Carmen's Guidebook
PARKS/TRAILS
Nestled in a forested area of Wheaton, Maryland, Wheaton Regional Park offers a variety of recreational and educational opportunities within its 536 acres.
While you’re here, enjoy a Picnic in the Park and bring your favorite foods to you!
1. Find the designated signs
2. Take a photo of the QR code to show available restaurants
3. Place your order with the restaurant
4. Voila! Food delivered right to you in the park!
Each park comes with a designated delivery zone, along with multiple picnic areas that are physically distanced. View the Picnic in the Park map here
The Shorefield Area has more play spaces than you can imagine. After hiking, biking, or horseback riding through 11 miles of paved and natural surface trails, head to the shores of Pine Lake, which offers beautiful spots for fishing, picnicking, or just relaxing. Picnic tables and grills are available throughout the Shorefield Area. Picnic shelters accommodating up to 40 people are available by permit.
When you’re ready for some more fun, head to the Adventure Playground, which includes endless climbing structures, swings, giant slides, a sandcastle, and much more.
The entire family will delight at a trip onboard a replica 1863 C.P. Huntington engine train for a scenic tour through park woods and meadows, or enjoy an enchanting ride on the historic Herschell Spillman Company 1915 turn-of-the-century musical carousel.
Enter the park through the Glenallan Area for hands-on appreciation of Montgomery County’s natural resources. Bedazzled by the beauty of the award-winning 50-acre Brookside Gardens, which includes a variety of horticulture displays, such as aquatic, azalea, butterfly, rose, and Japanese-style gardens.
Stop by the Brookside Nature Center for quality programs for people of all ages, interests, and abilities. The live reptile and mammal displays will enchant young naturalists, while self-guided trails take you along interpretive boardwalks and wildlife viewing areas.
If you appreciate transportation of the four-legged nature, head over to the Wheaton Park Stables where you can enjoy an escorted trail ride, learn a new sport, or enhance your riding skills.
54 locals recommend
Wheaton Regional Park
2000 Shorefield RdNestled in a forested area of Wheaton, Maryland, Wheaton Regional Park offers a variety of recreational and educational opportunities within its 536 acres.
While you’re here, enjoy a Picnic in the Park and bring your favorite foods to you!
1. Find the designated signs
2. Take a photo of the QR code to show available restaurants
3. Place your order with the restaurant
4. Voila! Food delivered right to you in the park!
Each park comes with a designated delivery zone, along with multiple picnic areas that are physically distanced. View the Picnic in the Park map here
The Shorefield Area has more play spaces than you can imagine. After hiking, biking, or horseback riding through 11 miles of paved and natural surface trails, head to the shores of Pine Lake, which offers beautiful spots for fishing, picnicking, or just relaxing. Picnic tables and grills are available throughout the Shorefield Area. Picnic shelters accommodating up to 40 people are available by permit.
When you’re ready for some more fun, head to the Adventure Playground, which includes endless climbing structures, swings, giant slides, a sandcastle, and much more.
The entire family will delight at a trip onboard a replica 1863 C.P. Huntington engine train for a scenic tour through park woods and meadows, or enjoy an enchanting ride on the historic Herschell Spillman Company 1915 turn-of-the-century musical carousel.
Enter the park through the Glenallan Area for hands-on appreciation of Montgomery County’s natural resources. Bedazzled by the beauty of the award-winning 50-acre Brookside Gardens, which includes a variety of horticulture displays, such as aquatic, azalea, butterfly, rose, and Japanese-style gardens.
Stop by the Brookside Nature Center for quality programs for people of all ages, interests, and abilities. The live reptile and mammal displays will enchant young naturalists, while self-guided trails take you along interpretive boardwalks and wildlife viewing areas.
If you appreciate transportation of the four-legged nature, head over to the Wheaton Park Stables where you can enjoy an escorted trail ride, learn a new sport, or enhance your riding skills.
Montgomery County, MD ... Located just south the of Upper Paint Branch Best
Natural Areas, the trail features views of Paint Branch stream and passes the
historic Valley Mill and the former site ... Activities: Hiking, biking; Location: West
of Rt. 29 and south of Fairland Road in the eastern part of the County.
Paint Branch Stream Trail Serpentine Way
Serpentine WayMontgomery County, MD ... Located just south the of Upper Paint Branch Best
Natural Areas, the trail features views of Paint Branch stream and passes the
historic Valley Mill and the former site ... Activities: Hiking, biking; Location: West
of Rt. 29 and south of Fairland Road in the eastern part of the County.
Good park for a neighborhood casual stroll. All asphalt paved. Next to a creek that's fun to just sit by and watch. Not only deep enough for more than dipping your legs in. Attached to a little playground with bathrooms and a great giant hill for sledding!!
Pilgrim Hill Local Park
1615 E Randolph RdGood park for a neighborhood casual stroll. All asphalt paved. Next to a creek that's fun to just sit by and watch. Not only deep enough for more than dipping your legs in. Attached to a little playground with bathrooms and a great giant hill for sledding!!
The fun little local park. There’s a sheltered picnic/pavilion area, ample playground equipment, several ball fields, and tennis courts. Plenty of parking. No permanent restrooms (larger portable potty that we’ve always avoided using so I can’t speak to its cleanliness). The play equipment is in great working order and the kids always have plenty of fun. There are benches for parents and plenty of parking.
West Fairland Local Park
2201 Fairland RdThe fun little local park. There’s a sheltered picnic/pavilion area, ample playground equipment, several ball fields, and tennis courts. Plenty of parking. No permanent restrooms (larger portable potty that we’ve always avoided using so I can’t speak to its cleanliness). The play equipment is in great working order and the kids always have plenty of fun. There are benches for parents and plenty of parking.
The picnic space for our union's annual picnic is perfect. The bathroom house is always clean also. Grill, overhang shelter (for inclement weather), large field for a moonwalk, sports games, plenty of picnic tables. The grass is well-maintained. Plenty of parking.
Valley Mill Special Park
1620 E Randolph RdThe picnic space for our union's annual picnic is perfect. The bathroom house is always clean also. Grill, overhang shelter (for inclement weather), large field for a moonwalk, sports games, plenty of picnic tables. The grass is well-maintained. Plenty of parking.
The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
16701 Norwood RdENTERTAINMENT
Created by the citizens of Montgomery County, Maryland, the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center is dedicated to artists, educators, and audiences of the world.
The AFI Silver will present the richness of American and world cinema, exploring all forms of the moving image in the digital era and seeing the screen itself as a source of literacy, learning, and vision for the future.
AFI is America's preeminent arts organization dedicated to advancing and preserving the art of film, television, digital media, and other forms of the moving image.
Increasingly, our notions about history, human relationships, scientific exploration, psychology, and art are influenced by watching movies. The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center examines this phenomenon by presenting an unprecedented variety of film and video programming, augmented by filmmaker interviews, panels, discussions, musical performances, and other events that place the art on-screen in a broader cultural context, while amplifying its power to engage and affect an audience.
The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center is a state-of-the-art moving image exhibition, education, and cultural center. Anchored by the restoration of noted architect John Eberson's historic 1938 Silver Theatre, it also features 32,000 square feet of new construction housing two stadium theatres, office, and meeting space, and reception and exhibit areas.
The exceptional technical facilities of the AFI Silver include film formats from 16 to 70mm, high-definition digital cinema video projection, broadcast-quality video recording, and distance learning capabilities via satellite, fiber and the Internet. Whether it's silent film at the proper frame rate with live musical accompaniment, 70mm widescreen spectaculars, or digital cinema, the AFI Silver will offer state-of-the-art technology in each of its three theatres - with seating for 400, 200, and 75, respectively - as well as in its world-class conference room, all available to rent.
149 locals recommend
AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center
8633 Colesville RoadCreated by the citizens of Montgomery County, Maryland, the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center is dedicated to artists, educators, and audiences of the world.
The AFI Silver will present the richness of American and world cinema, exploring all forms of the moving image in the digital era and seeing the screen itself as a source of literacy, learning, and vision for the future.
AFI is America's preeminent arts organization dedicated to advancing and preserving the art of film, television, digital media, and other forms of the moving image.
Increasingly, our notions about history, human relationships, scientific exploration, psychology, and art are influenced by watching movies. The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center examines this phenomenon by presenting an unprecedented variety of film and video programming, augmented by filmmaker interviews, panels, discussions, musical performances, and other events that place the art on-screen in a broader cultural context, while amplifying its power to engage and affect an audience.
The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center is a state-of-the-art moving image exhibition, education, and cultural center. Anchored by the restoration of noted architect John Eberson's historic 1938 Silver Theatre, it also features 32,000 square feet of new construction housing two stadium theatres, office, and meeting space, and reception and exhibit areas.
The exceptional technical facilities of the AFI Silver include film formats from 16 to 70mm, high-definition digital cinema video projection, broadcast-quality video recording, and distance learning capabilities via satellite, fiber and the Internet. Whether it's silent film at the proper frame rate with live musical accompaniment, 70mm widescreen spectaculars, or digital cinema, the AFI Silver will offer state-of-the-art technology in each of its three theatres - with seating for 400, 200, and 75, respectively - as well as in its world-class conference room, all available to rent.
RESTAURANT/BAR/DANCING
El Aguila Restaurant is the newest Silver Spring, MD family-friendly restaurant for top-notch Tex-Mex and international cuisine.
El Aguila
55 Randolph RoadEl Aguila Restaurant is the newest Silver Spring, MD family-friendly restaurant for top-notch Tex-Mex and international cuisine.
Looney's Pub is a Maryland-based chain of Irish sports-bars with four locations thought the state. Looney's is known for its fresh crab options in the form of pretzels, dips, and crab cakes.
26 locals recommend
Looney's Pub
8180 Maple Lawn BlvdLooney's Pub is a Maryland-based chain of Irish sports-bars with four locations thought the state. Looney's is known for its fresh crab options in the form of pretzels, dips, and crab cakes.
MUSEUM
Science On a Sphere® (SOS) is a room-sized, global display system that uses computers and video projectors to display planetary data onto a large-diameter sphere, creating a giant animated globe. The SOS at NOAA Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, is a model for testing new ideas in content creation, educational programming, and science communication.
The exhibit area is a multi-use room in which NOAA employees and guests can have scientific discussions, present to decision-makers, and host educational events. The SOS exhibit in Silver Spring is managed by NOAA's Office of Education and was made possible in 2011 by the support of various NOAA offices to aid in the agency’s cross-cutting priority of promoting environmental literacy.
NOAA Science Center
1301 East-West HwyScience On a Sphere® (SOS) is a room-sized, global display system that uses computers and video projectors to display planetary data onto a large-diameter sphere, creating a giant animated globe. The SOS at NOAA Headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, is a model for testing new ideas in content creation, educational programming, and science communication.
The exhibit area is a multi-use room in which NOAA employees and guests can have scientific discussions, present to decision-makers, and host educational events. The SOS exhibit in Silver Spring is managed by NOAA's Office of Education and was made possible in 2011 by the support of various NOAA offices to aid in the agency’s cross-cutting priority of promoting environmental literacy.
The manor house at Woodlawn was built between 1800 and 1815 by the Thomas family. It is a beautiful Federal-style house with Flemish bond brick. The house functioned as a private Quaker school for a time, and was even visited by Francis Scott Key, author of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The manor house is currently used as a special event center, though it will soon transition into an interpretive center focused solely on sharing the history of Woodlawn Manor with tours and public programs.
Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park
16501 Norwood RdThe manor house at Woodlawn was built between 1800 and 1815 by the Thomas family. It is a beautiful Federal-style house with Flemish bond brick. The house functioned as a private Quaker school for a time, and was even visited by Francis Scott Key, author of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The manor house is currently used as a special event center, though it will soon transition into an interpretive center focused solely on sharing the history of Woodlawn Manor with tours and public programs.
Located just steps from the Silver Spring Metro Station – Red Line, “Gateway to NOAA” is a new, permanent exhibit on NOAA’s Silver Spring, Md. campus highlighting the ways in which NOAA takes the pulse of the planet every day and protects and manages ocean and coastal resources. The exhibit is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and is located at 1325 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD.
Gateway to NOAA
1325 East-West HwyLocated just steps from the Silver Spring Metro Station – Red Line, “Gateway to NOAA” is a new, permanent exhibit on NOAA’s Silver Spring, Md. campus highlighting the ways in which NOAA takes the pulse of the planet every day and protects and manages ocean and coastal resources. The exhibit is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and is located at 1325 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD.
The National Capital Trolley Museum is a 501 nonprofit organization that operates historic street cars, trolleys and trams for the public on a regular schedule. It is located at 1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville, Maryland USA.
10 locals recommend
National Capital Trolley Museum
1313 Bonifant RdThe National Capital Trolley Museum is a 501 nonprofit organization that operates historic street cars, trolleys and trams for the public on a regular schedule. It is located at 1313 Bonifant Road, Colesville, Maryland USA.
GROCERIES
Giant Food of Maryland, LLC, also known as Giant, is an American supermarket chain with 169 stores and 159 full-service pharmacies
31 locals recommend
Giant Food
8750 Arliss StGiant Food of Maryland, LLC, also known as Giant, is an American supermarket chain with 169 stores and 159 full-service pharmacies
Aldi is the common brand of two German family-owned discount supermarket chains
10 locals recommend
ALDI
12012 Cherry Hill RdAldi is the common brand of two German family-owned discount supermarket chains
MALL/ENTERTAINMENT
The Mall in Columbia, also known as the Columbia Mall, is the central shopping mall for the planned community of Columbia, Maryland. It has over 200 specialty stores and the anchor stores are AMC Theatres, Main Event Entertainment, Barnes & Noble, JCPenney, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, and Nordstrom.
61 locals recommend
The Mall in Columbia
10300 Little Patuxent PkwyThe Mall in Columbia, also known as the Columbia Mall, is the central shopping mall for the planned community of Columbia, Maryland. It has over 200 specialty stores and the anchor stores are AMC Theatres, Main Event Entertainment, Barnes & Noble, JCPenney, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, and Nordstrom.
Waterfront shopping center with stores & restaurants, plus a movie theater, paddle boats & a trail.
50 locals recommend
RIO Lakefront
9841 Washingtonian BlvdWaterfront shopping center with stores & restaurants, plus a movie theater, paddle boats & a trail.
AMC Wheaton Mall 9
11006 Veirs Mill RdMontgomery Mall
RESTAURANTS/CARRY OUT & CURBSIDE DELIVERY
Pho Cafe
13426 New Hampshire AvenueCrisfield Seafood
8012 Georgia AveCasual family-run eatery offering homestyle Cuban cuisine & drinks set to a lively salsa soundtrack.
11 locals recommend
Cuba De Ayer Restaurant
15446 Old Columbia PikeCasual family-run eatery offering homestyle Cuban cuisine & drinks set to a lively salsa soundtrack.