Arts venues, farmers markets, parks, shops and much more
27 EAT & DRINK
Brunch spots, bakeries, neighborhood restaurants and Best of Bethesda picks from Bethesda Magazine
38 KIDS & SCHOOLS
Places for kids’ parties, destinations for children with sensory needs, and facts about local public and private schools
49 BUSINESS & WORK
The area’s top industries and employers, plus three great places to work from “home” when you need a change of scenery
53 NEIGHBORHOODS
Eight of the major communities that make up Montgomery County
54 Bethesda
55 Chevy Chase
56 Cabin John & Glen Echo
58 Rockville & North Bethesda
60 Kensington & Garrett Park
62 Gaithersburg & North Potomac
64 Potomac
65 Silver Spring
71 HEALTH
A guide to local hospitals, doctors and Best of Bethesda picks
101 ESSENTIALS
All the info you need about local government and frequently used services
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These 26 landmarks represent a sampling of the vibrant history, fun and local flavor that MoCo offers. From horse country to the west, a trolley temple to the east, yurts to the north and a colorful arts scene to the south, you have options no matter which direction you head. 1
BY JENNA BLOOM | MAP & ICONS BY AMEENA FAREEDA
The literary great is buried in the cemetery next to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rockville with a line from The Great Gatsby inscribed on his gravestone.
520 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville
The 1891 courthouse was threatened with demolition numerous times, but residents rallied together to save it time and time again.
29 Courthouse Square, Rockville
From carnival rides to competitions and animal exhibitions, the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair draws thousands every August.
501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg
4 RIO LAKEFRONT
The hub of entertainment, shopping and dining lines a picturesque lakefront that includes swan-shaped paddleboats.
9841 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg
5 THE LEISURE WORLD GLOBE
This 40-foot-tall, two-ton globe sits at the entrance to the Leisure World retirement community with more than 9,000 residents.
Georgia Avenue & Rossmoor Boulevard, Silver Spring
6 JIMMIE CONE
Selling soft serve since 1962, the shop is a MoCo staple for a sweet summer treat.
26420 Ridge Road, Damascus
7 LITTLE BENNETT CAMPGROUND
Yurts are just one of the options at the campground, which boasts 3,700 acres of forest and meadows plus 91 campsites.
23705 Frederick Road, Clarksburg
8 THE ADVENTURE PARK AT SANDY SPRING
With courses of varying difficulty, the park provides an aerial forest experience complete with zip lines, challenge bridges and other climbing obstacles.
16701 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring
9 OLNEY THEATRE CENTER
What started in 1938 as a summer playhouse has grown into a regional drama center offering productions year-round.
2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney
10
NATIONAL CAPITAL TROLLEY MUSEUM
Before the Metro, trolleys kept Montgomery County connected to D.C. The museum celebrates this history with exhibits and rides.
1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville
11 BROOKSIDE GARDENS
The gardens feature vibrant greenery, breathtaking landscapes and winding brooks. Not to be missed are the two conservatories that offer blooms year-round.
1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton
12 ACORN PARK
Nestled in downtown Silver Spring, this small park is home to the iconic Acorn Gazebo, shade trees and beautiful murals.
8060 Newell St., Silver Spring
13
AFI SILVER THEATRE
The theater celebrates all things film with screenings of modern blockbusters (think Oppenheimer in 70mm), artsy international flicks and the slightly silly. CatVideoFest 2023, anyone?
8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring
14
The statue honors the rooster, aka Chick Chick, who strutted around Takoma Park for a decade until his death in 1999.
Near the intersection of Carroll and Laurel avenues, Takoma Park
15
There is plenty of rock-hopping and beautiful views on the trail between the C&O Canal and the Potomac River.
11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac
16
Built in 1899, the Georgian mansion is open to art lovers to enjoy afternoon tea with live music and free exhibits.
10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda
17
The tower, opened in 1942, is an imposing sight to drivers traveling along Rockville Pike.
8901 Rockville Pike, Bethesda
18
The theme park–turned–arts hub is home to the 1921 Dentzel Carousel, which is still whirling.
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
19
Any Beltway commuter is likely to have noticed this grand white-and-gold structure, a temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
9900 Stoneybrook Drive, Kensington
20
The free indoor and outdoor museum combines art, nature and architecture with about 1,300 works from post-World War II artists around the globe.
12100 Glen Road, Potomac
21
A polo community with 10 multipurpose fields, the club is a space to play or watch competitive matches and take beginner to advanced lessons.
14660 Hughes Road, Poolesville
22
The Maryland Department. of Natural Resources plants sunflowers here each spring providing a space for the public to visit, admire and photograph the blooms.
18600 River Road, Poolesville
23
Visitors can spend the night in lockhouses, which have been restored and opened to the public.
canaltrust.org
The mountain, which took 14 million years to form, has four trails to be enjoyed by hikers, horseback riders and bikers. Want an easy walk? Try the 1/4-mile green trail from your car to the summit.
7901 Comus Road, Dickerson
25
Surrounding Little Seneca Lake, the park offers more than 2,000 acres for outdoor recreation, including rental canoes and kayaks, picnic shelters, volleyball courts, playgrounds and trails.
20930 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds
26
The family-owned pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farm hosts an annual pumpkin festival with hayrides and a corn maze.
22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown
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Explore the best of what MoCo has to offer, including arts venues, farmers markets, parks, shops and much more
Looking for something to do? You don’t have to travel far. With diverse people, businesses and terrain, Montgomery County offers outdoor adventures, cultural experiences and activities for all ages and interests. Check out an ethnic restaurant or cultural festival; the county is home to more than a million people, nearly a third having been born in other countries. Go shopping in Bethesda or Silver Spring’s urban downtowns. Take a drive along country roads to farms where you can pick your own produce or drink locally made wine and beer. Spend the night along the C&O Canal or visit a park or nature center and experience the great outdoors.
More than just spots to shop, local bookstores are destinations for gathering and connecting with others. Loyalty Books, a Black-, queer- and Asian-owned business in Silver Spring, specializes in titles highlighting diversity and hosts new-release events with authors and reading clubs. People’s Book opened in Takoma Park in 2023 and hosts a wide variety of book clubs and special events, including tarot card readings and author discussions.
Loyalty Books, 823 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, loyaltybookstores.com
People’s Book, 7014 Westmoreland Ave., Suite A, Takoma Park, peoplesbooktakoma.com
Montgomery County is home to a number of breweries, each creating its own craft beers and offering visitors unique settings in which to sample them. Whether you’d like to kick back with an IPA at Waredaca Brewing Co. on a working horse farm in Laytonsville, or savor a refreshing sour gose at Silver Branch Brewing Co. in downtown Silver Spring, you’ll find rural and urban spots to sip locally made suds around the county.
Various locations, marylandbeer.org
Take a hike, spark a campfire and get to know some of the critters that call our county home at an area nature center. Montgomery County Parks has five venues to visit—Black Hill Nature Programs, Brookside Nature Center, Locust
Grove Nature Center, Maydale Nature Classroom and Meadowside Nature Center—plus Rockville’s Croydon Creek Nature Center offer programs such as naturalist-led hikes, handson programs for kids and families, and exhibitions on the natural history of the county. montgomeryparks.org/visit-nature/ rockvillemd.gov/380/Croydon-CreekNature-Center
Musical performances at Strathmore range from those by world-class symphony orchestras to others by budding local talents. The campus includes the Music Center, a nearly 2,000-seat concert hall where you can hear classical, folk, pop and world music. The Mansion, an 1899 Georgian-style summer estate, hosts smaller concerts, art exhibitions, and afternoon teas featuring musical performances and traditional fare such as scones and finger sand-
wiches. Tea times are popular and tend to sell out quickly. Reservations—which must be made the old-fashioned way over the phone—are released in seasonal blocks and become available about a month before the start of the season. Outdoor spaces include the lawn and gazebo stage, which host free summer concerts.
5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, strathmore.org. Tea reservation line: 301-581-5108
Local theaters in Montgomery County have a strong reputation for staging thoughtprovoking and powerful performances. Bethesda’s Round House Theatre and Olney Theatre Center are well known for their dramas and musicals. Imagination Stage in Bethesda and Adventure Theatre and the Puppet Co. Playhouse, both in Glen Echo, broaden kids’ horizons with their performances for children.
Various locations
A visit to Rio, with its boardwalk, carousel, restaurants and movie theater, often feels like a mini vacation. In the warmer months, head onto the lake in a paddleboat. If water is not your thing, head indoors and check out the new Sportrock climbing gym, a 47,000-square-foot facility set to open in the fall of 2023.
$20-$30 per half hour, 9811 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg, riolakefront.com/ lakefrontfun/ sportrock.com/rio
The rides at Glen Echo Park, a former amusement park, have long been replaced by art studios and performance spaces in the art deco-style structures. But the historic Dentzel Carousel, which turned 100 in 2021, is still operating. Three rows of fanciful creatures—40 horses, plus four rabbits, four ostriches, a giraffe, a deer, a lion and a ti-
ger—are still whirling round and round. If you want a ride that also bobs up and down, be sure to choose an animal from the inner two rows. The carousel’s season generally runs from May through September, and each year the park celebrates the first day of the season with performances, free arts and crafts activities for kids, open art studios and, of course, carousel rides.
$2 per ride, $5 for an all-day pass, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, glenechopark.org
Vineyard and Windridge Vineyards, both of which offer tastings in bucolic settings. Others, including The Urban Winery of Silver Spring and Olney Winery, allow aspiring vintners to make their own wine
Various locations, visitmontgomery.com/ taste/wineries-2
Take a trip to wine country and visit one of the half dozen wineries in the county. New in 2023 is The Crossvines, a community winemaking hub in Poolesville designed to help farmers grow the county’s vino industry. It includes a demonstration vineyard growing around 40 grape varieties and The Farmhouse Bistro, which offers locally sourced cuisine and wine made inhouse. You can also try Sugarloaf Mountain
Lockhouses were homes for the families of keepers who operated the locks along the C&O Canal in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Guests can experience a bit of that history firsthand and stay overnight in the houses, which are maintained by the C&O Canal Trust. Five in Montgomery County are available to rent. Each is restored with historic furnishings and decor and tells the history of a different era. Choose your favorite period: No. 6 (1950s), No. 10 (1930s), No. 21 (1916), No. 22 (1830s1840s) or No. 25 (1860s).
Starting at $110 per night, canaltrust.org
Hop aboard a miniature train that chugs through the forest at Cabin John or Wheaton regional parks. The trains have five passenger cars, and Wheaton’s includes one that is wheelchair accessible. A ride along the roughly 2-mile route at each park lasts 15 to 20 minutes.
$3.50 per ride, Cabin John Regional Park, 7410 Tuckerman Lane, Rockville; Wheaton Regional Park, 2002 Shorefield Road, Wheaton; montgomeryparks.org/trains
Some do it for the family memories, others to live out their farm fantasies, and still others because only the freshest will do. We’re talking about picking your own produce, of course. At county farms, there’s usually some crop in season throughout the year. In the spring, you can find strawberries, cherries, black raspberries and English peas. Summer
brings peaches, raspberries, blackberries, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, flowers and herbs. Come back in the fall for apples and pumpkins, and in the winter for Christmas trees. Some farms also hold seasonal festivals, with hayrides, mazes and other familyfriendly attractions.
Various locations
Glenstone, a private museum in Potomac, offers a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art, impressive architecture and nearly 300 acres that include rolling grassy meadows, shady woods and streams. Admission is free, and walk-in entry is guaranteed for students (age 12 and older), teachers, military members, veterans, museum professionals and anyone who arrives on the Ride On bus (route 301). Otherwise, make sure you get an online reservation. Slots are released on the first of the month, two months in advance; for example, October entries are released Aug. 1.
12100 Glen Road, Potomac, free, reservations required, glenstone.org
One of the most popular bikeways in the area, the Capital Crescent Trail runs from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., through Bethesda to Silver Spring. The 11-mile trail was built on the former railbed of the B&O Railroad. Access the trail in downtown Bethesda and follow the path through leafy neighborhoods, over bridges and near streams. The trail is currently closed east of Bethesda for construction of the Purple Line and is expected to reopen in the fall of 2026. Until then, find details about detours at the Maryland Transit Administration and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association websites. montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/ capital-crescent-georgetown-branch-trails purplelinemd.com/cctrail
waba.org/blog/2017/08/georgetownbranch-trail-detour-options-during-purpleline-construction
The weather is no reason to rule out iceskating in Montgomery County. During the winter, Rockville and Silver Spring offer outdoor skating rinks for the public. For those who want to glide on the ice without braving the elements, Cabin John Ice Rink, Wheaton Ice Arena and Rockville Ice Arena offer public skating time, lessons and hockey leagues throughout the year.
Cabin John Ice Rink, 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville, montgomeryparks.org
Wheaton Ice Arena, 11717 Orebaugh Ave., Wheaton, montgomeryparks.org
Rockville Ice Arena, 50 Southlawn Court, Rockville, rockvilleicearena.com
Buckle into a safety harness and make your way through obstacles such as rope ladders and suspended bridges and ride zip lines that range from 12 to 65 feet above the ground at The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, a so-called aerial park offering 15 courses. Go Ape, in Rock Creek Regional Park, also offers several treetop obstacle courses that climb up to 52 feet high with zip lines—the longest is 400 feet—and rope swings on which you can swoop through the forest like Tarzan.
$16-$67, 16701 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, sandyspringadventurepark.or
$19.95-$64.95, 6129 Needwood Lake Drive, Derwood, goape.com/location/marylandrockville/
16
The sunflowers planted annually at the McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area in Poolesville are intended to attract game birds for hunting, but they also lure people from all over to see the acres of brilliant yellow flowers, which usually reach peak bloom in July.
18600 River Road, Poolesville, dnr. maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/ central/sunflowers.aspx
Learn about the life of Josiah Henson, who escaped from slavery and became an abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad, at the museum and park that bears his name. It’s located on the site of a plantation where Henson was enslaved. His story inspired the famous novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe.
$5, $4 for seniors and children ages 6-17, free for age 5 and younger, 11410 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda, montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/ josiah-henson-park
18
For little ones who want to play in the water but aren’t yet confident swimmers, the SplashPark in South Germantown Recreational Park is the perfect choice for summer fun. The park features water-jet fountains, slides, a waterfall, water bucket drops and sprayers. Get your feet (or your whole body) wet without taking the plunge. Bonus: The park is adjacent to a mini-golf course.
$6.50 for SplashPark, $5.50 for mini-golf, $9 for both, 18056 Central Park Circle, Boyds, montgomeryparks.org
Rockville and Wheaton are home to some of the re-
gion’s best-regarded Chinese eateries. Food halls, such as The Block in North Bethesda or The Spot or Pike Kitchen in Rockville, offer a collection of innovative restaurants all under one roof. Or, for an even more immersive experience, visit an annual cultural celebration such as the Salvadoran Independence Festival in Gaithersburg, the three-day Greek Festival at Silver Spring’s Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church of Washington, D.C., or the Afro-Latino Festival in Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, where you’ll find music, dancing, traditional clothing and crafts in addition to tasty treats.
Various locations
Brookside Gardens features formal gardens, beautiful plantings and peaceful ponds and streams on 50 acres in Wheaton Regional Park. A paved path makes the public display garden a stroller-friendly destination. Scenic stops along the trail include a stone labyrinth, Japanese Tea House, Reflection Terrace and Fragrance Garden. It’s worth a visit even in the winter. Two conservatories, open year-round, house a collection of tropical and seasonal plants. During the holidays, you’ll find festive displays inside; outside, the Garden of Lights walk-through Christmas display illuminates the plantings, flower beds and paths.
Admission to the park and conservatories is free; Garden of Lights is $10 per person age 5 and older. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, montgomeryparks.org
You can find the curtains rising on everything from beloved musicals to national debuts, new dramatic voices, and creative shows for kids at theaters and performance venues throughout Montgomery County
BY STEPHANIE SIEGEL BURKE
The theater presents professional productions for children and offers training for budding actors and actresses. The musical Fantastagirl and the Math Monster was its best-selling show of 2022.
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 301-6342270, adventuretheatre-mtc.org
AMP BY STRATHMORE
Top-selling concerts at the club have included Shades of Django, Two Pianos: Mark G. Meadows and James Fernando, and The String Queens.
11810 Grand Park Ave., North Bethesda, 301-581-5100, strathmore.org/our-spaces/amp
The horse stable–turned–visual and performing arts center, offers a stage for community performances of all types and classes for children and adults. Magic, comedy and improv shows,
concerts, musical theater and dramas have all been presented here.
311 Kent Square Road, Gaithersburg, 301-2586394, gaithersburgmd.gov
Formerly a historic art deco movie palace, the venue was home to the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club until July 2023, when it rebranded to more fully encompass 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. Sellouts have included Chanté Moore, The Isley Brothers, Brian McKnight. 7719 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, 240-330-4500, bethesdatheater.com
Established in 2002 as a home for performing and visual arts, the venue has evolved to present concerts by regional, national and international talent plus contemporary theatrical performances and
its own professional productions. Best-selling shows have included the Red Hot Chilli Pipers and the Ladies of Hip Hop Drag Show.
12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown, 301-528-2260, blackrockcenter.org
The complex includes a 500-seat theater and concert hall, and a 116-seat lecture hall and lab theater space. See future professionals perfect their craft in student productions, or catch a regional or national touring act, such as the musical show Fairytales on Ice, which covered the stage with a synthetic “ice” surface, allowing performers to skate.
7995 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, 240-5675775, mcblogs.montgomerycollege.edu/cac
A spin-off of the legendary Fillmore in San Francisco, the 2,000-capacity venue honors its rock ’n’ roll heritage with vintage posters on the walls and large chandeliers hanging over the dance floor, a nod to the original.
In the past year, notable acts included Lil Wayne, Ava Max, Bryson Tiller, Brett Young, and Coheed and Cambria.
8656 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, 301-960-9999, fillmoresilverspring.com
The 428-seat theater is the home stage for community groups including Rockville Musical Theatre, Rockville Little Theatre, Rockville Civic Ballet, Victorian Lyric Opera Co. and Rockville Chorus. National touring groups also perform there occasionally.
603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, 240-314-8690, rockvillemd.gov/382/ F-Scott-Fitzgerald-Theatre
Imagination Stage offers year-round professional theater for young audiences, and also classes in acting, musical theater and dance for ages 1-18. In 2023, Aquarium and Wake Up, Brother Bear, shows for children ages 1 to 4, sold out, and the musical Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience
for kids age 5 and older won a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Production, Theatre for Young Audiences.
4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, 301-961-6060, imaginationstage.org
A professional regional theater, Olney Theatre Center offers productions year-round. In the 2022-2023 season, the theater saw a record number of sellouts, including performances of 2022’s Beauty and the Beast. Olney won five Helen Hayes awards in 2023. Its outdoor summer season includes cabaret, comedy, drag shows, movies and concerts.
2001 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Olney, 301-924-3400, olneytheatre.org
On the Rockville campus of Montgomery College, the center hosts concerts, dance and theatrical productions by student, community and touring groups. Performances by the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of
Ukraine; Dublin Irish Dance; and Bruce Campbell all sold out in the 2022-2023 season.
51 Mannakee St., Rockville, 240-567-5301, mcblogs.montgomerycollege.edu/reppac
With more than 200 nominations for Helen Hayes Awards and 42 wins through 2023, Round House Theatre presents a six-show season of new plays, modern classics and musicals, including many world and regional premieres.
4545 East West Highway, Bethesda, 240-644-1100, roundhousetheatre.org
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, dance shows and youth performances.
8641 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, 301-5888279, silverspringblackbox.com
Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience at Imagination Stage
Silver Spring Stage is a community theater with a mission to present contemporary plays. It produces a season of full-length productions and a one-act festival. The 2022-2023 season included Circle Mirror Transformation by Annie Baker, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, and The Revolutionists by Lauren Gunderson.
10145 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, 301-593-6036, ssstage.org
The Music Center presents major international folk, blues, pop, R&B, jazz, world and classical music, and show tunes artists. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the National Philharmonic also perform there. Popular shows of the 2022-2023 season included Afro-Cuban All Stars, The Manhattan Transfer, Mandy Patinkin and Angélique Kidjo.
5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda
The Mansion, built in 1899, consists of the 100-seat Dorothy M. and Maurice C. Shapiro
Music Room, a tearoom, The Shop at Strathmore and art galleries.
10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, 301-581-5100, strathmore.org
THE PUPPET CO. PLAYHOUSE
The 200-seat theater presents professional puppetry productions based on fairy tales and classic children’s literature, plus a variety of Tiny Tots performances designed for children 18 months to 4 years old.
7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 301-6345380, thepuppetco.org
The arts are essential. The arts are for all of us. All to create. All to enjoy. All to share. All to cherish.Luna Negra by Cheryl Mann, Strathmmore photos by Jim Saah and David Stuck Montgomery County’s home for world class live music, art, and community.
Whether you are 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. = Best of Bethesda 2022 readers’ pick; = Finalist
BETHESDA CENTRAL FARM MARKET
Open Sundays, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (January and February) and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (March through December). Bethesda Elementary School parking lot, 7600 Arlington Road, Bethesda, centralfarmmarkets.com/bethesda
2CABIN JOHN MARKET
Open Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (May 7 through Nov. 19, 2023). 11325 Seven Locks Road, Potomac, milkladymarkets.org/cabinjohn-market.html
3
CASEY FARMERS MARKET
Open Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (May through November) and select Thursdays December through April. Casey Community Center, 810 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation/farmers-markets
4
DERWOOD FARMERS MARKET
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (April 15 through Sept. 2, 2023). Neighborhood Church, 16501 Redland Road, Rockville, milkladymarkets.org/derwood
5
FRESHFARM DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING MARKET
Open Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (January through March); open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (April through December). Veterans Plaza, 1 Veterans Place, freshfarm.org/markets/ downtown-silver-spring
KENSINGTON FARMERS MARKET
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (year-round). Kensington train station parking lot, 10417 Howard Ave., Kensington, explorekensington. com.farmers-market
7 MAIN STREET FARMERS AND ARTISTS MARKET
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (year-round). Kentlands Main Street Pavilion, 301 Main St., Gaithersburg, gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation. farmers-markets
8
MONTGOMERY FARM WOMEN’S COOPERATIVE MARKET
Indoor market open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays (except Christmas Day and New Years Day). Produce and flowers 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., most others 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 7155 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, montgomeryfarmwomensco-op.com
9
MONTGOMERY VILLAGE FARMERS’ MARKET
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (June through October). Christ the Servant Lutheran Church parking lot, 9801 Centerway Road, Montgomery Village, mvfarmersmarket.com
OLNEY FARMERS & ARTISTS MARKET
Open Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (year-round). MedStar Montgomery Thrift Shop grounds, 2801 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Olney, olneyfarmersmarket.com
PIKE CENTRAL FARM MARKET
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (April 29 through Dec. 16, 2023, closed Thanksgiving weekend). Parking lot next to Bark Social, 935 Prose St., North Bethesda, pike.centralfarmmarkets.com
12
ROCKVILLE FARMERS MARKET
Open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (May 13 to Nov. 18, 2023). Jury parking lot, corner of Route 28 and Monroe Street, Rockville, rockvillemd.gov/farmers
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SHADY GROVE FARMERS MARKET
Open Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (May 17 to Oct. 25, 2023). NCI campus rear parking lot, 9605 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, milkladymarkets.org/shady-grove-market.html
MONDAY 10AM–9PM
TUESDAY 10AM–9PM
WEDNESDAY 10AM–9PM
THURSDAY 10AM–9PM
FRIDAY 10AM–9PM
SATURDAY 10AM–9PM
BY NEVIN MARTELL
Put D.C.’s drama and the buzz of the Beltway in your rearview as you head out for fresh air and fresh challenges. Home to more than 400 parks and nearly two dozen lakes, crisscrossed with countless miles of hiker-biker trails, rich with rivers and creeks, and rippled with rolling hills, 507-square-mile Montgomery County is paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
No matter the level of ability, there are exciting, energizing options for hiking, biking, boating, camping and golfing almost everywhere you look in MoCo. Here are our favorite places to go when we’re in the mood to get outside.
EASY
Named in honor of Montgomery County’s famed environmentalist and author, the lush 650-acre park features more than 6 miles of trails. Some pathways wend their way through canopied forests, past a frogfilled pond, around monstrous boulders, and alongside a gurgling creek. An entrylevel experience is the .8-mile jaunt through Fox Meadow. The grassy expanse is punctuated by persimmon trees and other foliage, providing natural cover for a variety of birds. So pack a pair of binoculars or a camera with a good telephoto lens. Open sunrise to sunset. Free.
22201 Zion Road, Brookeville; 301-495-2595; montgomeryparks.org
The 5.5-mile loop up to the ridgeline passes through a forest of red and white oaks that
burst into fiery hues during fall. The highlight of the hike is the White Rocks, a tumble of epic boulders offering two wide-screen vantage points to take in the surrounding landscape. From the South View, glimpse the Frederick Valley unfolding on the western horizon and the southern fringes of Catoctin Mountain, while the North View gives an unfettered look up the valley to Frederick. Both sides are great spots for a picnic, water break or moment of quiet contemplation. Open daily 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Suggested donation of $5 or more per person. 7901 Comus Road, Dickerson; 301-869-7846; sugarloafmd.com
Though it’s only 1.75 miles long, Section A of the Billy Goat Trail is arguably the most challenging hike in Montgomery County, usually taking two to three hours to complete. After parking at Great Falls Tavern, begin the one-way expedition at the entrance by the falls, proceeding
downstream while following the blue markers along the Potomac River. The torturous trek involves scrambling across stony stretches, scaling rock walls, and getting across a stream before reaching the out point near the Old Angler’s Inn. Return to your car while unwinding from the workout by walking on the much more leisurely towpath alongside the C&O Canal. Or extend your adventure by taking the towpath 2 miles farther down the Potomac to Section C, an easier, less crowded 1.6-mile riverside trail past Carderock that takes in a small waterfall. Be sure to allow time for the 4.5-mile journey back to your car along the towpath. (Section B remains closed at publication time due to trail damage and erosion.)
Open sunrise to sunset. $20 per car.
11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac; 301-739-4200; nps.gov/choh
EASY
Beginning at Winding Creek Local Park in Wheaton, the 4.2-mile trail angles northeast to Alderton Road. Otherwise paved, a half-mile stretch passes over a wooden boardwalk. With a few curves and several hills, the forested route presents a couple of challenging points, but isn’t generally strenuous. It takes its name from native Marylander Matthew Henson, a groundbreaking African American arctic explorer who claimed to be the first person to reach the geographic North Pole. Open sunrise to sunset. Free.
Winding Creek Local Park, 12326 Dewey Road, Wheaton; montgomeryparks.org
Nearly 19 miles long with a few hilly stretches, the scenic trail starting in Rock Creek Regional Park weaves through greenery alongside the creek. Paved with asphalt, the route is punctuated by water fountains and access to restrooms, making it easier to tackle for groups of mixed abilities. Passing out of MoCo, continue riding south along Rock Creek Park’s Beach Drive and head past the National Zoo, Lincoln Memorial, Tidal Basin and elsewhere. Open sunrise to sunset. Free.
6700 Needwood Road, Derwood; 301-495-2595; montgomeryparks.org
CHALLENGING
SCHAEFFER FARM AT SENECA CREEK STATE PARK
Mountain biking enthusiasts love this 16-mile web of color-coded trails circling and crisscrossing the park. Stay on-site for your ride or use this hub as a starting point of a journey along numerous trails outside the park, including Seneca Bluffs Trail, Muddy Branch Trail and Hoyles Mill Trail. Riders navigate over brutal bumps, challenging hills, fallen logs and knotty roots. Trails may be closed after a rainfall or other weather events, so call ahead. To warm up for your freewheeling adventures, hit the 5,000-square-foot South Germantown Mountain Bike and BMX Pump Track, which is peppered with rolling bumps and banked corners, and only a couple minutes away (14501 Schaeffer Road, Boyds). Open March through October from 8 a.m. to sunset. Free.
14801 Schaeffer Road, Germantown; 301-924-2127; dnr.maryland.gov
EASY
Sit back and relax on a 20-minute, no-effort-required pontoon boat tour, operating on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day and Labor Day ($5 per person; tours depart at noon, 1 p.m.,
Hiking path at Fox Meadow Trail2 p.m. and 3 p.m.). Keep an eye out for wildlife. Keen observers may spot beavers, deer, various turtles, a variety of toads and frogs, or some of the more than 200 bird species that have been reported at the park. If you want to do a self-guided tour of the 75-acre lake, one- and two-person kayaks, canoes, rowboats and pedal boats with life jackets are available to rent Memorial Day through Labor Day at the boathouse, which features a small snack bar where you can buy a cold drink and a hot pretzel as a reward after your paddle. Open sunrise to sunset. Free.
15700 Needwood Lake Circle, Rockville; 301-563-7540; montgomeryparks.org
A scenic, educational way to take in the 505-acre Little Seneca Lake is to paddle the flora- and fauna-rich Black Hill Water Trail, which generally takes three to five hours to complete (a map is available at the visitor center). Depending on the time of year, you might spot ospreys, American red-bellied turtles, wood ducks, beavers and wildflowers. Also keep an eye out for the foundation of the historic Staley’s Boarding House, the remnants of Black Hill Road, and a pair of silos. Canoes, rowboats, pedal boats and one- and twoperson kayaks, all with life jackets, are available to rent May through Labor Day. Kayaking classes are held throughout the year; call for more details.
Open sunrise to sunset. Free.
20930 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds; 301-528-3490; montgomeryparks.org
After donning your helmet and personal
flotation device, put your kayak in the Potomac River near Violettes Lock (mile marker 22.1), then head downstream, staying in the center between Pond Island and Beech Island to hit the Seneca Breaks. Depending on the water level, you can be rewarded with up to Class II (moderate) white-water thrills full of splishing, splashing and slipping between rocks. (For context, Class VI, extreme and exploratory rapids, are an Olympic-level endeavor.) Many kayakers get out at Pennyfield (Lock 22) via the first inlet on the left and paddle back up the C&O Canal to Violettes Lock to run the breaks again. Or keep heading downstream to stop at one of the little islands farther along to enjoy a meal or rest. When you want to head home, simply portage over to the C&O Canal from the left bank and paddle back to your car. No matter what
you do, get out at the dam above Great Falls so you avoid the froth and fury of the falls and their Class V (expert) rapids. Free.
Lock 23 at the end of Violettes Lock Road, Darnestown; canaltrust.org
EASY
Sprawled across 3,700 acres, the familyfriendly, pet-welcoming park is home to 91 campsites, as well as a trio of well-appointed cabins and three yurts for the glamping
crowd. There’s access to bathrooms, showers, drinking fountains and water spigots, as well as a convenient camp store. More than 25 miles of trails are primed for hiking and biking adventures. The Kingsley Trail is a fam favorite as it’s only 1.8 miles long and passes a restored late 19th-century schoolhouse. For an additional fee, any campsite can be set up in advance via the Camper-Ready program, so you’ll arrive to find a four-person tent, two camp chairs, a propane stove and a lantern waiting. Open year-round, $35 and up per night for county residents, two-night minimum required. Bathhouses are closed November through March.
23705 Frederick Road, Clarksburg; 301-528-3430; montgomeryparks.org/ parks-and-trails/little-bennett-regional-park/ little-bennett-campground
MEDIUM
Though it’s right off Interstate 270, you feel miles from the bustle of the modern world at this woodsy campground tucked away in Cabin John Regional Park, where you can hike, bike, ice-skate, take a miniature
train ride and play tennis. Simplicity reigns at the seven no-frills walk-in sites. Each has a pair of tent pads, two picnic tables, a grill and a firepit, making them perfect for leisurely hangouts and outdoor cooking adventures (some can accommodate up to 10 campers). Porta Johns are available in both parking lots. There is no running water between Nov. 1 and March 31, and sites do not have electricity. Open year round to county residents only. $20 a night per site, plus a refundable $150 security deposit.
7701 Tuckerman Lane, Rockville; 301-4952525; montgomeryparks.org/parks-andtrails/cabin-john-regional-park/campground
There are no reservations required at this free first come, first served site near the
historic Swains Lockhouse, named for lock keeper Jesse Swain and his family. The campground has access to well water, a chemical toilet, picnic table and firepit. Though some street parking is available nearby, the site was designed for hikers and bikers on the towpath, so cycle or trek in with all your necessities if you’re seeking a challenge.
Open year-round. Free, but limited to a onenight stay.
10700 Swains Lock Road, Potomac; 301-739-4200; nps.gov/choh/ planyourvisit/camping.html
Co-founders Maddie Kaufmann and Briana Abedi opened Rue + Roe in Gaithersburg’s Kentlands area in August 2022, creating a store that doubles as a welcoming space for toddler yoga classes, book readings, music and the like. “We understand how hard it is for new parents to connect with other like peers,” Abedi says about their intention for Rue + Roe to be more than a brick-and-mortar store. Kaufmann and Abedi’s connection dates to their student days at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac. Many Rue + Roe items are sourced from women-owned sustainable brands that are ecofriendly. Super-soft bamboo pajamas, mini tweed purses and coordinating sibling styles, including onesies, tees, sweatshirts and baseball caps (some say “Little Sis” or “Little Bro”), are customer favorites. Sizes range from newborn to girls 12/14 and boys size 10. Gifts are wrapped at no charge, complete with a tulle ribbon. Purchases also can be made online.
217 Market St. W (Kentlands Market Square), Gaithersburg, shoprueandroe.com, Instagram @rueandroe
If you’re looking to ditch athleisure wear in favor of trendier garb, you’ll find a shopping experience at Westfield Montgomery mall to steer you in a new direction. Simin Zhu, owner of Fangyán (it’s pronounced fāng yán in Chinese and translates as “dialect”), is sharing 20 emerging Chinese fashion labels. There’s XUNRUO for one-of-a-kind party dresses and WANGREENxCHENCLEAN (WXC) for pushing the fashion envelope. Look to Limone for sophisticated swimwear such as the Tuberose one-piece swimsuit ($108), and to Fansilanen for office attire, including the camel-colored Nadine bow knit dress ($128). The Bethesda showroom and offers enchanting dresses, coats, knitwear and accessories in fabrics from silk to cashmere. It’s unlike anything else a trip to the mall has to offer. Let’s face it: No one is going to ask where you got those sweatpants.
7101 Democracy Blvd. (Westfield Montgomery mall), Bethesda, fangyanstores.com
MY BIG FINDS
You can’t help but smile, and maybe even laugh out loud, while browsing My Big Finds in the Kentlands area of Gaithersburg. Owner Jodi Rapaport—with help from local high schoolers she hires and trains—has created an environment infused with friendliness and fun. “I wanted this to be a place for people to escape their current state of stress and just explore and get lost in history and fun finds,” Rapaport says about the store’s eclectic selection of home decor, clothing and gift items that include a “Dude Wagon” pedal car, onesies that read “Speaker of the House,” six-packs of beer-infused soap, and cheekily labeled candles (example: “The Cool Aunt”). Rapaport spent more than two decades in the brokerage industry before opening My Big Finds, initially as a pop-up shop, in 2014. The store opened in its new home in May 2022.
129 Commerce Square Place (Kentlands Market Square), Gaithersburg, 301-704-4091, mybigfinds.com
When New4You Thrift Boutique opened, downtown Bethesda gained a shop that is big on space—and also big on doing good. The nonprofit, all-volunteer-run store in the spot formerly occupied by Capital Consignment sells donated clothes, home goods and accessories, and gives the proceeds to a local charity chosen annually by New4You’s board of directors.
New4You is filling the gap left by the 2020 closure of the Montgomery County Thrift Shop, a Bethesda institution for more than 75 years. While New4You’s facade is small and low-key, the store stretches back the length of a city block and has well-organized women’s, men’s and children’s departments, and a room featuring coffee tables and end tables, framed art, and pottery from all over the world. During its limited hours (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday), the place is often filled with shoppers browsing the designer bargains—maybe a silk Chico’s blouse tagged at $9, or a men’s polo shirt by Ralph Lauren for $6— and unique pieces, such as a crystal-draped lamp priced at $25. With new merchandise coming in every day, you never know what you might find—but you do know you’re helping someone in need when you make a purchase.
New4You Thrift Boutique, 4909 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 301-656-2002, new4youthrift.org
NEW STORE
Flex All Day
Bonday
WOMEN’S CLOTHING BOTIQUE
Belina Boutique
Sassanova
Morley
Flex All Day
Anthropologie
GIFT STORE
The Blue House
Occasions
Red Orchard
SHOPPING CENTER
Wildwood Shopping Center
Westfield Montgomery mall
Pike & Rose
Reddz Trading
New4You Thrift
Kid to Kid
BIKE STORE
Griffin Cycle
Big Wheel Bikes
Terrapin Bicycles
Get a taste of MoCo: Here are some favorite brunch spots, bakeries and neighborhood hangouts
Brunch is the most crowd-pleasing, versatile meal of all, and that’s why we love it. Looking for eggs Benedict, dim sum, tapas or barbecue with a side of entertainment? These seven local gems have that covered and more.
BY DAVID HAGEDORNJOY BY SEVEN REASONS
Our brunch blue ribbon goes to this Chevy Chase spot’s Joy Breakfast for two or three. The feast includes carne mechada (slow-braised, then shredded, beef); a slab of pork chicharrón (skin-on pork belly that has been cured, cooked sous vide, then deep-fried, making the meat tender and its skin super crispy); avocado; plantains; refried black beans; Guayanés cheese, a soft cow’s-milk cheese from Venezuela; two sunny-side up eggs cooked Latin-style with crispy edges; and suero picante, a spicy sour creamlike condiment.
5471 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase (The Collection at Chevy Chase); 202-4178968; joybysevenreasons.com
THE BREAKFAST CLUB
Brunch favorites here aren’t limited to weekends, including chicken and waffles, vanilla bean French toast with cream cheese frosting and an all-American breakfast sampler of eggs, potato hash and breakfast meats. Another—seafood grits—is a real standout. To make it, the chef sautés shrimp, onions, garlic and bell peppers with thyme, a touch of fiery Scotch bonnet pepper and his proprietary Cajun seasoning blend, then adds jumbo lump crabmeat, chunks of lobster and cream. Once the sauce has been reduced, he pours the seafood over grits decadently enriched with butter and Gouda, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. It’s the stuff of dreams.
8240 Fenton St., Silver Spring; 240-531-2133; thebreakfastclubdmv.com
ALL SET RESTAURANT & BAR
All Set is a total drag, at least at many of their weekend brunches. Once a month or more, performers pull off a rollicking drag show featuring fabulous costumes, lip-synch performances and general merriment. Go for the All You Can Enjoy Drinks (sodas; juices; coffee; tea; rail drinks; orange, pineapple or cranberry mimosas; bloody marys; house wine; and certain beers)
or mimosa pitchers. Tried-and-true brunch dishes, such as blackened ribeye steak and eggs, and classic, crabcake or avocado eggs Benedict, are superb.
8630 Fenton St., Silver Spring; 301-4958800; allsetrestaurant.com
WANG DYNASTY
Don’t expect carts here; the 90-seat restaurant is too small to navigate them. Instead, there is a menu of about 30 items including baked sesame roll, jumbo fried bread stick, sweet soybean milk and braised beef. For a sweet ending, try Eight Treasure Sweet Rice, a molded glutinous rice pudding stuffed with red bean paste and topped with dried fruit, such as peaches, goji berries, raisins, kiwi and pineapple.
4929 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda; 301-6541188; wangdynastybethesda.com
EL MERCAT BAR DE TAPAS
At this Spanish eatery, traditional tapas such as tortilla Española, ham croquetas and gambas al ajillo are served up alongside clever offerings such as shredded duck confit and potato hash topped with poached eggs, saffron hollandaise sauce and smoked paprika, and the traditionally American chicken and
waffles jazzed up with truffle honey butter. Start with a bocadillo and cocktail sampler, which includes three biscuits with different fillings (chorizo and manchego cheese, quail eggs and piquillo peppers, and crispy serrano ham and manchego), and three drink samplings (mimosa, bloody mary, sangria).
101 Gibbs St., Unit C, Rockville (Rockville Town Square); 240-403-7436; elmercatbardetapas.com
Brunch is spectacular at Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge even before tasting a morsel of food. Its setting, within a 21-acre nature preserve in Rockville, already sets it apart from other restaurants, but the decor of the log-and-steel structure, designed to resemble a Gilded Age Great Camp in the Adirondacks, makes any meal there feel like a special occasion. Beamed cathedral ceilings, extensive cherry and pine paneling, wooden booths, a Tiffany-esque chandelier and mounted moose heads all contribute to the rustic embrace. Clyde’s serves brunch fare one expects at an American tavern— a great burger, eggs Benedict (traditional or crabcake), challah French toast—but this is where we head when we hanker for seafood, settling in with a bloody mary and plundering their top-quality raw bar.
2 Preserve Parkway, Rockville; 301-294-0200; clydes.com
Eight dishes comprise the weekend brunch menu at Planta as an addendum to its regular menu. Among them are a quiche made with spinach, cashew cheese and “bacon” fashioned from tempeh and mushrooms; banana waffles with roasted pecans; a cinnamon bun and a mushroom bacon BLT. Planta offers endless mimosas or sake sangria in addition to its strong cold-pressed juice and cocktail program. What better on the weekend than Saturday Morning Cartoons, a refreshing spirit-free libation made with Seedlip Grove 42, strawberry, pineapple, coconut milk and vanilla?
4910 Elm St., Bethesda (Bethesda Row); 301-407-2447; plantarestaurants.com
THE ORGANIC TRADITIONAL BAGUETTE AT FRESH BAGUETTE
Slow fermentation is what gives these loaves—crunchy on the outside, slightly dense on the inside—the edge, flavor-wise. 4919 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda; 804 Hungerford Drive, Rockville; 888-6480009, freshbaguette.net
COCONUT RAISIN BREAD AT BREAD CORNER
Slicing this round loaf in half reveals a tender dough dotted with raisins and rife with swirls of coconut flakes. It’s delicious as is or toasted, and otherworldly as French toast.
591 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, 240-328-6547, bread-corner.com
RUSSIAN PUMPERNICKEL AT BREADS UNLIMITED
Owner Jose Molina refrigerates the dough overnight so the flavors of the tall sandwich loaves mature and intensify before baking. This bread is a perfect foil for Reuben sandwiches.
6914 Arlington Road, Bethesda, 301-656-2340, breadsunlimited.com
GLUTEN-FREE ANCIENT GRAIN BREAD AT THE RED BANDANA BAKERY
This lightly dense loaf is loaded with three coarsely ground ancient grains (millet, amaranth and sorghum) that imbue the bread with nuttiness and whole-grain texture. It’s a great sandwich bread and gives avocado toast a definite upgrade.
8218 Wisconsin Ave., #101, Bethesda, 240-284-6523, theredbandanabakery.com
CHALLAH AT GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO.
Soon after Dan and Heather Gottfredson opened their Great Harvest franchise in Rockville in 1996, they made challah, per the parent company’s suggestion, with half rye and half wheat flour. Their Jewish customers quickly set them straight, telling them, no, it must be white bread with a yellowish hue from egg yolks, not food coloring. The Gottfredsons nailed the recipe, sweetened slightly with honey, and now sell 375 to 415 plain challahs on a typical Friday.
12268 Rockville Pike #A, Rockville, 301-770-8544, greatharvestrockville.com
ASSORTED COOKIES AT YASAMAN BAKERY
Among the treats at this Persian bakery: thin and buttery nan-e keshmeshi (raisin cookies), nan-e nokhodchi (small cloverleafshaped, cardamom-laced chickpea cookies) and zoolbia (round deep-fried squiggles of dough—like funnel cake or Indian jalebi— soaked in rose and saffron syrup).
785 Rockville Pike (Ritchie Center), Ste. J, Rockville, 301-762-5416, yasamanbakery. com
WHITE LOTUS SEED PASTE DOUBLE YOLK MOON CAKE AT ASIAN BAKERY CAFE
The Cantonese favorite that intrigues us most here has two cured hard-boiled egg yolks surrounded by caramel-like white lotus seed paste. The combination of sweetness, saltiness and richness is irresistible.
763 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, 301-8383189, facebook.com/asianbakerycafe
FIG BAKLAVA AT MASTIHA
GREEK BAKERY
This chewy, crunchy take on baklava involves chopped dried figs, almonds and walnuts spread onto buttery sheets of phyllo, rolled into 3-by-1-inch logs, baked and drizzled with honey lemon syrup.
2387 Lewis Ave., Rockville, 301-332-6215, mastihabakery.com
NIDO DE PIÑA AT MELISSA’S BAKERY
Our favorite treat at this Salvadoran bakery inside H Mart in Gaithersburg looks like a Danish; it’s a round of egg-enriched, coconutflecked dough with chunky, bright yellow pineapple filling in the center.
H Mart in Montgomery Village Crossing, 9639 Lost Knife Road, Gaithersburg, 301-926-3116, melissas-bakery-inc.negocio. site (The website is in Spanish.)
Baking soda added to the batter gives this cake more rise and a lighter, fluffier texture than American cheesecake, as does steam—a pan of water is placed under the cakes in the oven.
765A Rockville Pike (Ritchie Center), Rockville, 301-762-2853, japongbakery.com
At this chic sweet spot, pastry chef and co-owner Jerome Colin offers some of the finest macarons—those elegant, chewy-yetcrispy meringue cookie sandwiches—in the Washington, D.C., area.
7831 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda, 301-951-0474, toutdesweetshop.com
The pickiest chocoholic would gush over this treat from Levain Bakery, the New York City-based chain with a location in Bethesda. They mound 6 ounces of dough made with extra-dark French cocoa powder and tons of semisweet chips to make each cookie, which, thanks to its thickness, has the soft texture of a gooey brownie.
4844 Bethesda Ave., Bethesda, 240-258-6222, levainbakery.com
The Belgian owner of Potomac Sweets uses a vanilla pound cake-like batter and a waffle maker to turn out his deeply grooved cake waffles, which he sells plain or completely enrobed in chocolate.
10419 Armory Ave., Kensington, 240-669-7625, potomacsweets.com
Tip for people who love sweet and savory combinations: The tasty Spam Danish with sweet ketchup drizzle at this Asian European bakery/cafe will satisfy that urge.
130 Rollins Ave., Ste. B, Rockville, 240-669-9198, weteamania.com
Danish dough from a secret family recipe is fit into a cake pan, then filled with peeled and quartered apples, loads of walnut halves and maple syrup. The cinnamon and allspice-laced cake, drizzled with maple glaze, is so filled with al dente baked apples that it would make a terrific Thanksgiving dessert.
10127 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, 301-593-7667, woodmoorpastry.com
CABIN JOHN
Aneighborhood restaurant is community. It’s an owner saying hello at the door in one moment, then bussing a table or running food the next. It’s a Tanqueray and tonic hitting the bar as a regular pulls up a stool. Whether you enter with a walker or pushing a stroller, go there on a date or eat alone at the bar, you’ll be back next week—perhaps to one of the Montgomery County restaurants we highlight here.
Sal’s is reminiscent of Cheers and that beloved bar where everybody knows your name. “I don’t know what the magical ingredient is,” says Stephanie Salvatore, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Damian (he’s the executive chef). “Damian is a regular guy, a really good person, and so are the people who work for us, and people are drawn to that.” They’re also drawn to Damian’s Bolognese sauce, which guests buy by the quart; superlative chicken piccata with lemon, capers and white wine sauce; and Sicilian-style roasted cauliflower with cherry pepper and garlic chili oil.
7945 MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John, 240-802-2370, salsitaliankitchen.net
ROCKVILLE
Today, there are three other locations of CAVA Mezze (Olney, D.C. and Clarendon, Virginia) and a 297-outlet chain
nationwide of CAVA, the restaurant’s fast-casual iteration, but the owners know that the heart of their empire beats from its first location. Guests gobble up tzatziki, kitschy saganaki (kefalograviera cheese flambeed tableside), grilled lamb chops and family-recipe spanakopita. (Don’t miss the watermelon salad with blackberries and feta cheese.)
9713 Traville Gateway Drive, Rockville, 301-309-9090, cavamezze.com
For North Potomac resident Spiro Gioldasis, who opened Pacci’s Trattoria in Forest Glen in 2012, the formula for a perfect neighborhood restaurant is pasta, Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in a woodburning oven, and a loyal, kid-friendly staff. Pacci’s seats 75 in a series of small rooms and 55 on a large patio. When indoor seating was prohibited during the pandemic, Gioldasis spruced up the place by painting the interior and adding lots of pictures from Italy (Sophia Loren figures prominently).
6 Post Office Road, Silver Spring, 301-588-0867, paccistrattoria.com
Big windows and garage doors are opened when weather permits, ushering a breeze into this restaurant at Park Potomac. Day of the Dead–themed decor, including many murals by Mexican street artists, and a bustling bar scene contribute to Gringos & Mariachis’ cool vibe. Servers dish out creative tacos, guacamole, ceviche and other specialties, and don’t pass up one of the 10 flavors of margaritas.
12435 Park Potomac Ave., Potomac, 301-339-8855; 4928 Cordell Ave., Bethesda, 240-800-4266, gringosandmariachis.com
Six restaurants where the good food and friendly vibes keep bringing locals back
BY DAVID HAGEDORN
In 2001, Kentlands residents Julie and Vasilis “Bill” Hristopoulos opened Vasilis Mediterranean Grill on Main Street, a 1,500-square-foot restaurant with 50 seats that served simple Greek fare. In 2016, the mom-and-pop operation moved four blocks away and rebranded as a more upscale version, Vasili’s Kitchen Fresh Mediterranean. The farmhouse industrial chic space comes complete with Edison bulbs, reclaimed wood, a wood-burning oven and a bar with glass shelves suspended from the ceiling to hold bottles of liquor. Regulars’ favorite menu items include the beet salad, grilled lamb chops, branzino and grilled talagani (Greek sheep’s milk) cheese.
705 Center Point Way, Gaithersburg, 301-977-1011, vasiliskitchen.com
In the span of a few minutes on a bustling Saturday night, Fontina Grille’s majority owner, Ali Abduljabbar, dressed in a black
T-shirt like the bussers, greets and seats guests, fixes a party’s wobbly table leg, delivers food to patio diners and laughs with regulars at the bar. “I used to see cornfields in King Farm,” says Abduljabbar, who grew up in Derwood. “When they built the development [in the late 1990s], I knew a restaurant would do very well there.”
Fontina Grille, which had opened a week before 9/11, became available in 2008, so he bought it. Today, best-selling dishes include penne a la vodka, eggplant parmigiana, seafood in a tomato cream sauce, and New York-style brick oven pizza.
801 Pleasant Drive, Rockville, 301-947-5400, fontinagrille.com
Planta’s vegan spaghettini alla carbonara with smoked tempeh, mushroom bacon, cracked pepper and almond Parmesan
NEW RESTAURANT
Planta
Melina
RESTAURANT IN BETHESDA/ CABIN JOHN
Woodmont Grill
Raku
Wild Tomato
Mon Ami Gabi
RESTAURANT IN CHEVY CHASE
La Ferme
Lia’s
Clyde’s
RESTAURANT IN GAITHERSBURG/ NORTH POTOMAC
II Porto
Vasili’s Kitchen
True Food Kitchen
Coastal Flats
RESTAURANT IN KENSINGTON/ GARRETT PARK Black Market Bistro Frankly…Pizza!
The Dish and Dram
RESTAURANT IN NORTH BETHESDA/ ROCKVILLE
Melina
Summer House Santa Monica
Julii
RESTAURANT IN POTOMAC
Renato’s at River Falls
MoCo’s Founding Farmers Hunter’s Bar and Grill Gregorio’s Trattoria
RESTAURANT IN SILVER SPRING
Zinnia
All Set Restaurant & Bar Parkway Deli & Restaurant Mi Rancho
RESTAURANT IN UPPER NORTHWEST D.C.
Millie’s Et Voila!
NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT Woodmont Grill Wild Tomato
Gregorio’s Trattoria
SPECIAL OCCASION RESTAURANT
The Capital Grille
Mon Ami Gabi Bistro Provence
La Ferme
PLANT-BASED RESTAURANT
Planta
True Food Kitchen
Shouk
Flower Child
BRUNCH
MoCo’s Founding Farmers
Summer House Santa Monica Silver
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
melinagreek com | 301 818.9090 | @melinagreek
Pike & Rose
julii com |
301.517.9090 | @ juliieats Pike & Rose
SHARED PLATES
Spanish Diner
Cava Mezze
Guardado’s
Hawkers Asian Street Food
OUTDOOR DINING
Old Angler’s Inn
Millie’s
Zinnia
Caddies on Cordell
KIDS MENU
Silver Diner
Millie’s
Silver
Mon Ami Gabi
HAPPY HOUR
Gringos & Mariachis
King Street Oyster Bar
Caddies on Cordell
RESTAURANT BEER SELECTION
World of Beer
Owen’s Ordinary
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
RESTAURANT WINE LIST
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Mon Ami Gabi
BAR/RESTAURANT TO WATCH A GAME
Caddies on Cordell
Quincy’s South Bar & Grille
Sports & Social
BAKERY
Fresh Baguette
Tatte Bakery & Cafe
Sunday Morning Bakehouse
Stella’s Bakery
ICE CREAM SHOP
Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream & Treats
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Henry’s Sweet Retreat
Carmen’s Italian Ice & Cafe
Sprinkles
NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET
Grosvenor Market
Balducci’s
The Market at River Falls
MOM’s Organic Market
RESTAURANT YOU’D GO TO WHEN SOMEONE ELSE IS PAYING
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
The Capital Grille
Woodmont Grill
Morton’s The Steakhouse
La Ferme
INDIAN
Kadhai
Passage to India
Bombay Bistro
Commonwealth Indian
ITALIAN
Olazzo
Pines of Rome
Gregorio’s Trattoria
Mamma Lucia
Il Pizzico
MEXICAN Uncle Julio’s
Guapo’s
Gringos & Mariachis
Villa Maya
Casa Oaxaca
MIDDLE EASTERN/MEDITERRANEAN
Moby Dick House of Kabob
Bacchus
Cava
LebTav
PIZZA
Ledo Pizza
Frankly...Pizza!
Pizzeria Da Marco
Mamma Lucia
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings
STEAK
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Medium Rare
Morton’s The Steakhouse
The Capital Grille
SUSHI
Raku
Kusshi Sushi
Sushiko
Hanaro Sushi
TACOS
Fish Taco
Gringos & Mariachis
Taco Bamba
Casa Oaxaca
Uncle Julio’s
THAI
Sisters Thai
Tara Thai
Kiin Imm Thai
Sala Thai
DOG-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT/BAR
Bark Social
Caddies on Cordell
World of Beer
Java Nation
The Comus Inn
SANDWICH SHOP
Jetties
Bradley Food & Beverage
Gemelli’s Italian Market
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
LOCALLY OWNED COFFEE SHOP
Java Nation
Quartermaine Coffee Roasters
Compass Coffee
Black Lion Café
Sunday Morning Bakehouse
Ceremony Coffee Roasters
MOST IMAGINATIVE COCKTAILS
Founding Farmers (TIE)
Julii (TIE)
Hawkers Asian Street Food
Millie’s
Gringos & Mariachis
BAR SCENE
Caddies on Cordell
Tommy Joe’s
Gringos & Mariachis
Millie’s
King Street Oyster Bar
FOOD TRUCK
Call Your Mother
Corned Beef King
Hardy’s BBQ
BREWERY
7 Locks Brewing
Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co.
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Silver Branch Brewing Co.
Brookeville Beer Farm
FARMERS MARKET
Bethesda Central Farm Market
Kensington Farmers Market
Pike Central Farm Market
Norman’s Farm Market
Olney Farmers and Artists Market
BUTCHER SHOP
Butchers Alley
Chop Shop Butchery
Wagshal’s Market
Places for young ones to party, plus details on public and private educational options in the area
For kids who like to climb—trees, playground equipment, kitchen counters—The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring offers two birthday party packages that get partygoers off the ground. The Labyrinth, a two-tier climbing structure featuring swinging bridges, ladders and zip drops, is available for private group rentals for age 7 and older. The $512 party package includes 90 minutes of exclusive use of the Labyrinth for 18 climbers (15 guests and three chaperones), plus nearby picnic space. With the Aerial Forest party option, guests age 5 and older get access to an obstacle course with more than a dozen trails through the trees, made up of swinging bridges and zip lines—along with picnic table reservations. The cost is $52 per person with a 10-person minimum; there are two-hour or three-hour options for the same cost, and the two-hour option includes goodie bags. Bring your own food, or order from the park’s on-site food truck. As an addon upgrade, groups can also reserve the Black Diamond Area, a private section that includes picnic tables and a firepit
stocked with wood. That’s $50 for two hours; $25 per hour for additional time.
The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, 16701 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, 240-623-2435, sandyspringadventurepark.org/ groups-parties
Perfect for sports fanatics, the Wheaton Sports Pavilion offers two-hour party packages with one hour on the outdoor covered turf field and an hour in a party room. Groups bring their own sports equipment and refreshments. Favorite activities on the field include soccer, flag football, dodgeball and obstacle races. If you would rather skip the party room and play sports the whole time, ask about a field rental; prices vary depending on the time, season and whether you live in the county.
Wheaton Sports Pavilion, 11751 Orebaugh Ave., Wheaton, 301-905-3070, wheatonsportspavilion.org
For kids who love the great outdoors, Locust Grove Nature Center is a prime location for a celebration. Run by Montgomery Parks, the Bethesda facility offers packages that include use of the Armstrong Cabin party room and its adjoining outdoor patio, and an hourlong outdoor activity led by a naturalist. Favorite themes include the Dinosaur Discovery, where kids get to dig for fossils; the Campfire Caper, where guests learn about building a campfire, roast marshmallows, and go for a nature walk; and the Stream Splash!, where partygoers can search for fish, crayfish and other wildlife in Cabin John Creek. Party packages are $350 for three hours (including setup and cleanup) and up to 20 children.
Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, 301-765-8660, montgomeryparks.org/ parks-and-trails/cabin-john-regional-park/locustgrove-nature-center/program-events/birthday-parties
All children need to get out of the house, have places to go where they can burn some energy, and see and try new things. But for those with special needs, access to such experiences can be challenging. Here are some terrific options.
BY STEPHANIE SIEGEL BURKE
Hadley’s Playground, in Potomac’s Falls Road Local Park, was designed to allow children of all abilities to play together. It features play structures with accessible ramps and swings, and a surface that supports the use of wheelchairs and walkers, as well as bikes, scooters and in-line skates. The park also includes accessible baseball and soccer fields, and accessible exercise equipment.
Falls Road Local Park, 12600 Falls Road, Potomac, montgomeryparks.org/parks-andtrails/falls-road-local-park/
The houselights remain dim and volumes are softened, especially for loud or startling sounds, during sensory-friendly performances at Imagination Stage.
American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation is offered during each show’s run and accessible seating is available at each performance.
Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, 301-280-1660 imaginationstage.org
Professional puppet playhouse The Puppet Co. offers sensory-friendly performances of its larger mainstage shows, which are for children 4 and older. Modifications include softer sound cues and microphone volumes, audience lights kept on and back doors left open for easy breaks. The performers’ energy levels are also calmer, and effects like strobe lights or fog are cut. Tiny Tots shows have short run times—just 30 minutes—and have no dark rooms or loud noises. Many have gentle interactive
opportunities, such as singing or movement. While the Tiny Tots shows are meant for ages 2 to 4, older kids are welcome. The company also offers ASL-interpreted performances.
The Puppet Co., 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, 301-634-5380 thepuppetco.org
Skydiving may seem like an unexpected activity for people with special needs, yet kids of all abilities can still enjoy the feeling of floating weightless in the state-of-the-art wind tunnel at iFly, the indoor skydiving facility in Gaithersburg. Instructors can make accommodations for many types of mobility limitations, sensory issues and developmental disabilities.
iFly, 9400 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg, 202-883-4359 iflyworld.com/Montgomery
Film screenings can be dark and loud, but at sensory-friendly showings, lights stay on and volume levels are moderated. The AMC movie theatre in Rio offers family films in sensoryfriendly presentations on select Wednesdays and Saturdays every month. The Regal theater in Rockville offers such presentations in the first show of the day on select Saturdays each month.
AMC Theatres, amctheatres.com/programs/sensoryfriendly-films
Regal, Rockville, regmovies.com/static/en/us/promotions/ my-way-matinee
Designed as an inclusive, nonjudgmental place for kids of all abilities to play in their own way, We Rock the Spectrum features equipment tailored to children with sensory issues, such as swings that spin and rock, a trampoline, a climbing wall and a bumpy slide. It offers daily open-gym and you can check Facebook or Instagram, or call for hours.
We Rock the Spectrum, 7601 Airpark Road, Suites D and E, Gaithersburg, 301-355-8486 werockthespectrumgaithersburg.com
(MCPS) continues to be one of the key reasons families choose to call this county home. The school district boasted a 90.34% graduation rate in 2022, according to the state education department—over 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.
At the top of MCPS leadership is Superintendent of Schools Monifa B. McKnight, the first African American woman to be appointed by the school board to oversee the state’s largest school district. She previously served as both interim and deputy superintendent within MCPS, and before that spent several years as a high-ranking school official with neighboring Howard County Public Schools. The 2022-23 school year represented Mc-Knight’s first full term in the position, with her contract set to run through June 30, 2026. McKnight’s office can be reached via email at monifa_b_mcknight@mcpsmd. org or by phone at 240-740-3020.
Holding McKnight 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; the next round of elections is slated for 2024. 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 a variety of issues.
Any community member can sign up to present testimony to the school board to voice their thoughts or concerns on a school-related topic. Board meetings—always available via livestream on the MCPS YouTube channel—are a great chance for families to check the pulse of the school district and hear more about new initiatives and opportunities across the county.
The school board can be reached via email at boe@mcpsmd.org or by phone at 240-740-3030.
Em Espey is the education reporter for MoCo360.
For insider scoops, deep dives and updates on all things MCPS, readers can sign up to receive MoCo360’s free weekly School Notes newsletter by visiting moco360.media/ Newsletters/.
*% of Graduates Scoring 3 or Higher on AP Test or Scoring 4 or Higher on IB Test ‘21–’22 school year
Emerge ‘ready for’ academic excellence and career success with the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). Located in Montgomery County, the USG campus offers local access to nine top Maryland universities offering nearly 80 of their most in-demand undergraduate and graduate degrees in fields like education, business, nursing, digital media, hospitality management, psychology, communications, computer science, engineering, criminal justice and criminology, biological sciences, construction management, exercise science, social work, cybersecurity and more.
Students who attend USG benefit from smaller class sizes, comprehensive student support services and engagement opportunities with regional employer partners. This combination ensures students have everything they need to succeed, so they can be career-ready upon graduation.
9 UNIVERSITIES. 1 CAMPUS. | Learn more: shadygrove.umd.edu/readyforUSG
Here’s what you need to know about some of MoCo’s private high schools and how they rank in Maryland according to Niche.com, a website that uses data and reviews to grade schools on factors such as academics, diversity and sports.
READERS’ PICKS:
Nearly 7,500 people voted in our online readers’ poll. Here are the winners and the finalists listed in order of the number of votes received.
PRESCHOOL/DAY CARE
Winner: Bradley Hills
Presbyterian Church
Nursery School
Finalists:
Geneva Day School
Washington Episcopal School
Christ Episcopal School
Wonders Early Learning
PRIVATE SCHOOL –LOWER SCHOOL
Winner: Washington
Episcopal School
Finalists: McLean School
Christ Episcopal School
Green Acres School
Bullis
PRIVATE SCHOOL –UPPER SCHOOL
Winner: McLean School
Finalists:
Bullis
Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
Landon Holton-Arms School
PRIVATE SCHOOL WITH RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
Winner: Washington Episcopal School
Finalists: Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart
St. Jane de Chantal School
Christ Episcopal School
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
PRIVATE SCHOOL WITH PROGRAM FOR NONTRADITIONAL LEARNERS
Winner: McLean School
Finalists: The Siena School
The Diener School*
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Winner: Danny Vogelman, Washington Episcopal School
Finalists:
Nicole Stone, Christ Episcopal School
Elizabeth Hamilton, St. Jane de Chantal School
SUMMER ADVENTURE CAMP
Winner: Calleva
Finalists:
McLean School
Washington Episcopal School
Geneva Day Camp
Kids After Hours
SUMMER ARTS CAMP
Winner: VisArts
Finalists:
Adventure Theatre & ATMTC Academy
McLean School
Washington Episcopal School
Creative Summer at Holton-Arms School
SUMMER SPORTS CAMP
Winner: Tru2Form Hoops
Finalists: SummerEdge at McLean
School
Landon Summer
Top Rank Soccer Academy Camp
CHILDREN’S THEATER
Winner: Imagination Stage
Finalists:
Adventure Theatre MTC
The Puppet Co.
CHILDREN’S DANCE STUDIO
Winner: Bethesda
Conservatory of Dance
Finalists: Bella Ballet
Dawn Crafton Dance Connection
CityDance
INDOOR PLAY SPACE
Winner: The Little Towns
Children’s Museum
Finalists: My Gym
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
KID Museum
*Editor’s note: The Diener School was founded by Jillian Copeland, who owns Bethesda Magazine along with her husband, Scott.
The area’s top industries, employers and places to “work from home” when you don’t feel like being at home
The numbers behind business and work in Montgomery County
Federal agencies continue to rule the roost when it comes to Montgomery County’s major employers, according to the Maryland Department of Commerce. That said, private-sector industries in the county account for more than $81 billion in economic output.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY’S TOP 10 EMPLOYERS IN 2021-2022:
Source: Maryland Department of Commerce
$93.2 BILLION $1.1 BILLION $543,464 4.62
MOCO’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IN 2020, MAKING UP 22.7% OF MARYLAND’S GDP
VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS IN FISCAL 2022, REPRESENTING 83 DEALS
MEDIAN PRICE OF A HOME IN FISCAL 2022
RATIO OF MEDIAN HOME PRICE TO AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME IN 2022
Sources: Montgomery County Economic Development Corp., Bureau of Economic Analysis, Pitchbook, Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors, U.S. Census
The average annual wage for all workers in Montgomery County was nearly $85,000 in fiscal year 2021, a 6.6% increase over 2020, county data shows. The private sector saw the biggest increase, at 8.3%.
GOVERNMENT
(+6.6%)
(+2%)
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC SERVICES
LOCAL GOVERNMENT RETAIL CONSTRUCTION
$74,867
(-0.9%)
PRIVATE, ALL INDUSTRIES
(+7.4%)
(+5.7%)
(+5.3%)
(+8.3%)
(+4.7%)
(+2.4%)
These companies have the happiest employees in the area, according to research by Best Companies Group
AMERICAN GENE TECHNOLOGIES
WHAT THEY DO: Gene and cell therapy
ADDRESS: 9713 Key West Ave., 5th floor, Rockville
EMPLOYEES (LOCAL): 36
EMPLOYEES (TOTAL): 36
WEBSITE: americangene.com
ANTHONY WILDER DESIGN/BUILD
WHAT THEY DO: Custom architecture, construction and interior design
ADDRESS: 7913 MacArthur Blvd., Cabin John
EMPLOYEES (LOCAL): 57
EMPLOYEES (TOTAL): 57
WEBSITE: anthonywilder.com
AVIATIONMANUALS
WHAT THEY DO: Compliance and safety management for business aviation
ADDRESS: 700 King Farm Blvd., Ste. 610, Rockville
EMPLOYEES (LOCAL): 30
EMPLOYEES (TOTAL): 30
WEBSITE: aviationmanuals.com
BREGMAN, BERBERT, SCHWARTZ & GILDAY
WHAT THEY DO: General law
ADDRESS: 7315 Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 800W, Bethesda
EMPLOYEES (LOCAL): 50
EMPLOYEES (TOTAL): 50
WEBSITE: bregmanlaw.com
COUNCILOR, BUCHANAN & MITCHELL
WHAT THEY DO: Full-service tax, accounting and advisory business
ADDRESS: 7910 Woodmont Ave., Ste. 500, Bethesda
EMPLOYEES (LOCAL): 81
EMPLOYEES (TOTAL): 93
WEBSITE: cbmcpa.com
EVERYMIND
WHAT THEY DO: Mental health services and support
ADDRESS: 1000 Twinbrook Parkway, Rockville
EMPLOYEES (LOCAL): 174
EMPLOYEES (TOTAL): 174
WEBSITE: every-mind.org
MONTGOMERY SURGERY CENTER
WHAT THEY DO: General and specialty surgeries
ADDRESS: 46 W. Gude Drive, Rockville
EMPLOYEES (LOCAL): 42
EMPLOYEES (TOTAL): 42
WEBSITE: montgomerysurgery.com
POTOMAC LAW GROUP
WHAT THEY DO: Legal services for businesses
ADDRESS: Office is fully remote
EMPLOYEES (LOCAL): 32
EMPLOYEES (TOTAL): 124
WEBSITE: potomaclaw.com
STEIN SPERLING BENNETT DE JONG DRISCOLL
WHAT THEY DO: Commercial litigation, construction, criminal, estates, family, personal injury and tax law
ADDRESS: 1101 Wootton Parkway, Ste. 700, Rockville
EMPLOYEES (LOCAL): 142
EMPLOYEES (TOTAL): 148
WEBSITE: steinsperling.com
TAYLORMADE EXPERIENCE
WHAT THEY DO: Event management and fundraising
ADDRESS: 11128 Luxmanor Road, Rockville
EMPLOYEES (LOCAL): 17
EMPLOYEES (TOTAL): 17
WEBSITE: taylormadeexperience.com
WEALTHSPIRE ADVISORS
WHAT THEY DO: Wealth management, advice and planning for individuals and families
ADDRESS: 12435 Park Potomac Ave., Ste. 500, Potomac
EMPLOYEES (LOCAL): 39
EMPLOYEES (TOTAL): 284
WEBSITE: wealthspire.com
The list of winners was generated by Best Companies Group (BCG), based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which conducts employee engagement research on over 1 million professionals from more than 5,000 companies every year. BCG’s proprietary survey methodology determines whether a company makes the “Best” list. In addition to its partnership with MoCo360, BCG runs over 70 programs worldwide and provides a host of custom research services. For more info, visit bestcompaniesgroup.com.
If your company would like to be considered for a future edition of MoCo360’s Top Places to Work list, please visit topplacestoworkbethesda.com.
KALDI’S SOCIAL HOUSE
918 Silver Spring Ave., Silver Spring
THE VIBE: THE MEETING HUB
A low din of chatter fills the spacious interior of this coffeehouse, furnished with wood tables, leatherbacked armchairs and ample counter seating. The smooth Latin jazz or Afrobeat tunes are kept low, if they’re even on. Customers favor espresso drinks served in white ceramic mugs, and the all-day breakfast menu is extensive, with an entire section devoted to toasts.
CONS The interior is sparsely decorated in darker tones; the back half, in particular, lacks natural light.
TAKOMA BEV CO
6917 Laurel Ave., Takoma Park
THE VIBE: LOCAL NEIGHBORHOOD CAFE
This 30-seat all-day restaurant offers a variety of seating spread across two white-walled rooms where colorful local art is showcased. If you’re not a fan of indie music, there’s a covered outdoor patio where you can work at picnic tables while enjoying such
classics as a BLT, Cobb salad or grilled cheese. Products are sourced primarily from sustainably minded vendors, including Counter Culture Coffee and Rishi Tea & Botanicals, and you can always find 10 craft beers on tap.
CONS Electrical outlets are a little tricky to come by (though they do exist, we promise).
TATTE BAKERY & CAFE
7276 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda
THE VIBE: LIVELY CITY EATERY
Stay abuzz from breakfast through dinner at this Boston-based cafe known for its Stumptown coffee, Israeli-inspired fare and Instagrammable—and delicious—pastries. Perch at the rustic wood counters (hint: power strips line the undersides), where sunlight shines in through floor-to-ceiling windows, slide into a chocolate leather banquette to work at a marble bistro table, or take a seat alfresco in the adjoining corridor.
CONS The near-constant banging and whistling of the espresso machine may be too distracting for some.
Need a change of scenery?
Here are some alternatives for the “H” in WFH.
3 great places for remote work
Eight of the communities that make up Montgomery County, from bucolic Potomac and Cabin John to the more urban environs of Rockville and 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 the past couple of 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.
68,056
High school graduate or higher: 98.1%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 87.9%
INCOME
Median household income: $178,370
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $958,400
Mean travel time to work: 29.2 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Wealthiest ZIP Codes in Greater D.C. Washington Business Journal in 2022
“I enjoy Bethesda because everything you need is within walking distance. Some of my family’s favorites include Henry’s Sweet Retreat, a specialty bakery, candy and ice cream shop; New4You, a not-forprofit charity thrift boutique; and too many delicious restaurants to list. We live across from Battery Lane Park, which is a perfect place to relax, exercise, or begin a short walk through to town. NIH [the National Institutes of Health] is our backyard, with a large field and trails to bike, run, take our beagle, Jade, for a long walk, and to meet neighbors gathering there. The mix of people truly is a melting pot. There’s never a dull moment in Bethesda—always something to do!”
—Keith Petrack, sales and operations support manager for La Prima Food Group
PHOTO BY ANNABELLE GORDON10,176
High school graduate or higher: 97.9%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 87.5%
Median household income: $207,971
Median value of owneroccupied housing units: $999,200
Mean travel time to work: 30 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Despite its heavy concentration of high-octane 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 like Tiffany & Co., Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s continue to make the region a destination for high-end shopping.
“Chevy Chase has offered our family amazing friends and easy access to all that makes life good. From swimming at the pool to [dropping] into nearby Chercher for Ethiopian, to working out with Megan at Fitness Generation, to singing with the Georgetown Chorale, to biking to work on the Capital Crescent Trail, Chevy Chase has been a wonderful community for us.”
—Vikram Haksar, Chevy Chase resident since 1997
2,335
High school graduate or higher: 99.9%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 94.7%
Median household income: $196,250
Median value of owneroccupied housing units: $1,020,100
Mean travel time to work: 31.7 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
#19
Best Suburbs to Raise a Family in Maryland
Niche.com in 2023
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 Sears houses from the early 1900s 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. The community has a neighborhood pool and the Clara Barton Neighborhood Recreation Center, run by Montgomery County Recreation. The center offers exercise classes, sports and activities for all ages. There is also an active citizens association that organizes special events, community outreach and volunteer opportunities.
“Cabin John is an eclectic, laid-back community just minutes from downtown D.C. by bike, kayak, bus or car. MacArthur Boulevard, which serves as our main street, provides easy walking access to our local shops, restaurants and services. Cabin John is the kind of place where people know most everyone on their street, and where dogs and kids can have great adventures within a few short steps from their own front door.” —Heidi Lewis, co-president of the Cabin John Citizens Association
Started in 1889, Glen Echo is a chartered town with its own mayor and ZIP code that’s located along the west side of MacArthur Boulevard. Glen Echo is bordered by the C&O Canal, Glen Echo Park and the Clara Barton House, named for the founder of the American Red Cross who called Glen Echo home from 1897 until her death in 1912. Streets are named after universities in the United States, such as Princeton and Harvard avenues, and many of the homes date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Glen Echo Park provides many opportunities for fun, including a puppet theater and Adventure Theatre MTC, which produces children’s plays. There’s a renovated 1921 Dentzel Carousel, and also the Spanish Ballroom, which offers dance classes and holds dances year-round. The park is also home to an aquarium and several art studios, many of which offer classes.
POPULATION
291
High school graduate or higher: 97%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 85.9%
Median household income: $131,250
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $880,000
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 32.5 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
One of the county’s older towns—it was established in 1801 and named for its proximity to Rock Creek—Rockville is nonetheless a quintessentially 21st-century American suburb: From the busy Rockville Pike with its big-box stores and shopping centers to its comfortable homes and quiet cul-de-sacs, Rockville is a study in contrasts. It somehow manages to be both a fitting setting for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s burial site (at St. Mary’s Catholic Church) and an attractive magnet for vibrant new immigrant communities. It boasts an impressive number of restaurants, shops and grocery stores offering authentic international cuisine. It’s also the site of Montgomery College’s main campus, as well as the county seat where the county government and courthouse are located. In next-door North Bethesda, Pike & Rose, a multi-use 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. AMP by Strathmore, an entertainment venue featuring jazz, rock, world music acts and more is located there for music lovers. Just down Rockville Pike, its sister venue, 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.
#8
67,117
High school graduate or higher: 92.5%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 65.3%
Median household income: $116,031
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $554,800
Mean travel time to work: 32.8 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Rockville: Most Culturally Diverse Cities in the U.S. WalletHub.com in 2023
#1
North Bethesda: Best Places to Live in Maryland Niche.com in 2023
“Tucked away in a small strip of shops in quiet Rockville is Montgomery County’s secret weapon against the summer heat. Carmen’s Italian Ice has always offered the best custard and Italian ices in delicious flavors, but recently they added homemade Jersey Pops in the most refreshing summer flavors—I buy the grapefruit pops by the dozen.”
—Glynis Keith, sales and events manager
POPULATION
50,094
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 93.9%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 70.8%
INCOME
Median household income: $120,261
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $596,100
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 31.4 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
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 back to 1894, is home to antiques shops, art studios, galleries, restaurants, a farmers market and a unique children’s library. Greater Kensington stretches out toward Wheaton, Chevy Chase and Bethesda.
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.
POPULATION
2,336
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 97.5% Bachelor’s degree or higher: 80.5%
INCOME
Median household income: $132,132
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $797,300
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 33 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
POPULATION
864
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 100%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 88.9%
INCOME
“When I moved to Garrett Park, I was coming from living in the city and I was looking for a change of pace— somewhere with a neighborhood-y feel, quiet and an escape from work. [Garrett Park] has parades and it’s packed with kids at Halloween. Also, it’s cool that we have our own restaurants [and] post office, and when it snows we have our own plow service.”
—Marcus Lee, owner of PureFire Yoga
Median household income: $241,875
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $872,300
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 30.9 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
“Kensington is truly still a small town with an amazing sense of community and inclusion. Some of my favorite businesses in town are SW7 for gifts and housewares, the Kensington Row Bookshop and The Growing Years for children’s clothing. Frankly...Pizza! has been a favorite restaurant both for date nights or with the family. BabyCat Brewery is a very exciting addition to our town and has quickly become a popular gathering spot. Gigs Courtyard has brought live music and tons of fun both for families and a night out. I love being able to raise my family in the same town I was raised in, and enjoy all of the wonderful changes that have come to Kensington in the last 20 years.”
—Sarah Gallo Shaffer (pictured fourth from left), owner of Little Joy Kits
Kensington: Places with the Best Public Schools in Maryland Niche.com in 2023 #4
Garrett Park: Wealthiest ZIP Codes in Greater D.C. Washington Business Journal in 2022 #8
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 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.
POPULATION
69,657
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 88.4%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 53.3%
INCOME
Median household income: $98,089
HOUSING
Median value of owneroccupied housing units: $427,400
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 32 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
POPULATION
23,790
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 96.4%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 76.6%
INCOME
Median household income: $174,591
HOUSING
Median value of owneroccupied housing units: $686,800
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 35.7 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Gaithersburg: Most Diverse City in the U.S. WalletHub in 2023
“The diversity that you find [in Gaithersburg], in terms of people, culture, approaches, restaurants, just the community is great. I’ve lived in other areas of the U.S. and I travel a lot for work, and here you can feel it, you can notice it, and it is really interesting. We have such a great asset in this city because of that.”
—Yamil Hernandez, chief business officer of biotech company Exegi PharmaNorth Potomac: Best Places to Live in Maryland Niche.com in 2023
The Bravo TV show The Real Housewives of Potomac may have put the place on the map for some of the country, 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.
“Our son’s favorite activity is taekwondo, and Master Sharma’s East West taekwondo studio is located in Cabin John Village, only a one-minute walk from our front door. I also do our grocery and pharmacy shopping at Giant Food and the 24-hour CVS located in the Village, and eat at the many wonderful restaurants. We also enjoy easy access to the Cabin John Trail, as there is a trailhead located at the end of our sidewalk—my husband walks our dog on the trail nearly every morning. Having all these amenities literally steps from your front door makes life much less complicated for two working parents.”
—Mary Thomas, lawyerPOPULATION
47,018
EDUCATION
High school graduate or higher: 97.5% Bachelor’s degree or higher: 83.8%
INCOME
Median household income: $198,870
HOUSING
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $937,000
COMMUTE
Mean travel time to work: 31.5 minutes
#2
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Places with the Best Public Schools in Maryland
Niche.com in 2023
#5 Wealthiest ZIP Codes in Greater D.C. Washington Business Journal in 2022
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 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.
#2
81,015
High School graduate or higher: 86.8%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 58.6%
Median household income: $91,970
Median value of owner-occupied housing units: $537,600
Mean travel time to work: 34.1 minutes
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Best Suburbs for Young Professionals in Maryland
Niche.com in 2023
#4
Most Culturally Diverse Cities in the U.S. WalletHub.com in 2023
“I have lived in Silver Spring since 1993, and in that time it’s grown into a true cultural center. From the AFI Theatre and The Fillmore music venue to local breweries (Silver Branch), coffee shops (Black Lion Café and Kaldi’s) and restaurants (El Sapo, J. Hollinger’s and Zinnia, among many others), there’s so much to do. Living in the downtown area means being able to walk to the Metro, the weekly farmers market and groceries. It’s familyfriendly and feels like a small town, but with easy access to all D.C. and the surrounding areas have to offer.”
—Christine Hammer, executive director, Georgetown Law Office of Event Management & Scheduling
8525 Chevy Chase Lake Terrace | Chevy Chase, MD 20815 833-801-6367 | BarrettClaudeChevyChase.com
ChevyChaseLake.com | Virtual Tour: barrettclaudechevychase.com/360-tours
BIO
Bozzuto is an experience-focused real estate company distinguished by their innovative developments and dedicated customer service. With award-winning expertise in homebuilding, multifamily development, construction and management, Bozzuto is devoted to delivering extraordinary experiences. Celebrating 35 years of creating sanctuary, Bozzuto currently manages 90,000 apartments, with 7 million square feet currently under construction. www.bozzuto.com
Discover Chevy Chase Lake, an impeccably designed community crafted by Bozzuto and The Chevy Chase Land Company, nestled in the heart of Washington, D.C.'s historic suburbs. This vibrant neighborhood seamlessly blends urban and suburban lifestyles, presenting an array of retail, dining and residential spaces. Featuring two exceptional apartment residences, The Barrett and The Claude, Chevy Chase Lake showcases over 400 thoughtfully curated apartments, each boasting a variety of floorplans, high-end appliances and luxurious finishes. Residents can indulge in a unique amenity program, granting access to an impressive 26,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor areas. Conveniently situated with access to the upcoming Purple Line and surrounded by the tranquility of the nearby Capital Crescent Trail and Rock Creek Park, Chevy Chase Lake caters to the needs of commuters, families and avid shoppers alike.
8551 Connecticut Ave. | Chevy Chase, MD 20815
301-264-8806 | RCResidences@ChevyChaseLake.com
TheResidencesChevyChase.com | Virtual Tour: theresidenceschevychase.com/experience-the-residences
BIO
Bozzuto is an experience-focused real estate company distinguished by their innovative developments and dedicated customer service. With award-winning expertise in homebuilding, multifamily development, construction and management, Bozzuto is devoted to delivering extraordinary experiences. Celebrating 35 years of creating sanctuary, Bozzuto currently manages 90,000 apartments and sold 1000s of homes.
Experience the epitome of effortless living at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chevy Chase, an exceptional residential development nestled within the preeminent Chevy Chase Lake community and developed by Bozzuto. The Residences offer 12,000 square feet of 65 exquisite condominiums with private amenity space, featuring a piano lounge, state-of-the-art fitness facility, yoga terrace and more. Unwind in the private dining room and rooftop areas adorned with inviting fire pits, perfect for hosting memorable gatherings. Experience the legendary Ritz-Carlton services with 24-hour concierge, doorman, valet services and more. The exteriors by David M. Schwarz and interiors by the award-winning Akseizer Design Group seamlessly blend timeless elegance and contemporary aesthetics. Embrace the effortless living at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chevy Chase, where a limited number of condominiums remain.
NEIGHBORHOODS: HIGHEST
Data provided by
Data is for single-family homes and was provided by Bright MLS and MarketStats for ShowingTime. Statistics generated on Aug. 30, 2023, and represent the year to date. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Some numbers have been rounded.
301.365.9090 | o 240.497.1700
Info@BannerTeam.com | BannerTeam.com
As one of the most successful, award-winning teams specializing in luxury properties, The Banner Team agents pride themselves on their unsurpassed commitment to clients. Recognized locally and nationally, they provide a “team behind every transaction,” striving to meet all their clients’ needs while making buying and selling real estate both enjoyable and rewarding.
This dynamic, hard-working team is committed to excellence in all they do. Whether you want to buy, sell or custom build, they have the expertise to guide you — with success in any market.
Over $160 Million Sold & Settled, 2022 • Top Producer, Bethesda Magazine, 2023 • Elite Platinum Producer Teams of 6-10 Washingtonian Best 2023 • #1 Group in #1 Long & Foster O ffice, 2010-2022 • Top Vote Getter, Best of Bethesda Real Estate Team, 2022 • Donated More Than $136,000 to Local Charities, Pay it Forward Program, 2017-2022
301.538.9337 | o 301.975.9500
Bob.Graves@LNF.com
numerous clients make life-changing moves.
Bob has been working in the Maryland real estate industry for 35 years. Having lived most of his life in Montgomery County, he has developed a deep understanding of the local real estate market and has helped numerous clients make life-changing moves. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, Bob has successfully helped buyers and sellers navigate the constantly changing market. Whether you are interested in a starter house or a luxury estate, he has the expertise to guide you through every step of the buying or selling process. He is committed to providing his clients with top-notch service and personal attention, ensuring that their unique needs and goals are met.
Bob is a Gold Team member of Long & Foster Real Estate, a liated with North Potomac O ce in Maryland. Najam, a long time Realtor®, is an experienced decorator, stager and creator of special deals for her clients.
NAJAM CHAUDHRY
Realtor®
• Over 12+ years in Real Estate
• Licensed in Maryland and Ohio
• Speaks: Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, English
• Specializes in interior design and nding economical deal for clients
301.537.3328 | Najam.Chaudhry@LNF.com
A guide to local hospitals, doctors and Best of Bethesda readers’ picks
Founded: 1979 | Beds: 443
Affiliation: Adventist HealthCare
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: two stars out of five; patient survey: three stars
Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade C
Notable: Deemed high performing in 202324 by U.S. News & World Report for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia
Details: 9901 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, 240-826-6000, adventistsgmc.com
Focus areas include cancer; childbirth; emergency, heart and stroke care; neonatal intensive care; and specialized surgeries. Shady Grove is the state’s second-largest provider of mental health care.
Emergency services span the Rockville campus and a freestanding emergency room (ER) in Germantown. The hospital is home to a Forensic Medical Unit, caring for those who have suffered abuse or assault.
The Birth Center welcomes 4,200 babies a year. Shady Grove has a pediatric ER, an inpatient pediatric unit and the Lourie Center for Children’s Social & Emotional Wellness. Its joint replacement programs have earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval. In 2020, the Bill Richards Center for Healing was the first non-university site in the U.S. to get FDA clearance for clinical trials to treat depression with psilocybin.
Founded: 1907 | Beds: 226
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 202324 by USNWR for heart attack, heart failure
Details: 11890 Healing Way, Silver Spring, 240-637-4000, adventistwhiteoak.com
Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical
Center features 198 private patient rooms and specializes in heart care, childbirth, orthopedics and surgery, and care for emergencies, stroke, cancer and women’s and infants’ services.
White Oak has achieved excellent heart surgery quality ratings from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for patient care and outcomes and is an American College of Cardiology Accredited Chest Pain Center. The Maryland Institute of Emergency Medical Services and Systems (MIEMSS) has designated the hospital as a Cardiac Interventional Center and Primary Stroke Center. The campus also offers a wide range of outpatient services in its Medical Pavilion, including the White Oak Cancer Center.
Founded: 2014 | Beds: 78
Affiliation: Trinity Health
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: two stars; patient survey: two stars
What if my cancer spreads?
I can’t recover?
I can’t make it to my son’s wedding?
What if you can?
World-leading treatment is closer than you think: right in your community. Where trailblazing teams of cancer specialists and scientists work together to ask “what if”— discovering how cancer grows and new ways to treat it; bringing 50 years of research and expertise at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center closer to your home. So your path forward has fewer questions…and the answers you need.
World-leading cancer care in your community. Sibley Memorial Hospital • Suburban Hospital hopkinscancerdc.org
Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade B
Details: 19801 Observation Drive, Germantown, 301-557-6000, holycrosshealth.org
The 237,000-square-foot facility offers medical, surgical, emergency, birthing, intensive, behavioral health and diagnostic care. Patient rooms are private.
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.
In early 2023, the Holy Cross Health Cancer Center opened in Wheaton. It is the first center in the Washington, D.C., area to offer the Varian Edge radiosurgery system, which precisely targets radiation to brain, lung and spine tumors.
Founded: 1963 | Beds: 449
Affiliation: Trinity Health
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: two stars; patient survey: two stars
Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade C
Notable: Deemed high performing in 202324 by USNWR for colon cancer, diabetes, heart failure, stroke
Details: 1500 Forest Glen Road, Silver Spring, 301-754-7000, holycrosshealth.org
Holy Cross is one of the state’s largest hospitals, offering private rooms to all patients.
Holy Cross Health was founded by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1963. It provides expertise in women’s and infant health, senior care, surgery, neuroscience, palliative care and cancer.
The Seniors Emergency Center, designed for older adults with non-life-threatening needs, was the first of its kind in the nation.
Holy Cross Hospital is designated as a Primary Stroke Center by MIEMSS and has been designated an Advanced Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission.
Founded: 1918 | Beds: 114
Affiliation: MedStar
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: three stars; patient survey: two stars
Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade C
Notable: Deemed high performing in 202324 by USNWR for stroke care
Details: 18101 Prince Philip Drive, Olney, 855-633-0207, medstarmontgomery.org
MedStar Montgomery Medical Center offers a full range of services and a separate pediatric center. Founded in 1918, it was known as Montgomery General Hospital until it merged in 2008 with MedStar Health.
MedStar Montgomery’s stroke center has earned accreditations from The Joint Commission and MIEMSS. In 2022, the Maternal Newborn Center received the Baby-Friendly Designation from Baby-Friendly USA.
The hospital offers addiction and mental health treatment services for adolescents and adults, and a self-contained 24-hour crisis evaluation unit.
Founded: 1890 | Beds: 288
Affiliation: Johns Hopkins Medicine
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: three stars; patient survey: three stars
Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade B
Notable: Ranked No. 7 hospital in the Washington, D.C., area for 2023-24 by USNWR
Details: 5255 Loughboro Road NW, Washington, D.C., 202-537-4000, sibley.org
Sibley offers medical, surgical, obstetric, oncological and orthopedic care, skilled nursing inpatient services and an emergency department. Sibley’s campus is also home to the Grand Oaks assisted-living facility. Sibley opened a new main building in 2016 with 200 private rooms, the capacity for 4,500 births per year, expanded oncological services and new operating rooms.
The Johns Hopkins Proton Therapy Center at the hospital features three treatment rooms and more than 30 specialists to pro-
vide tailored cancer treatment for children and adults.
In fall 2023, Sibley was to open a new intensive care unit equipped with state-ofthe-art technology.
Founded: 1943 | Beds: 228
Affiliation: Johns Hopkins Medicine
Medicare Care Compare ratings: Overall: three stars; patient survey: three stars
Leapfrog Group safety rating: Grade B
Notable: Ranked No. 7 hospital in Maryland for 2023-24 by USNWR. Earned excellence award for coronary intervention in 2023 from HealthGrades.
Details: 8600 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, 301-896-3100, suburbanhospital.org
Suburban Hospital specializes in acute care and offers all major medical services except for obstetrics. It is the state-designated level II adult trauma center for Montgomery County, meaning acute care and surgical services must always be available.
The 300,000-square-foot North Building, featuring 108 private patient rooms, 14 operating rooms with robotic technology, two interventional cardiovascular labs and a lounge, opened in March 2020.
Suburban provides cardiac surgery, elective and emergency angioplasty, and inpatient diagnostic and rehabilitation services through the Johns Hopkins Cardiothoracic Surgery Program. The hospital also offers radiation and surgical oncology as part of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. It maintains a 24-hour stroke team.
Looking for a doctor? Here are physicians in seven key specialties, all nominated and voted on by their peers, in Montgomery County and Upper Northwest D.C. (ZIP codes 20015 and 20016). They went through a rigorous screening and selection process by Professional Research Services.
Note: Doctors may appear on the list in more than one specialty. While some physicians work in more than one office, we have only listed a primary location. An online version of this guide, at moco360.media, includes several search filters and a complete list of hospital affiliations.
Dan T. Brody Fishman Allergy, Asthma, ENT Washington; 202-244-9000
Athena Economides Institute for Asthma & Allergy Chevy Chase; 301-986-9262
Shelby Josephs Premier Allergist North Bethesda; 240-747-5750
Leon Kao Germantown Allergy and Asthma Germantown; 301-972-3709
Huamin Henry Li Institute for Asthma & Allergy Chevy Chase; 301-986-9262
Y. Howard Pung Capital Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Rockville; 301-770-7756
Mark D. Scarupa Institute for Asthma & Allergy Chevy Chase; 301-986-9262
Rachel L. Schreiber Schreiber Allergy Rockville; 301-545-5512
Kristin Sokol Schreiber Allergy Rockville; 301-545-5512
Alicia Trotter Fishman Allergy, Asthma, ENT Washington; 202-244-9000
Carla Ward Institute for Asthma & Allergy Chevy Chase; 301-986-9262
Melissa Abrams US Dermatology Partners Silver Spring; 301-681-7000
Jay Barnett Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Rockville; 301-990-6565
Brenda J. Berberian Brenda J. Berberian, M.D., LLC Chevy Chase; 301-656-7660
Joy Y. Chen Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Center North Bethesda; 301-770-0033
Amy B. Cole US Dermatology Partners Silver Spring; 301-681-7000
Arden Edwards Apex Dermatology Bethesda; 301-985-2739
Roni W. Ford Center for Cosmetic and Clinical Dermatology Gaithersburg; 301-977-2070
Walter J. Giblin Anne Arundel Dermatology Rockville; 301-216-2980
Lawrence J. Green Aesthetic & Dermatology Center Rockville; 301-610-0663
Mark J. Jaffe Anne Arundel Dermatology Bethesda; 301-530-4800
Matthew Katz Katz Dermatology Rockville; 301-881-4124
Ann M. Lindgren Anne Arundel Dermatology Bethesda; 301-530-4800
Benjamin N. Lockshin US Dermatology Partners Silver Spring; 301-681-7000
Andrew D. Montemarano Skin Cancer Surgery Center Bethesda; 301-564-3131
Samuel S. Norvell Jr.
Samuel S. Norvell Jr. Rockville; 301-738-0047
Ronald B. Prussick Washington Dermatology Center: An Affiliate of Anne Arundel Dermatology Rockville; 855-314-1424
Geeta Shah Capital Laser & Skin Care Chevy Chase; 301-798-9699
Maral Skelsey Dermatologic Surgery Center of Washington Chevy Chase; 301-652-8081
Elizabeth Tanzi Capital Laser & Skin Care Chevy Chase; 301-798-9699
Samantha A. Toerge Chevy Chase Dermatology Center Chevy Chase; 301-951-7905
Sunny Walia Aesthetic & Dermatology Center Rockville; 301-610-0663
FAMILY MEDICINE
Alec Anders Alec Anders, M.D. Rockville; 240-386-8379
Kelly Cowen Rockville Internal Medicine Group Rockville; 301-762-5020
Joanna Delaney One Medical Chevy Chase; 888-663-6331
Shikha N. Deva MedStar Medical Group Gaithersburg; 301-926-3095
Latoya Lashon Edwards Johns Hopkins Community Physicians - North Bethesda North Bethesda; 240-314-7080
Seth Garber One Medical Chevy Chase; 888-663-6331
Kevin Gil Kevin Gil, M.D. Rockville; 301-610-0500
Monica J. Howard Family HealthCare Germantown; 301-972-0400
Bradley J. Hunter Bradley Hunter, D.O.
Rockville; 240-728-2378
Uma Jayaraman One Medical Chevy Chase; 888-663-6331
Tiffini Lucas Contemporary Family Medicine Associates Bethesda; 240-223-2639
Lee Musher Metropolitan Physicians Practice Chevy Chase; 301-986-4774
Carolyn Baier O’Conor Comprehensive Primary Care Rockville; 301-738-0300
Swapnil Raman-Luhadiya Kaiser Permanente - Well Friendship Heights Bethesda; 800-777-7904
Wendy Rosensweig Kaiser Permanente Silver Spring; 800-777-7904
Jesse Chaim Sadikman Jesse Sadikman, M.D. Rockville; 301-545-1000
Rosie K. Singh Montgomery Family & Internal Medicine Associates Silver Spring; 301-989-0193
Eleanor Tanno Rockville Internal Medicine Group Rockville; 301-762-5020
Kathyann Walcott Kaiser Permanente Silver Spring; 800-777-7904
Megan Wollman-Rosenwald Family HealthCare Germantown; 301-972-0400
Margaret N. Alexander Oncology for Women Bethesda; 301-564-4966
Darryn Band Capital Women’s Care Rockville; 301-681-9101
Tobie Beckerman Beckerman Women’s Health Rockville; 301-230-1488
Karen Blackburn Lori M. Kaler, M.D. Bethesda; 301-897-0945
Emily Gottlieb Rockville OBGYN Doctor Rockville; 301-468-4900
Heather L. Johnson Reiter, Hill & Johnson of Advantia
Chevy Chase; 301-654-5700
Steven S. Maggid Capital Women’s Care Rockville; 301-424-3444
Gerald Renzi Capital Women’s Care Rockville; 301-424-1696
Delara K. Tavakoli Tavicare Chevy Chase; 301-859-4400
Barbara Turner Kaiser Permanente Kensington; 800-777-7904
Carolynn M. Young Rockville Gynecology Rockville; 301-330-7007
Victor Abdow Jr. Abdow Friendship Pediatrics, P.C. Rockville; 301-468-6171
Kristen Bennett Cantor Johns Hopkins Community Physicians - Rockville Pediatrics Rockville; 301-881-7995
Sabine De La Croix-Vaubois Washington International Pediatrics Bethesda; 301-654-9476
Shreelata Durbhakula Children’s National Hospital Chevy Chase; 301-656-2745
Caren Glassman Potomac Pediatrics Rockville; 301-279-6750
Jeffrey Greenberg Coleman Pediatrics Rockville; 301-468-9225
Leila Hall Next Generation Pediatrics Bethesda; 301-832-6049
Steven F. Hirsch Hirsch Pediatrics Rockville; 301-990-3030
Dana Kornfeld The Pediatric Care Center Bethesda; 301-564-5880
Giorgio Kulp Metropolitan Pediatrics North Bethesda; 301-230-2280
Jessica M. Long Spring Valley Pediatrics Washington; 202-966-5000
Mindy Maggid Shady Grove Pediatric Associates Rockville; 301-330-3216
James Mattey
The Pediatric Care Center Bethesda; 301-564-5880
Melissa Schwartz
Olney Pediatrics
Olney; 301-774-4100
Reva E. Snow Capitol Medical Group Pediatrics Chevy Chase; 301-907-3960
Amy M. Sweeney Foxhall Pediatrics Washington; 202-537-1180
Richard Tran Olney Pediatrics
Olney; 301-774-4100
Peter I. Warfield Spring Valley Pediatrics Washington; 202-966-5000
Gail Warner Growth and Wellness Pediatrics Bethesda; 240-630-8882
Paul Weiner The Pediatric Care Center Bethesda; 301-564-5880
C. Coleman Brown Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery
Chevy Chase; 301-215-5955
James R. Bruno Bruno | Brown Plastic Surgery Chevy Chase; 301-215-5955
Mary Ella Carter
Mary Ella Carter, M.D., F.A.C.S. Washington; 202-363-6844
Steven P. Davison DAVinci Plastic Surgery Washington; 202-966-9590
Shaun C. Desai Johns Hopkins Health Care and Surgery Center Bethesda; 301-896-3332
Brent Cabell Faulkner Faulkner Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics North Bethesda; 240-802-8100
Jules Feledy Belmont Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Chevy Chase; 301-654-5666
Douglas Lee Forman Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington North Bethesda; 301-881-7770
Roger Friedman Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington
North Bethesda; 301-881-7770
Kathy Huang Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington North Bethesda; 301-881-7770
Philip Iorianni Kaiser Permanente Kensington; 800-777-7904
Arthur Dean Jabs Cosmetic Surgery Associates, a Forefront Practice Bethesda; 301-493-4334
Sheilah A. Lynch Lynch Plastic Surgery Chevy Chase; 301-652-5933
Keshav Magge Cosmetic Surgery Associates, a Forefront Practice Bethesda; 301-493-4334
Joseph Michaels Michaels Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Rockville; 301-468-5991
Ximena Pinell DAVinci Plastic Surgery Washington; 202-966-9590
Samir S. Rao Center for Plastic Surgery Chevy Chase; 301-652-7700
Franklin D. Richards Cosmetic Surgery Associates, a Forefront Practice Bethesda; 301-493-4334
Philip S. Schoenfeld RENU by Dr. Schoenfeld Chevy Chase; 301-652-7368
Hedy Howard Hedy Howard, M.D. Chevy Chase; 301-654-3851
Bruce A. Kehr Potomac Psychiatry Rockville; 301-984-9791
Sunil Nair
Kaiser Permanente Silver Spring; 800-777-7904
Guillermo Portillo Potomac Psychiatry Rockville; 301-984-9791
Shanda B. Priest Potomac Psychiatry Rockville; 301-984-9791
Colleen Zanis
Kaiser Permanente - Shady Grove Rockville; 800-777-7904
HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM
Suburban Hospital
Sibley Memorial Hospital
Adventist HealthCare
Shady Grove Medical Center
Holy Cross Hospital— Silver Spring
HOSPITAL FOR CHILDBIRTH
Sibley Memorial Hospital
Adventist HealthCare
Shady Grove Medical Center
Holy Cross Hospital
URGENT CARE PRACTICE
MedStar Health Urgent Care
PM Pediatric Care
Patient First Primary and Urgent Care
AllCare Family Medicine & Urgent Care
CONCIERGE MEDICAL PRACTICE MDVIP
Premier Senior Care
Foxhall Internists Prime One Medical
AUDIOLOGY PRACTICE
The Centers for Advanced ENT Care— Feldman ENT Division Potomac Audiology
Bethesda Audiology Center
CARDIOLOGIST
Jack Flyer
Scott Shapiro
Daniel Schwartz Barry Talesnick
CHIROPRACTOR
Complete Chiropractic & Rehabilitation
Bethesda Chiropractic Center
Bethesda Spine & Posture
Moskowitz Chiropractic
Proactive Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
COSMETIC SURGEON
Jennifer Parker Porter
Philip Schoenfeld
Roger Friedman
Joseph Michaels
DENTIST (GENERAL)
Jason Cohen
Jay Samuels
Hilari Dunn
Richard Hunsinger Jr.
DENTIST (PEDIATRIC)
Derek Blank
Heather Sholander
Karen Benitez
Lauren Lewis
DERMATOLOGY PRACTICE
Capital Laser & Skin Care
U.S. Dermatology Partners (formerly DermAssociates)
Drs. Jaffe, O’Neill & Lindgren—An Affiliate of Anne Arundel Dermatology
ICON Dermatology & Aesthetics
Chevy Chase Dermatology Center
Gerson Zatezalo Skin + Face
EYE DOCTOR
Rachel Cohn
Harry Huang
James Heltzer
IN-HOME CARE
Family & Nursing Care Corewood Care
Comfort Home Care Montcordia
Capital City Nurses
MEDICAL AESTHETICS
Capital Laser & Skin Care
ICON Dermatology & Aesthetics
RENU by Dr. Schoenfeld
Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery
The West Institute
MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY RISE
Liberty Cannabis Health For Life
Trulieve Medical Cannabis (formerly Harvest)
Peake ReLeaf
gLeaf Medical Cannabis
NUTRITIONIST
Jen Silverman
Elizabeth Blumberg
Jessica Murgueytio
OB-GYN
Lori Kaler
Tobie Beckerman
Jacqueline Apgar
Marilyn Jerome
Robert Footer
ORTHODONTIA PRACTICE
Rad Orthodontics
Drs. Ensor, Johnson and Lewis
Gerlein Orthodontics
Frederick S. Fritz DDS
Harmony Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Heller Orthodontics
Dr. Jill J. Bruno Orthodontics
ORTHOPEDIST
Christopher Cannova
Robert Buber
Sridhar Durbhakula
Gautam Siram
PEDIATRICIAN
Leila Hall
Giorgio Kulp
Dana Kornfeld
Paul Weiner
PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Lambros Georgallas
Stacy King
Therese McNerney
Liz Kahrl
PODIATRIST
Ira Deming
Samuel Galitzer
Paul Ross
Lee Firestone Franklin Polun
THERAPIST (INDIVIDUAL)
Marjorie Kreppel Jaclyn Halpern
THERAPIST (MARRIAGE & FAMILY)
Marjorie Kreppel
Uzma Knouss Katie Jankowski
THERAPIST (CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS)
Washington Psychological Wellness
The Counseling Center of Maryland
Georgetown Psychology Potomac Therapy Group
VEIN CARE PRACTICE
Center for Vein Restoration
Capitol Vein & Laser Centers
Meet local experts and businesses in the fields of healthcare, home services, real estate and more
ELIZABETH TANZI, MD
GEETA SHAH, MD
TANIA PETERS, MD
Voted the "Best Dermatology Practice" by Bethesda Magazine readers since 2018, Capital Laser & Skin Care specializes in cosmetic and non-invasive treatments to enhance and maintain skin health and beauty. Drs. Geeta Shah, Tania Peters and Elizabeth Tanzi have been named Bethesda Magazine "Top Doctors" since 2019.
5471 C2 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 200 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-798-9699
capitalskinlaser.com
Capital Laser & Skin Care is a worldrenown center of excellence dedicated to delivering the most advanced, effective dermatologic treatments in a warm and welcoming environment. Board-certified dermatologists, Drs. Geeta Shah, Tania Peters and Elizabeth Tanzi use stateof-the-art technology and innovative techniques to truly customize each treatment plan, maximizing outcomes and patient satisfaction. Each dermatologist is fellowship-trained in dermatologic laser surgery and aesthetic procedures with years of experience treating patients. As an aesthetic dermatology research clinic and beauty industry liaison, the Capital Laser & Skin Care team has access to the most sophisticated, cutting-edge tools and routinely evaluates novel technology. Drs. Shah, Peters and Tanzi focus on noninvasive treatments to deliver naturally radiant and elegant results that emphasize and enhance personal features without
creating an overdone look.
With a patient-centered approach, the entire Capital Laser & Skin Care team is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. Through comprehensive consultations, transparent and reliable communication, customized skin care recommendations and individualized treatment plans, Drs. Shah, Peters and Tanzi exceed patient expectations at every turn, from their first phone call through treatment follow-ups and beyond.
With such exclusive patient benefits as complimentary skin cancer screenings, neurotoxin touch-ups and laser treatments for post-injectable bruising, Capital Laser & Skin Care goes the extra mile to ensure your experience with the practice is as pleasant as it is rewarding. Setting the bar for clinical excellence and attention to detail, Capital Laser & Skin Care stands out as the Washington metropolitan area’s premier aesthetic dermatology practice.
16220 Frederick Road, Suite 427
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
301-948-2995
shadygrovepodiatry.com
Are you getting chronic heel pain?
Concerned about your diabetes and your feet? Arch or bunion pain? Toe problems? Want to fix your nagging and painful plantar fasciitis?
When you’re suffering from foot, ankle, or toe pain or issues, the team of foot and ankle experts at Shady Grove Podiatry can help. From diabetic foot treatment and trauma care, to advanced sports medicine treatment and procedures, this distinguished and highly experienced team will help you get back on your feet.
“Shady Grove Podiatry is focused on foot and ankle health because it’s all we do,” says Dr. Assili. “Our doctors are completely focused on getting you back to doing everything you love, whether it’s walking with friends, riding a bike and walks with your grandchildren, or dancing, skiing and hiking.” The practice also specializes in the treatment of
chronic and non-healing wounds and offers a unique approach to wound care that is proven to heal you more quickly, stop pain, bring you hope and allow you to resume the activities that make you happiest.
The Shady Grove Podiatry staff speaks English, Spanish and Korean to best serve your needs, and the offices are conveniently located off I-370 and Frederick Road. We accept most insurances, and also accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover card, American Express, personal checks and electronic payments via a patient portal.
JENNIFER PARKER PORTER, MD, FACS, OWNER/MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Awards & Affiliations
Double board-certified; American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery & American Board of Otolaryngology— Head and Neck Surgery
Bethesda Magazine Winner, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, 2021 & 2023; Top Doctor, 2019 & 2021; Top Vote Getter, Best Aesthetic Practice, 2020 & 2022; Top Vote Getter, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, 2017
7201 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 515 Bethesda, MD 20814
301-652-8191 | chevychaseface.com
Q What's the best advice you've received, and how has it helped you?
A One of my mentors during my residency at Baylor College of Medicine told me to find my passion. He said, “When you figure out what it is, really make it your thing." His advice was integral to how I shaped my career. I have sharpened my expertise by focusing specifically on facial plastic surgery. Working exclusively on the face and neck, I am well-versed in the many nuances of facial anatomy, enabling me to customize every procedure to fit each patient's unique anatomy and personal preferences. I've honed my skills, training and research on the newest and best techniques within my specialty and keep current with the latest developments to ensure I deliver the best possible patient outcomes.
Q How do you measure success?
A Happy patients and a happy family. If my girls and my husband are happy, I'm happy. At work, it's following up with patients; I love seeing the excitement in their eyes, knowing they appreciate not looking like a different person, just a better version of themselves. Because of my specialty, I see patients from all over the world with varying ideals of what makes someone beautiful. My goal is to bring out whatever natural beauty they would like to see.
Q What is one thing patients should know about your practice?
A We've brought on an excellent surgeon who specializes in body plastic surgery. Many patients have asked about such procedures, and I'm excited to grow my practice to meet their needs.
MICHAEL SOMENEK, MD TROY PITTMAN, MD, FACS
Dr. Michael Somenek is one of the nation’s leading rhinoplasty experts and also performs facial rejuvenation procedures including deep-plane facelifts and eyelid surgery. Dr. Troy Pittman is an international authority in aesthetic surgery of the breast and body. Both have been recognized by their peers as top doctors and leaders in their fields.
2440 M Street NW, Suite 507 Washington, DC 20037
202-519-8345
somenekpittmanmd.com
Instagram: @somenekmd, @drtroypittman
Q Tell us a little about your practice.
A We pride ourselves in being D.C.’s one-stop shop for all things beauty. We have specific training in aesthetic surgery and complex revision surgery and have tackled some of the most complicated cases in the area. Our surgical services are extensive—from facelift and rhinoplasty to breast augmentation and tummy tucks. We’re also one of the few practices on the East Coast to offer combination surgeries with both surgeons working simultaneously, allowing for shorter operative time and one recovery.
Q You are known for your ability to connect with patients. How do you do that?
A We’ve put considerable thought into the patient “experience” we offer and have made every effort to create a serene, comfortable and private environment. What’s most important,
though, is that we take the time to get to know and listen to our patients. Our consultations are longer than most to allow us to thoroughly understand the patient’s goals and fully educate them on their options.
Q What specific features distinguish your practice?
A We’ve taken concierge care to the next level in our private, on-site surgical suite, with patient safety and comfort our top goals. On the day of surgery, each patient is escorted through the process by their own surgical nurse and physician anesthesiologist. Our S+P MedSpa, D.C.’s only freestanding medical spa under the direction of plastic surgeons, offers services including laser skin resurfacing, massage therapy, IV hydration therapy and medical-grade skincare—something for patients of all ages.
ELIZABETH SHIN, DDS
Dr. Shin graduated from the University of Southern California Dental School as Salutatorian and attended USC's Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry, where she received the Hugh Kopel award. She then completed her residency — serving as Chief Pediatric Dental Resident — at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, earning multiple academic and clinical honors.
4825 Bethesda Ave., Suite 220 Bethesda, MD 20814 301-941-7374
smile@bccpediatricdentistry.com bccpediatricdentistry.com
Q What distinguishes you from other pediatric dentists?
A Pediatric Dentistry is my passion. With over 25 years of experience in various environments, it has made me a wellrounded pediatric dental specialist. I believe in technology, innovations and research and apply all my knowledge to deliver the best individualized pediatric dental care.
I care about the whole person behind each set of teeth I see, not just their dental health. I am genuinely interested in their general health and emotional well-being; if they're doing well in school and extracurricular activities. By getting to know each patient, I can tailor their comprehensive treatment, laying the foundation for lifelong oral health.
Q What does your motto "Leading The Way In Pediatric Dentistry" mean?
A I opened this practice to build the ideal pediatric dental office suited for patients,
parents and our team. Our high-tech dental suites are spacious, designed for maximum comfort, and I developed an organic dental cleaning protocol, using natural products and fluoride-free alternatives when requested.
We installed hospital-grade sterilization equipment and protocols, including four-way air purifiers and state-of-theart dental chairs and equipment. We use the latest dental laser, provide drill-free fillings and offer the only sensitivity-free teeth whitening technology in the DMV. With leading technology and an in-house anesthesiologist, we are equipped to treat just about any dental emergency, preventing patients from needing to go to the hospital. And we customize our office hours to fit parents' scheduling needs so our patients can always get the care they need. That is why we are leading the way in pediatric dentistry.
DEREK BLANK, DDS; RAMA GANDHI, DMD; ROBIN CHOI, DDS
5640 Shields Drive Bethesda, MD 20817
301-363-9026
dcpediatricsmiles.com theorthosuite.com
Q What makes your pediatric dental practice unique?
A DC Pediatric Smiles was crafted with a vision to help kids love going to the dentist and look forward to their next visit. Our bright, coastal-inspired space is the perfect setting for a comfortable introduction to dentistry. Kids love to find their name on our chalkboard wall, pick out colorful sunglasses and begin their visit on a positive note.
Here, visiting the dentist is fun for kids of all ages. While providing a team approach to dental care, Dr. Derek Blank and Dr. Roma Gandhi channel an enthusiasm that puts children at ease and helps motivate them to establish healthy dental habits.
Our team provides positive, individualized solutions to each patient’s unique dental needs. We find it most rewarding when families who join our
practice recognize our attention to detail, clear communication and thoughtfulness throughout the new patient experience.
Q What is Ortho Suite?
A With the success of DC Pediatric Smiles, we wanted to create the same positive, relaxed experience to help our patients smoothly transition into the world of braces and Invisalign. With that purpose in mind, we recently added The Ortho Suite, a newly built space devoted to orthodontic care for kids and adults. Our experienced orthodontist, Dr. Robin Choi, shares our passion for positive vibes and loves learning about each family’s goals. Parents particularly value Dr. Choi’s careful, conservative approach to dental care.
HEATHER SHOLANDER, DMD, MS
MADELEINE GOODMAN, DMD
Dr. Goodman is an orthodontist and president-elect of the Middle Atlantic Society of Orthodontists. Dr. Heather is a pediatric dentist and a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. They have been practicing together in the area for over 10 years.
4818 Del Ray Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814
301-664-4220
smile@harmonybethesda.com harmonybethesda.com
Q What makes you stand out as dentists?
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 orthopediatric approach but also working with other specialists like speech therapists and pediatricians and most importantly, the child’s family. We strive to create an environment where we get to know each family individually and focus on their specific needs.
Q 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!
COSMETIC | IMPLANT | FAMILY DENTISTRY
11140 Rockville Pike, Suite 510 North Bethesda, MD 20852 301-881-4200 | contact@drjsamuels.com drjsamuels.com
Q What makes you different from other dentists?
A Not your average dentist, Dr. Samuels has more than 25 years of experience and has a reputation for combining cutting-edge technology with a focus on personal care and attention to detail. We use digital x-rays, intraoral cameras and computer-aided design (CAD) software to provide accurate diagnoses and create customized treatment plans. This allows patients to see their dental issues in detail and understand their treatment options fully. We also understand the connection between oral health and overall health, and will help you see how the oral-facial system plays a critical role in your overall well-being. Our approach is one-on-one, personalized and compassionate, all in a comfortable and relaxing environment, ensuring our new patients and generations of families feel at ease.
CARMEN FONTECILLA, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT 301-908-6672 | Carmen.fontecilla@compass.com @carmenfontecillagroup carmenfontecillagroup.com
Q What sets you apart from other agents?
A Before pursuing my real estate career in 2005, I was a land development civil engineer for 20 years. Therefore, in addition to my expansive market knowledge, intuition and sharp negotiation skills honed over 18 years of real estate experience in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, my clients also benefit from my expertise in assessing infrastructure and land. I am solutions driven, and my civil engineering background gives me the foresight to mitigate costly issues before they arise, saving my clients time, money and stress.
Q How would your clients describe you?
A Based on client feedback, they would say I'm hardworking, detail-oriented and personable. I do everything in my clients' best interest and will always go above and beyond to ensure they achieve their real estate goals.
CARA PEARLMAN, COMPASS
Led by Cara Pearlman, the Cara Pearlman Group draws upon their extensive knowledge of the local real estate market and over 30 years of combined industry experience to counsel clients through buying or selling a home. Cara and her team are skilled negotiators, powerful advocates, and always prioritizes their clients’ best interests.
5471 Wisconsin Ave #300 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 202-641-3008
cara@compass.com
dcsuburbhomes.com
Q What has been an unexpected surprise in your work?
A I started my real estate career in 2003 as an assistant to a successful team. Though I had ambitions for growing my career, taking on more responsibilities and becoming the best Realtor I could be, I never envisioned running my own team. However, instead of slowing my career, having children helped me become more comfortable in my skin and gave me the confidence to build my own business. Becoming a parent – I have a 12-year-old-daughter and a 10-year-old son – allowed me to see better the value I bring to the table and lit a spark within me. It’s easy to let major life events deter us and pull us away from our professional goals. But if anything, I’m a better mom because I work, and I’m very proud of the achievements my team and I have accomplished in the Washington, DC real estate sector and beyond.
Q What motivates and inspires your team?
A We often hear people say that getting referrals is the highest compliment. For us, however, it’s when clients update us on their lives. My team and I love getting baby announcements and invitations to birthday parties, pictures of kitchen renovations, or reorganized closets. We cherish the intimacy of real estate and the unique opportunity to help people choose the four walls within which their lives will unfold. Seeing the joy and excitement of our clients’ faces when they have found their home base is pretty amazing.
TRENT HEMINGER & MARY NOONE
Featured in the Wall Street Journal as one of "America’s Best Real Estate Agents,” Trent Heminger, along with his award-winning team, is now offering clients a streamlined process for buying and selling real estate. With “Final Offer,” buyers can make offers, negotiate and see their competition online—all in real time.
5471 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 300 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Office 301-298-1001 | Cell 240-461-3928 trentandco.com | info@trentandco.com
Licensed in DC|MD|VA
Q Some of your clients are beginning to use the new Final Offer platform. Can you tell us something about it?
A The real value of Final Offer is transparency and the ease of making an offer. Sellers can outline to the public what terms are most important to them when selling their home, and buyers can see what it takes to win their perfect new home! Recently, at one of our open houses in Bethesda, a buyer hit the “Buy it Now” button on Final Offer and in a very short time, “won” the home without the hassle of backand-forth, messy, crossed-out contracts and multiple attachments. There was no confusion as to the winning terms of an offer. Everyone was happy with the speed and transparency of the process!
Q We’re hearing that it’s now a “Buyers’ Market.” Have sellers missed their window to sell?
A No way! The Covid market inflated prices so much that what people think of as a “Buyers’ Market” today is really more of a normal market. Demand for homes in Montgomery County is still tremendous. We can’t stress enough the need for more inventory—there are so few homes on the market. It’s still a great time to sell.
DANA RICE, REALTOR, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
5471 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 300 Chevy Chase, MD 20815 202-669-6908
dana.rice@compass.com danaricegroup.com
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!
DEB LEVY & LISA BENNETT
1401 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 202-702-3262
homeloan.chase.com/deb.levy
All home lending products are subject to credit and property approval. Rates, program terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all amounts. Other restrictions and limitations apply. Home lending products provided by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC
Experience and expertise matter. Markets are constantly changing and strategies for purchasing and financing a home change too. A native of Montgomery County and second generation Washingtonian with over 37 yearsexperience in mortgage lending, Deb Levy of Chase in Washington, D.C. has worked with thousands of homebuyers to help them purchase a home. Deb and her assistant, Lisa Bennett are excited to work with past borrowers and the children of past clients. Deb and her team specialize in lending to first-time homebuyers as well as self-employed buyers for primary, secondary and investment properties. Licensed in all 50 states, Deb Levy can lend anywhere. She has the experience of working with first-time homebuyers, new construction buyers, condo buyers, coop buyers and self-employed buyers. Chase Bank is
a full-service bank and has branches in the D.C., MD and VA areas as part of its national footprint. In her spare time Deb runs marathons, serves on the board of the Montgomery County Road Runners and chases after her kids and three crazy Labrador retrievers.
8750 Brookville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-588-4747 | ChaseBuilders.com | IG: @chasebuildersinc
BIO
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.
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.
10135 Colvin Run Road, Suite 200 | Great Falls, VA 22066 703-757-0036 | jamesmcdonaldarchitects.com
James McDonald Architects have been designing award-winning and best-selling homes for nearly 20 years. We focus the energy of the project on the locations of the home that will provide the largest impact on future living. With this focus we strive to solve the unique design requirements with innovative solutions.
As an Architecture Firm we specialize in residential architecture. Our projects range from jewel box cottages to grand estate homes throughout the metro Washington region. At JMAA we start the design process from our initial meeting, bringing to life your renovation, addition, or brand-new home to life. Our process starts by listening to our clients to help them discover their dream home.
Serving Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia
301-657-3947 | AskBOWA@bowa.com | bowa.com
Over the past 35 years, BOWA has earned its reputation as a trusted advisor in the luxury remodeling space thanks to our proven process, team of experts, and unique ability to uncover clients’ true needs. As a result, more than 80 percent of our projects come from returning clients and referrals.
You can count on BOWA to deliver sophisticated, luxury transformations with stunning results, all while ensuring your remodeling experience is second to none. Our projects range from kitchens and primary suites to whole-house and condo remodels. BOWA's team of design build experts, including your dedicated Project Leader, onsite Project Manager, and Customer Service Team, will guide you through every step of the process from early planning through a lifetime of memories. By providing sage advice and always putting your best interests first, our team vows to earn and keep your trust.
A Design and Build team exceeding clients expectations for over 30 years. Our team specializes in stunning kitchens, bathroom and additions. Our clients appreciate our professionalism, expertise and excellent service. Let us help you bring your visions to life.
7847 Old Georgetown Rd | Bethesda, MD 301-913-0286 | Magazi-AG.com
At ANTHONY WILDER, we design and build spaces you can’t wait to come home to. Our in-house architects, interior designers, project managers and craftsmen work together to create custom design solutions so you can live - and love - the life you’ve built.
301-907-0100 | anthonywilder.com
Cabin John Builders specializes in creating dream homes. Our team of skilled builders executes highly detailed custom homes, additions and renovations with exceptional attention to detail. Contact us today to learn more about our personal approach to building and how we can help make your dream home a reality!
301-637-3566 | josh@cabinjohnbuilders.com cabinjohnbuilders.com
Celebrating more than 20 years in business, Aidan Design is a boutique design firm creating thoughtful living spaces that reflect the unique character and lifestyle of each client. Aidan Design's specialties include kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, builtins and custom cabinetry.
8935 Brookville Road | Silver Spring, MD 20910 301-320-8735 | AidanDesign.com
With projects ranging from luxury kitchens to wholehouse and condo remodels, BOWA is a design build firm that calls on its proven process, vast team of experts, and unique ability to uncover clients’ true needs to deliver superior client experiences.
301-657-3947 | bowa.com
Chase Builders’ homes may differ in floor plan and size, but they are thoughtfully designed and well-built for each client. Our goal is to create an inviting, spectacular home where friends and family can gather for many years to come.
301-588-4747 | chasebuilders.com
Instagram: @chasebuildersinc
With over 20 years of experience in Washington, D.C. our firm provides fullservice bathroom and kitchen remodeling from design to build. We strive to offer friendly service, thoughtful problem solving, quality products and professional craftsmanship. Enhancing lives, improving homes!
3414 Idaho Ave. NW | Washington, D.C. 20016 202-920-1180 | DreamMaker-Remodel.com/NWDC
Family owned and operated since 1947, Fisher Lumber provides top quality building materials. Our selection includes only the best materials from the brands professionals trust. With an enthusiastic and friendly staff, our focus is outstanding service that exceeds customer expectations.
"An award-winning Architecture firm, designing custom & speculative homes to promote a timeless, intuitive living experience. We believe that each project should be unique and our goal is to cherish client’s expectations and design a living space that is both inspiring and functional."
202-860-7050 | ElieBenArch.com
The Designers, Builders and Remodelers at Hopkins & Porter have transformed homes and lifestyles in the DMV for over 45 years. Known for our creative solutions and quality work, together let’s plan your next remodel, addition, kitchen, bathroom or handyman project.
301-424-6500 | FisherLumber.com
HYM Construction LLC, is a leading provider in full-cycle construction renovation. We customize renovations for residential and commercial properties. Family owned and operated, celebrating 22 years of serving clients, our strategy is based on a continuing improvement process of setting objectives, measuring results and providing feedback to facilitate progress and results.
202-705-4318 | hymconstruction.net
KPI is a luxury interior design firm, devoted to capturing the spirit of our clients and the essence of their home. We pay meticulous attention to every detail, so that we may provide a concierge level of service.
301-545-0441 | kristinpeakeinteriors.com
MCDStudio is an award winning, boutique Architecture firm founded in 2013 by Matt McDonald and Jennifer Verbeke. Our focus is on custom residential projects in which we take a collaborative approach to design within the firm and with our clients.
MPR Architecture is a boutique firm specializing in additions, renovations and new homes. The firm’s unique designs are the product of attentive client interaction and the thoughtful crafting of space to create functional and beautiful solutions for their client’s homes.
4948 St. Elmo Ave, Suite 304 | Bethesda, MD 20814 301-215-7277 | mcdstudio.com | info@mcdstudio.com
We are the premier custom homebuilder in the area with our integrated, full-service team. With 40 years of experience and vast portfolio of well-built homes, our happy clients have made us Best of Bethesda every year since its inception. Our expertise is unmatched in the industry, and we are proud to be our client’s “Builder for Life”.
301-913-5995 | sandyspringbuilders.com
Life is complicated. Designing a space doesn’t have to be. TOBE DesignGroup is a fullservice interior architecture + design firm creating inspiring solutions that are beautiful, functional and unparalleled. Residential, multifamily residential, corporate, retail. Every space has a story. Let us design yours.
Sharon Levy, Marketing
Directorsharon@tobedesigngroup.com | 301-656-6600
202-450-3126 | mprarchitecture.com
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. Working with clients through planning, design, and all aspects of the construction process, 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
Furnishing quality hardwood. Installation, sanding and finishing, luxury vinly plank (LVP) and custom wood stair builds since 1986. We are quality and we are clean.
571-639-9573 | flrwks@gmail.com | VanoverHardwood.com
Adat Shalom is a participatory, ritually traditional, diverse and inclusive intergenerational shul. As Reconstructionists, we connect through prayer, learning, musical expression, and food! We are home to more than 400 households. Join us any Shabbat, and please stay for lunch!
7727 Persimmon Tree Lane | Bethesda, MD 20817 301-767-3333 | adatshalom.net
A warm, inclusive, Egalitarian community with thriving early childhood, Religious School and adult education programs. We are blessed by the diversity of our congregants and are better for it. We can’t wait to welcome you and your family!
A vibrant, Conservative congregational community built on four core values: Inclusive, Welcoming, Connected, Relevant. Our services and programming create opportunities for connection, spirituality and support for all members – across stages of life and relationship with Judaism.
Deb Geiger, Director of Community Engagement dgeiger@bethelmc.org | 301-652-2606 | bethelmc.org
Carly Litwok, Executive Director | carly@harshalom.org 11510 Falls Road, Potomac MD 20854| 301-299-7087 HarShalom.org
A vibrant, diverse congregation within the Reform Jewish tradition with a strong commitment to social justice, intellectually and spiritually engaging services, and programming for all ages.
3100 Military Rd NW | Washington DC 20015 202-363-6394 | templesinaidc.org
Whoever you are, wherever you come from, whatever you believe, whatever you don’t believe, you are welcome at St. Luke's, where we become a community united to serve the needs of the world. Sunday Services 8:30 am and 10 am. stlukesbethesda.org
Local government touches almost every aspect of our lives—from the taxes we pay on our homes or how much our rent goes up each year, to when our trash is picked up. Montgomery County has a robust government with multiple branches and policymakers who make the decisions that impact the day-to-day lives of more than 1 million constituents. Here’s a quick look at who’s who, what they do and how you can make your voice heard.
— Ginny Bixby, politics reporter for MoCo360
County Executive Marc Elrich, a Democrat, is serving his second term in the office, having first been elected in 2018. Before he was a politician, Elrich was a teacher at Rolling Terrace Elementary School in Takoma Park, where he worked for 17 years. He started his political career on the Takoma Park City Council, where he served for 19 years before being elected to the Montgomery County Council in 2006. He was a councilmember for 12 years and three elected terms. Elrich’s responsibilities include proposing a yearly budget, developing policies and introducing legislation to the county council, adopting executive orders and appointing boards and committees.
Elrich’s priorities include funding education, including by raising real estate taxes, and he supports rent control measures and environmental regulations.
Elrich’s office can be contacted by visiting montgomerycountymd.gov/exec/ contactcex.aspx.
The Montgomery County Council meets most Tuesdays at 9 a.m. at the Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville. The meetings are streamed live on the council’s YouTube page: youtube.com/@ MoCoCouncilMD.
The council expanded in late 2022 from nine members to 11, and from five council districts to seven. Four at-large members represent the whole county. The current council is considered one of the county’s most diverse in history. Six of the councilmembers are women, and five are people of color. Council President Evan Glass is the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve on the panel.
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The council is responsible for major county decisions, such as passing a yearly budget, and has worked on legislation pertaining to rent stabilization and housing affordability, public safety and police oversight.
The council announces public hearings in advance, and community members can sign up to speak by visiting montgomery countymd.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 montgomerycoun tymd.gov/council/ and select “Find my councilmember.”
President Evan Glass, D, At-large: 240-7777966, Councilmember.Glass@montgomery countymd.gov
Gabe Albornoz, D, At-large: 240-777-7959, Councilmember.Albornoz@montgomery countymd.gov
Will Jawando, D, At-large : 240-777-7811, Councilmember.Jawando@montgomery countymd.gov
Laurie-Anne Sayles, D, At-large: 240-7777964, Councilmember.Sayles@montgomery countymd.gov
Andrew Friedson, D, District 1: 240-7777828, Councilmember.Friedson@montgom erycountymd.gov
Montgomery County Council
Marilyn Balcombe, D, District 2: 240-7777960, Councilmember.Balcombe@montgom erycountymd.gov
Sidney Katz, D, District 3: 240-777-7906, Councilmember.Katz@montgomerycoun tymd.gov
Kate Stewart, D, District 4: 240-777-7968, Councilmember.Stewart@montgomerycoun tymd.gov
Kristin Mink, D, District 5: 240-777-7955, Councilmember.Mink@montgomerycoun tymd.gov
Natali Fani-González, D, District 6: 240777-7870, Councilmember.Fani-Gonzalez@ montgomerycountymd.gov
Dawn Luedtke, D, District 7: 240-777-7860, Councilmember.Luedtke@montgomerycoun tymd.gov
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 montgom erycountymd.gov/Elections/ or calling 240777-8500.
To request bulk trash pickup, tree removal, pothole repair or other county services, go to montgomerycountymd.gov/mc311 or call 311 (or 240-777-0311 from outside the county).
For emergencies, dial 911. To reach agencies directly, use the contact information below.
Chevy Chase Village Police Department: 301-654-7300, chevychasevillagemd. gov/35/Police
Gaithersburg Police Department: 301-2586400, gaithersburgmd.gov/services/ police-services
Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service: 240-683-6520, montgomerycountymd.gov/ mcfrs/
Montgomery County Police Department: 301279-8000, montgomerycountymd.gov/pol/
Rockville City Police Department: 240-3148900, rockvillemd.gov/248/Police
Takoma Park Police Department: 301-2701100, takomaparkmd.gov/government/ police/
For a full-service library card, go to any Montgomery County Public Libraries branch with a photo ID and proof of address. For a digital library card, apply online at mont gomerycountymd.gov/library/services/reg istration.html.
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, is slated to open in 2027. wmata.com/service/rail/
Metrobus: Metrobus runs 68 lines around the D.C. region. wmata.com/service/bus/
Ride On bus: The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Ride On bus system operates dozens of routes, which serve much of the county.
montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit/
Bethesda Circulator: This free bus makes a 3.3-mile loop through downtown Bethesda every 10 to 15 minutes. 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 enables users to rent its signature red bikes from one of hundreds of stations across the region, including dozens throughout Montgomery County, and then return them to another station. In some areas of the county, users can also find dockless bikes available from other bikeshare companies, as well as ebikes and e-scooters.
For insider scoops, deep dives and updates on all things Montgomery County government and politics, community members can sign up to receive MoCo360’s free weekly Politics Briefing newsletter by visiting moco360.media/Newsletters/
1,052,521
Population of Montgomery County, the most populous county in Maryland
32.2% Foreign-born persons, 2017-2021
37,372 Veterans, 2017-2021
5.7% Children 4 and younger
U.S. Census info paints a picture of who lives here and how we do it
$117,345
Median household income (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021
22.5% Persons under 18 years
17.2% Persons 65 years and over 70.5%
Percent of population age 16 and older in civilian labor force, 2017-2021
33.8 min
Mean travel time to work, workers age 16+, 2017-2021
$59,384
Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2021 dollars), 2017-2021
8.5% Persons in poverty
65.7%
Percent of female population age 16 and older in civilian labor force, 2017-2021
406,801 Housing units, July 1, 2022
65.4% Owner-occupied housing unit rate, 2017-2021
$2,679
Median selected monthly owner costs with a mortgage, 2017-2021
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$1,844 Median gross rent, 2017-2021
58.4% White
41.4% White alone, not Hispanic or Latino
20.7% Black or African American
20.3% Hispanic or Latino; Hispanics may be of any race
16.2% Asian
383,308 Households, 2017-2021
2.74
Average persons per household, 2017-2021
86.5%
Living in same house 1 year ago, percent of persons age 1+, 2017-2021
41.5%
Language other than English spoken at home, percent of persons age 5+, 2017-2021
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.
