At the heart of Woodley Park, the all-new Wardman Park redefines luxury living with two distinctive residences: Aerie, available for immediate move-ins, and Zephyr, now pre-leasing. Designed as a resort within the city, the community offers every imaginable amenity—from an indoor lap pool, sauna and hot tub to three additional pools, a rooftop lounge, co-working spaces and a state-of-theart fitness center. Plus, the community is just 11 minutes to Bethesda on Metro’s red line. Wardman Park delivers the space, style and community to thrive.
5 Things to Do
Arts venues, shopping, farmers markets and more 21 Eat & Drink
Global cuisine, breweries and wineries, and Best of Bethesda picks 33 Kids &
Schools
Playgrounds, fun nights out for youngsters, and facts about local public and private schools
50 Neighborhoods Major communities that make up Montgomery County and home sales highlights 51 Bethesda
Cabin John
Glen Echo
Chevy Chase 55 Kensington 56 Garrett Park
Rockville & North Bethesda
58 Gaithersburg & North Potomac
60 Potomac 61 Silver Spring
Gyms, hospital ratings, Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors and more
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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 JENIFER MORRIS/COURTESY BETHESDA URBAN PARTNERSHIP, INC.
The Fun Starts Here
Find your next adventure, from pickleball to food festivals
BY STEPHANIE SIEGEL BURKE
3 THINGS TO DO
If You’re a Book Lover
ATTEND A LITERARY FESTIVAL: Meet a favorite author, get a book signed and participate in discussions and Q&A sessions. The Kensington Day of the Book Festival, held each April, is a literary-themed street festival with author talks, readings and live music. The Gaithersburg Book Festival draws dozens of best-selling writers to the city each May. The Small Press Expo promotes artists and publishers of independent comics each September in Rockville. And in October, the F. Scott Fitzgerald Literary Festival celebrates The Great Gatsby writer who’s buried in Rockville. dayofthebook.com, gaithersburgbookfestival.org, smallpressexpo.com, fitzgeraldfestival.com
Gaithersburg Book Festival
VISIT AN INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOP: True bibliophiles can’t miss Second Story Books’ Rockville warehouse with its mazelike stacks containing a vast selection of used books in every category. For good reads along with friendly neighborhood vibes, check out favorites such as People’s Book (Takoma Park), Wonderland Books (Bethesda) or Politics and Prose (Chevy Chase, D.C.), where you can browse, get staff recommendations and just hang out. Enjoy your new read over coffee or a bite to eat at The Den, Politics and Prose’s in-house cafe. secondstorybooks.com, peoplesbooktakoma.com, wonderlandbooks.com, politics-prose.com
JOIN A BOOK CLUB: Love mysteries, sci-fi or history?
There are mystery book clubs at Connie Morella Library (Bethesda) and Marilyn J. Praisner Library (Burtonsville), which also hosts an African American book club. Other book discussion groups meet at library branches including Maggie Nightingale (Poolesville), Damascus and Kensington Park, and some even meet virtually. People’s Book has more than a dozen book clubs that meet monthly, with themes including sci-fi and fantasy, queer lit, history, psychology and poetry. At Politics and Prose, meet up for women’s biography, history and fiction groups. mcpl.libnet.info/events, peoplesbooktakoma.com, politics-prose.com
3 THINGS TO DO If You’re a Fitness Fan
COMPETE IN A RUN THAT’S FUN:
These races are beyond your basic 5K. Runners don Santa hats and jingle bells for the Run Under the Lights 5K held in November in Gaithersburg’s Seneca Creek State Park along the route of the annual holiday lights display. Rockville’s Suds & Soles 5K in June is followed by an after-race party with beer samples from local breweries. And live bands perform along the route of the Kentlands/Lakelands 5K, which is held in those Gaithersburg neighborhoods each August. mcrrcrununderlights.com, mcrrcsudsandsoles.org, runsignup.com/race/md/gaithersburg kentlandslakelands5krunwalk
3 THINGS TO DO
If You’re Artsy
VISIT A MUSEUM: Head to Glenstone, the world-class art museum in Potomac, to spark inspiration. The remarkable collection contains artwork from the 20th and 21st centuries, including pieces by Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Robert Gober and Michael Heizer. Architecturally impressive, the Pavilions, which house most of the galleries and surround an aquatic garden, seem to rise out of the hillside of the nearly 300-acre landscape. The dreamy grounds, with rolling meadows, shady woods and streams, are also the setting for iconic outdoor sculp tures, such as the floral “Split-Rocker” by Jeff Koons. While admission is free, tickets are required. glenstone.org
TRY SOMETHING NEW: Break out of a fitness rut with one of these uncommon workouts. Practice asanas while suspended in a hammock in an aerial yoga class, or do lunges and squats while rigged up to bungee cords in a bungee cardio class at Flying Buddha Studio in Gaithersburg. Movement in Rockville and Sportrock in Gaithersburg offer indoor rock climbing for all levels. Or sweat to the beat in a cardio drumming class, offered through Montgomery County Recreation and the City of Rockville. flyingbuddhastudio.com, movementgyms.com, sportrock.com, activemontgomery.org (search “PPACT0004”), rockvillemd.gov (search “Drums Alive”)
PLAY PICKLEBALL:
If you haven’t yet tried the paddle sport that combines elements of tennis and badminton, what are you waiting for? Dill Dinkers, the indoor pickleball facility, has locations in Rockville and North Bethesda, and offers clinics and classes for all levels. If you already know how to dink at the kitchen line, you can skip the lessons and book court time. Montgomery County Recreation also offers classes and leagues at community and recreation centers. Montgomery Parks lists 41 parks that have outdoor courts (all first come, first served) with more planned for the future. And the Wheaton Indoor Tennis facility has indoor courts available to reserve.
TAKE A CLASS: Along with painting, drawing and ceramics, you can learn glassblowing, silversmithing and stone carving at Glen Echo Park. Formerly the site of an amusement park, Glen Echo is a creative center with hundreds of visual arts, music and dance classes each year. The offerings go beyond typical studio art classes—although you can find those here, too—and include everything from screen printing and mosaics to pottery and jewelry-making workshops. glenechopark.org
CRAFT WITH A COHORT: Bring a crew or just a best bud to get creative together at a DIY studio. Hammer & Stain in Rockville offers workshops where you can paint sneakers, make cocktailinspired candles, and personalize wood and glass crafts. Muse Paintbar in Gaithersburg hosts painting sessions with a stocked bar and kitchen for drinks and snacks. Rockville’s VisArts has “Cocktails + Canvas” classes that include all the supplies needed for an acrylic canvas painting, complimentary snacks and soft drinks, and wine and beer to purchase. If you really want to do it yourself, visit Scrap Happy Thrift at Germantown’s BlackRock Center for the Arts and pick up pay-what-you-can supplies to hold your own artsy party. hammerandstainrockville.com, musepaintbar.com, visartscenter.org/classes/cocktailscanvas, blackrockcenter.org
3 THINGS TO DO
If You’re a Nature Lover
VISIT A NATURE CENTER: These facilities offer more than park and trail information. Learn about local wildlife, meet animals such as raptors, reptiles and amphibians, and participate in educational programs, guided hikes and hands-on activities, such as maple sugaring and cider pressing. There are five nature centers run by Montgomery County—Black Hill Discovery Center in Boyds, Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton, Locust Grove Nature Center in Bethesda, Maydale Nature Classroom in Colesville and Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville— plus the City of Rockville’s Croydon Creek Nature Center Note that Meadowside’s nature center building has been closed for renovations with no reopening date announced. montgomeryparks.org/visit-nature, rockvillemd.gov/380/croydon-creeknature-center
TAKE A HIKE WITH A GREAT VIEW: These favorite treks reward adventurers with beautiful vistas any time of year. Several trails lead to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson, elevation 1,282 feet, where you can perch on boulders and peer over miles of treetops and farmland. Scramble up steep rocks on the Billy Goat Trail in Potomac for views of the Potomac River and the Mather Gorge. For breathtaking views of Great Falls without the rock climbing, try the Olmsted Island overlook. Start out from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center and follow the trail, which is mostly boardwalk. sugarloafmd.com, nps.gov/choh/ planyourvisit/billy-goat-trail.htm, canaltrust.org/pyv/olmsted-island
CONNECT WITH OTHER NATURE
LOVERS: Find others who share your passion for the outdoors at Gardens in Wheaton, where you can join walking tours, workshops and discussions focused on planting and gardening. Grow your own produce alongside other green thumbs with the Montgomery Parks’ community garden program, which has more than 550 plots for local gardeners. Birding enthusiasts can check out the Montgomery Bird Club, which offers several birding trips each month as well as monthly meetings. montgomeryparks.org/parksand-trails/brookside-gardens, montgomeryparks.org/communitygardens, montgomerybirdclub.org
TOP PHOTO BY RENEE SKLAREW; IMAGES BY GETTY IMAGES
3 THINGS TO
DO to Entertain Kids
PLAN FOR PLAY TIME: Playgrounds are always a great option (check out our list of fun playgrounds on page 34 for ideas), but if the weather’s not co operating, hit up an indoor play place. With trampolines, swings and climbing equipment that are fun but not too scary, My Gym in Potomac is a favorite for little ones. For older kids, thrills can be found at ZavaZone in Rockville, including a ropes course, ninja warrior obstacles and trampoline dodgeball. Little Towns Children’s Museum in North Bethesda is set up like a mini-neighborhood, with stations modeled after a grocery store, post office and fire station, where kids can role play and use their imaginations. mygym.com/potomac, zavazone.com/ rockville, thelittletownsmd.com
Participate in hands-on activities at Bethesda’s Kid Museum, where youngsters can use tools in a woodshop, play with circuits and robots, construct with cardboard or learn to crochet, to name a few. The Rockville Science Center offers classes and clubs for science-minded students and crafty kids. There are also drop-in sessions in the center’s Makerspace to work on projects and use tools such as 3D printers and vinyl cutters. gepaquarium.org, kid-museum.org, rockvillesciencecenter.org
3 THINGS TO DO
If
You’re
a Foodie
DIG INTO A FOOD FESTIVAL: Tacos or dumplings? Burgers or kabobs? The solution for an indecisive food lover’s dilemma: food festivals, where you taste it all. Taste of Bethesda, held each October, features bites from about 40 eateries, as well as five stages of live music. In June, Taste of Wheaton draws around 10,000 people to Marian Fryer Town Plaza for samples from the area’s ethnically diverse restaurants. bethesda.org/taste-of-bethesda, wheatonmd.org/do/taste-of-wheaton-2025
Plays for young audiences are the specialty at Adventure TheImagination Stage, two arts education institutions that have been around for decades. Both offer professional productions aimed at budding theatergoers in intimate settings that won’t overwhelm them. Glen Echo Park’s Adventure Theatre MTC stages productions adapted from children’s books and stories. Many of the main-stage shows and musicals at Imagination Stage in Bethesda are also based on children’s literature. The theater also produces interactive multisensory shows for children as young as 1. adventuretheatre-mtc.org, imaginationstage.org
GO ON AN ULTIMATE
DAY OUT:
Treat yourself to breakfast, lunch and dinner at a few of Montgomery County’s best dining spots. Start with The Breakfast Club in Silver Spring, which offers all-day breakfast in an elegant art deco-inspired dining room. The menu includes classics such as pancakes and waffles, and specialties such as oxtail and grits. The next stop is downtown Bethesda for lunch at Woodmont Grill, where the barbecue ribs are popular and the prime rib French dip au jus sandwich is something of a cult classic. End the day with dinner at Bouboulina in North Bethesda. The newest eatery from the team behind Cava and fellow Pike & Rose restaurants Julii and Melina offers steak and seafood classics in a dark and upscale steakhouse atmosphere. thebreakfastclubdmv.com, woodmontgrill.com, eatbouboulina.com
TAKE A COOKING CLASS: If you’re ready to lift your culinary skills to the next level, consider a cooking class at Sur La Table. The kitchen wares store at Pike & Rose in North Bethesda offers a variety of handson classes where you can learn to whip up a gourmet meal, prepare sweet treats and baked goods, or perfect homemade breads or pasta. The classes are led by professional chef instructors. There are also “Date Night” classes where you cook with a partner. surlatable.com/cooking-classes/ in-store-cooking-classes
Steak and salad at Bouboulina
Catch a Show
At performance venues throughout Montgomery County, find the curtains rising over beloved musicals, national debuts, famous singers, and creative shows for kids BY
STEPHANIE SIEGEL BURKE
Adventure Theatre MTC
This theater in Glen Echo Park presents professional productions for children and offers training for young actors. The sell-out show Dragons Love Tacos was the most popular of its 2024-2025 season. Plan for an approximately seven-minute walk from the parking lot to the theater. If you see the Glen Echo Park neon entrance sign, you’re in the wrong parking lot (that small one is only for accessible parking and permit holders).
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. During the 20242025 season, sell-out events included the James Fernando Trio, Brian Ganz, Illusions by Vick as Professor Snape and Metropolitan Ballet Theatre’s A Day of Service. There are lots of restaurants near the Kentlands venue, including Brews & Barrels, open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays for a post-show snack. 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. Chanté Moore, Peabo Bryson, actress Lisa Ann Walter from Abbott Elementary, and Broadway star Avery Wilson have performed there. Parking in the Cheltenham garage, located in the same building as the club, is free on Sundays. 7719 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 240-330-4500, bethesdatheater.com
PHOTO BY TERESA CASTRACANE
Olney Theatre Center’s spring 2025 production of Waitress
BlackRock Center for the Arts
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. Popular performances in the 2024-2025 season included bass player Mohini Dey and Washington, D.C., go-go legends Rare Essence. On-site parking is free, and the center is in the heart of Germantown, where you can find restaurants within a short walk or drive.
12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, 301-528-2260, blackrockcenter.org
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 2024 and 2025,
Story So Far, Bush, Jessie Reyez, Benson Boone and Knocked Loose. The club is a short walk from the Silver Spring Metro station and two public parking garages.
Closed in December 2024 for renovations to expand ADA compliance and improve sound, the theater reopened in September 2025. It is the home stage for community groups including Rockville Musical Theatre, Rockville Little Theatre, Victorian Lyric Opera Co., Rockville Chorus and Rockville Civic Ballet, whose annual performances of The Nutcracker often sell out. National touring groups also perform there occasionally. The theater has free parking and is a short drive to many dining options in downtown Rockville.
603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville,
Hank Dietle’s Tavern
First opened in 1950, Hank Dietle’s Tavern is an intimate venue presenting live music seven days a week. Some of the most popular bands to play regularly include rockabilly band The Rock-A-Sonics, power pop trio Airport 77s, country rockers Ruthie and The Wranglers, blues band The Nighthawks and zydeco group Corey Arceneaux and The Zydeco Hot Peppers. Since the venue is small, it fills up quickly. Subscribe to the weekly email list for notifications of new shows, special events and advanced ticket links. 11010 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 240-512-3077, hankdietles.net
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. Winnie
the 2024-2025 season. The theater is next to a Montgomery County parking garage, which is free on Sundays, and it’s close to several family-friendly restaurants and cafes.
The complex includes a 500-seat theater and concert hall, and a lecture hall and lab theater space. See future professionals perfect their craft in student productions or catch a regional or national touring act. During the 2024-2025 season, some of the most popular performances were Wizard of Oz on Ice and illusionist Reggie Rice. Parking is free and the center offers concessions featuring Maryland craft beer and wine.
A professional regional theater, Olney Theatre Center offers productions year-round. The 2024-2025 season saw many sold-out performances, including Eisenhower, Frozen, Waitress and Kim’s Convenience. Its outdoor summer season includes cabaret, comedy, drag shows and concerts. Olney’s First Time Free program grants four free tickets for a preview performance to people who have never been to a show at the theater. Construction on the campus is ongoing through spring 2026, so plan extra time for parking.
2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, 301-924-3400, olneytheatre.org
The Puppet Co. Playhouse
The 250-seat theater in Glen Echo Park 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. Its most popular show is the annual Nutcracker production. Arrive early and burn off some energy at the playground in Glen Echo Park and plan to stay for a photo with a puppet after the show. (See the Adventure Theatre MTC listing for parking info.)
On the Rockville campus of Montgomery College, the venue hosts concerts, dance and theatrical productions by student, community and touring groups. The 2024-2025 season included sell-out performances by Saturday Night Live’s Mikey Day and Ego Nwodim, Reduced Shakespeare Company’s The Complete History of America (abridged), In Conversation with Giancarlo Esposito, and The String Queens.
Round House Theatre presents a sixshow season of new plays, modern classics and musicals, including many world and regional premieres. The biggest hits during the 2024-2025 season were What the Constitution Means to Me and Bad Books. The theater offers discounts for certain show dates, including Pay-WhatYou-Can performances and 2-for-1 tickets on Tuesdays. Students (age 13 through college students) can get free tickets through Round House’s Free Play program.
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 stand-up comedy shows to plays, concerts,
PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER PIPER
The Puppet Co. Playhouse in Glen Echo Park
dance shows and youth performances. County parking garages and the Silver Spring Metro station are a few blocks away. The theater is surrounded by downtown Silver Spring restaurants, including Dave & Buster’s, Outback Steakhouse, All Set Restaurant & Bar, Miss Toya’s Creole House and Ghar-E-Kabab.
Silver Spring Stage is a community theater with a mission to present contemporary plays. During the 2024-2025 season, which featured eight productions, the most popular were Company by Stephen Sondheim, The Playboy of the Western World—A New Version by Bisi Adigun and Roddy Doyle and Blues for an Alabama Sky by Pearl Cleage. Free parking
is available behind Woodmoor Shopping Center, where the theater is located. Grab a drink at nearby 4 Corners Pub after a show.
The Music Center presents folk, blues, pop, R&B, jazz, show tunes, world and classical music artists. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the National Philharmonic also perform there. In the 2024-2025 season there were 12 sell-out shows, including Indigo Girls, Yamato, Song of the North, Rain—A Tribute to the Beatles, Yitzhak Perlman and Youssou Ndour. The center is a short walk from the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro station; Strathmore covers the cost of parking in the garage for some events. Community Access tickets
Strathmore hosted Step Afrika! in 2025.
for less than $30 are available for Strathmore-presented shows. 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, 301-581-5100, strathmore.org
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
At Strathmore, the arts are for all of us. All to create. All to enjoy. All to share. All to cherish.
WHERE TO SHOP
Whether 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. Here’s a taste of where you can go for some retail therapy 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 (Serena & Lily). 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 Exchange, 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. 22705 Clarksburg Road, Clarksburg, premiumoutlets.com
CONGRESSIONAL PLAZA
This strip mall along Rockville Pike features retail, dining and services. The Container Store, Barnes & Noble, The Fresh Market and Lands’ End are among the larger tenants. Exercise spots include CorePower Yoga, Orangetheory Fitness and Pure Barre. Free parking. 154 Congressional Lane, Rockville, congressionalplaza.com
FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS
The longtime regional shopping district near the intersection of Wisconsin and Western avenues near the Chevy Chase, Maryland/Washington, D.C., line in Friend-
ship Heights is transforming into a true neighborhood center. Bloomingdale’s still serves as the retail hub for The Shops at Wisconsin Place, whose stores include Talbots, J.Jill and Eileen Fisher women’s clothing boutiques. 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 in 2023 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
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 mixeduse 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).
1580 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 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 Wellness Center and Relax Station) offer massages, acupressure, foot reflexology and other spa services. Plenty of free parking.
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; Flex All Day, an athleisure clothing boutique; and Yves Delorme for luxury linens. Free parking.
10241 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, shopsatwildwood.com
Farmers Markets
Whether 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).
Outside the Village of Friendship Heights Village Center, 4433 S. Park Ave., Chevy Chase, friendshipheightsmd.gov/ services/farmers-market
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/ main-street-farmers-market
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 7 through Oct. 25, 2025).
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church parking lot, 9801 Centerway Road, Montgomery Village, mvfarmersmarket.com
NORMAN’S FARM MARKET
Hours and days vary.
Stands in Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac, normansfarmmarket.com
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (April 26 through Nov. 23, 2025, special Thanksgiving Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 25, 2025).
Parking lot, 935 Prose St. (Pike & Rose), North Bethesda, pike.centralfarmmarkets.com
POTOMAC CHURCH FARMERS MARKET
Open Thursdays, 3-6:30 p.m. (May 8 through Nov. 20, 2025).
Potomac United Methodist Church, 9908 S. Glen Road, Potomac, potomacfarmersmarket.org
ROCKVILLE FARMERS MARKET
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (May 17 to Nov. 22, 2025).
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 7 to Oct. 29, 2025).
NCI campus rear parking lot, 9605 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, milkladymarkets.org
TAKOMA PARK FARMERS MARKET
Open Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 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 15 to Nov. 20, 2025).
Evans Neighborhood Park, 2001 Evans Parkway, Wheaton, milkladymarkets.org
BEST OF BETHESDA 2025 Readers’ Picks Shopping & Services
More than 6,500 people voted in the nomination round of our online readers’ poll and more than 11,600 people voted in our elimination round. The winners and finalists are listed in order of the number of votes they received.
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Dembo Jones
Snyder Cohn
Rocha & Co.
Tempchin & Bowers
ANTIQUES AND VINTAGE STORE
Potomac French Market
New4You Thrift Boutique
Consider it Done Boutique
Modern Mobler
AUTO DEALERSHIP
Fitzgerald Auto Mall
Euro Motorcars Bethesda (tie)
Ourisman Honda (tie)
Chevy Chase Cars
BIKE STORE
Griffin Cycle
REI
Terrapin Bicycles
Takoma Bicycle
CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE
On Cloud 9 (now closed)
The Blue House
Rue + Roe
Janie & Jack
COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
FIRM
AMR Commercial
CBRE
Cushman & Wakefield
COMMUNITY BANK
Sandy Spring Bank
EagleBank
Founders Bank
CONSIGNMENT/RESALE STORE
Kid to Kid (tie)
Reddz Trading (tie)
My Big Finds
New4You Thrift Boutique
DOG PARK
Cabin John Regional Park
Park Potomac
Olney Manor Recreational Park
DOG WALKING SERVICE
A Walk in the Park
Walk. Play. Love.
The Right Fluff Pet Sitting
Potomac Pet Re-Treat
EMERGENCY VETERINARIAN
Friendship Hospital for Animals
BluePearl Pet Hospital
Veterinary Referral Associates
Apex Vets
FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY
Erin Kopelman
Sarah Zimmerman
Jessica Markham
Lisa Seltzer Becker
See the rest of the Best of Bethesda Shopping & Services Readers’ Picks at BethesdaMagazine.com/ best-of-bethesda.
BEST OF BETHESDA 2025 Readers’ Picks Things to Do
More than 6,500 people voted in the nomination round of our online readers’ poll and more than 11,600 people voted in our elimination round. The winners and finalists are listed in order of the number of votes they received.
ANNUAL FESTIVAL
Taste of Bethesda
Bethesda Row Arts Festival
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
Kentlands Under the Lights
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
The Music Center at Strathmore
The Fillmore Silver Spring
Hank Dietle’s Tavern
Caddies on Cordell
PERFORMING ARTS THEATER/VENUE
The Music Center at Strathmore
Olney Theatre Center
Round House Theatre
Imagination Stage
PRIVATE GOLF COURSE
Congressional Country Club
Woodmont Country Club
Lakewood Country Club
Bethesda Country Club
www.evergreenehomes.com
PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
Falls Road Golf Course
Blue Mash Golf Course
Needwood Golf Course
Sligo Creek Golf Course
TRIVIA NIGHT
Quincy’s Potomac Bar & Grille
BabyCat Brewery
Caddies on Cordell
7 Locks Brewing
STRATTON PLACE
Bethesda, MD
Discover the rare opportunity to live in the coveted Walt Whitman High School district in an exceptional Bethesda location—close to shopping, dining, entertainment, and outdoor recreation—paired with Evergreene’s signature craftsmanship and thoughtful design.
ON YOUR LOT
Bethesda
& Beyond
Bring your dream home to life where you want to live. With Evergreene’s seamless semi-custom process, a portfolio of buildable home designs, and countless personalization options, we make building easy, enjoyable, and uniquely yours.
Eat & Drink
Dine at great restaurants in Montgomery County, explore global cuisines, and enjoy breweries and wineries
Windridge Vineyards in Darnestown
GLOBAL
TASTES
People from all over the world live in Montgomery County, where restaurants reflect their diverse backgrounds and vibrant cultures. Here are 10 tasty spots where you can take a tour of the world right in your own backyard.
BY DAVID HAGEDORN
Holubtsi (stuffed cabbage) at Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant in Bethesda
Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant
WHEN THE COOL WEATHER starts to set in, so does the yen for hearty soups. The rib-sticker that is tops on my list, borscht, a Slavic soup commonly made with beets, lures me to Ruta Ukrainian Restaurant. The 56-seat restaurant, which includes 12 at the bar, opened in Bethesda in August 2024. (Its flagship location is in D.C.’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.) The eateries are named after a yellow flower that, according to Ukrainian legend, turns bright red on Ivana Kupala, a Slavic summer solstice celebration.
Ruta offers two kinds of borscht: one a chunky broth red from beets and rife with potatoes, cabbage and cubes of braised beef; the other, also with potatoes but no beets, verdant from sorrel and spinach and punctuated with chopped hard-boiled eggs. The red version, tangy from vinegar and earthy from porcini mushroom stock, comes with a pampushka, a yeast roll topped with chopped garlic and dill. Sliced black bread accompanies its green sister soup, and sour cream is on hand to up the richness factor of both.
Along with borscht, check out other Ruta specialties: an assortment of plump varenyky (dumplings), the four varieties stuffed with shredded braised short rib, mashed potatoes, chicken or sauerkraut, all crowned with sauteed onions and served with sour cream; holubtsi (stuffed cabbage); and lokshyna, long, flat egg noodles tossed with shiitake and button mushrooms sauteed with soy sauce, truffle oil, white wine and cream and topped with shaved Parmesan.
JAVANESE CHEF ARTHARINI, who goes by one name, caught the cooking bug growing up in Semarang, Indonesia, where her family ran a catering business and her grandmother had a food stall that specialized in gudeg (jackfruit stew). Artharini turned that passion into a business after immigrating to the United States in 2004 and settling in Silver Spring when her husband, Wirawan Ismudjatmiko, took a job at the Embassy of Burkina Faso. She started catering for acquaintances in the Indonesian community and then for the Indonesian Embassy. Success inspired Artharini to open Artha Rini Indonesian Restaurant, her 24-seat brick-and-mortar spot in Kensington, in August 2023.
The herbal, citrusy profile of many of Artharini’s dishes comes from lime leaves, a favored ingredient of hers. They figure prominently in the marinade of her grilled chicken satay, along with galangal, white pepper, garlic, onions and mushroom powder. She serves the skewers with a sauce of ground fried peanuts cooked with brown sugar, chilies, garlic and more lime leaves.
White or red spice pastes called bumbu, with a base of onions, garlic and candlenuts, are the flavor building blocks for several of Artharini’s all-halal offerings. (Red chili peppers and paprika make one bumbu red.) Nasi padang comes with tastings of one to four dishes: braised beef skin in spicy red curry sauce, jackfruit curry, egg in red bumbu, and chicken in white curry. That’s a clever way to tour Indonesia on one plate.
Artha Rini Indonesian Restaurant, 10562 Metropolitan Ave., Kensington, 240-505-7203, artharini.com
MezeHub
MEZEHUB, A MOSTLY BALKAN market and cafe next to Rockville’s Randolph Hills Shopping Center, is a culinary wonderland. Market delights include somun (flatbread), kajmak (a rich dairy product that evokes a melding of fresh cream, cream cheese and butter), jellies, jams, cevapi (sausage) and myriad other salumi. There are also wines from Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Georgia, Montenegro and Romania.
The 5,000-square-foot space, co-owned by food importers and distributors Doug Wheeler and Edin Saracevic, features an intriguing fast-casual menu in its 26-seat cafe, which has an open kitchen outfitted with a Marra Forni pizza oven that turns out gondola-shaped flatbread pizzas called pides that ooze with melted cheese and various toppings. The star of the show, though, are bureks— ultra-flaky, spiral-shaped Balkan pastries stuffed with beef, potato, spinach or cheese fillings. Other specialties include a Balkan burger served on housebaked pita-like rounds called somuni; babajun, a flatbread topped with roasted eggplant puree, feta cheese and sumac; and Turkish flatbread wraps called lahmacuns (pronounced lama-joons). Go for the “classic” lahmacun filled with a spicy beef spread, sumac onion salad, red peppers, tomatoes and parsley. MezeHub, 11508 Schuylkill Road, Rockville, 301-246-0517, mezehub.com
Indonesian fare at Artha Rini
Eat A Lao
THE RICE ME UP salad at Eat A Lao, a 42-seat Rockville restaurant in the Sunshine Square shopping center off Rockville Pike, is a home run dish, its flavors and textures blending in a perfect harmony of excitement. Puffed rice, peanuts and chunks of cur ried fried rice provide crunch, makrut lime leaves and lime juice add tang, and cured pork sausage im parts funkiness. Ginger, mint, cilantro and chili peppers contribute herbaceousness, sweetness and piquancy.
Rockville residents Angkana Rumphan and her co-owner son, Ing Rumphan, oversee Eat A Lao, whose name is a play on words for Eat Aloud. She’s the chef; he runs the place. The fare features dishes from Laos, Vietnam and the Rumphans’ native Thailand.
Other don’t-miss dishes at Eat A Lao include Lao fried chicken wings with tamarind dipping sauce; Vientiane beef jerky with Sriracha hot sauce; and caramelized salmon with
a fish sauce glaze. Tongue-in-cheek dish names, such as Don’t Leaf Me Alone and Crying Out Lao, add a touch of humor to a superlative dining experience.
Eat A Lao, 1327 Rockville Pike, Suite K (Sunshine Square), Rockville, 301-909-9181, eatalao.com
Jinlan Dumplings
POTOMAC RESIDENT LAN JIN is passionate about sharing her Chinese heritage and culture. She has been teaching Chinese to children for 13 years at Bethesda’s Norwood School and started Jinlan Wenhua Dumplings (wenhua means “culture” in Mandarin) in 2020, selling the bundles of joy at Bethesda Central Farm Market and the now-closed Central Farm Market in Falls Church, Virginia. Now she’s at 10 farmers markets, including one on Saturdays at Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring.
In April 2025, Jin opened a 30-seat brick-and-mortar restaurant in Rockville’s White Flint Station shopping center. The menu offers a full range of dishes, including scallion pancakes, eggplant with garlic sauce, and ma po tofu, but it’s a veritable heaven on earth for dumpling lovers, offering several varieties with the option of having them steamed or pan-fried. (And diners can order frozen dumplings to take home for future enjoyment.) Among the fillings are pork and bok choy; chicken and basil; and bulgogi beef. Dim sum items include pork buns, spicy wontons and shrimp shumai.
Jinlan Dumplings, 11620 Rockville Pike, Unit A (White Flint Station), Rockville, 240-669-8456, jinlancooks.com
Chennai Hoppers
EVERY TIME I VISIT the South Indian restaurant Chennai Hoppers in Gaithersburg, chef and owner John Rajoo’s bold cooking brings my taste buds to full attention. The kozhi lollipops are a case in point: meaty chicken drumettes that are marinated in lemon juice, yogurt, ginger, garlic, chili powder and chopped curry leaves before deep-frying.
Rajoo hails from Madurai in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. He named his restaurant after that state’s capital, the coastal city of Chennai, and hoppers, a slang term for appams, pancakes made with fermented rice batter. The 2,200-square-foot restaurant seats 65 inside and 20 outside.
Rajoo offers several kinds of uthappams, a thick griddled rice batter pancake the size of a Neapolitan pizza. All come with tomato and coconut chutney and sambar, a highly spiced lentil and vegetable stew. There’s also a wide variety of dosa. The fried okra, biryanis, curries and tandoor dishes are also tantalizing, and there are plenty of vegetarian choices.
Chennai Hoppers, 136 Paramount Park Drive, Gaithersburg, 240-813-0061, chennaihoppers.com
FROM TOP: PHOTO BY BRENDAN MCCABE; PHOTO BY SCOTT SUCHMAN
Lan Jin of Jinlan Dumplings
Rice Me Up salad at Eat A Lao
Yekta Persian Market & Kabob Counter
SISTERS SOUGOL MOLLAAN AND Sahel Dadras own Yekta Persian Market & Kabob Counter, a market and restaurant their father, Yadi Dadras, opened in Rockville in 1979. The market is a wonderland of fresh produce (pomegranates, quince, persimmons, lemons and limes with their leaves, cucumbers), dried fruits (barberries, apricots), nuts, nut brittles, baked goods (all kinds of baklava, cookies and flatbreads), dairy products (labneh and the Persian yogurt dip mast-o-moosir), olive oils, pomegranate molasses, spices and more.
But true gold is to be found at the kabob counter in the back of the store, where shoppers can order a takeout feast of Persian fare to enjoy at home. Kabobs—grilled skewers of succulent cubed lamb, chicken, beef or salmon, or spice-rich ground chicken or lamb—are served with saffron rice. (Be sure to ask for tahdig, pieces of golden crunchy rice crust formed on the bottom of the pan in which the rice is prepared.) The counter also offers a wide range of combination platters, spreads, sandwiches and Persian specialties, such as ghormeh sabzi (a hearty herb stew rife with beef and kidney beans) and fesenjan (a sweet and sour chicken stew made with walnuts and pomegranate molasses).
OVER THE COURSE OF 10 years, I have never had a bad dish at Beteseb, the Silver Spring restaurant co-owned by chef Darmyelesh Alemu. “Beteseb” means “family” in the Amharic language, and the boldly flavored dishes there feel like a warm embrace by a loving aunt or grandmother.
Alemu is known for her kitfo—beef tartare made with niter kibbeh (spice-laced clarified butter) and mitmita (a chili-based spice blend). Make wide use of torn off pieces of the tangy injera, that spongy bread made from teff (a gluten-free millet) to use as edible utensils to scoop up all of the fully seasoned wots (stews), fish gulash, or bozena (beef with chickpeas). Crispy beef tibs are a house specialty, the meaty morsels deep-fried, then sauteed with peppers, onions and tomatoes. The special tibs that come with collard greens and housemade farmers cheese are a favorite with the regulars. Among the surfeit of vegan and vegetarian dishes, the veggie combo (misir wot, kik alicha, atakilt wot, ye gomen wot, shiro wot) offers a strategy for sampling many of the colorful lentil stews and spice-rich braised collard greens. Beteseb Restaurant, 8201 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, 301-448-1625, betesebrestaurant.com
Lime & Cilantro
LIME & CILANTRO—the Silver Spring restaurant where chef and co-owner Danny Chavez puts a modern twist on Latin cuisine, in particular his Salvadoran heritage—is a prime example of the many immigrant-built establishments that help Montgomery County thrive. One look at his pretty-as-a-picture ceviche with ultrathin slices of yellowtail dressed with cilantro aguachile (literally, “chili water”), radish slices, cucumbers and bright red guajillo chili oil, signals the chef’s noteworthy talent. One taste confirms it. Chavez was born in El Salvador and learned to cook starting at age 12, helping his chef father at a restaurant in Connecticut, where he worked his way up to souschef. As an adult, he rose through the ranks of D.C.’s restaurant scene, becoming a sous-chef at Art & Soul there before opening Lime & Cilantro with business partner Fathi Sarsouri in May 2024. The chef built out the charming 1,700-square-foot space, which seats 40, on a shoestring budget.
Other dishes to sample at Lime & Cilantro include guacamole brightened with plenty of lime juice and topped with queso fresco, pickled red onions and chili oil; flaky chicken empanadas with a hint of chocolate, cinnamon and cloves; and pan-seared Spanish octopus with confit potatoes, mole, spinach and herb oil. Chavez’s tacos, made with fresh tortillas, are standouts, especially the crispy fish variety and those made with chicken mole. Lime & Cilantro, 1909 Seminary Road, Silver Spring, 443-288-1234, limencilantro.com
Filo Cafe
ROCKVILLE’S FILO CAFE IS a family affair. Three generations run the 35-seat Filipino restaurant in the Randolph Hills Shopping Center: Allaine Hontiveros; her parents, Jaimie and Allan Hontiveros; and Jaimie’s parents, Romeo and Lydia Ermitano. Lydia does most of the cooking, having learned the craft from her father while growing up in the Philippines.
Those who think breakfast is the most important meal of the day are in luck at Filo Cafe, which offers its Filipino version all day. All seven breakfast plates come with sinangag (garlic fried rice), itlog (a crispyedged, sunny-side up egg) and a protein, among them pork chops, tapa (like beef jerky), longanisa (sweet Filipino sausage), fried soy-marinated chicken and fried milkfish.
Fried lumpia filled with beef, pork or chicken are de rigueur before checking out combo plates such as pork or chicken adobo (sauteed and braised with soy sauce and vinegar), lechon kawali (crispy-skin roasted pork belly with brown gravy), sweet and sour pompano, and dinuguan (pork shoulder braised with pork blood and vinegar). The pancit bihon (rice noodles sauteed with cabbage, carrots, celery, chicken, soy sauce, garlic and onions) is a standout noodle dish.
For dessert, don’t miss the halo halo (bananas, jackfruit and sweetened beans over purple yam or mango ice cream) or the ube vanilla latte float.
Filo Cafe, 4836 Boiling Brook Parkway (Randolph Hills Shopping Center), North Bethesda, 410-639-5405, linktr.ee/filocafe
Tippling Points
Our guide to breweries, cideries, distilleries and wineries in Montgomery County, plus 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 on-site food trailer, Cattie Shack, is open Wednesday through Sunday, serving wings, smashburgers, fries, tacos, hot dogs and more. Feel free to bring pets and kiddos. A second location in downtown Bethesda is slated to open by the end of 2025 at 4850 Rugby Ave. 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
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 seasonal appetizers, flatbreads, handhelds and salads. Every Saturday in the spring through the fall, the brewery hosts live music outside at its Forest Floor Stage.
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: a large tent ($159), or the outdoor Corral space which features picnic tables and a firepit for groups of 20 to 40 people. Pricing is $180$230 per space depending on if you’d like a private server. 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
MAYAN MONKEY BREWING CO.
Fresh Mexican food, fine housemade brews, flamenco nights—there’s a lot to love at one of Gaithersburg’s newest hotspots, which opened in 2024. Sip a Chula, a lager brewed with corn, or an El Mateo, a pale ale redolent with citrus and stonefruit notes. Food includes bar bites such as wings and cheese curds as well as pepita-topped guacamole and pastor tacos. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights ranges from classic rock to ska to blues. 227 E. Diamond St., Gaithersburg, 240-690-4845, mayanmonkeybrewingco.com
SAINTS ROW BREWING
In 2017, Tony and Lacy Prebula opened this laid-back brewery, which also roasts
PHOTO BY ELIA GRIFFIN
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 El Toro (Mexican lager), the most popular brew. Hang out in the 50-seat tasting room or outside, where you can reserve a firepit ($20 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.
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. Complement your suds with sandwiches, wings, 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).
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 rotating seasonal flavors along with permanent customer favorites; there are also hard seltzers, seltzer slushies and nonalcoholic options. Leashed dogs are 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. 28800 Kemptown Road, Damascus, 301-256-3118, stonesilobrewery.com
THIRD HILL BREWING CO.
After home-brewing beer for years, Jason Sliter jumped at the opportunity to open a brewery in June 2023 in the former location of Astro Lab Brewing in downtown Silver Spring. Third Hill Brewing Co. has 16 taps and offers a variety of craft brews ranging from pale ales to porters along with craft seltzer and sour offerings. The bar offers a happy hour Mondays through Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. with discounted draft beers and appetizers.
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, or the popular all-natural sparkling hard lemonade. 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 outdoors. A new outside pavilion space called The Barn is available for private events and gatherings. Children and pets are welcome. 4017 Damascus Road, Laytonsville, 301-774-2337, waredacabrewing.com
Cideries
DOC WATERS CIDERY
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 outdoor-only 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. 22529 Wildcat Road, Germantown, 301-972-1814, docwaterscidery.com
TWO STORY CHIMNEY CIDERWORKS
For five years, this charming cidery has been cranking out small-batch hard ciders, many featuring apples from its orchards. Its bestselling Crab
Tree, 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. 7115 Damascus Road, Gaithersburg, 240-745-5390, twostorychimney.com
Distilleries
FALLEN OAK DISTILLING
Depending on your mood (and maybe the weather), pick from one of two distinct seating areas at Fallen Oak, a distillery opened in 2024 by Lone Oak Brewing Co. on its property. Visitors age 21 and older can kick back on the lawn, patio or tasting room area, or venture into Whispering Spirit, a speakeasy. Scoop up crab dip made with Lone Oak Olney Amber Lager, or go for a plate of sliders (maple bourbon brisket, honey chicken, or chili ricotta-topped meatball). Fallen Oak makes bourbon, maple bourbon, rye, gin and vodka in small batches.
Pop into the distillery’s 2,500-squarefoot showroom whenever it’s open (contact them in advance) to sample and purchase its spirits, such as single-cask bourbon, apple-cinnamon-infused whiskey, hibiscus-sorrel rum, and coffee liqueur. 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
CLEAR SKIES MEADERY
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.
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 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 and sweets.
Nestled at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, 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 kid-ready. 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 food trucks are on-site most weekends.
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 ($550-$750), which yields bespoke bottles varying from sweet whites to robust dark reds. 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 look out over 10 acres of vines (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. A server will walk you through samples of four signature wines ($15 per person) in a 15-minute tasting. Note that Windridge is now 21-and-over, except at booked private events. You can bring your own food, though the vineyard also sells charcuterie, local cheeses, crackers, snacks and sweets.
More than 6,500 people voted in the nomination round of our online readers’ poll and more than 11,600 people voted in our elimination round. The winners and finalists are listed in order of the number of votes they received.
BAGEL
Bethesda Bagels
Call Your Mother
Ize’s Deli & Bagelry
Goldberg’s NY Bagels
BAKERY
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Fresh Baguette
Stella’s Bakery
Breads Unlimited
BAR/RESTAURANT TO WATCH A GAME
Caddies on Cordell
Quincy’s Potomac Bar & Grille
The Barking Dog (tie)
Tommy Joe’s (tie)
BEER SELECTION
World of Beer
BabyCat Brewery
Dog Haus
Gilly’s Craft Beer & Fine Wine
BREWERY
Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co.
BabyCat Brewery
7 Locks Brewing
BRUNCH
MoCo’s Founding Farmers
Java Nation
Silver
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
BURGER
Five Guys
Woodmont Grill
Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge
Black’s Bar & Kitchen
BUSINESS LUNCH SPOT
Woodmont Grill
MoCo’s Founding Farmers
Summer House Santa Monica
Mon Ami Gabi
CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT
Colada Shop
Cubano’s
Negril
Island Pride Jamaican Restaurant
CHINESE RESTAURANT
Bob’s Shanghai 66
Far East Restaurant
Q By Peter Chang
House of Foong Lin
COCKTAILS AND ZERO-PROOF DRINKS
Gringos & Mariachis
MoCo’s Founding Farmers
Aventino
Summer House Santa Monica
COFFEE SHOP
Java Nation
Quartermaine Coffee Roasters
Filicori Zecchini
Ceremony Coffee Roasters
Best FamilyFriendly Restaurant: Silver Diner
DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT
Julii
Woodmont Grill
Melina
Raku
DESSERT MENU
Seasons 52
MoCo’s Founding Farmers
Summer House Santa Monica
Black’s Bar & Kitchen
DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT/BAR
Java Nation
Caddies on Cordell
Silver
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
Silver Diner
Uncle Julio’s
Clyde’s
Fish Taco
FARMERS MARKET
Bethesda Central Farm Market
Norman’s Farm Market
Kensington Farmers Market
Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market (tie)
Olney Farmers and Artists Market (tie)
FOOD TRUCK
Call Your Mother (food truck since closed)
Pita on the Plaza
Corned Beef King
Silver and Sons Barbecue
HAPPY HOUR
Gringos & Mariachis
King Street Oyster Bar
BlackSalt
Caddies on Cordell
ICE CREAM SHOP
Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream
Carmen’s Italian Ice & Cafe
Jeni’s Ice Creams
Dolcezza
INDIAN RESTAURANT
Bombay Bistro
Kadhai
Passage to India
Commonwealth Indian Restaurant
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Il Pizzico
Olazzo
Gregorio’s Trattoria
Pines of Rome
JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Raku
Kusshi Sushi
Sushiko
Rakugaki
LATIN RESTAURANT
Gringos & Mariachis
Guapo’s
Casa Oaxaca
El Mariachi Restaurant
MEDITERRANEAN/MIDDLE EASTERN
RESTAURANT
Cava Mezze
The Big Greek Cafe
Lebanese Taverna Cafe
Melina
MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Uncle Julio’s
Gringos & Mariachis (tie)
Guapo’s (tie)
Casa Oaxaca
OUTDOOR DINING
Old Angler’s Inn
Millie’s
Summer House Santa Monica
MoCo’s Founding Farmers
OVERALL RESTAURANT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY/UPPER NW D.C.
Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge
Woodmont Grill
Il Pizzico
Melina
PIZZA
Frankly ... Pizza!
Andy’s Pizza
Potomac Pizza
Pizzeria Da Marco
PRIVATE DINING SPACE
The Capital Grille
La Ferme
Seasons 52
Mon Ami Gabi
RESTAURANT IN BETHESDA
Woodmont Grill
The Salt Line
Mon Ami Gabi
Raku
RESTAURANT IN CHEVY CHASE
Clyde’s
The Capital Grille
La Ferme
Lia’s
RESTAURANT IN GAITHERSBURG/ NORTH POTOMAC
Coastal Flats
Guapo’s
The Grilled Oyster Co.
Il Porto
RESTAURANT IN GARRETT PARK/ KENSINGTON
Black Market Bistro
Frankly ... Pizza!
Java Nation
The Dish & Dram
RESTAURANT IN NORTH BETHESDA/ ROCKVILLE
Il Pizzico
Summer House Santa Monica
Seasons 52
Melina
RESTAURANT IN OLNEY/SANDY SPRING
Cava Mezze
Salt & Vine
GrillMarX
Mannequin Pis
RESTAURANT IN POTOMAC
Old Angler’s Inn
MoCo’s Founding Farmers
Gregorio’s Trattoria
Gringos & Mariachis
RESTAURANT IN SILVER SPRING
Parkway Deli & Restaurant
Zinnia
Mi Rancho
The Daily Dish
RESTAURANT IN UPPER NW D.C.
Millie’s
Et Voila!
Opal
La Piquette
SANDWICH SHOP
Parkway Deli & Restaurant
Jetties
Attman’s Delicatessen
Bradley Food and Beverage
SPECIAL OCCASION RESTAURANT
The Capital Grille
La Ferme
Melina
Woodmont Grill
SPECIALTY MARKET
Balducci’s
The Organic Butcher of Bethesda
Grosvenor Market
O’Donnell’s Market
STEAKHOUSE
The Capital Grille
Medium Rare
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Mon Ami Gabi
SUSHI
Raku
Kusshi Sushi
Sushiko
Kenaki Sushi Counter
THAI RESTAURANT
Kiin Imm Thai Restaurant
Sisters Thai Potomac
Thai Tanium
Sala Thai
VEGETARIAN DISHES
True Food Kitchen
Planta
Shouk
Yuan Fu Vegetarian
VIETNAMESE RESTAURANT
Pho 75
Pho Nom Nom
Mi La Cay
Pho Viet USA
WINE LIST
Black’s Bar & Kitchen
Aventino
Barrel + Crow
Olazzo
Best Vegetarian Dishes: True Food Kitchen
Kids & Schools
Places for kids to play, plus details on public and private education options in the area
Parents’ Night Out at My Gym in Potomac
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 handoperated water pump and open a dam to watch water flow through it. There are no public restrooms.
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 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.
Sitters can be hard to find, but parents need a break every now and then. We’ve got you covered with these Kids’ Nights Out in Montgomery County.
Activities at the monthly Kids’ Night Out sessions run by Kids After Hours are meant for kindergarteners through fifth graders and include arts and crafts, movies with popcorn, dance parties, gym games such as dodgeball and line tag, and tabletop games such as Uno and Connect 4. They’re held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on a variety of Fridays for $25 per child. With locations at 25 schools around the county, there’s probably one near you. Kids don’t need to be currently enrolled in that school or after-school program to attend a Kids’ Night Out at the location. kidsafterhours.com/school-year-programs/kids-night-out
Activities such as laser tag, glow-in-the-dark kickball and DJ dance parties are designed to appeal to kids in grades three through six at Montgomery County Recreation’s Club Friday, which runs on select Fridays from October through the spring at several community centers around the county. Registration is for the season; participants can attend as many sessions as they like at the selected site for $60-$95. Sports, trivia, party games, billiards, pingpong, video games and crafts are also part of the lineup, depending on the location. Snacks such as pizza and chips are provided. activemontgomery.org (On the website, click on “search” and then click on “activity search” and then type R03002 into the “activity number or keyword search” box.)
Montgomery County Recreation’s Club Friday
Kids age 6 and older with artistic flair can enjoy an art project and movie night at the Amazing Art Studio, a paint-yourown-pottery space in Gaithersburg. On the first Friday of each month, Kids’ Night Out events feature a family-friendly movie and coordinating project—think the animated film Migration matched with painting a ceramic duck, or Disney’s Brave with a painted canvas that says “Be Brave.” There’s also popcorn, pizza and a sweet treat for dessert. Each session runs from 6-8 p.m. and costs $38 per child.
115 Crown Park Ave., Gaithersburg, amazingartstudio.com/calendar
Kids ages 3 to 9 years old are welcome at My Gym’s Parents’ Night Out, generally held monthly at the Potomac activity gym. The events, from 6-9 p.m., include supervised games and activities, such as relay races, a ball pit, a trampoline, a rock climbing wall, balance beams and other gym equipment, and pizza is served. Each month there’s a different theme, such as ninja night or pajama party. The cost is $49 per child. Kids must be potty-trained.
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 91.8% graduation rate in 2023, according to the state education department—more than 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 superintendent. 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 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. Residents can also watch recordings of past meetings on the MCPS YouTube channel. 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 Bethesda Today’s free weekly School Notes newsletter by visiting BethesdaMagazine.com/newsletters
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PHOTO BY ELIA GRIFFIN
OUR HIGH SCHOOLS
HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS
* To comply with federal requirements, any percentage rates greater than or equal to 95.0% are noted as ≥95.0 by MCPS.
** % of graduates scoring 3 or higher on AP test or scoring 4 or higher on IB test ,’23-’24 school year
*** Attainment of college or career readiness benchmarks set by the College Board for SAT evidence-based reading and writing (480 points) and mathematics (530 points) sections
Source: Montgomery County Public Schools
TOP PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Here’s what you need to know about some of Montgomery County’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 “2025 Best Private High Schools in Maryland” list.
* Tuition is for the highest grade offered and may have changed for the current school year.
BEST OF BETHESDA 2025 Readers’ Picks Kids & Schools
More than 6,500 people voted in the nomination round of our online readers’ poll and more than 11,600 people voted in our elimination round. The winners and finalists are listed in order of the number of votes they received.
ART CLASSES
Glen Echo Park
VisArts
Red Panda Art Studio
Amazing Art Studio
CHILDREN’S THEATER
Imagination Stage
Round House Theatre
Adventure Theatre MTC
BlackRock Center for the Arts
DANCE STUDIO
Maryland Youth Ballet
Bethesda Dance Center
Bella Ballet
Dawn Crafton Dance Connection
INDOOR PLAY SPACE
My Gym—Potomac
The Little Towns Children’s Museum
ZavaZone
Sky Zone
KIDS SWIM LESSONS
YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase
Goldfish Swim School
Bender JCC of Greater
Washington
Fins Swimming
MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL
Kicks Karate
East West Tae Kwon Do
Master Lee’s Martial Arts
Black Belt Martial Arts Center
MUSIC CLASSES
Bach to Rock
Levine Music
School of Rock
International School of Music
PLACE FOR KIDS PARTIES
My Gym—Potomac
The Little Towns Children’s Museum
Red Panda Art Studio
Silver Stars Gymnastics
PRESCHOOL
B’nai Israel Schilit Nursery School
Geneva Day School
Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church Nursery School
Christ Episcopal School
PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR ACADEMICS
Bullis
St. Jane de Chantal Catholic School
McLean School
Christ Episcopal School
PRIVATE SCHOOL FOR ARTS/MUSIC Bullis
St. Jane de Chantal Catholic School
McLean School
Christ Episcopal School
See the rest of the Best of Bethesda Kids & Schools Readers’ Picks at BethesdaMagazine.com/ best-of-bethesda.
Creating the next generation o innovators right here in Bethes
Sunday Open Explore
School Field Trips
After-School Classes
Summer Camps
Bir thday Par ties
Advanced General and Implant Dentistry
SMILES OF CHEVY CHASE
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ESPINA M. MARKOGIANNAKIS, DDS
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precision. Utilizing the latest in digital impressions, we provide an enhanced experience— eliminating the discomfort of traditional molds and ensuring a flawless fit. Every treatment is designed with care, including nitrous sedation for those seeking a more relaxed experience. For the discerning individual seeking an exquisite, long-lasting solution, Smiles of Chevy Chase is your destination. Our precisiondriven approach to dental implants preserves your jawbone, enhances oral health, and delivers a natural, lasting solution that’s both easy to maintain and transformative. Trust us to elevate your smile with the artistry and expertise it deserves. Smiles of Chevy Chase—where beauty, precision and trust converge for a truly exceptional smile. Call to schedule your complimentary consultation to better assess your needs and meet our team. Follow @smilesofchevychase for more.
Complex Divorce and Family Law
Navigating divorce and family law matters can be overwhelming, but the right legal team makes all the difference. With offices in Bethesda and Gaithersburg, The McKeon Law Firm focuses exclusively on family law, combining the personalized attention of a boutique firm with the extensive legal experience and resources of a larger practice. Whether handling a complex divorce involving business assets, advocating for custody, or
securing fair support arrangements, attorneys Shelly D. McKeon and Jessica S. Kern provide strategic, hands-on guidance. Their courtroom experience makes them formidable negotiators, while their roles as parents and spouses shape their compassionate approach to litigation. With a reputation built on results and referrals, The McKeon Law Firm is deeply committed to client success, offering more than legal representation—an investment in your future.
Embrace life without compromise at Ingleside at King Farm. This dynamic community offers a continuum of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory support assisted living, skilled nursing, home care and a social day program. Explore an engaged lifestyle through innovative programming, exceptional amenities and spacious apartments. At the Center for Healthy Living, every day is a chance to focus
on your body, mind and spirit. Enjoy a variety of experiences, from creative pursuits in the cultural arts center to relaxation in the saltwater pool. Stay active in the yoga studio, grab something to drink at the coffee shop, or explore even more engaging amenities—there’s always something to do. Located in the walkable King Farm neighborhood, there is convenient access to parks, shopping, dining and the nation’s capital. Here, you can discover life without compromise.
Advanced Behavioral Health (ABH) is a familyoriented clinic offering comprehensive mental health services across Maryland, with offices in Montgomery, Baltimore, Frederick, Greenbelt, and Westminster. ABH provides a wraparound approach to treatment, offering individual and family therapy, psychiatry, medication management, telehealth and youth mentoring.
Our compassionate and dedicated team prioritizes wellness, diversity, integrity and collaboration in its treatment approach. ABH for the second year in a row has
been recognized as a 2025 Top Workplace by USA Today, highlighting its commitment to fostering a positive work environment where employees thrive.
CEO Vera Kurdian emphasizes the organization's focus on excellence, stating, “We prioritize excellence not only in client care but also as an employer. Whether someone is a therapeutic mentor, practice coordinator, social worker, counselor, or intern, we prioritize their well-being and professional growth. Our staff are the heartbeat of the organization."
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From tax-efficient planning to estate administration
and probate, Selzer Gurvitch offers clear, proactive guidance at every step. Whether creating a trust for future generations or structuring a philanthropic vision, the firm delivers sophisticated, comprehensive and customized solutions tailored to each client's unique needs—all with precision and care.
With Selzer Gurvitch, clients can plan with confidence, protect what matters most and build a lasting legacy. Visit www.selzergurvitch.com to learn more.
Wealth Management
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Live a life you love.
At the Counseling Center Group, we are committed to providing treatment that is grounded in robust empirical research and proven efficacy, ensuring that our clients receive the highest standard of care. Unlike others who may claim to practice modalities like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) but fail to adhere to its structure, we provide these therapies with meticulous precision. These techniques are not only effective but
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Our team, united in these shared values, helps you achieve the life you most desire. We focus on moving forward—step by step—toward your personal goals, rather than dwelling solely on the past. Using proven, short-term therapies, we help you make meaningful progress quickly, while building resilience and breaking unhealthy cycles. Together, we work to create a life filled with hope, passion and purpose.
Neighborhoods
Communities Montgomery County residents call home and data on home sales in the area
PHOTO COURTESY
Pike & Rose offers nightlife in North Bethesda.
Bethesda
Someone 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 recent 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.
#56
Best Suburbs to Live in America
Niche 2025
#1
Richest City in Maryland
24/7 Wall St.
POPULATION
68,056
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 97.9%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 87.1%
INCOME
Median household income: $191,348
HOUSING
Median value of owneroccupied housing units: $1,129,700
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 28.7 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
“I love the way nature is woven into Bethesda through its trails and parks. I can spend my morning in my front yard garden tending my fruits and vegetables, watching birds, and then walk on the Capital Crescent Trail into downtown Bethesda to do a little shopping at The Blue House, eat a great meal (Medium Rare, please) and see a non-blockbuster film. My neighborhood, Westbrook, reminds me more of a village than a suburb, with friendly neighbors and shops within walking distance.”
—Aggie Blum Thompson, mystery writer working on her fifth novel
PHOTO BY ANNABELLE GORDON
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.
Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Maryland Niche 2025 #17
Places with Best Public Schools in Maryland Niche 2025 #2
POPULATION
2,096
EDUCATION High school graduate or higher: 99% Bachelor’s degree or higher: 88.2%
INCOME
Median household income: $222,500
HOUSING
Median value of owneroccupied housing units: $1,293,900
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 30.2 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
“I’m a person who is deeply connected to nature, and living in Cabin John makes it easy to stay close to it. I fell in love with the Potomac River many years ago—it’s just a short walk away and I spend a lot of time paddleboarding there. Cabin John is surrounded by natural spaces: the river, the parks, the trails. It’s a community that cares about the environment. I’ve lived here for 30 years and still get excited about everything we do here.”
—Juliet Rodman,
fitness specialist who works with seniors
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 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 (pictured above), 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.
POPULATION
314
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 97.2%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 83%
INCOME
Median household income: $195,000
HOUSING
Median value of owneroccupied housing units: $1,128,500
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 32.6 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
“As the mayor of the town and a resident of 27 years, I know firsthand the uniqueness of the Glen Echo community. We are surrounded by the natural beauty of the Potomac River and easy access to walking and biking paths along the C&O Canal. The neighboring Glen Echo Park is a historic civil rights location and a vibrant arts park for people of all ages to enjoy artistic classes, camps, performance opportunities, art galleries and the historic Dentzel Carousel. I love living in Glen Echo as it is a close-knit and supportive community.”
—Dia Costello, Town of Glen Echo mayor
Chevy Chase
10,176
EDUCATION
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.
#1
Richest City in Maryland
Forbes 2024
Niche 2025 #1
Best Places to Retire in Maryland
—Peter Lovenheim, journalist and author of eight nonfiction books POPULATION
High school graduate or higher: 97.5%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 84.8%
INCOME
Median household income: $213,764
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $1,193,000
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 28.7 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
“I’ve called Chevy Chase home for nearly six years, living with my wife in Friendship Heights. I love so much about the area— Brookville Pharmacy’s friendly staff, the peacefulness of Willard Avenue Park and the playgrounds at Norwood Park for my grandkids. Add in great sushi at Maki Bar, French cuisine at La Ferme (where we held our wedding reception) and the library in the Friendship Heights Village Center, and it’s hard to beat.”
Kensington
With 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 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.
Places with Best Public Schools in Maryland Niche 2025
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $919,400 COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 30 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
“We love the walkability of our town—our kids spend Saturday mornings at the Kensington Farmers Market, we stroll down for ice cream at Carmen’s Italian Ice or dinner at Frankly...Pizza! Everything we need is within walking distance, creating those wonderful moments where you bump into friends everywhere you go and genuinely know your neighbors and local business owners. It’s this combination of intimate community connections, walkable amenities and year-round celebrations that makes Kensington such a special place to call home.”
—Conor Crimmins, chief operating officer at Spider Strategies and Kensington Town Council member since 2017
A tree-lined street in Kensington #5
The Crimmins family, from left: Conor, Casey, Deaglan, Aoife, Padraig and Fionn
The
Garrett Park
Garrett 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.
A+
Overall Grade Niche 2025
POPULATION
872
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 99.7%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 88.1%
INCOME
Median household income: $250,001
HOUSING
Median value of owneroccupied housing units: $994,200
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 31.6 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
“I was first attracted to Garrett Park because the vibe reminded me of old Austin; I’m originally from Texas. It just has that kind of vibe, between all the shady trees and the funky, diverse architecture. My house was built in 1888, and the architecture in Garrett Park is a little bit of everything, from modern to Victorian to farm. My yard has specimen trees all over it—my favorite thing about the town is all the trees.”
—Jeff Black, executive chef/owner of Black Restaurant Group
building housing the town post office and Black Restaurant Group’s Black Market Bistro
Rockville/ North Bethesda
One of the county’s oldest towns—it was established in 1801 and named for its proximity to Rock Creek—Rockville is nonetheless a quintessentially 21stcentury 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 world-class concert hall featuring classical, jazz, pop and world music as well as dance and other cultural performances.
“I love that Rockville can feel like a small town and a city at the same time. Whether enjoying a quiet stroll in RedGate Park, eating out at a top-rated restaurant, having a mini-vacation at the Twinbrook pool, or catching live music at Rockville Town Square, Rockville packs so much in such a small area.”
—Jaime Espinosa, federal employee at the Food and Drug Administration
WHAT Locals SAY
A+ #1
NORTH BETHESDA
Best Suburbs to Live in Washington, D.C., Area
Jaime Espinosa with his wife, Kimberly, and daughter, Adela
Shopping, dining and entertainment abound at North Bethesda’s Pike & Rose.
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.
PHOTO
Locals SAY
“Our family of five has lived in North Potomac twice [and farther up-county for five years in between]. We enjoy the quiet serenity of the neighborhood. The kids can ride their bikes, run and walk in the area without us having to worry about their safety. I’m a runner and cyclist, and I can run miles and miles without having to stop for cars or cross busy intersections. Our kids are very happy at their local public schools. There’s a true community feeling with neighbors acknowledging each other with kindness and concern.”
—Adam Longo, morning news anchor at 7News (WJLA-TV)
GAITHERSBURG
NORTH POTOMAC
Source:
The Lake House at Copper Canyon is one of the dining spots at Gaithersburg’s Rio.
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.
#1 #1 #7 Places with the Best Public Schools in Maryland Niche 2025 Best Places to Raise a Family in Maryland Niche 2025 Best Places to Live in Maryland Stacker.com 2024
POPULATION
47,018
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 97%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 84.5%
INCOME
Median household income: $239,205
HOUSING
Median value of owneroccupied housing units: $1,105,900
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 31.2 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
“Potomac is full of surprises. You can be in the city in 30 minutes—as long as it’s not rush hour—but there are pockets of nature here that feel worlds away. I love the trails along the creek behind our house, and there are several quieter paths and places that are phenomenal. And lately the breakfast food scene has started to step up its game. If anyone knows of a great breakfast burrito, I’m all ears.”
—Adam
Zuckerman, founder of Buried in Work, a platform focused on simplifying estate planning, legacy organization and end-of-life tasks
Water Court at Glenstone museum‘s Pavilions
Silver Spring
Once 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 Silver Spring 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.
#1
Best Place to Live for Families
Fortune magazine 2024
Finalist, Nicest Places in America
Reader’s Digest 2024
POPULATION
81,015
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 86.9%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 59.8%
INCOME
Median household income: $98,880
HOUSING
Median value of owneroccupied housing units: $619,400
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 32.9 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
“I moved to Silver Spring 10 1/2 years ago to open All Set [Restaurant & Bar]. I think the restaurant scene has grown tremendously in the time we’ve been here. The biggest contributor, in my opinion, is the diversity in the cuisine and different options. We love our Silver Spring family and appreciate the support they have given us. Another perk of living in Silver Spring is that the parks are plentiful, and I love the fact there are so many pools.”
—Ed Reavis, co-owner
and executive chef of All Set Restaurant & Bar, Money Muscle BBQ and Fryer’s Roadside
Silver Spring’s Long Branch Festival
HOME SALES
HIGHLIGHTS
NEIGHBORHOODS:
Data is for detached homes and was provided by Bright MLS and MarketStats for ShowingTime. These statistics were generated July 22, 2025, and include median sale prices and number of houses sold data from Jan. 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025. Neighborhoods where fewer than three houses sold are not listed. Some numbers have been rounded.
Health & Wellness
Gyms and local fitness offerings, hospital ratings, Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors and more
Get a balletinspired workout at Barre3 in Bethesda
PHOTO BY JACLYN DU CHATEAU
WORKOUT WONDERS
Here are 16 spots for getting in shape, from upscale mega gyms to specialized studios
BY KELLY KENDALL
Barre3
Embrace strength, cardio and mindfulness all at once with a session at this Bethesda studio. As anyone who’s done barre can attest, those subtle movements inspired by ballet training look deceptively easy but deliver major results. The workouts take you through low-impact isometric moves, bursts of cardio, and breath work that’s meant to center your mind. Everyone, from beginner to expert, is welcome at Barre3, which is known locally for its popular classes, with about a dozen offered per day.
This 20,000-square-foot club sprawls across the 18th floor of the Barlow Building in Friendship Heights, offering penthouse views of downtown D.C. as you lift, spin or power walk. Its squash program is the biggest in the area, including private and group classes, clinics, tournaments and more. Various personal training options zero in on youth sports, seniors’ balance and flexibility, and all-around fitness.
Want to work out on the cheap or even for free? Montgomery County has 22 recreation centers with workshops, clinics,
drop-in programs, sports, open gym and special events. A fitness center pass is free with proof of county residency and gets you access to gym equipment, open gym and more. Some classes, ranging from golf to pickleball, are available for a fee, and a pass to the county’s four indoor pools and seven outdoor pools costs $400 per year for county residents. There are also city rec centers for
a small fee in Gaithersburg and in Rockville, where the Rockville Swim & Fitness Center offers day passes and membership packages for residents and nonresidents. Montgomery County: montgomerycountymd.gov/rec/facilities/ recreationcenters; Gaithersburg: gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation; Rockville: rockvillemd.gov/398/swim-fitness-center
CrossFit Bethesda
If the idea of walking into a huge gym— where you don’t really know how to work the machines or, well, do much of anything—fills you with dread, consider a more personalized workout routine at CrossFit Bethesda. Coaches and classmates quickly get to know your name as you all run through barbell squats and kettlebell swings together. Variety is the name of the game here, so if boredom with the same old, same old is what’s killing your desire to work out, CrossFit might be a good fit the high-intensity fitness approach combines elements of weightlifting, cardio and even gymnastics.
One of 111 Equinox clubs around the globe, this is a posh place for getting fit, equipped with such luxuries as a saltwa-
ter pool and a spa for facials and massages. Group classes, which are unlimited for members, include cycling, barre, Pilates and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Equinox also prides itself on a top-notch personal training program.
4905 Elm St., Bethesda, 301-652-1078, equinox.com
extendYoga
You can do your sun salutations and asanas at this studio, or from the comfort of your home in virtual classes, as teachers lead you through sessions with an emphasis on the vinyasa flow style. Choose from about six classes per day. As part of its mission to make yoga welcoming to all, Extend offers Repped, an “inclusive yoga series” aimed at underserved groups; past months have been devoted to Muslim and Asian American Pacific Islander communities.
12106 Wilkins Ave., North Bethesda, 301-881-3330, extendyoga.com
Hotworx Bethesda
Eight small saunas that can accommodate up to three people each make up this boutique fitness studio, part of a national chain. Classes—taught by instructors via TV screens in the saunas—combine heat, infrared energy and exercise with the goal of maximizing the calories burned in shorter bursts of time. Choose from sessions such as 30-minute hot yoga or hot Pilates, or 15-minute HIIT workouts such as cycling. The studio is open 24/7 to accommodate busy schedules.
Billed as “Potomac’s first athletic country club,” that Life Time location is all about breaking a sweat in style. Locker rooms decked out in wood and marble, and accented with flowers, feel reminiscent of a high-end hotel bathroom (they also have steam rooms, saunas and a whirl-
pool). Tend to your whole body, head to toe, at the spa, and recharge at the cafe with a seasonally changing menu. The Gaithersburg location (billed as “Gaithersburg’s only athletic country club”) offers swanky spa services, too, and also boasts two indoor and two outdoor pools. At both Life Time spots, children ages 3 months through 11 years can hang in the Kids Academy while you get your workout in. 1151 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, 240-314-7022; 10121 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg, 301-569-5100; my.lifetime.life
Onelife Fitness
The basketball courts are a major draw at some of the Onelife gyms; you can play pickup, just shoot around, or join one of the camps, classes, leagues or organized games. (Note: The Pike & Rose, Germantown and Olney locations don’t have courts.) Cuttingedge equipment, a wide range of group fitness classes, and amenities such as pools, whirlpools and saunas at several locations are good reasons to work out here. Overdid it just a bit? Many locations offer red light
therapy (which reduces pain and inflammation), HydroMassage (for loosening tight muscles and alleviating pain) or compression therapy (to decrease muscle soreness and inflammation) on-site.
Newbies and seasoned athletes alike are welcome here—Orangetheory workouts are for all fitness levels. This popular chain takes you through instructor-led classes that differ from traditional HIIT classes because of their adaptability—you can raise or lower your intensity based on your fitness level and goals for the day. That’s aided by a system that tracks your body in real time, showing you your heart rate at all times and helping you adjust accordingly.
The cardio part of the workout includes treadmills, rowers and other equipment. 7955 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-565-0366; 622 Center Point Way, Gaithersburg, 301-250-1060; 18205 Hillcrest Ave., Olney, 443-221-6700; 1601 Rockville Pike, Suite 210A (Congressional Plaza), Rockville, 240-380-3311; 12435 Park Potomac Ave., Suite R-10, Potomac, 301-265-5050; 8455 Fenton St., Silver Spring, 301-798-7433; orangetheory.com
Pink Moon
Moms are the raison d’être for this wellness center that opened in Bethesda in May 2025. Pilates and total-body toning classes are the main draws, as are yoga sessions— some of which even incorporate your little ones, from babies through preschoolers. Child care is also offered for kids ages 6 months to 6 years from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on weekdays. If you’re new to working out or easing back into it postpartum, don’t worry—they’re all about inclusivity here. 7610 Old Georgetown Road, Plaza Level, Bethesda, 240-222-1146, pinkmoonmoms.com
Soldierfit
Atten- hut ! Boot camp classes are the centerpiece here; the Rockville location reserves half of its 10,000 square feet for those sessions, aimed to strengthen you both physically and mentally. The 50-minute workouts are structured military-style, but the idea is to build camaraderie, too— Soldierfit encourages you to think of its trainers as your “friendly drill sergeants.” There’s also cardio and other workout equipment if you prefer to go it alone.
Cyclists, you may just find your tribe at the Bethesda outpost of this popular chain of spin studios. High-energy music—maybe Taylor Swift, ’90s throwbacks or hip-hop, depending on the class—pumps from the speakers as instructors lead you through the choreography. Hooked? You can buy your own SoulCycle bike for at-home workouts and pedal along with classes you stream live.
4931 Elm St., Bethesda, 301-803-7685, soul-cycle.com
The St. James Performance Club Grapevine your way to better health in the
step aerobics class, challenge yourself to a boot camp-style routine in the pool, or sculpt your body on the gym equipment at this offshoot of The St. James’ mega sports complex in Virginia. Whatever your workout, refuel afterward with a tropical acai bowl or a pineapple-mango smoothie at Vim & Victor, a chef-curated wellness bar.
Some days you just want to slam a fist into something. Do that here and get a full-body workout at the same time. The plethora of classes offered in this gritty but well-equipped studio include boxing of course—but also kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian jiujitsu, mixed martial arts, sparring and yoga. All experience levels are welcome, and some boxing classes are for kids only.
Dink and lob at the Y, which has a happening pickleball program—you can play, take classes or sign up for clinics. Spice up your fitness routine with a new class, from belly dancing to Zumba. Or dive into the indoor or outdoor pool (swimming classes are offered for kids, teens and adults). Bonus: Cooking classes with an emphasis on nutrition are offered for kids, adults, seniors and families. Nutrition counseling is also available for members.
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: 439
Affiliation: Adventist HealthCare
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: two stars out of five; patient survey: three stars Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade B
Notable: Deemed high performing in 2024-25 by U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) for pneumonia treatment. Excellence in Bariatric Surgery in 2024 from HealthGrades. Awarded the Silver Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. Five-star rating in bariatric surgery and C-section delivery from HealthGrades. Details: Focus areas include childbirth, emergency (adult and pediatric in Rockville, plus a freestanding emergency center in Germantown), heart and stroke care, joint replacement, neonatal intensive care, specialized surgeries and the freestanding Aquilino Cancer Center. 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 for its efforts to standardize the option of donor breastmilk for all babies. It is Maryland’s highest award from the Maryland Patient Safety Center.
The emergency department treats 91,000 patients annually.
Construction continues on a new care tower, which will feature all-private medical-surgical rooms and a new emergency room and intensive care unit. The tower is expected to open in 2026.
Affiliation: Adventist HealthCare 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 and heart failure. Five-star rating in C-section delivery from HealthGrades.
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 220 private rooms, including rooms for acute care added in 2024 in the south tower. White Oak earned the Society of Thoracic Surgeons highest three-star rating in heart surgery, and is an American College of Cardiology Accredited Chest Pain Center. It has also been recognized by the Maryland Patient Safety Center for reducing inpatient falls.
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.
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, heart attack and spine surgery from HealthGrades.
Details: The 237,000-square-foot facility features medical, surgical, emergency, birthing, intensive and diagnostic care, as well as a full-service emergency department. The radiology department offers MRI, CT, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, diagnostic and interventional radiology, EKG and echocardiogram. Patient rooms are private.
Services include bariatric surgery, behavioral 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.
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: two stars; patient survey: two stars Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade C
Notable: Deemed high performing in 2024-25 by USNWR for colon cancer surgery and heart failure. Five-star rating in appendectomy, colorectal surgeries, gynecological procedures, labor and delivery, and spine surgery from HealthGrades.
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. The Holy Cross Health Cancer Institute treats more cancer inpatients annually than any other hospital or health system in the county. 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/medstarmontgomery-medical-center
Founded: 1918 Beds: 138
Affiliation: MedStar Health
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: three stars; patient survey: two stars Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade B
Notable: Earned certification as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. 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, behavioral health and psychiatry, pulmonology and geriatrics.
The Center for Successful Aging specializes in geriatric syndromes such as cognitive impairment, mobility issues, polypharmacy, depression, incontinence and psychosocial concerns.
A $1.5 million cath lab treats more complex aneurysms, endovascular limb salvage and deep venous procedures than previously possible.
The new, 1,600-square-foot John D. Maylath, MD, Oncology Pavilion houses radiation oncology, infusion and medical oncology services.
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: three stars; patient survey: three stars
Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade A Notable: Deemed high performing in colon cancer surgery, lung cancer surgery, diabetes, kidney failure, stroke, hip fracture, hip replacement, knee replacement, pneumonia and leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma by USNWR. Ranked No. 4 hospital in the Washington, D.C., area for 2024-25 by USNWR
Details: Sibley offers medical, surgical, obstetric, psychiatric, oncological and orthopedic care, bariatric weight-loss surgery and an emergency department. The campus is also home to the Grand Oaks assisted-living facility with 172 apartments and the Renaissance, which includes a skilled nursing care unit and rehabilitation program.
Sibley features private rooms and a large maternity center. The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center provides comprehensive cancer treatment.
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.
Sibley Memorial Hospital earned the Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery Excellence Award in 2025 from HealthGrades. The Center for Rehabilitation Medicine features nonsurgical orthopedic care such as physical therapy, exercise and other rehabilitation services, and a warm-water therapeutic pool. It also offers outpatient occupational and speech-language therapy.
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: Deemed high performing in lung cancer surgery, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, hip replacement, knee replacement and pneumonia by USNWR. Ranked No. 7 hospital in Maryland for 2024-25 by USNWR. Ranked one of America’s 50 best hospitals for outpatient joint replacement in 2025 from HealthGrades.
Details: Suburban Hospital specializes in cardiac care, orthopedics and joint replacement surgery, neurosciences and oncology. It is the state-designated level II adult trauma center for Montgomery County.
The Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute performs minimally invasive procedures such as implanting pacemakers, electrophysiology, structural heart procedures such as TAVR, and cardiac surgery.
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.
Suburban 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.
Find a TOP DOCTOR
Looking for a doctor, stat? Here are physicians in a number of specialties from internal medicine to psychiatry who practice in Montgomery County and Upper NW D.C. (ZIP codes 20015 and 20016). All were nominated by their peers and have been screened by the research company Castle Connolly. Doctors are listed in alphabetical order by specialty.
Note: While some physicians work in more than one office, we have listed their primary location. An online version of this guide at BethesdaMagazine.com/business-category/top-doctors includes 446 doctors in more than 50 specialties.
FROM CASTLE CONNOLLY: With more than 30 years of experience researching, reviewing and selecting Top Doctors, Castle Connolly is a trusted and credible health care research and information company. Its mission is to help people find the best health care by connecting patients with best-in-class health care providers.
Castle Connolly’s physician-led team of researchers follows a rigorous screening process to select top doctors on both the national and regional levels. Its online nomination process is open to all licensed physicians in the U.S., who may nominate physicians in any medical specialty and in any part of the country, as well as indicate whether each nominated physician is, in their opinion, among the best in their region in their medical specialty or among the best in the nation in their medical specialty. Then, Castle Connolly’s research team thoroughly vets each physician’s professional qualifications, education, hospital and faculty appointments, research leadership, professional reputation, disciplinary history and if available, outcomes data. Additionally, a physician’s interpersonal skills, such as listening and communicating effectively, demonstrat-
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Meena Andrew
Bethesda Internal Medicine Partners Bethesda; 301-388-8858
Satish Angra Silver Spring; 301-593-3400
Susan Baruch
Bethesda Medical Associates—MDVIP Bethesda; 301-493-8487
Brent Berger
Bethesda Medical Associates Bethesda; 301-493-9320
Melissa Blakeman
Johns Hopkins Community Physicians Rockville; 240-314-7080
Dave Chen
Bethesda Internal Medicine Partners Bethesda; 301-388-8858
Brent Cole
Bethesda Internal Medicine Partners Bethesda; 301-388-8858
Collin Cullen
MDVIP
Washington, D.C.; 202-966-2828
Dennis Cullen
Cullen, Umosella, Cullen and Cullen Bethesda; 301-951-0420
Helene Freeman MDVIP Washington, D.C.; 202-686-0812
Rebecca Musher Gross One Medical Chevy Chase; 888-663-6331
David Hansen
Foxhall Internists Washington, D.C.; 202-362-4467
Suvarnarekha Kammula
Bethesda Internal Medicine Partners Bethesda; 301-388-8858
Andrea Karp
Bethesda Internal Medicine Partners Bethesda; 301-388-8858
ing empathy, and instilling trust and confidence, are also considered in the review process. The Castle Connolly Doctor Directory is the largest network of peer-nominated physicians in the nation.
Physicians selected for inclusion in Bethesda Magazine’s “Top Doctors” feature may also appear online at castleconnolly.com, or in conjunction with other Castle Connolly Top Doctors databases online and in print.
Castle Connolly is part of Everyday Health Group, a recognized leader in patient and provider education, attracting an engaged audience of more than 82 million health consumers and more than 900,000 U.S. practicing physicians and clinicians to its premier health and wellness digital properties. Its mission is to drive better clinical and health outcomes through decision-making informed by highly relevant information, data and analytics. It empowers health care providers and consumers with trusted content and services delivered through Everyday Health Group’s world-class brands.
For more information, please visit castleconnolly.com.
Daphne Keshishian
Bethesda Medical Associates—MDVIP Bethesda; 301-493-9328
Lucy McBride
Ackerly McBride Group Washington, D.C.; 202-953-0990
Wayne Meyer
Adventist HealthCare Rockville; 301-251-9503
Alan Morrison
Morrison Membership Practice Washington, D.C.; 202-966-0622
Ana Paunovic
MedStar Health Medical Center at Chevy Chase Chevy Chase; 301-215-9420
David Plotkin Olney; 301-570-7633
Karen Rabin
Kaiser Permanente Mid-Atlantic Medical Group Kensington; 800-777-7904
Noelia Rodriguez
Patient First Primary and Urgent Care Rockville; 240-238-0411
Eye Doctors of Washington Chevy Chase; 301-215-7100
Cuong Vu
The Retina Group of Washington Silver Spring; 301-495-2357
Howard Weiss
Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons Chevy Chase; 301-657-5700
Top Dentists
Thomas Yau
Silver Spring Eye Silver Spring; 301-587-1220
David Yeh
The Medical Eye Center Germantown; 301-528-4500
OTOLARYNGOLOGY
Valerie Asher
Maryland ENT Associates Silver Spring; 301-989-2300
David Bianchi
Maryland ENT Associates Silver Spring; 301-989-2300
John Bosworth
The Centers for Advanced ENT Care—Siegel, Bosworth and Sorensen Division Rockville; 240-361-9000
Mark Dettelbach
The Centers for Advanced ENT Care—Feldman ENT Division Chevy Chase; 301-652-8847
Vaninder Dhillon
Johns Hopkins Otolaryngology— Head and Neck Surgery, National Capital Region Bethesda; 443-997-6467
Natalie Earl
The Centers for Advanced ENT Care—Feldman ENT Division Bethesda; 301-652-8847
Leslie Hao
Chevy Chase ENT Chevy Chase; 301-656-8630
Wojciech Mydlarz
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Bethesda; 301-896-3332
Liesl Nottingham
Maryland ENT Associates Silver Spring; 301-989-2300
Seth Oringher
The Centers for Advanced ENT Care—Feldman ENT Division Chevy Chase; 301-652-8847
Murugappan Ramanathan
Johns Hopkins Health Care & Surgery Center Bethesda; 443-997-6467
Find dentists who work in Montgomery County and Upper Northwest D.C. in our online directory of Bethesda Magazine’s Top Dentists. Visit BethesdaMagazine.com/business-category/ top-dentists for the list, which can be filtered by specialty.
Jessica Shen
The Centers for Advanced ENT Care—Feldman ENT Division Chevy Chase; 301-652-8847
Michael Siegel
The Centers for Advanced ENT Care—Siegel, Bosworth and Sorensen Division Rockville; 240-361-9000
Pete Sorensen
The Centers for Advanced ENT Care—Siegel, Bosworth and Sorensen Division Rockville; 240-361-9000
Jack Williams
The Centers for Advanced ENT Care—Feldman ENT Division Chevy Chase; 301-652-8847
Thomas Winkler
Chevy Chase ENT Chevy Chase; 301-656-8630
PEDIATRICS
Victor Abdow Abdow Friendship Pediatrics Rockville; 301-468-6171
Promise Ahlstrom
Chevy Chase Pediatrics Bethesda; 202-363-0300
Howard Bennett
Chevy Chase Pediatrics Bethesda; 202-363-0300
Leah Brasch
Friendship Pediatrics Chevy Chase; 301-656-2745
Virginia Cohen
Pediatric Care Center Bethesda; 301-564-5880
Dinea DeSouza
Children’s National Pediatricians and Associates Gaithersburg; 301-926-3633
Daniel Finkelstein
Capitol Medical Group Chevy Chase; 301-907-3960
Robert Gancayco
Pediatric Health Partners Germantown; 301-515-5414
Alan Gober
Silver Spring; 301-933-4210
Leila Hall
Next Generation Pediatrics Bethesda; 301-832-6048
Joseph Hsu
THH Pediatrics
Germantown; 301-540-0811
Earlene Jordan Pediatric Associates of Montgomery County Wheaton; 301-933-6440
BEST OF BETHESDA 2025 Readers’ Picks Health & Wellness
More than 6,500 people voted in the nomination round of our online readers’ poll and more than 11,600 people voted in our elimination round. The winners and finalists are listed in order of the number of votes they received.
Health & Wellness
AUDIOLOGY PRACTICE
Potomac Audiology
The Centers for ENT Care— Feldman ENT Division
Chevy Chase ENT
Bethesda Audiology Center
CHIROPRACTOR
Daniel Kraus
Liza Moskowitz
Casi McFarland
John Park
CONCIERGE MEDICAL PRACTICE
One Medical
MDVIP
Sue Kanter, MD
Bethesda Internal Medicine Partners
COSMETIC SURGEON
Dr. Ronald Perlman
Dr. Philip Schoenfeld
Dr. C. Coleman Brown
Dr. Jennifer Parker Porter
DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE
Capital Laser & Skin Care
Chevy Chase Dermatology Center
Chevy Chase Cosmetic & Dermatology Center
Maragh Dermatology, Surgery & Vein Institute
EYE DOCTOR
Dr. Rachel Cohn
Dr. Harry Huang
Dr. Laurie Wenger
Dr. Brooks Brown III
GENERAL DENTISTRY PRACTICE
Jason A. Cohen, D.D.S.
Capital Dental
Spring Valley Dental
Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM
Suburban Hospital
Sibley Memorial Hospital
Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
HOSPITAL FOR BIRTHING
Sibley Memorial Hospital
Holy Cross Hospital
Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
INDIVIDUAL THERAPIST
Jennifer Rollin
Taylor Allie
Sari Meltzer Schifrin
Ashley Bucci
IN-HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICE
Family & Nursing Care
Synergy HomeCare
Comfort Home Care
Advanced Nursing & Home Care
MARRIAGE/FAMILY THERAPY PRACTICE
The Counseling Center Group
Washington Psychological Wellness
Monarch Wellness & Psychotherapy
Georgetown Psychology
MEDICAL AESTHETICS PRACTICE/PLACE
Capital Laser & Skin Care
Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington
Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery
Renu by Dr. Schoenfeld
NUTRITIONIST
Lauren Eden
Jen Silverman
Daisy Miller
Julia Oliver
OB-GYN PRACTICE
Capital Women’s Care
Foxhall OB-GYN Associates
Rockville Gynecology
Reiter, Hill & Johnson
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PRACTICE
The Point Occupational Therapy
Canyon Kids Occupational Therapy
Young & Well
OrthoBethesda
ORTHODONTICS PRACTICE
Bethesda Orthodontics
Rad Orthodontics
Gerlein Orthodontics
EJL Dental
ORTHOPEDIC PRACTICE
OrthoBethesda
Washington Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Shady Grove Orthopaedics
Montgomery Orthopaedics
PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY PRACTICE
DC Pediatric Smiles
Harmony Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
EJL Dental
Pediatric Dentistry at North Bethesda
PEDIATRICIAN
Dr. Amy Kaplan
Dr. Dana Kornfeld
Dr. Jeffrey Greenberg (tie)
Dr. Paul Weiner (tie)
(continued on page 74)
BEST OF BETHESDA 2025 Readers’ Picks
Health & Wellness, Fitness & Beauty
More than 6,500 people voted in the nomination round of our online readers’ poll and more than 11,600 people voted in our elimination round. The winners and finalists are listed in order of the number of votes they received.
Health & Wellness
(continued)
PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE
ProAction Physical Therapy
Point Performance
Elevated Strength Rehab
Bethesda Physical Therapy
PODIATRIST
Dr. Lee Firestone
Dr. Adam Spector
Dr. Franklin Polun
Dr. Mark Levy
SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
Maplewood Park Place
Riderwood
Ingleside at King Farm
Kensington Park
THERAPIST FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Emily Rizzo
Claire Weinberg
Bonnie Zucker
Leda Kaveh
URGENT CARE CENTER
MedStar Health Urgent Care
Patient First
PM Pediatric Care
Kaiser Permanente
VEIN CARE PRACTICE
MedStar Health Vein Centers
Center for Vein Restoration
Maryland Vein Centers
LaserDerm & Vein Centers of Maryland
Fitness & Beauty
BARRE STUDIO
Barre3
Pure Barre
Hotworx
Senz
BOOT CAMP/CROSSFIT GYM
Orangetheory Fitness
The St. James Performance Club
CrossFit Bethesda Soldierfit
CYCLING STUDIO
SoulCycle
Hotworx
The St. James Performance Club
Onelife Fitness
DAY SPA
Woodhouse Spa—North Bethesda
Blu Water Day Spa
Ohana Wellness
Aveda Bethesda Salon and Spa
GYM
Life Time
Onelife Fitness
The St. James Performance Club
Equinox Bethesda
NAIL SALON
Sandy Nails
Blu Water Day Spa
Acqua Nails
The Nail Bar
PERSONAL TRAINER
Lisa Platnik
Nicole Forster
Kim Teri
Tiffany Nesfield
PILATES STUDIO
Pulse Fitness (tie)
Solidcore (tie)
Club Pilates
RTR Pilates
PLACE FOR KIDS HAIRCUTS
Tiny HeadQuarters
Cartoon Cuts
7 Locks Barber
Hair Cuttery
PLACE FOR MEN’S HAIRCUTS
7 Locks Barber
Jack the Clipper
Wildwood Manor Barber Shop
Bradley Barber Shop
SALON IN BETHESDA
Bella Bethesda Salon
Denise Sharpe Style
Jack the Clipper
Aveda Bethesda Salon and Spa
SALON IN CHEVY CHASE
Salon Roi
Dessange Paris
Gleaming Goddess Hair Lounge
SALON IN GAITHERSBURG/ NORTH POTOMAC
Rooted Hair Co.
O’Hair Salon
Salon Perez
Shear Reflections
SALON IN NORTH BETHESDA/ ROCKVILLE
Progressions Salon Spa Store
Kindle & Boom
Jenn Shin Studios (tie)
Oasis Hair Salon (tie)
SALON IN POTOMAC
Zohra Salon
Ricky Alessandro Salon
Bella Moda
Salon M
SALON IN SILVER SPRING
Alchemy Salon (now closed)
Salon Zoma
Fiona Nail Lounge
SALON IN UPPER NW D.C.
PR at Partners
Salon Familia
Violet Salon
Salon Macomb
YOGA STUDIO
PureFire Yoga
CorePower Yoga
Grace
extendYoga
ZUMBA STUDIO
Z Sweat Dance and Fitness
Onelife Fitness
Life Time
The St. James Performance Club
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DENTIST PROFILES
Harmony Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics..77
North Bethesda Periodontal Group....................78
Dr. Goodman is an orthodontist and past-president 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.
A Teamwork: Over 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 ortho-pediatric 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 What is unique about your practice?
A Supporting 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 Innovative 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!
North Bethesda Periodontal Group
KHALID CHOUDHARY, DDS, MS & JOAN HOWANITZ, DDS, MS
A We strongly believe in a team approach to care for our patients. Our husband-wife team of surgeons has been practicing together for 15+ years, working closely with referring restorative doctors and dental specialists to provide optimal treatment and results. Utilizing the latest technologies, including periodontal lasers and 3D imaging, we perform minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. Everything we do is guided by accuracy, safety, comfort and recovery.
At North Bethesda Periodontal Group, we understand that visiting the periodontist’s office can be stressful. We do our best to foster a pleasant, relaxing environment to help patients stay calm. We are always respectful of every patient’s unique situation and like to include them in the process of customizing a treatment plan to fit their wants and needs.
A At Bethesda Family Smiles, our patients are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's needs, ensuring that every patient receives the highest level of care. Treating our patients like family, we take the time to understand their oral health needs and goals, leading to optimal outcomes and unparalleled satisfaction.
Q How would your patients describe you?
A My patients often tell me they appreciate my gentle, caring and compassionate demeanor. We pride ourselves on cultivating a warm office environment where even the most nervous patients find comfort. With years of experience, our team effortlessly combines empathy and expertise to help patients seamlessly navigate even the most complex dental challenges, delivering exceptional results.
MICHAEL VENTURA
Taff & Levine DDS, PA
FROM LEFT: DR. MAZEN SAAD, DR. JANICE GROSSMAN, DR. MARK TAFF, DR HILARI DUNN, DR. BRAD LEVINE
Our goal is to provide state-of-the-art, first-class dental care that’s affordable to everyone. No insurance? No problem. Join our VIP dental plan for a low monthly fee and receive a discount on all our services.
A We’re a multigenerational practice committed to full-service dental care in a relaxing atmosphere, surrounded by compassionate doctors and staff. We’re honored to have been named a Top Dentistry Practice in Bethesda Magazine and to be recognized consistently in the community. And we’re proud to be celebrating our 50th anniversary this year! Our modern, state-of-the-art Potomac office has HD TVs in every treatment room, allowing us to show patients oral issues that need attention right there on the television screen. With our in-house 3D CAT scan equipment, we can diagnose a multitude of conditions more accurately. Our intraoral digital scanner can take photo impressions of teeth, eliminating the need for messy and uncomfortable impression trays. We can also offer
crowns in a day with our “one-visit Cereccrown” treatment, making additional visits a thing of the past. While our goal is to deliver first-class dentistry, we’re conservative in our approach, offering traditional treatments that may be just as effective when more expensive, technologically advanced treatments are unnecessary.
Q What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?
A We always strive to make the patient experience in our office like no other––relaxing, affordable and with great results. It’s a wonderful feeling to see a patient who thought that quality dentistry was out of their reach transform into a person with a vibrant, healthy smile. That, more than anything, brings us tremendous gratification.
Avant Dentistry
ANNIE YU, DDS, MAGD
5454 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 1035
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
240-743-4421
AvantDentistry.com
Q What makes you different from other dentists?
A I focus on whole-body wellness. As one of fewer than 2 percent of dentists to earn a Master of the Academy in General Dentistry, I bring advanced training, and a deep understanding of how oral health connects to overall wellbeing. I collaborate with physicians and other specialists to address root causes—because true health requires teamwork, not just treating symptoms.
Q What is the one thing your patients should know about you?
A I meet patients where they are—no pressure, no judgment. Everyone's on their own journey; I'm here to guide, not push. I share what I see, explain all treatment options (including doing nothing), and let them decide what feels right. Building trust matters most. And whenever they're ready, I'm here to help however I can.
District Dental Surgery
RAHA YOUSEFI, DDS, MPH
5626 Shields Drive Bethesda, MD 20817
301-358-0206
DistrictDentalSurgery.com
Q What inspired you to become a dentist?
A I grew up in my dad's dental office—some of my earliest memories are of running around with my brother, laughing as we put topical anesthetic on our lips and shouted, "Our lips are numb!" But what truly inspired me was seeing the trust his patients placed in him. Watching him care for people with such compassion made me realize I wanted to make that kind of impact too.
Q What brings you the most satisfaction in your work?
A Most people don't exactly look forward to dental visits. So, it's incredibly rewarding when patients say they feel comfortable, cared for and even enjoy coming in. It means we've created an experience that changes how they see dental care. That trust and connection make this work truly fulfilling.
MICHAEL VENTURA
Elizabeth Andie Shin, DDS
BCC PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
4825 Bethesda Ave. Suite 220 Bethesda, MD 20814
301-941-7374
BCCPediatricDentistry.com
Q What made you decide to become a pediatric dentist?
A After several bad experiences, I grew up fearful of the dentist, which inspired me to change how kids feel about dental visits. Using the latest technology and focusing on their individual needs, we make every visit positive and memorable.
Q Can you describe the technology and environment at your practice?
A Our modern facility features the latest dental technology, including pain-free lasers and a portable digital X-ray for quick, safe imaging. Advanced materials ensure durable results, while our office design creates a soothing atmosphere and adventure-like experience for children.
Q What makes your approach to treating children unique?
A With over 20 years of experience, I've developed a unique way of engaging children — turning potential anxiety into a positive, enjoyable discovery —that sets our practice apart. For example, I helped Mia, a young patient who was previously too frightened to cooperate with other dentists. We transformed her fear into enthusiasm by sitting with her on the floor and introducing her to our tools playfully. By the end of her visit, she was not only smiling but had excitedly declared her ambition to become a "stuffed animal dentist."
Q How do you ensure that children leave your practice happier and healthier?
A We don't just care for smiles—we create them. Our commitment to excellence and innovation in pediatric dental care ensures every child leaves happier and healthier. But don't just take my word for it—our patients will tell you that we deliver the best care.
Q How do you make dental visits fun and fear-free— even for anxious kids?
A We never rush—we meet each child at their pace. With gentle tech, a playful space, organic options, and claw machine prizes, we make dentistry feel like fun.
David J. Schlactus, DMD
DR. DAVID J. SCHLACTUS & DR. STEVEN HOFFER
5812 Hubbard Dr. Rockville, MD 20852
301-881-9040
drschlactus@drschlactus.com DrSchlactus.com
Q What makes your practice unique?
A We prioritize overall health through a patient-centered, comprehensive approach, preserving natural tooth structure and minimizing invasive procedures using preventive measures whenever possible. My associate since 2022, Dr. Steven Hoffer, and I are committed to delivering smiles that are not only beautiful but also healthy. Recognizing the mouth as a gateway to overall health, we consider the bigger picture, addressing underlying issues to promote long-term well-being. Our wide range of services, including implants, veneers, sleep appliances, periodontics, endodontics and orthodontics, is complemented by collaboration with top specialists, ensuring patients receive the best, personalized treatments tailored to their needs. I deeply value the trust patients instill in me and am incredibly proud of the community practice I've built over 25 years, treating multiple generations of the same families.
Charlie O. Coulter
COULTER & CASPER PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
5225 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 604 Washington, D.C. 20015
202-966-0045 PediatricDentalDC.com
Q How would you describe your practice?
A It’s a happy place! We try to make dentistry fun and allow our patients and parents to relax. We provide a playful, kidfriendly environment to teach children oral hygiene habits in a positive way that produces lifelong benefits. Nervous little ones have nothing to fear—our gentle dentists know how to comfort even the most apprehensive patients.
Q What brings you satisfaction in your work?
A I enjoy helping children get over the fear of going to the dentist—and even get excited to come and see us! Our highly trained staff teach children how to brush and properly care for their teeth. Every patient is important to me, and I truly love what I do.
Top Dentist, Washingtonian Magazine 2025. Top Dentist, Bethesda Magazine 2024. American Academy of Clear Aligners. Served five years in the U.S. Air Force, including Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program.
5530 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 710 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-986-4814
hello@modernhausdental.com ModernHausDental.com
At Modern Haus Dental, Dr. Kristy Lee and her team deliver exceptional general dentistry and emergency care in a welcoming environment. Combining advanced education with cutting-edge technology, Dr. Lee is committed to providing patients with optimal care and outcomes for preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry.
Our practice features the latest innovations, including the iTero Lumina scanner for comfortable, precise and quick bite assessments. We also utilize NIRI infrared technology for cavity detection without x-rays and leverage AI to enhance diagnostic accuracy. From implant restorations, root canals, and extractions to Botox for teeth grinding or clenching, we offer comprehensive services to meet your dental needs. For added comfort, nitrous sedation is also available.
Patients consistently describe Dr. Lee as compassionate, calming, and thorough. They appreciate her eye for aesthetics and dedication to easing dental anxiety, often sharing that their fears diminish with each visit. Her approachable and friendly demeanor helps patients feel cared for and understood.
Dr. Lee’s passion for dentistry extends beyond technical expertise. She takes ongoing education to stay at the forefront of advancements, but the most fulfilling part of her work is building meaningful relationships with patients and making a lasting impact on their lives. Whether restoring confidence with a brighter smile or relieving pain to improve function, her goal is to help patients feel their best.
Modern Haus Dental is proud to care for families across generations, from grandparents to grandchildren. Follow @modernhausdental to stay connected and learn more about our patient-focused approach.
Gayle Skinner, MD,
FACOG
CAPITAL WOMEN’S CARE
10801 Lockwood Drive, Suite 320 Silver Spring, MD 20901
19851 Observation Drive, Suite 345 Germantown, MD 20876
301-681-3400
OBGYNCapitalWomensCare.com
Dr. Gayle Skinner has been in practice for more than 18 years and enjoys the full scope of obstetrics and gynecology. Over the years, she has become particularly interested in the medical and surgical management of fibroids, minimally invasive surgery, hysteroscopic procedures and menopause care, for which she has received additional certification.
“I believe in a comprehensive and individualized approach to care,” Skinner says, “and love to discuss general health and wellness with my patients.”
At Capital Women’s Care, chosen Best OB/GYN Practice this year by Bethesda Magazine readers, each patient is engaged in a dialogue regarding the optimal treatment plan for her particular concerns.
Belmont Plastic Surgery
JULES FELEDY, MD
5530 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 814 | Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-654-5666
2071 Richmod Hwy | Stafford, VA 22554
540-891-0040
BelmontPlasticSurgery.com
Q What is your approach to patient care?
A We believe in the power of listening to our patients and partnering with them to achieve their unique goals. Clear, open, and honest communication is at the heart of our approach, ensuring that every patient feels heard and supported from consultation through recovery.
Q How does your work contribute to overall well-being?
A We understand that every patient has their own vision for how they want to look and feel. Life is too short to not be comfortable in your own skin. Whether you are addressing the effects of weight loss, undergoing reconstruction after cancer or trauma, or simply looking to refresh your appearance, our mission is to enhance your natural beauty and restore confidence, comfort, and a renewed sense of self.
The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
For more than 25 years, The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, an American Oncology Partner, has provided advanced, personalized and compassionate care in Bethesda and Germantown. Led by nationally recognized oncologists and hematologists, the team offers cutting-edge treatments, clinical trials and supportive services tailored to each patient's needs— all under one roof.
6410 Rockledge Drive, Suite 660 Bethesda, MD 20817
19735 Germantown Road, Suite 255 Germantown, MD 20874
301-571-0019
CCBDMD.com
At The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD), patients find something rare: world-class cancer care delivered with compassionate, personalized attention that feels like home. CCBD combines advanced therapies and clinical trials—often available only at major academic institutions—with the comfort and convenience of a community-based practice. With comprehensive services under one roof—from diagnostics and treatment planning to infusion services—CCBD streamlines the patient journey, accelerating care timelines and improving outcomes through seamless coordination. An integrated team of experts collaborates to design individualized care plans, using advanced molecular profiling to tailor treatments and target cancer precisely at its source.
What truly sets CCBD apart is the heart behind the care. The physicians, nurses and support staff are deeply committed to treating every patient like family. They take the time to listen, understand and provide emotional support throughout the entire cancer journey.
As exciting breakthroughs continue to emerge and bring new hope to cancer patients, CCBD remains at the forefront. They offer cutting-edge treatments, like immunotherapies and bispecific antibodies, that empower the body's own immune system to fight cancer more effectively. CCBD connects local patients with the latest research and innovative therapies, ensuring they receive the most advanced care—right in their community.
At CCBD, patients are never just a diagnosis. They are individuals with unique stories—and the CCBD team is honored to walk alongside them, every step of the way.
John J. Christoforetti, MD, FAAOS
MARYLAND ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS
6710A Rockledge Drive, Suite 130 Bethesda, MD 20817
19847 Century Blvd, Suite 205 Germantown, MD 20874
301-515-0900
DrChristo.com
MDOrthoSpecialists.com
After nearly two decades treating elite athletes and pioneering new arthroscopic joint-preserving techniques in Pittsburgh and Dallas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon John "Dr. Christo" Christoforetti returned to the Washington Metropolitan region in 2023 to enter private practice. His gold-standard care combines innovation, compassion and accessibility—utilizing cutting-edge injectable orthobiologics, minimally invasive camera-based repair and customized rehabilitation protocols.
Now seeing patients at Maryland Orthopedic Specialists in Bethesda and Germantown, Dr. Christoforetti helps individuals return to active lifestyles after hip, shoulder and knee injuries. Since 2007, patients of all ages from across the United States have sought care from his teams; together, they've created incredible comeback stories.
A global leader in arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Christoforetti is president of the International Society for Hip Arthroscopy and was a team physician for Major League Baseball (Pittsburgh Pirates), Major League Soccer (FC Dallas), NCAA Division 1 and international events like the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the SheBelieves Cup. Despite his surgical credentials, he views surgery as a last resort—favoring thoughtful, conservative solutions whenever possible.
"We apply elite care to everyday practice, meet patients on their terms and witness incredible outcomes," says Dr. Christo.
Drawn back by longtime friendships from his Georgetown days and the independent, physician-led model at Maryland Orthopedic Specialists and the CAO Research Foundation, Dr. Christoforetti saw a unique opportunity to provide high-touch, coordinated care in a private practice setting.
"The best outcomes come from understanding the whole person—not just the injury," he says. "It's about knowing what matters most to our patients and creating a safe, confident path forward."
Capital Laser & Skin Care
ELIZABETH
TANZI, MD; GEETA SHAH, MD; TANIA PETERS, MD
Voted the "Best Dermatology Practice" and “Best Practice for Medical Aesthetics” by Bethesda Magazine readers every year 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" every year since 2019.
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.
Jennifer Parker Porter, MD, FACS
CHEVY CHASE FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY
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
For more than 27 years, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Parker Porter has been recognized for her refined approach to facial aesthetics, enhancing natural beauty with precision, artistry and intention. Since founding Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery in 2003, she has helped thousands of patients achieve subtle, lasting results through a full range of surgical and non-surgical procedures. Known for her meticulous technique and thoughtful treatment planning, patients globally seek Dr. Porter for her ability to deliver results that honor their individuality.
Regarded for her attention to detail, Dr. Porter customizes every treatment, from rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, facelifts and neck lifts to laser resurfacing, dermal fillers, Morpheus8 skin tightening, and more, based on each patient’s unique facial structure, skin type and aesthetic goals for a seamless, transformative refinement of their natural beauty.
“We individualize instead of standardize,” says Dr. Porter. “My goal is to help patients look like the best version of themselves, with just subtle, stunning results that enhance their natural beauty.”
Dr. Porter is a leader in facial plastic surgery, especially sought after for her expertise in primary and revision rhinoplasty. Her ability to enhance nasal form and function with natural, balanced results has earned trust from patients worldwide. With a deep understanding of facial harmony and more than two decades of surgical experience, Dr. Porter is known for her thoughtful, individualized approach to each rhinoplasty case.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Porter is an active member of the greater Washington, D.C. community and serves on several nonprofit boards dedicated to women’s health and empowerment.
Maryland Orthopedic Specialists
A division of The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, Maryland Orthopedic Specialists serves Montgomery County with convenient locations in Bethesda, Germantown and Rockville (physical therapy only). Their board-certified surgeons provide premium, comprehensive orthopedic care in a warm, patientfocused environment. With same-day appointments, onsite X-rays and physical therapy, plus free parking at all locations, they've made topnotch care hassle-free.
6710A Rockledge Drive, Suite 130 Bethesda, MD 20817
19847 Century Blvd, Suite 205 Germantown, MD 20874
301-515-0900
MDOrthoSpecialists.com
For more than 30 years, Maryland Orthopedic Specialists' board-certified surgeons have had the privilege of helping people throughout Montgomery County get back to doing what they love most. Whether it's playing with grandchildren, returning to competitive sports, or simply walking without pain, they understand the importance of these activities to patients' quality of life.
Maryland Orthopedic Specialists believes the best outcomes often start with the least invasive approach—reserving surgery as a last resort. Most patients find relief through physical therapy and a range of cutting-edge non-surgical treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which harness the body's own healing properties to repair damaged tissue. When surgery is the best option, the highly trained and skilled surgeons are equipped with the most minimally invasive, joint-preserving techniques
available, resulting in smaller incisions, less discomfort and faster recoveries.
Intentionally keeping their practice small enough to foster a family-like atmosphere, the doctors take the time to get to know their patients and listen to their stories, allowing them to tailor treatment plans to individual needs and lifestyles.
Another cornerstone of the practice's success is its seamless integration of physical therapy, with experienced therapists working collaboratively with the physicians. When a patient needs adjustments to their treatment plan, it's as simple as walking across the hall for a quick consultation. This in-house partnership helps streamline patients' recovery and offers a consistency that's difficult to find elsewhere. Many of the doctors and therapists have worked together for two decades. This creates a level of coordination and shared commitment to excellence that benefits every patient.
Chesapeake Hearing Centers
5952 Hubbard Dr. North Bethesda, MD 20852
Additional locations in Severna Park, Annapolis, Columbia, Easton, Kent Island, Salisbury and Ocean Pines
301-468-0551
HelpYourHearing.com
For over 50 years, Chesapeake Hearing Centers has been dedicated to improving lives through better hearing. The practice began in the early 1970s when Dr. Charles Larry Hutto and his wife, Kate, were inspired by their deaf foster son, whose challenges underscored the need for accessible, compassionate hearing care. From a single office within an ENT practice, Chesapeake has grown to multiple independent locations across Maryland — including our convenient North Bethesda office —while staying true to its mission: treating every patient with the same courtesy, respect, and expertise we’d want for our own family. Today, Dr. Hutto’s daughters, Mariya and Julie, together with Dr. Caroline and Tim Aland, continue this legacy, ensuring Chesapeake Hearing remains a trusted partner in hearing, connection, and hope.
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.
Pearlman Meekin & Co. of Compass
CARA PEARLMAN & MEGAN MEEKIN
Led by Cara Pearlman & Megan Meekin, Pearlman Meekin & Co. draws upon their extensive knowledge of the local real estate market and over 58 years of combined industry experience to counsel clients through buying or selling a home. Cara , Megan, and the team are skilled negotiators, powerful advocates, and always prioritizes their clients’ best interests.
5471 Wisconsin Avenue #300 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
202-641-3008 | 240-388-0724
cara@compass.com
megan.meekin@compass.com PearlmanMeekin.com
Q What inspired you to join forces and create Pearlman Meekin & Co.?
A We’ve always shared a deep love for the DC area and a passion for helping people navigate one of life’s biggest decisions. Over the years, we realized that our strengths were highly complementary: Cara brings calm, strategic expertise and decades of market insight, while Megan thrives on hands-on details, creative solutions, and clear communication. By combining forces, we saw an opportunity to offer clients the best of both worlds: a boutique, highly personalized experience paired with the knowledge, connections, and resources of two seasoned professionals leading a strong team. More than anything, we wanted to create a group that not only delivers exceptional results but also makes the process feel seamless, supportive, and even enjoyable.
Q What motivates and inspires your team?
A We 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. O ur team love s 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.
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 What 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 What makes you different from other real estate agents?
A I am 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 What 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 NOT PICTURED: NATALIE RENEBERG, MELISSA WAGAR, ELIZABETH BROOKS, WHITNEY LEE JUDSON
Q How does a team benefit a buyer or seller?
A With 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 What stands out about the current market?
A My “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 What is a challenge that you face?
A Since 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 What 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!
PROFILES Home Experts
Matt Cheney
CHENEY & CO. | WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES
3201 New Mexico Ave., Suite 220
Washington, D.C. 20016
Cell: 202-465-0707
Office: 202-944-5000
Matt.Cheney@wfp.com
MattSold.com
IG: @matt.cheney
Q Why should potential clients work with you?
A As 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.
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)
Q What Sets Hopkins & Porter Apart from Other Design/Build Companies in the Area?
A Since 1977, Hopkins & Porter has been transforming homes and bringing clients' remodeling visions to life with innovative solutions, top-quality materials and exceptional craftsmanship. We prioritize collaboration and communication; by actively listening and sharing ideas, we guide our clients seamlessly through the remodeling process, addressing any concerns promptly and professionally.
Every project is assigned an onsite project manager who ensures daily progress and open communication. At Hopkins & Porter, we never cut corners, and our attention to detail fosters supportive and trusting client relationships. Committed to exceeding clients' expectations with every project, we stand by our work with comprehensive warranties and follow-up throughout the build and beyond. Experience the Hopkins & Porter difference.
MICHAEL
The Banner Team
The Banner Team is an award-winning real estate powerhouse with a national reputation. Specializing in luxury and upper-bracket properties across the DMV, their impressive track record dates back over three decades. Implementing a teamoriented approach to every transaction, The Banner Team's commitment to excellence ensures clients receive unparalleled dedication throughout their buying or selling journey.
5471 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 300, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-365-9090
Q How have you mentored or inspired others who are following in your footsteps?
A Leading by example, showing the next generation of real estate agents to be collaborative, active listeners, and always do the right thing, no matter what.
Q What qualities do you think a successful real estate agent should have?
A Integrity is No. 1; persistence and resilience. Building a successful real estate career takes time and perseverance. The best real estate agents are always prepared for challenges, setbacks and market fluctuations. They're motivated, maintain a positive mindset, and learn from both successes and failures. Real estate is a dynamic industry, so keeping current on market trends, emerging technologies and changing consumer preferences is vital. Focused on delivering exceptional customer service,
the top real estate agents can seamlessly adapt to new strategies, technologies and tools to enhance their business and improve client experiences.
Q What advice would you offer women just starting out?
A Go everywhere (in D.C., Maryland and Virginia) and sell in all price points.
Q Why do you do what you do?
A We love being part of our community and helping people; our impact is very important to us. Over the years, we've developed deep, valuable partnerships and friendships with clients, other agents and industry professionals. Whether we're guiding friends and neighbors through the home buying and selling process, donating a portion of every commission to local charities through our Pay It Forward program, hosting community events, or serving local organizations, we seek to immerse ourselves in our community.
Kitchen Tune-Up
STEPHANIE AND DAVID VORDICK, OWNERS
Kitchen Tune-Up transforms kitchens with cabinet refacing, painting, one-day Tune-Ups, and new cabinets—delivering beautiful, cost-conscious results with less mess, noise, and disruption than traditional remodels. Local owners Stephanie and David Vordick are changing what homeowners can expect during a kitchen update by focusing on respect, trust, and clear communication to make updates fast, affordable, and surprisingly easy.
A We specialize in high-quality kitchen upgrades that are completed in under two weeks (most in just five days). We reimagined the updating process to minimize time, mess, noise, and cost compared to a traditional renovation. From the first conversation, we guide clients through every step—from adding storage and enhancing functionality to assisting with style and design decisions—making the experience as easy and stress-free as possible.
Q What makes your approach different from other remodeling services in the region?
A We focus on reusing what clients already have to deliver fresh, modern results quickly and efficiently. Our one-day Tune-Up restores stained
wood cabinets by refreshing the finish and blending in wear for a like-new appearance. With cabinet painting, we transform your existing cabinets by changing the color and adding decorative hardware. Refacing allows you to completely change the style and color of your kitchen by installing new doors and drawer fronts, covering cabinet boxes to match, and adding soft-close hinges and updated hardware.
We can also modify cabinets—like converting doors to drawers or raising desk areas—without the mess of a full gut remodel. Even with new countertops and backsplashes, most refacing projects are completed in five days. For clients needing all-new cabinetry, we bring the same efficient, cost-conscious approach to deliver a beautiful new kitchen with minimal disruption.
FROM LEFT: JIM NICOLSON, RESIDENTIAL VP, WILLIAMS ORELLANA, EDVIN CHINCHILLA, OPERATIONS, MIGUEL DELGADO, AND OSCAR DELGADO, CREW SUPERVISOR
Tech Painting Company
JIM NICOLSON, VP, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
For nearly four decades, Tech Painting Company has been the trusted name for homes in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac and nearby communities. Known for exceptional service, fully employed crews, no reliance on subcontractors, and daily updates with an on-site supervisor, Tech Painting sets the standard for residential craftsmanship.
5150 Eisenhower Ave. Alexandria, VA 22304
703-684-7702
Office@techpainting.com TechPainting.com
Q What sets Tech Painting Company apart from the field?
A Since 1987, Tech Painting Company has built a reputation for high-quality work, clear communication and exceptional service. What truly sets the company apart is the team behind the results. Unlike many contractors, we employ our crews directly. That includes skilled painters, master carpenters, and wallcovering specialists, all trained to meet the company’s standards. Every project is led by an on-site supervisor and clients receive daily photo updates to stay informed from start to finish. That consistency allows us to deliver the quality, professionalism and reliability our customers deserve.
Q Why is your relationship with the community so important?
A More than 90 percent of Tech Painting’s business comes from repeat
clients and referrals. That loyalty is earned through consistent results and a strong local presence. We live where we work. We are invested in these communities, support local organizations and take pride in being part of the neighborhoods we serve.
Q What advice would you offer those planning a project on a budget?
A All homeowners are on a budget. The key is starting with a clear number and working with your contractor to break the job into efficient phases. For example, if you need special equipment to reach upper trim, take care of everything at that level while it is set up. A good contractor will help you plan wisely.
From interior painting to fine carpentry and wallcoverings, Tech Painting delivers lasting results with care and craftsmanship.
Trent & Co at Compass Real Estate
TRENT HEMINGER & MARY NOONE
With more than 90 years of combined expertise, Trent & Co. is one of the DMV's premier real estate teams. Led by awardwinning duo Trent Heminger and Mary Noone—recognized as a top-producing agent on a team in Washington, D.C. and Maryland—their results-driven approach delivers exceptional service across every market segment.
Licensed in DC | MD | VA 5471 Wisconsin Ave. Ste 300 Chevy Chase, MD 20782 O: 301-298-1001 | 240-461-3928
TrentAndCo.com
Q What's your best advice for this current real estate market?
A Talk to your real estate team—this market is full of opportunities, but strategy is everything. Sellers in highdemand school zones may see premium offers due to low inventory. For buyers, some properties offering more space and that check most of those wish list boxes are sitting longer, opening the door for negotiation. Creative financing options, like seller-paid rate buy-downs, can also make a big difference. We recently helped a client reduce their Washington, D.C. condo mortgage from $3,200 to $2,800 using this approach. Whether you're buying, selling, leveraging equity, or just weighing your options, let's discuss your goals and explore the best path forward for you in this evolving market.
Q We found a house in our dream neighborhood, but it needs a lot of work. Any advice?
A Great homes with "good bones" are worth considering, especially with renovation financing. Some lenders (like Guaranteed Rate) now offer mortgage options that combine the purchase and renovation costs into one loan. Not only does this simplify the process, but you'll get a dedicated renovation specialist to help review bids, coordinate timelines and manage the loan from start to finish. Whatever your dream home is, there's a path to get there, and we can help you find it.
A.B.E. Networks, founded in 1991, is the Washington, D.C. area’s leading provider of residential and commercial technology design and integration. With more than 30 years of experience, we specialize in seamlessly blending smart home solutions, audiovisual systems, lighting control, security, motorized window treatments and automation with exceptional design and functionality.
OUR WORK
Since our founding, we’ve specialized in delivering state-of-the-art technology solutions tailored to fit the unique needs of both residential and commercial clients. Our design-driven approach ensures that technology enhances, rather than disrupts, the aesthetic and functionality of each space. We collaborate closely with architects, interior designers and builders to integrate sophisticated systems such as smart home automation, audiovisual installations, lighting and shading control, security cameras and dedicated home theaters, all while maintaining a seamless connection to the design vision. Our expert team ensures every installation is intuitive, user-friendly and built to evolve with emerging technologies. We believe in building lasting relationships with our clients, providing ongoing support to ensure systems continue to perform flawlessly. From design through implementation and into continuing care, we’re committed to delivering personalized solutions.
James McDonald Associate Architects, PC
10135 Colvin Run Road, Suite 200 | Great Falls, VA 22066 703-757-0036 | JamesMcDonaldArchitects.com
BIO
James McDonald Associate Architects (JMAA) specializes in creating custom homes and remodels that reflect each client's unique vision and lifestyle. With an emphasis on collaboration, functionality and timeless design, the firm's personalized approach has fostered a loyal client base, delivering homes that remain both beautiful and livable for years to come.
OUR WORK
Our firm specializes in designing homes to meet our clients’ specific needs and wants. From jewel box cottages to grand estates, we pride ourselves in providing excellent designs to meet our clients’ lifestyle. Our design talent and construction know-how allow us to design homes to meet any design style or direction.
This modern custom home, slated to start construction later this year, includes a strong mix of exterior materials, color and spaces filled with light. Creating spaces that flow between rooms with specific memory points gives JMAA the opportunity to have fun with the design no matter the size of the house. This home has simple massing forms, with recessed openings of glass to express the shadow lines and massing. The front is a relatively simple controlled form, while the back opens up with clear story windows and glass window walls to the private rear yard.
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.
As Bethesda Magazine’s only Five-Time Winner for Best Kitchen Design Firm, Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens, Inc., continues to be one of the most renowned kitchen design firms in the Washington, D.C. area. Offering custom cabinetry for culinary, closets, entertainment and work-from-home spaces, with outstanding service for over 43 years.
OUR WORK
Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens is widely recognized for creating spaces with synergy – designed just for you. The photo at the top shows a modern kitchen with sleek cabinetry, a custom glass wine wall and a waterfall island featuring an eat-in countertop. The second photo shows the complementary floor-to-ceiling wet bar perfect for social gatherings. Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens, Inc., believes every award-winning space should be laid out to fit one’s lifestyle and serve as the central hub for gathering, entertaining or working from home.
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.
BOWA is a trusted, awardwinning design-build firm specializing in luxury renovations ranging from single-room upgrades to whole-home remodels. Our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and a worry-free client experience mean you can rest easy and enjoy your remodeling experience.
7900 Westpark Drive, Suite A180 | McLean, VA 22102 703-734-9050 | BOWA.com
Chase Builders
Chase Builders is a premier home builder, with more than 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!
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.
301-571-8590 | 4080A Howard Ave. | Kensington, MD 20895 AmicusGreen.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.
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 | Info@ElieBenArch.com
Gilday Renovations
Kevin Gilday leads a team of seasoned architects, interior designers, and master craftsmen dedicated to delivering a transformational home renovation experience to every client. Our collaborative design process will help you give the home you love the love it deserves!
James McDonald Associate Architects bring their design excellence to the small additions and remodel’s as well as to the larger custom homes we design for our clients. It is about creating a space that fulfills our clients lifestyle and wishes. We work throughout the Maryland, D.C. and Virginia area.
10135 Colvin Run Road | Great Falls, VA 22066 703-757-0036 | James@jamesmcdonaldarchitects.com JamesMcDonaldArchitects.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!
With over four decades of experience, Glickman Design Build specializes in wholehouse renovations, interior and accessible design, aging-in-place remodels, and additions. We deliver tailored, high-end solutions that blend style, comfort, and practicality.
Natelli Homes, LLC. Offering personalized and trusted design and building services for custom homes and renovations for nearly four decades. The quality brand known throughout the Washington, D.C. market now serves Bethany, Rehoboth and the Delaware beaches.
301-938-5933 | NatelliHomes.com
Pinehurst Design Build
At Pinehurst Design Build, experience and trust are the bedrock of our company. Our mission is to help clients reimagine their homes and provide a seamless remodeling experience, resulting in a new, harmonious space you love coming home to.
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”.
| SandySpringBuilders.com
Studio Z Design Concepts, LLC
Solely dedicated to the practice of Residential Architecture, our firm prides itself on solving a client’s needs and managing their expectations. Striking, functional, and market appropriate are compliments we have received from homeowners and colleagues when referencing our work.
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.
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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 Drive | North Bethesda, MD 20852 240-994-1520 | info@structurecustomhomes.com StructureCustomHomes.com
Tyler Whitmore Interiors, located in Kensington, MD, is a unique boutique specializing in refurbished, up-cycled, and reimagined furniture. Each piece is thoughtfully curated, blending sustainability with style to create one-of-a-kind designs that transform any space with character, charm and timeless elegance.
Kevin Gilday leads a team of seasoned architectural designers, interior designers and master craftsmen dedicated to delivering a transformational home renovation experience to every client. One of the most valuable services the company offers is helping clients prioritize their wish lists to arrive at a cohesive, buildable design concept.
OUR WORK
This Chevy Chase DC luxury porch design fully expresses the architectural roots of its Victorian era main house down to the hand-crafted decorative rafter tails visible at the eaves. The staircase you see fanning out from the porch deck to the lawn is made of Ipe (Brazilian Walnut).
The porch interior is graced by soaring vaulted ceilings with cross beams. The custom crafted wood-burning fireplace features a gas starter. This four-season porch has removable screen panels for summer and glass panels to maintain heat from the fireplace during the annual Christmas gathering.
This porch project is the finishing touch on a multi-phased whole house interior/exterior makeover that included a massive two-story addition. The twin roof peaks to the left of the porch may not look like it, but they are an addition designed to seamlessly blend with the character of the original home.
Essentials
Keep this guide handy for info on how to contact local government and access frequently used services
PHOTO BY ANNABELLE GORDON
Inside MOCO
How county government operates—and how to reach the services you need
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
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 and final term in the office, having first been elected in 2018 and prohibited from seeking re-election by recently enacted term limits. 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. Find meeting agendas and staff reports at montgomerycountymd.gov/council/ondemand.
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 council is responsible for major county decisions, such as passing a yearly budget. It approved $7.6 billion for fiscal year 2026 that included funds for education, public safety, economic development, affordable housing, transportation 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” at the bottom of the page.
COUNCILMEMBERS
President: Kate Stewart, D, District 4: 240-777-7968, councilmember.stewart@ montgomerycountymd.gov
Vice President: Will Jawando, D, At-large: 240-777-7811, councilmember.jawando@ montgomerycountymd.gov
Gabe Albornoz, D, At-large: 240-777-7959, councilmember.albornoz@montgomery countymd.gov
Andrew Friedson, D, District 1: 240-777-7828, councilmember.friedson@ montgomerycountymd.gov
Marilyn Balcombe, D, District 2: 240-777-7960, councilmember.balcombe@ montgomerycountymd.gov
Sidney Katz, D, District 3: 240-777-7906, councilmember.katz@montgomerycountymd.gov
Kristin Mink, D, District 5: 240-777-7955, councilmember.mink@montgomerycountymd.gov
Natali Fani-González, D, District 6: 240-777-7870, councilmember.fani-gonzalez@ 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: 301279-8000, montgomerycountymd.gov/pol
Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service: 240-683-6520, montgomerycountymd.gov/ mcfrs
Rockville City Police Department: 240-3148900, rockvillemd.gov/248/police
Takoma Park Police Department: 301-270-1100, takomaparkmd.gov/government/police
LIBRARIES
For a full-service library card, go to any Montgomery County Public Libraries branch
Montgomery County Council Back row (from left): Sidney Katz, Laurie-Anne Sayles, Andrew Friedson, Natali Fani-González, Gabe Albornoz; front row (from left): Will Jawando, Kristin Mink, Marilyn Balcombe, Evan Glass, Dawn Luedtke, Kate Stewart
with a photo ID and proof of address. For a digital library card, apply online at mcpl. aspendiscovery.org/apply.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Montgomery County has 22 rec centers that offer activities for children, teenagers, adults and seniors, including programs for individuals with disabilities. Typical offerings include classes, workshops, clinics, drop-in programs, sports, crafts and special events. Find information on aquatic centers, ice skating rinks, nature centers, parks and other county venues on the Active Montgomery website at activemontgomery.org.
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 December 2027. wmata.com/ service/rail
Metrobus: Metrobus introduced changes to the
BETHESDA TODAY POLITICS BRIEFING
system in June 2025. It now has more than 1,500 buses running 269 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. The service is free. montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit
Bethesda Circulator: This free bus makes a 3.3mile loop through downtown Bethesda every 10 to 15 minutes, Monday through Saturday. Its 20 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-freedowntown-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 Bethesda Today’s free weekly Politics Briefing newsletter by visiting BethesdaMagazine.com/newsletters.
ON THE MONEY
The numbers behind business and work in Montgomery County
Top Employers
Federal agencies have historically ruled the roost when it comes to Montgomery County’s major employers, according to past numbers from the Maryland Department of Commerce. However, due to the ongoing downsizing of the federal government, exact figures are not available. That said, as many as 50,000 people are employed by private-sector industries in the county.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY’S TOP 10 PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYERS IN 2024 (WITH ESTIMATED NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES LISTED):
Pharmaceuticals
- 5,000
Cross Hospital of Silver Spring 2,500 - 5,000
of Maryland 2,500 - 5,000
International 2,500 - 5,000
- 5,000
Sources: Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Lightcast, Washington Business Journal, Montgomery County Annual Comprehensive Financial Report
$113 BILLION
Montgomery County’s gross domestic product in 2023, making up 21.9% of Maryland’s GDP
$2.9 BILLION
Venture capital investments in fiscal 2024, representing more than 100 deals
Sources: Federal Reserve, Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors, Montgomery County Economic Development Corp., Montgomery County Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, Pitchbook, U.S. Census
What We’re Earning
The average annual wage for all workers in Montgomery County was nearly $92,042 in fiscal year 2023, a 2.4% increase over 2022, county data shows. State government employees saw the biggest increase, at 8.5%.
$617,287
Median price of a home in fiscal 2024
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
MOCO BY THE
NUMBERS
THE BIG PICTURE
1,082,273
Population of Montgomery County, the most populous county in Maryland (2024 U.S. Census Bureau estimate)
INCOME AND POVERTY
$128,733
Median household income (in 2023 dollars), 2019-2023
$66,124
Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2023 dollars), 2019-2023
7.2%
5.6%
Children younger than 5 years
22.6%
Persons younger than 18 years 17.7%
Persons 65 years and older
Persons in poverty
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
33.4%
Foreign-born persons, 2019-2023
33,670 Veterans, 2019-2023
HOUSING
406,686
Housing units, July 1, 2023
65.3%
Owner-occupied housing unit rate, 20192023
$2,898
Median selected monthly owner costs with a mortgage, 2019-2023
$2,030
Median gross rent, 2019-2023
U.S. CENSUS DATA ON DEMOGRAPHICS, INCOME AND HOUSING
WORKING LIFE
69.6%
Percent of population age 16 and older in civilian labor force, 20192023
65.2%
Percent of female population age 16 and older in civilian labor force, 2019-2023
32.4 minutes
Mean travel time to work, workers age 16+, 2019-2023
EDUCATION
91.2%
High school graduate or higher, percent of persons age 25 and older, 2019-2023
60.3%
Bachelor’s degree or higher, percent of persons age 25 and older, 2019-2023
387,881 Households, 2019-2023 2.7
Average persons per household, 2019-2023
Living in same house 1 year ago, percent of persons age 1+, 2019-2023
Language other than English spoken at home, percent of persons age 5+, 2019-2023
RACE AND
ORIGIN*
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
Black or African American 21.1% Hispanic or Latino; Hispanics may be of any race 16.1% Asian 3.7% Two or more races 0.9% American Indian and Alaska Native 0.1% Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
*Percentages do not total 100% because Hispanics may be of any race.
MoCo ON OUR MINDS
BY MYLES MELLOR
ACROSS
1. Fabulous fumbles, 2 words
6. A commuter train with stops in Kensington, Rockville and Germantown
9. Right now!, abbr.
11. Longtime county executive
12. Prepared
13. Average golf score
15. Recedes gradually
17. Infant meow-er in Kensington?
20. Deja
22. Military rank, for short
23. Mark Andrews’ position for the Ravens, abbr.
24. Garden Inn, in Bethesda
25. Where Wonderland Books is
28. Seafood served at Black’s Bar & Kitchen
31. Gaithersburg’s paddleboats spot
32. Expert
33. Financially well-off
34. Its famous residents include sports giant Ted Leonsis
37. Legendary Western lawman
38. Wall Street debut event, abbr.
40. Bethesda’s Ukrainian restaurant
42. This Metro line accesses the National Institutes of Health and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
44. Mike Myers role, Austin
48. Amy Kaslow displays it in her Bethesda gallery
50. No longer present
52. Greek god of love
53. Pulls forcefully
54. “Split-Rocker” home
DOWN
1. Home of a carousel, aquarium and puppet theater, 2 words
2. Corn serving
3. Clock sound
4. Morning radio band
5. Stamped addressed envelope, for short
6. Yo-Yo, cellist
7. Smartphone programs
8. Free bus around Bethesda
10. Diana Ross, Johnny Mathis and Kenny G. have all performed at this North Bethesda performing arts venue
12. Popular taste
14. Apple computer
16. Gruff trail along the Potomac, goes with 21 down
18. Short haircut
19. Golf ball support
For the puzzle solution, visit BethesdaMagazine.com/article/crossword, or scan the QR code to access the link.
21. See 16 down
26. Caped crusader, for example
27. Clapton who sang “Layla”
28. meter: measures miles traveled
29. Keyword improvement for a website, abbr.
30. Historical period
31. Acronym for TV group based in MoCo that has been on Bravo since 2016
