late fall 2024, will also house cutting-edge technology and novel therapeutics.
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: three stars; patient survey: three stars Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade B
Notable: Deemed high performing in leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma; colon cancer surgery; lung cancer surgery; kidney failure; stroke; hip fracture; hip replacement; knee replacement; pneumonia by USNWR
Ranked No. 7 hospital in the Washington, D.C., area for 2023-24 by USNWR
Details: Sibley offers medical, surgical, obstetric, oncological and orthopedic care, bariatric weight-loss surgery and an emergency department. The campus is also home to the Grand Oaks assistedliving facility with 172 apartments and the Renaissance, which includes a skilled nursing care unit and rehabilitation program.
Sibley’s main building has 200 private rooms, the capacity for 4,500 births per year, expanded oncological services and operating rooms.
In October 2023, a new intensive care unit opened with 14 large private rooms and the capacity to expand to 18.
The on-site Johns Hopkins Proton Therapy Center is one of the largest in the country and provides individualized cancer treatment for children and adults.
The Center for Rehabilitation Medicine features nonsurgical orthopedic care such as physical therapy, exercise and other rehabilitation services, and a warm-water therapeutic pool.
SUBURBAN HOSPITAL
8600 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-896-3100, suburbanhospital.org
Founded: 1943 Beds: 228
Affiliation: Johns Hopkins Medicine
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: three stars; patient survey: three stars
Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade B
Notable: Ranked No. 7 hospital in Maryland for 2023-24 by USNWR. Earned excellence award for Outpatient Joint Replacement in 2024 from HealthGrades. Received the Magnet designation for excellence in nursing in January 2024.
Details: Suburban Hospital specializes in complex surgery, cardiac and vascular surgery and advanced orthopedic surgery. It is the state-designated level II adult trauma center for Montgomery County.
The full-service emergency department treats more than 45,000 patients annually, including children and adolescents at the Shaw Family Pediatric Emergency Center.
The 300,000-square-foot North Building features private patient rooms, operating rooms with robotic technology and interventional cardiovascular labs.
Cardiac surgery, elective and emergency angioplasty, and inpatient diagnostic and rehabilitation services are available through the Johns Hopkins Cardiothoracic Surgery Program. Sibley maintains a 24-hour stroke team and is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by MIEMSS.
The hospital also provides comprehensive treatment for multiple brain and nervous system conditions such as brain tumors and movement disorders and general neurosurgical care with its on-site Johns Hopkins neurosurgical team.
Top Dentist
Choosing a dentist can be a challenge. Here are 177 general dentists in Montgomery County and Upper Northwest D.C. (ZIP codes 20015 and 20016), all voted on by their peers. For our complete guide–with these professionals and dentists in six specialties–visit MoCo360.media/top-dentists.
This list is compiled and provided by topDentists (Copyright 2010-2024 by topDentists, Augusta, Georgia), a database of dental professionals who have been selected as “tops” by vote of their peers. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com. For information, email help@usatopdentists.com or visit usatopdentists.com.
GENERAL DENTISTRY
Martin G. Abel Smiles By Design Rockville 301-770-1447 smilesbydesign.com
Ali R. Aghaee Montgomery Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Rockville 301-417-6957 healthyteethandsmile.com
Corey B. Anolik
Totally Smiles Dental Group Gaithersburg 301-948-8838 totallysmiles.com
William J. August Family Dental Associates Germantown 301-869-5090 familydentalassoc.net
Marie T. Banzon Bethesda 301-581-9494
Alice Charland Bassford ASE Dental Group Silver Spring 301-593-5500 drbassford.com
Michael C. Bauer Washington, D.C. 202-966-4050 chevychasedds.com
Jennifer M. Beitler Rockville 301-972-0260 jenniferbeitlerdds.com
David Black Gaithersburg 301-740-8488
Carol A. Blake Blake Dental Group Washington, D.C. 202-966-0620 blakedentalgroup.com
Ellen Brodsky Art & Dentistry Bethesda 301-564-4991
Jane Brodsky North Bethesda 301-493-8333 drjanebrodsky.com
Charles L. Broring Jr. Bethesda 301-652-1440
Sharon Brown Washington Center For Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Washington, D.C. 202-858-0498 amazingdentistry.com
David M. Bugden
David M. Bugden, D.D.S. Silver Spring 301-681-4241
Usa Bunnag Bunnag Comprehensive Dentistry Bethesda 301-896-0633 drbunnag.com
Cheryl F. Callahan Callahan Dental Rockville 301-948-1212 cherylcallahandds.com
Joseph A. Catanzano III Foxhall Smiles Washington, D.C. 202-244-1601 foxhallsmiles.com
Eric Chai Colesville Dentistry Silver Spring 301-384-6000 colesvilledentistry.com
Kevin Chai Colesville Dentistry Silver Spring 301-384-6000 colesvilledentistry.com
Susan Chang Wildwood Bethesda Family & Cosmetic Dental Care Bethesda 301-530-5909 wwbethesdadental.com
Arthur B. Choi Gaithersburg 301-948-0404 achoidds.com
Shri Chopra Dental Design of Wheaton Wheaton 301-944-1001 shrichopradds.com
Andrew C. Cobb Chevy Chase Digital Dentistry Washington, D.C. 202-686-9100 cobbdentistry.net
Jason A. Cohen Chevy Chase 301-656-1201 cosmeticdds.com
John F. Conaghan Capital Dental Bethesda Bethesda 301-654-1777 capitaldentaldds.com
John T. Corrigan Capital Dental Bethesda Bethesda 301-654-1777 capitaldentaldds.com
Ivelisse C. Cuevas Bethesda Family Dentistry North Bethesda 240-221-3602 bethesdafamilydentistry.com
Shoba Daney Care Soft Dental Rockville 301-869-7733 caresoftdental.com
Zohra A. Darwish Dental Aesthetic Arts Washington, D.C. 202-506-1976
Alan L. Dechter Dechter & Moy Dentistry Silver Spring 301-949-5400 dechtermoy.com
Peter S. DeMizio DeMizio Dental Center Bethesda 301-652-3888 demiziodental.com
Charles D. Dietrich Washington, D.C. 202-363-6177 nwwashingtondentist.com
Robert G. Donahue
Washington, D.C. 202-966-4050 chevychasedds.com
Charles A. Doring North Bethesda Dental Associates Rockville 301-881-7646 nbda.dentist
Austin D. Drewyer Drewyer Dentistry Burtonsville 301-622-1717 drewyerdentistry.com
Douglas G. Drewyer Drewyer Dentistry Burtonsville 301-622-1717 drewyerdentistry.com
Dan Eisenberg Olney 301-250-1057 olneydental.com
Ashley A. Emam Rockville Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Rockville 301-424-8100 rockvilleemamdentistry.com
Emine Erkmen Shady Grove Dental Center Rockville 301-610-7724 drerkmen.com
David N. Eskow Olney 301-774-2000 myolneydentist.com
Christine M. Foster Silver Spring Smile Designs Silver Spring 301-593-7500 silverspringsmiledesigns.com H. Brandt Foster Comprehensive Contemporary Dentistry Chevy Chase 301-986-8804 bethesdachevychasedentist.com
Norma E. Fox Gentle Dental-care Relaxation Clinique Silver Spring 301-589-5644 visitdrfoxsmiles.com
Joseph E. Frew Silver Spring 301-585-3800 drfrew.com
Ronan J. Freyne
Ronan J. Freyne, DMD Chevy Chase 301-986-0700 docronan.com
Stephen J. Friedman
Stephen J Friedman DDS PA Silver Spring 301-681-8200 go-smiles.net
Todd H. Galkin Silver Spring 301-588-8828 toddgalkin-dds.com
Jason George Perkins & George Silver Spring 301-989-3400 colesvilledentist.com
Dorienne C. Taylor-Bishop Bishop & Bishop Dental Silver Spring 301-608-9270 bishopdental.com
Namita K. Thapar-Dua SENIOR Smile Germantown 301-875-7477 ntcdental.com
Ted Thomas White Oak Dental Silver Spring 301-681-6306 whiteoakdentalllc.com
Helen Thomasian Shady Grove Point Dental Rockville 301-340-9550 shadygrovepointdental.net
Mellanie Thompson Silver Spring Dental Arts Silver Spring 301-384-6776 silverspringdentalarts.com
Marie E. Tigani-Stiles Stiles Dentistry Gaithersburg 301-947-6900 stilesdentistry.com
Robert B. Tilkin North Bethesda Dental Associates Rockville 301-881-7646 nbda.dentist
Jennifer Tipograph
Natural Dentist Associates North Bethesda 301-770-2270 naturaldentistassociates.com
Lev Tomashevsky
Dr. Robert Kelly & Associates Gaithersburg 301-948-0058 kellydds.com
Peter P. Tong Rockville Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Rockville 301-424-8888 rockvillesmiles.com
Vinh Trinh Three Creek Dentistry Derwood 240-207-4077 threecreekdentistry.com
Top Doctors
Find doctors who work in Montgomery County and Upper Northwest D.C. in our online directory of Bethesda Magazine’s Top Doctors. Visit MoCo360.media/top-doctors-in-montgomery-county-2023 for the list, which can be filtered by location and specialty.
Mehr E. Tucker
Rockville Advanced Dentistry Rockville
301-963-8900 rockvilleadvanceddentistry.com
Viviana P. Urban StarBrite Dental Rockville 301-770-1070 starbritedentalrockville.com
Shakila B. Usman Gaithersburg 301-519-8887 shakilausmandds.com
Stephen W. Varney
Capital Dental Bethesda Bethesda 301-654-1777 capitaldentaldds.com
Adam P. Vitelli Vitelli Comprehensive Dentistry Germantown 301-972-1400 vitellidentistry.com
Tamdan Vodinh Utter Dental Care Clarksburg 240-261-4368 utterdentalcare.com
Winner: Brooke Shafer, Counseling Center of Maryland
Finalists:
Melanie Eisman Garber, Melanie Eisman Therapy
Dr. Joshua Cohen, Cohen Psychological Health
Providers
Ruthie Arbit, Arbit Counseling
SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
Winner: Maplewood Park
Place
Finalists: BrightView Fox Hill
FITNESS STUDIO
Winner: Equinox
Finalists: Pulse Fitness
Orangetheory Fitness
Barre3
SALON IN BETHESDA
Winner: Bella Bethesda
Finalists:
Franz Sebastian Salon
Salon Nader
Aveda Bethesda
SALON IN CHEVY CHASE
Winner: Salon Roi
Finalists:
Salon Lofts
Dessange Paris Salon
SALON IN GAITHERSBURG
Winner: O’Hair Salon
Finalists:
Shear Reflections
Rooted Hair
SALON IN POTOMAC
Winner: Zohra & Zohra
Finalists:
Ricky Alessandro SalonPotomac
Hair By Moses (now at Salon M)
SALON IN ROCKVILLE/ NORTH BETHESDA
Winner: Progressions
Salon Spa Store
Finalists:
Kindle & Boom
Salon Luna
New Wave Salon & Spa
SALON IN SILVER SPRING
Winner: Alchemy Hair
Salon
Finalist: Spa Mesu
FIND LOCAL LEADING PROFESSIONALS
Meet local experts and businesses in the fields of healthcare, home services, real estate and more
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Harmony Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
HEATHER SHOLANDER, DMD, MS
MADELEINE GOODMAN, DMD
Dr. Goodman is an orthodontist and president-elect of the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists. Dr. Heather is a pediatric dentist and a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. They have been practicing together in the area for over 10 years.
4818 Del Ray Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814
301-664-4220
smile@harmonybethesda.com HarmonyBethesda.com
Q W hat makes you stand out as dentists?
A Teamwork: O ver the years we’ve developed a shared philosophy that treating the patient as a whole is more beneficial than the traditional specialty approach. It takes a team to help a child grow to his or her full potential. This includes not only a collaborative orthopediatric approach but also working with other specialists like speech therapists and pediatricians and most importantly, the child’s family. We strive to create an environment where we get to know each family individually and focus on their specific needs.
Q W hat is unique about your practice?
A S upporting others: Harmony has partnered with a wonderful non-profit called City Blossoms that develops kidfocused green spaces that supply food,
community and the opportunity to learn through creativity and play. For every new patient, we support this cause by donating plants to help these gardens grow because we believe that health starts from the ground up!
Q How do you employ new technology to help your patients?
A I nnovative techniques: We are both board-certified specialists who strive to create a standard of care by integrating technology, research and experience. It is a running joke in Dr. Goodman’s house that Facebook is where you go to look at teeth and Dr. Heather’s kids think research articles are a normal Saturday morning read. We have incorporated state-of-the-art technology into our practice such as a digital scanner (no more yucky impressions) and a dental laser which allows us to fill most cavities without anesthesia!
Jay Samuels, DDS, PA
COSMETIC IMPLANT FAMILY DENTISTRY
11140 Rockville Pike, Suite 510 North Bethesda, MD 20852
301-881-4200
DrJSamuels.com
Q W hat makes you different from other dentists?
A N ot your average dentist, patients have trusted Dr. Samuels to create healthy, beautiful, functional smiles for more than 25 years. With a reputation for combining cutting-edge technology with a focus on personal care and attention to detail, we use digital x-rays, intraoral cameras, 3-D imaging and Dental AI to provide accurate diagnoses and customized treatment plans. This lets patients see their dental issues in detail and fully understand their treatment options. We also understand the oral-systemic connection and will help you see how oral health is critical to your overall well-being. Our approach is one-on-one, personalized and compassionate, all in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Recently recognized in Washingtonian's inaugural "Top Dentist" Hall of Fame, Dr. Samuels is also consistently named a "Top Dentist" by Bethesda Magazine
Kelly Orthodontics
KELLY LABS, DMD, MSD
10401 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 301 Bethesda, MD 20814
301-530-7718
BethesdaOrthodontists.com
Q W hy choose Kelly Orthodontics?
A W e are dedicated to more than just creating beautiful smiles; we are invested in every aspect of our patients' orthodontic journey. From the ease of their appointments to their comfort with orthodontic appliances and ultimate satisfaction with their enhanced smile, we strive to make our office feel like home.
My team—all moms who understand the importance of comfort and compassion—fosters a caring, comfortable and fun environment for patients of all ages. Whether it's taking extra time to explain procedures, making them less daunting for our youngest patients, or providing private rooms for adults who prefer a more discreet experience, we tailor our approach to each individual.
W e are also mindful not to overbook our schedule, ensuring every patient receives our undivided attention and the personalized care they deserve.
MICHAEL VENTURA
MICHAEL VENTURA
Chevy Chase Pediatric Dentistry
KAREN BENITEZ, DDS, QOM, CBS
8401 Connecticut Ave., Suite 650 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-272-1246
ChevyChaseKids.dentist
Q W hat brings you the most satisfaction in your work?
A H elping children grow healthy and happy. Pediatric dentistry offers a remarkable chance to nurture children during their pivotal growth years, laying the foundation for bright smiles and healthy futures. I started this practice when my kids were little, and the journey of motherhood has profoundly shaped my holistic approach to dental care. My upbeat, caring, experienced team and I go far beyond routine check-ups and traditional dental services to offer comprehensive care that encompasses children's overall health and development, including sleep issues, facial growth and orofacial muscle dysfunctions affecting speech, chewing, swallowing and breathing. I also love keeping up with the latest research and innovation. Taking every opportunity to learn from experts outside dentistry has only made me even better at what I do.
PROFILES Physicians
Wink Eyecare Boutique
RACHEL COHN, OPTOMETRIST
JENNIFER KARMIOL, OPTOMETRIST
1095 Seven Locks Road Potomac, MD 20854
301-545-1111
Wink.net
Stressed eyes need a caring touch. Amid the endless Zoom calls, screen strains, dryness and now summer allergies, too, award-winning Wink Eyecare Boutique in Potomac offers the relief you seek. With cutting-edge lens technology, unique eyewear and the latest dry eye and allergy treatments, Drs. Rachel Cohn and Jennifer Karmiol have helped hundreds of patients see, feel and look their best.
Founded by Dr. Cohn in 2006 to provide a patient-centered, personalized approach to eyecare, Wink blends innovation with fashion and premium customer service. From comprehensive eye exams to chic handpicked frames that perfectly fit your face and prescription and match your style, visit Wink Eyecare for the care you—and your stressed eyes—deserve.
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
RALPH V. BOCCIA, MD, FACP; BRUCE D. CHESON, MD, FACP, FAAAS, FASCO; MARK GOLDSTEIN, MD, FACP; VICTOR M. PRIEGO, MD
"I credit Dr. Victor M. Priego for thinking outside the box and pushing for the treatment I needed," says Andrea, a CCBD patient since 2018. "Because of my great team at CCBD, I can enjoy a quality of life and more time with my family and wonderful grandson."
6410 Rockledge Dr., Suite 660 Bethesda, MD 20817
19735 Germantown Road, Suite 255
Germantown, MD 20874
301-571-0019
CCBDMD.com
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD), an American Oncology Partner, offers patients access to a world-class team of oncologists and hematologists dedicated to revolutionizing cancer care through cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials and research—all under one roof. Led by nationally recognized, board-certified medical oncologists and hematologists Drs. Ralph V. Boccia, MD, FACP; Victor M. Priego, MD; Mark Goldstein, MD, FACP and Bruce D. Cheson, MD, FACP, FAAAS, FASCO, the team understands that cancer is unique. CCBD works tirelessly to provide personalized, compassionate, comprehensive care. Using molecular profiling, Drs. Boccia, Priego, Goldstein and Cheson customize treatment plans and therapies to match each patient's specific cancer and needs. By staying at the forefront of discoveries and collaborating with specialists from renowned institutions such as Johns Hopkins and Georgetown, CCBD ensures patients receive the
most advanced, multidisciplinary care available, including access to more than 65 clinical trials. Additionally, CCBD is proud to participate in new and exciting drug development and has helped bring many of the best drugs to market.
Committed to delivering leading-edge and innovative treatments, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and participation in clinical trials when appropriate, CCBD and its regarded team of expert specialists are constantly evolving to provide the best care possible for each of their patients. Beyond groundbreaking treatment, CCBD also offers extensive support services, including home delivery of oral cancer medications, in-house lab and pathology, onsite infusion therapy, nutrition guidance, financial counseling and more to help patients manage their physical, psychosocial and emotional needs throughout their cancer journey.
Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery
JENNIFER PARKER PORTER, MD, FACS, OWNER/MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Awards & Affiliations
Double board-certified; American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery & American Board of Otolaryngology— Head and Neck Surgery
Bethesda Magazine Winner, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, 2021 & 2023; Top Doctor, 2019 & 2021; Top Vote Getter, Best Aesthetic Practice, 2020 & 2022; Top Vote Getter, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, 2017
7201 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 515 Bethesda, MD 20814
301-652-8191 | ChevyChaseFace.com
Q W hat's the best advice you've received, and how has it helped you?
A O ne of my mentors during my residency at Baylor College of Medicine told me to find my passion. He said, “When you figure out what it is, really make it your thing." His advice was integral to how I shaped my career. I have sharpened my expertise by focusing specifically on facial plastic surgery. Working exclusively on the face and neck, I am well-versed in the many nuances of facial anatomy, enabling me to customize every procedure to fit each patient's unique anatomy and personal preferences. I've honed my skills, training and research on the newest and best techniques within my specialty and keep current with the latest developments to ensure I deliver the best possible patient outcomes.
Q How do you measure success?
A H appy patients and a happy family. If my girls and my husband are happy, I'm happy. At work, it's following up with patients; I love seeing the excitement in their eyes, knowing they appreciate not looking like a different person, just a better version of themselves. Because of my specialty, I see patients from all over the world with varying ideals of what makes someone beautiful. My goal is to bring out whatever natural beauty they would like to see.
Q W hat is one thing patients should know about your practice?
A W e've brought on an excellent surgeon who specializes in body plastic surgery. Many patients have asked about such procedures, and I'm excited to grow my practice to meet their needs.
Capital Laser & Skin Care
ELIZABETH TANZI, MD
GEETA SHAH, MD
TANIA PETERS, MD
Voted the "Best Dermatology Practice" by Bethesda Magazine readers since 2018, Capital Laser & Skin Care specializes in cosmetic and non-invasive treatments to enhance and maintain skin health and beauty. Drs. Geeta Shah, Tania Peters and Elizabeth Tanzi have been named Bethesda Magazine "Top Doctors" since 2019.
5471 C2 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 200 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-798-9699
CapitalSkinLaser.com
Capital Laser & Skin Care is a worldrenown center of excellence dedicated to delivering the most advanced, effective dermatologic treatments in a warm and welcoming environment. Board-certified dermatologists, Drs. Geeta Shah, Tania Peters and Elizabeth Tanzi use stateof-the-art technology and innovative techniques to truly customize each treatment plan, maximizing outcomes and patient satisfaction. Each dermatologist is fellowship-trained in dermatologic laser surgery and aesthetic procedures with years of experience treating patients. As an aesthetic dermatology research clinic and beauty industry liaison, the Capital Laser & Skin Care team has access to the most sophisticated, cutting-edge tools and routinely evaluates novel technology. Drs. Shah, Peters and Tanzi focus on noninvasive treatments to deliver naturally radiant and elegant results that emphasize and enhance personal features without
creating an overdone look.
With a patient-centered approach, the entire Capital Laser & Skin Care team is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. Through comprehensive consultations, transparent and reliable communication, customized skin care recommendations and individualized treatment plans, Drs. Shah, Peters and Tanzi exceed patient expectations at every turn, from their first phone call through treatment follow-ups and beyond.
With such exclusive patient benefits as complimentary skin cancer screenings, neurotoxin touch-ups and laser treatments for post-injectable bruising, Capital Laser & Skin Care goes the extra mile to ensure your experience with the practice is as pleasant as it is rewarding. Setting the bar for clinical excellence and attention to detail, Capital Laser & Skin Care stands out as the Washington metropolitan area’s premier aesthetic dermatology practice.
MICHAEL VENTURA
Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery Institute
MARK RICHARDS, MD
Nationally recognized, Dr. Richards’ expertise has been praised in U.S. News & World Report and other national media. He served as the plastic surgery consultant for The White House and recently authored a book, “Nobody Wants You Healthy: Achieving Better Health by Avoiding the Corruptions in Modern Medical Science,” to benefit both doctors and patients.
11300 Rockville Pike, Suite 912
North Bethesda, MD 20852
301-468-3458
DrMarkRichards.com
Patients describe Dr. Mark Richards as a caring, knowledgeable and skillful artist. “Supporting clients during recovery while exceeding their expectations is always the goal at the Ageless Impressions Plastic Surgery Institute,” says Dr. Richards.
Honest communication with patients is as important as the proper analysis of their appearance. Each individual has unique concerns. Dr. Richards’ professional joy comes from happy patients who love their natural looking enhanced appearance. This happens when skillful, creative solutions are used to achieve well defined goals.
While the latest technology may elevate the quality of obtainable results, technology alone is not the answer. For the best results, your doctor needs wisdom and experience combined with the appropriate technology and techniques. It is important to remember
that all treatments require some healing, and this healing process can vary greatly between patients.
In private practice for more than 30 years, Dr. Richards has been an innovator of new surgical techniques and new ways of thinking about the components that create a naturally attractive appearance. His improved surgical techniques have been published in plastic surgery journals and presented nationally and internationally at conferences. He doesn’t believe in patenting the techniques he developed and would rather all surgeons and patients benefit from improved methods without restriction.
His plastic surgery residency training in Boston took place at the Lahey Clinic and Harvard affiliated hospitals. In private practice, he has devoted time to training Georgetown and Johns Hopkins plastic surgery residents in aesthetic surgery and analysis.
Michael P. Rose
COAKLEY REALTY, INC.
Ranked in the Top 1 percent of all Realtors nationwide, Michael P. Rose earned a degree in economics from Georgetown University and an MBA in Real Estate and Urban Development from American University. His 30 years of experience in the real estate industry includes selling, leasing, acquisition, appraisal, development, finance, management, consulting and litigation support.
20 Courthouse Square, Suite 107
Rockville, MD 20850
O: 301-340-8700, x1103
D: 301-814-3200
mprose57@aol.com
MichaelPRose.com
Q W hat is your approach to a successful real estate career?
A I 've built my career on five unwavering pillars: 1. Listen. Listening is paramount to gaining trust; it allows me to better analyze a client's situation and offer the best solutions. 2. Continue learning. Identifying and interpreting changing market forces enhances credibility and builds confidence. As an economist, I prioritize analytics, attain credible data and stay ahead of market trends, ensuring my clients are best equipped to make informed decisions. 3. Live by the Golden Rule. Show me an ethical person who treats his clients and peers with compassion and sincerity, and I'll show you someone successful in their career. 4. Pay it Forward. Give back by pouring yourself into the people and causes you truly care about. 5. Be Remembered. Make a great first impression—not just a good one.
Q W hat makes you different from other real estate agents?
A I a m extremely hands-on. Some might aspire to create a larger machine with multiple assistants and team members, but my product would be less of me—and that's not what my clients want. I like being the "Little Big-Realtor."
Q W hat do your clients say about you?
A I don't request testimonials from my clients nor promote myself to the masses to win awards. Aside from being No. 1 Dad, World's Greatest Husband, and Best Friend, nothing else really matters. But I am proud of the feedback that I receive: high ethical standards, efficiency for the process, advanced negotiating skills, persuasive closer, unending patience and overall satisfaction for their entire experience.
Dana Rice Group of Compass
DANA RICE, REALTOR, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
5471 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 300 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
202-669-6908
dana.rice@compass.com DanaRiceGroup.com
FRONT: LISA RESCH, KAREN KELLY, DANA RICE, ROSE HAUCH, KCRYSTAL BOSCHMA
BACK: KATE FRALIN, SOL GEHRING, CATIE MARTIN, INMA ALDAMIZ, BRIAN MYLES NO T PICTURED: NATALIE RENEBERG
Q How does a team benefit a buyer or seller?
A W ith a team, buyers and sellers always have access to personal, hands-on support. My team has been together for seven years. We have different backgrounds that include expertise in architecture, interior design, marketing, sales and communication. We enjoy working with first-time buyers and those moving into the upper brackets.
Q W hat stands out about the current market?
A M y “hot take?” It’s a seller’s market and a buyer’s market at the same time. There is low inventory, which benefits sellers, but there are fewer people looking to buy at this moment. If someone does not need to move now, they are waiting. In these interesting times, it is more critical than ever to be with an experienced, savvy agent.
Q W hat is a challenge that you face?
A S ince the real estate market is dynamic, things have changed since clients last sold or bought a house and their previous experience may not be relevant today. That can be frustrating.
Q W hat sets you apart from most other agents?
A I don’t want clients to lift a finger. From the beginning, I’ve offered free staging. My warehouse is chock full of great furniture and accessories. Some people only need a few final touches. Others need a whole house transformation. To manage this process, we have a fulltime, enthusiastic designer on the team because when a potential buyer walks through the door, that moment in time is very important. And it’s all free!
Cara Pearlman, Compass
CARA PEARLMAN GROUP OF COMPASS
Led by Cara Pearlman, the Cara Pearlman Group draws upon their extensive knowledge of the local real estate market and over 30 years of combined industry experience to counsel clients through buying or selling a home. Cara and her team are skilled negotiators, powerful advocates, and always prioritizes their clients’ best interests.
Q W hat has been an unexpected surprise in your work?
A I s tarted my real estate career in 2003 as an assistant to a successful team. Though I had ambitions for growing my career, taking on more responsibilities and becoming the best Realtor I could be, I never envisioned running my own team. Now 20 years later we have a small SEAL team of dedicated teammates.
Another surprise is the impact of starting my own family, which I assumed would lead to a slow down in my career and professional development. However, instead of slowing my career, having children seems to have fueled my growth, giving me the resilience to build thick skin and the confidence to start my own business. Becoming a parent– I have a 13-year-old-daughter and a 11-year-old son– lit a spark within me and clarified the value I bring to the table. It’s easy to let major life events deter us and pull us away from our professional goals. But if anything, I’m a better mom because I work, and I’m very proud of the achievements my team and I have accomplished in the Washington, DC real estate sector and beyond.
Q W hat motivates and inspires your team?
A W e often hear people in sales say that getting referrals is the highest compliment. For us, however, it’s when clients update us on their lives. My team and I love getting baby announcements and invitations to birthday parties, pictures of kitchen renovations, or reorganized closets. We cherish the intimacy of real estate and the unique opportunity to help people choose the four walls within which their lives will unfold. Seeing the joy and excitement of our clients’ faces when they have found their home base is pretty amazing.
Matt Cheney
CHENEY & CO. AT COMPASS
Licensed Broker, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia; Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE), Johns Hopkins University; Certified New Homes Marketing Professional (CMP); Graduate, Realtor Institute (GRI)
A A s a trusted client advocate for two decades, I have guided buyers and sellers through more than a thousand successful transactions. My vast local knowledge, sharp negotiating skills and ability to remain calm in stressful situations ensure success in a competitive, high-end market. Sellers who partner with me also benefit from targeted online and social media placement as well as additional exposure through video marketing, my special passion.
A Working with Armstrong Construction means entering a partnership—a seamless collaboration between visionary designers and skilled craftsmen. As a premier boutique firm, we focus on architectural excellence and precise execution. By taking on a select number of projects, we provide each client and project with unparalleled attention and dedication. Guided by precision and a commitment to detail, we transform blueprints into breathtaking realities. With decades of combined experience and a trusted network of trades and vendors who understand our high standards, we navigate every project from concept to completion, ensuring functional and stunning results.
Q W hat advice would you offer homeowners considering their first renovation?
A C hoose a contractor you trust, collaborate on scope and budget, invest in upfront planning and be patient. This ensures a smoother process and successful outcome.
Gilday Renovations
KEVIN GILDAY
Led by Kevin Gilday, nationally recognized Gilday Renovations has for 40 years thrilled Washington, D.C. area homeowners with a highly collaborative design-build experience that seamlessly blends the expertise of its seasoned team of architectural designers, interior designers and master builders. The company aims to deliver a transformational home renovation experience to every client.
9162 Brookville Road Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-565-4600
Gilday.com
Q Describe your design vision.
A I b elieve an artful design is faithful to the client’s wishlist. We always start with a basic plan that demonstrates their requirements. Then we present iterations that develop the concept to its fullest expression. Together we strive to integrate new ideas seamlessly into the existing home.
Q W hat is distinctive about your approach to renovation?
A W hat sets us apart is how well design and construction work together. We help people understand the tie-in between budget and design. We avoid the mistake of designing something creative and beautiful but unbuildable because it is out of line with preliminary budget discussions.
TONY
Trent & Co at Compass Real Estate
TRENT HEMINGER AND MARY NOONE
With more than 90 years of collective real estate expertise, Trent & Co is one of the top teams in the DMV. Team leader and longtime Top Producer Trent Heminger has been recognized consistently as one of "America's Best Real Estate Agents" and a "Top Agent" in the Washington Metro Area.
Licensed in D.C. | MD | VA 5471 Wisconsin Ave. Chevy Chase, MD 20815
O: 301-298-1001 | 240-461-3928 TrentAndCo.com
Q How do the recent NAR settlements and buyer agency laws impact real estate transactions in Montgomery County?
A A s a Montgomery County resident, you're in a unique position. Maryland is one of only 16 states where buyer representation is enshrined in law, a testament to our consumer-driven approach. The advocacy of an experienced buyer's agent is invaluable, offering protection and insight that can save a buyer far more than they ever pay for hiring their agent. We love helping our buyer clients find the best home with the best possible terms!
The NAR settlement requires that MLS listings no longer show compensation offers for buyer's brokers. As before, buyers still have options: buyer’s brokers can be paid by the buyer, seller or listing brokerage. We understand that making a major purchase like a home involves navigating
complex laws and market conditions. Our team's extensive experience gives you the edge you need to make informed decisions and negotiate effectively.
Q How will I benefit from working with a full-service team like Trent & Co?
A A n experienced full-service team like ours ensures comprehensive support throughout your home-buying journey. With us, you can access personalized, expert guidance, exclusive properties not yet on the market, and a network of trusted service providers, enabling us to solve any issues that arise quickly and effectively. Whether you need help finding the perfect neighborhood, advice on local amenities or interior design, or insights into your investment's value, we're committed to your success and available whenever you need us. With Trent & Co, your goals become our mission.
Come, elevate your urban living and reside at the Palisades of Bethesda! Its spacious apartments and premier penthouses are charming, sophisticated and a great value. Each apartment features granite countertops, washer/dryer and large closets.
THE PROPERTY
The community has spectacular amenities including indoor parking with EV charging stations, 24-hour concierge, lounges, pet washing station, fitness center and pool available.
The community is centrally located close to Metro, shops, restaurants and all the entertainment Bethesda has to offer. The Palisades is the perfect blend of great amenities and service in the convenience of a vibrant downtown area. That is why we were named Best Luxury Apartments by Bethesda Magazine in 2023!
Southern Management Companies, one of the largest privatelyowned residential property managers in the United States, owns 77 apartment communities with about 25,000 homes. Our mission is to create apartment communities where residents can fully enjoy life, helping everyone live a little better.
Chase Builders Inc. is an award-winning builder in Maryland. Every Chase Builder’s home is custom designed and built with top quality, luxury features. Although they differ in style, floor plan, size and features, our unique homes have this in common — they are thoughtfully designed and well built.
THE PROJECT
A stunning new custom-built six-bedroom home in Chevy Chase has recently been completed, tailored to our client’s vision and family’s needs. Its four finished levels feature a spacious family room with vaulted ceiling, a spectacular dining room with adjacent butler’s pantry, a luxury kitchen, a fabulous home theatre and a large wine cellar, all while attaining a comfy home feel. Additionally, the outdoor living area boasts a spacious screened porch with a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, an oversized flagstone patio and an in-ground pool.
Each home we build is uniquely customized with uncompromising quality in the tile work, exceptional trim detail, designer lighting and premium finishes. Built with the homeowner in mind, our goal with every project is to create an inviting, spectacular home where friends and family can gather for many years to come.
BOWA Design Build Renovations
Serving Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia 301-657-3947 | AskBOWA@bowa.com | Bowa.com
BIO
Over the past 35 years, BOWA has earned its reputation as a trusted advisor in the luxury remodeling space thanks to our proven process, team of experts, and unique ability to uncover clients’ true needs. As a result, more than 80 percent of our projects come from returning clients and referrals.
OUR WORK
You can count on BOWA to deliver sophisticated, luxury transformations with stunning results, all while ensuring your remodeling experience is second to none. Our projects range from kitchens and primary suites to whole-house and condo remodels. BOWA's team of design build experts, including your dedicated Project Leader, onsite Project Manager, and Customer Service Team, will guide you through every step of the process from early planning through a lifetime of memories. By providing sage advice and always putting your best interests first, our team vows to earn and keep your trust.
The team at JMAA has more than 30 years in residential construction experience. We have completed projects throughout the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Some of our homes have been part of some of the most premier developments in the metro region.
OUR WORK
The JMAA design process revolves around our clients’ needs and wants. From a single room house addition to a grand estate, it is important for us to listen to our clients’ needs and bring our design talent, market knowledge and construction knowhow, into play in every design. Our design team can expertly transition from traditional aesthetics to ultra-modern designs to satisfy our clients’ diverse palettes. In every project, the balance of light, volume and lifestyle helps shape every part of the house. We strive to create a feeling of home individualized for each client.From the moment we meet, we start to define the parameters of the project with a design charrette, exploring different ideas and solutions to bring forward and discussing the design aesthetic and desired project scope.
For over 45 years, Potomac’s Hopkins & Porter Construction has been transforming the way families live by providing full-service, custom design/ build services. Specializing in large additions and remodels that enhance and harmonize with existing lifestyles, our hands-on approach for solving design/build challenges mixed with creativity make Hopkins & Porter a recognized standout.
OUR WORK
At Hopkins & Porter, we pride ourselves on quality, creativity and superior service. Our award-winning designers, seasoned project managers, skilled builders and handymen can manage any remodeling challenge and all your home improvement projects. Whether you want a whole-house remodel, an addition, a kitchen or bathroom, a home office, an exterior renovation or you need to create multi-functional spaces to solve other challenges, we can help. From start to completion, our consultative design/build process provides each client with a single point of contact and ensures that even the most complex projects remain focused, efficient and hassle-free. This hands-on approach reduces frustration and confusion. You will always know where you are in the process. We approach each home uniquely and with a personal touch, because it’s the way we care.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Aidan Design
Celebrating over 20 years in business, Aidan Design specializes in residential kitchen and bathroom design in the Washington metro area. Understanding clients' needs is first and foremost. Thoughtful and creative design is paired with close attention to detail and exceptional customer service.
At ANTHONY WILDER, we design and build spaces you can’t wait to come home to. Our in-house architects, interior designers, project managers and craftsmen work together to create custom design solutions so you can live - and love - the life you’ve built.
301-907-0100 | AnthonyWilder.com
BOWA Design Build Renovations
For projects ranging from kitchens and primary suites to whole-house and condo remodels, you can count on BOWA to deliver sophisticated, luxury transformations. BOWA’s experts consistently deliver stunning results and a remodeling experience that is second to none.
7900 Westpark Drive, Suite A180 | McLean, VA 22102 301-657-3947 | Bowa.com
Amicus Green Building Center
Since 2005, Amicus has created fresh spaces—fresh designs, fresh air and water and a fresh take on what our buildings can do for us. Working with your contractor or ours, our products and expertise can help you create a wonderful space that looks fantastic and feels great.
4080A Howard Ave. | Kensington, MD 20895 301-571-8590 | AmicusGreen.com
Architessa
Certified Women-Owned and family-operated since our founding, Architessa brings generations of passion and experience to our industry. We are a comprehensive tile and stone company that works with homeowners, designers, and architects to find the perfect tile for every project.
1-800-287-1742 | sales@architessa.com
Cabin John Builders
Cabin John Builders, an acclaimed custom home builder, excels in luxurious renovations, expansions and bespoke new homes. Discover the ease and delight of your major construction projects with our dedicated, expert team in the Washington, D.C. area.
Chase Builders is a premier home builder, with over two decades of industry excellence. Our skilled professionals create customized, luxury homes, ensuring perfection from concept to completion. Committed to quality, innovation and exceptional service, trust Chase Builders for your dream home investment. Contact us today!
An award-winning Architecture firm, designing custom & speculative homes to promote a timeless, intuitive living experience. Our goal is to cherish client’s expectations and design a living space that is both inspiring and functional. Contact us for consultation about your project.
202-860-7050 | ElieBenArch.com
Kitchen Tune-Up
Kitchen Tune-Up is dedicated to saving you money and time with high-quality kitchen transformations in under two weeks. We offer cabinet painting, refacing and redooring, custom cabinets, and one-day wood restoration with a focus on respect, trust, and communication.
"With over 20 years of experience in interior residential remodeling in Washington, D.C. we are ready for the Grand Opening of our Design Center in 2024! Our customers will enjoy the onestop experience, from design to build. Enhancing lives, improving homes!"
Family owned and operated since 1947, Fisher Lumber provides top quality building materials. Our selection includes only the best materials from the brands professionals trust. With an enthusiastic and friendly staff, our focus is outstanding service that exceeds customer expectations.
301-424-6500 | FisherLumber.com
Manion + Associates, Architects
Thomas Manion, AIA founded his design firm over 40 years ago. Specializing in custom residential design, we serve the entire Washington D.C. Metro area. We value a collaborative approach with our clients, which has helped us achieve multiple design awards.
301-229-7000 | ManionArchitects.com
Natelli Homes
Offering personalized and trusted design and building services for custom homes and renovations for almost 4 decades. The quality brand known throughout the DC market now serves Bethany, Rehoboth and the Delaware beaches.
301-938-5933 | NatelliHomes.com
Sandy Spring Builders
We are the premier custom homebuilder in the area with our integrated, full- service team. With over 40 years of experience and vast portfolio of well-built homes, our happy clients have made us Best of Bethesda every year since its inception. Our expertise is unmatched in the industry and we are proud to be our client’s “Builder for Life”.
301-913-5995 | SandySpringBuilders.com
New America Restoration
Restore your home's health with our expert mold remediation services! Say goodbye to harmful mold and enjoy a clean, safe environment. Trust our skilled team for effective solutions. Your home deserves the best care. Serving Montgomery County, MD. Call us today!
Spectrum Design Build excels in remodeling with unmatched care and standards. From innovative designs to custom craftsmanship, we collaborate closely with clients, bringing new life to homes. An award-winning company, our decades of experience ensure creative, sustainable building to realize your dream space.
Renovation specialists with a fresh take on home aesthetics and a soulful, creative approach to how home improvement is experienced. The STRUCTURE team has a reputation for high quality, highly customized projects that shine with undeniable style. This boutique renovation and home building firm provides the keys to a well-loved home.
4810 Creek Shore Dr. | North Bethesda, MD 20852 240-994-1520 | info@structurecustomhomes.com StructureCustomHomes.com
Wilets Architecture creates custom residential and community buildings, crafting inspired spaces for people who live, work and play within. Our architectural vision, construction knowledge and collaborative process propel projects from concept to completion, improving lives and adding value to communities.
Wilets,
Essentials
Keep this guide handy for info on how to contact local government and access frequently used services
BY
PHOTO
ANNABELLE GORDON
Inside MOCO
How county government operates—and how to reach the services you need
COUNTY EXECUTIVE MARC ELRICH
For the 1 million-plus residents of Montgomery County, issues such as real estate taxes, transportation projects, trash pickup and environmental stewardship can be key parts of their daily lives. The local government employs more than 10,000 people in more than 30 departments and agencies to provide the services that make the county run. Here’s a primer on who does what and how to get in touch with them.
County Executive Marc Elrich, a Democrat, is serving his second term in the office, having first been elected in 2018. Before he was a politician, Elrich was a teacher at Rolling Terrace Elementary School in Takoma Park, where he worked for 17 years. He started his political career on the Takoma Park City Council, where he served for 19 years before being elected to the Montgomery County Council in 2006. He was a councilmember for 12 years and three elected terms. Elrich’s responsibilities include proposing a yearly budget, developing policies and introducing legislation to the county council, adopting executive orders and appointing boards and committees.
Elrich’s priorities include funding education, combating climate change through county initiatives and advocating for a more progressive state income tax rate.
Elrich’s office can be contacted by visiting montgomerycountymd.gov/exec/contactcex.aspx
MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL
The Montgomery County Council meets most Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at the Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville. The meetings are streamed live on the council’s YouTube page: youtube.com/@ mococouncilmd.
The council expanded in late 2022 from nine members to 11, and from five council districts to seven. Four at-large members represent the whole county. The current council includes six women and five people of color.
The council is responsible for major county decisions, such as passing a yearly budget. It approved $7.1 billion for fiscal year 2025 that included funds for education, public safety, affordable housing and health and human services.
The council announces public hearings in advance, and community members can sign up to speak by visiting montgomerycountymd.gov/council/ participate.html
If you don’t know what district you’re in or who your councilmember is, you can enter your address in the county’s interactive map. Go to montgomerycountymd.gov/ council and select “find my councilmember” under “about the council.”
COUNCILMEMBERS
President: Andrew Friedson, D, District 1: 240-777-7828, councilmember.friedson@ montgomerycountymd.gov
Vice President: Kate Stewart, D, District 4: 240-777-7968, councilmember.stewart@ montgomerycountymd.gov
Marilyn Balcombe, D, District 2: 240-777-7960, councilmember.balcombe@ montgomerycountymd.gov
Sidney Katz, D, District 3: 240-777-7906, councilmember.katz@montgomery countymd.gov
Kristin Mink, D, District 5: 240-777-7955, councilmember.mink@montgomery countymd.gov
Natali Fani-González, D, District 6: 240-777-7870, councilmember.fanigonzalez@montgomerycountymd.gov
Dawn Luedtke, D, District 7: 240-777-7860, councilmember.luedtke@ montgomerycountymd.gov
VOTING
The Montgomery County Board of Elections is located at 18753 N. Frederick Ave., Suite 210, Gaithersburg. You can register to vote online and find more information about voting in the county by visiting montgomerycountymd.gov/elections or calling 240-777-8500.
COUNTY SERVICES
To request bulk trash pickup, a recycling bin, tree removal, pothole repair or other county services, go to montgomerycountymd. gov/mc311 or call 311 (or 240-777-0311 from outside the county).
PUBLIC SAFETY
For emergencies, dial 911. To reach agencies directly, use the contact information below.
Chevy Chase Village Police Department: 301654-7300, chevychasevillagemd.gov/35/ police
Montgomery County Department of Police: 301-279-8000, montgomerycountymd.gov/pol
Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service: 240-683-6520, montgomerycountymd. gov/mcfrs
Rockville City Police Department: 240-314-8900, rockvillemd.gov/248/police
Takoma Park Police Department: 301-270-1100, takomaparkmd.gov/ government/police
POLITICS BRIEFING
LIBRARIES
For a full-service library card, go to any Montgomery County Public Libraries branch with a photo ID and proof of address. For a digital library card, apply online at mcpl.aspendiscovery.org/apply
TRANSPORTATION
Metro: The Metro’s Red Line connects Montgomery County to Washington, D.C. The line stretches from Shady Grove through Rockville and North Bethesda to the nation’s capital and back into the county, ending in Glenmont. The Purple Line, running east-west from New Carrollton in Prince George’s County to Bethesda, will provide a direct connection to the system’s red, green and orange lines; it is slated to open in 2027. wmata.com/service/rail
Metrobus: Metrobus has more than 1,500 buses running 325 routes around the D.C. region. wmata.com/service/bus
Ride On bus: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Ride
On bus system operates dozens of routes, which serve much of the county. montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit
Bethesda Circulator: This free bus makes a 3.3-mile loop through downtown Bethesda every 10 to 15 minutes, Monday through Saturday. Its 18 stops include the Bethesda Metro station and Bethesda’s public garages. bethesda.org/bethesda/ bethesda-circulator
Silver Spring VanGo: The VanGo is a free shuttle service circulating through downtown Silver Spring from the Silver Spring Metro station. silverspringdowntown. com/go/vango-free-downtown-shuttle
Bike rentals: Capital Bikeshare’s signature red bikes are available to rent at one of hundreds of stations across the region, including dozens throughout Montgomery County, and can be returned to another station. In some areas of the county, users can also find dockless bikes available from other bikeshare companies, as well as e-bikes and e-scooters. capitalbikeshare.com
For insider scoops, deep dives and updates on all things Montgomery County government and politics, community members can sign up to receive MoCo360’s free weekly Politics Briefing newsletter by visiting MoCo360.media/newsletters
Teekay caption teekay tktktktk
Back row (left to right): Sidney Katz, Laurie-Anne Sayles, Andrew Friedson, Natali Fani-González, Gabe Albornoz; front row (left to right): Will Jawando, Kristin Mink, Marilyn Balcombe, Evan Glass, Dawn Luedtke, Kate Stewart
County Council
The numbers behind business and work in Montgomery County
Federal agencies continue to rule the roost when it comes to Montgomery County’s major employers, according to the Maryland Department of Commerce. That said, private-sector industries in the county account for more than $81 billion in economic output. TOP EMPLOYERS
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BETHESDA
U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION
GIANT FOOD GROCERIES ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE
Montgomery County Economic Development Corp.
$106.8 BILLION
$2.2 BILLION VENTURE
MOCO BY THE
Numbers
1,058,474
Population of Montgomery County, the most populous county in Maryland (2023 U.S. Census Bureau estimate)
32.7%
Foreign-born persons, 2018-2022
35,181 Veterans, 2018-2022
5.7%
Children younger than 5 years
U.S. Census info paints a picture of who lives here
DATA POINTS RACE
$125,583
Median household income (in 2022 dollars), 2018-2022
22.5%
Persons younger than 18 years 17.2%
Persons 65 years and older
69.9%
Percent of population age 16 and older in civilian labor force, 2018-2022
HOUSING
406,686
Housing units, July 1, 2023
65.5%
Owner-occupied housing unit rate, 2018-2022
$2,843
Median selected monthly owner costs with a mortgage, 2018-2022
$1,957
Median gross rent, 2018-2022
$64,126
Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2021 dollars), 2018-2022
33 minutes
Mean travel time to work, workers age 16+, 2018-2022
7.9%
Persons in poverty
65.1%
Percent of female population age 16 and older in civilian labor force, 2018-2022
385,284
Households, 2018-2022
2.72
Average persons per household, 2018-2022
87%
Living in same house 1 year ago, percent of persons age 1+, 2018-2022
41.9%
41.4%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
20.7%
Black or African American 20.3%
Hispanic or Latino; Hispanics may be of any race 16.2% Asian 3.7% Two or more races 0.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
Language other than English spoken at home, percent of persons age 5+, 2018-2022 58.4% White
*Percentages do not total 100% because Hispanics may be of any race.
