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Things to Do, Eat, and See in Maryland’s Montgomery County

Montgomery County is brimming with activities for residents and visitors of all ages. Whether you want to spend the afternoon shopping on the lakefront or you want to explore hiking trails at a regional park, there’s something for everyone to do! Not to mention the various restaurants, coffee shops, and dessert options around the county that will have you coming back for seconds!

The Best Coffee Shops in Montgomery County

Many people need their daily dose of Joe to tackle the day. If you don’t feel like brewing your coffee at home, enjoy an iced latte, a piping hot cappuccino, or a double shot of espresso at these local shops and roasters.

Coffee Republic

Where? 801 Pleasant Drive #100

Coffee Republic is a premier coffee shop that’s been serving up the finest beans and some of the coolest coffees since 2003. If you’re looking for a unique coffee experience, look no further! The passion the shop has for their brews is evident when you take the first sip. The menu features craft lattes such as the Aztec Mocha and the Salty Dog, as well as your traditional macchiato, cortado, and pour-over. Want something different? Try the London Fog or the matcha latte or enjoy a blended smoothie to get your morning started off on the right foot. If you need a snack or a to-go breakfast option, Coffee Republic has muffins, cinnamon rolls, danishes, donuts, and more!

Tatte Bakery & Cafe

Where? 7276 Wisconsin Avenue

Tatte Bakery and Cafe is backed by a passionate and diverse team of chefs, pastry chefs, bakers, cooks, baristas, and more to serve neighborhoods throughout Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia. The drink menu features specialty lattes like the Tattee house latte with honey halva and cardamom and the black sesame latte with homemade black sesame syrup. You can keep things simple with a cold brew or a cafe au lait as well. If you want to hang out and sip on some tea, you can order a pot of caffeinated and herbal varieties, like the blood orange hibiscus or the Moroccan mint. Swing by for brunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and dig into a plate of Greek-style pancakes or a lamb hash.

Black Lion Coffee & Café

Where? 9705 Traville Gateway

Black Lion Coffee is proud to serve the best Ethiopian premium coffee and has been doing so since 2003, so they know a thing or two about brewing the perfect cup! All coffee is roasted on-site and patrons can order a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and snacks while they enjoy their cup. Sample the espresso con panna or the premio espresso or enjoy a sweetened caramel macchiato or a dirty chai. Start your day off with a healthy kick by downing a ginger shot or stick to a hazelnut frappe because, after all, every day is worth celebrating! There are non-dairy milk options, such as oat and almond and if you need that extra boost, you can order extra shots of espresso.

Where to Wine & Dine in Montgomery County

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or a promotion, or you simply want to enjoy a night out on the town — these Montgomery County restaurants are serving up high-quality dishes with friendly service.

Salt & Vine

Where? 3308 Olney Sandy Spring Road

This upscale Italian restaurant features stylish decor and impeccable service, making it the perfect spot to celebrate an anniversary or simply enjoy a much-needed date night away from the kids. The menu boasts steak offerings that have been crafted with precision, as well as an array of gourmet Italian dishes that showcase depth of flavor. The dinner menu features seafood favorites like the jumbo shrimp and the rainbow trout and wood-fired Margherita pizzas with freshly sliced heirloom tomatoes. Treat yourself to the rack of lamb that’s grilled to perfection or enjoy fresh pasta like the tagliatelle pomodoro or the penne alla vodka.

MoCo’s Founding Farmers

Where? 12505 Park Potomac Avenue

Repeatedly awarded as Bethesda’s Best, Montgomery County’s Founding Farmers is a full-service restaurant and bar serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends! The food and drinks are made from scratch, including bread, pasta, ice cream, and even sodas. The eatery has won numerous sustainability awards and is a 3-Star Certified Green Restaurant. Patrons can dig into cheddar cheeseburgers, ballpark dogs, shaved pastrami melts, fried chicken, and more for lunch and dinner. Signature dishes include the chicken pot pie, the chicken & spinach enchiladas with street corn, and the Yankee pot roast. Summer crop sides are served based on what’s in season, such as corn pudding, roasted heirloom carrots, and sugar snap and snow peas during the summer months.

Botanero Restaurant

Where? 800 Pleasant Drive #160

Botaneros is a chef-driven restaurant serving seasonally inspired small plates that highlight an array of global cuisines. Enjoy seafood offerings such as the grilled octopus or the garlic mussels or stick to turf with the grilled chicken skewers or the pan-fried pork tenderloin. Order a charcuterie and cheese selection to share with the table or try one of the acclaimed dips, such as the hummus spread with pita. Whatever flavor you’re craving, you’re sure to satisfy it at Botanero, with Asian-inspired bites like the pork buns with shredded pork belly and hoisin or the sweet and savory bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese.

Clyde’s Tower Oaks Lodge

Where? 2 Preserve Parkway

This stunning lodge is surrounded by a 21-acre nature preserve, allowing patrons to escape the bustle of the city and get cozy next to grand fireplaces, wood-beamed ceilings, and a striking log and stone design that evokes old-school charm. The all-day menu features jumbo lump crab cakes, steak frites, Georges Bank scallops, and basil pesto bucatini. If you’re in the mood for something green, try the roast chicken Cobb salad or the shrimp bowl with avocado, cabbage, and a fresh cilantro-lime vinaigrette. Want to take it south of the border? The beef birria tacos are served on house-made corn tortillas. Save room for dessert because you won’t be able to resist the blackberry crumble pie or the tiramisu with caramelized hazelnuts and brandied cherries.

Where to Indulge in a Sweet Treat in Montgomery County

Sometimes you just need something to satisfy your sweet tooth! Check out these local ice cream parlors, bakeries, and more for when you need to treat yourself.

Dolci Gelati

Where? 107 North Fairfax Street

Craving gelato? The possibilities at this gelateria are endless, featuring all your favorites such as almond praline, amarena black cherry, butter pecan, espresso, coconut, and dark chocolate. Gelato is made to order each day in small batches, ensuring peak freshness and a high-quality product. Pistachios are sourced from Sicily, hazelnuts from Turin, and chocolate from Ecuador — meaning you’re sure to appreciate the robust flavors. Patrons can even make special orders that are crafted fresh just for you and ready for pickup in 1-2 days.

The Baked Bear

Where? 929 Rose Avenue

Nothing hits the spot quite like an ice cream sandwich at the end of the day. The Baked Bear offers over a dozen baked-from-scratch cookie flavors, which guests can mix and match with the ice cream of their choice. You can even mix and match cookies and brownies for the ultimate dessert sandwich! Choose from white chocolate macadamia nut, funfetti, cookie monster, or the classic chocolate chip cookie for the base of your ultimate dessert before filling it with mint chip ice cream, dark chocolate scoops, or cookies and cream for a cookie-on-cookie masterpiece. Ask for your sandwich “hot pressed” to enjoy it warm!

Paris Baguette

Where? 101 Gibbs Street Unit A

The menu at Paris Baguette is sure to leave your mouth watering. From classic favorites like red velvet and chocolate to unique takes such as blueberry chiffon and cappuccino cake, there’s something for every flavor profile. The NY Style cheesecake is a fan favorite and the mini strawberry soft cream cake is perfect for celebrating a summer birthday! You can order cake by the slice and pastries such as the berry tart and the lemon supreme croissant. Pick up an order of pain au chocolat for breakfast and you’re sure to be a hit at the office!

Montgomery County’s Parks & Green Spaces

When you need to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, Montgomery County has an array of local parks, green spaces, gardens, and more. Pack a picnic and relax on the lawn or enjoy a walk on a local hiking trail!

Wheaton Regional Park

Where? 2000 Shorefield Road

Wheaton Regional Park has something for every active lifestyle, including baseball fields, pickleball courts, basketball courts, picnic shelters, and playgrounds! There’s even a dog park for Fido! Take advantage of the exercise stations for an outdoor workout or enjoy the sights and sounds of Pine Lake. The Wheaton Miniature Train is a family favorite, as is the Adventure Playground and Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel. Wheaton Regional Park is also home to the Brookside Gardens, which are an award-winning 50-acre public display garden! Make sure to swing by to enjoy the butterfly garden, the rose garden, and the Japanese-style garden!

Rock Creek Regional Park

Where? 6700 Needwood Road

At Rock Creek Regional Park, you’ll find volleyball courts, picnic areas, archery ranges, and playgrounds for the kiddos. The park spans approximately 1,800 acres, including the beautiful Lake Needwood and Lake Frank. In total, there are 13 miles of trails that take you through the woodlands and along the lake shores. Additional park amenities include the Meadowside Nature Center, boat rentals, and even lake tours on the Needwood Queen! Dogs are welcome to visit the park, though they must be kept on a leash at all times per county and park rules. If you’re looking for a unique challenge, try Go Ape! This highly interactive treetop adventure includes obstacles, zip lines, Tarzan swings, rope ladders, trapezes, and more and is fun for all ages and skill levels.

Points of Interest in Montgomery County

Interested in taking a deeper dive into all that the county has to offer? Check out these museums, historic sites, and lakefront shopping destinations to see what living in Montgomery County is all about!

National Museum of Health and Medicine

Where? 2500 Linden Lane

For over 150 years, the National Museum of Health and Medicine has been collecting and sharing information about the storied history of medicine and American military medicine. If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, plan your visit to this free museum that’s open to the public from Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Exhibits include Anatomy and Pathology, which showcases The Healthy Human Body and A Fragile Organ: The Brain and Advances in Military Medicine which includes The Legacy of Walter Reed and Trauma Bay II, Balad, Iraq.

Clara Barton National Historic Site

Where? 5801 Oxford Road

Clara Barton is known for dedicating her life to helping others in need, both at home and abroad. She called Glen Echo home for the last 15 years of her life and the National Park Service now invites you to take a guided tour on the weekends to get a closer look at this historic woman’s life. During the 30-45 minute program, tour guides will tell stories of Clara Barton and showcase the unique features of the home that served as the headquarters and warehouse for the American Red Cross, which is the organization she founded.

RIO Lakefront

Where? 9841 Washingtonian Boulevard

Gaithersburg’s premier shopping destination is conveniently located in the heart of Montgomery County. Shop all your favorite stores, such as White House/Black Market, Loft, Chico’s, and more. Take advantage of services such as Amazing Lash Studio, Nouvelle Nail Spa, and RELIVE Health. Enjoy lakefront activities, such as the carousel or paddling in the lake! There’s even a trail where you can get some steps in and a playground for the kiddos. Check out the fish feeding stations around the gazebo and boardwalk where you can feed the fish for $0.25!

Interested in Learning More About Maryland’s Montgomery County? Let Us Help!

If you’re interested in seeing what’s on the market around Montgomery County or if you’re looking to sell, our friendly team at Realty Group is here to help! We strive to make your dream home goals come true, so give us a shout so we can get the ball rolling.