December begs for all the winter wonderland, holiday happenings and bundled up adventures. I tapped back into our local community to find out what they love about the DMV during December. From where they shop to what they cook and where they eat with a few road trips mixed in.
Liz Brent, Real Estate Broker + Non-Profit Founder
Silver Spring, MD resident for 26+ Years, originally from Washington, DC
Where do you like to shop in the DMV?
Historic Route 1 in Hyattsville, MD - for boutique gifts. Takoma Park for eclectic, funky stores. And what I love about downtown Silver Spring is wandering from the Civic Center and Farmer’s Market toward Fenton Street without a plan. You can explore larger, national retailers mixed in with small family-owned businesses. It’s what makes Silver Spring truly unique. You never know what you might find.
Where are you eating?
Franklin’s, Hyattsville
I love this place, too. Love the vibe and food but love the variety store!
El Golfo, La Malinche, All Set (one of my all time favorites), Denizen’s, Zinnia, Charm Thai - Silver Spring, MD
Charm Thai was recently noted as the best Thai in the state of Maryland
What do you cook this time of year?
Ummmm, nothing?
Love this for you, Liz…the ultimate supporter of small business.
A great road trip this time of year?
It’s always a good time to road trip to Rehoboth Beach, DE
What personal/family traditions do you take in during this time of the year?
Gathering around a blazing fire.
What is something special about the holidays in the DMV or Silver Spring, specifically?
The Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Silver Spring.
We noticed the hot cider that Go Brent was handing out this year…
What is something people don’t typically know about winter in this area?
The Northwest Branch Trails are beautiful in the winter.
All our outdoorsy folks - take note. More to see than Great Falls alone…
Follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and her non-profit Silver Spring Cares
Kathy Jentz, Garden Communicator = Garden book author + Garden speaker
Silver Spring, MD resident for 20+ years, Army brat born in Germany
Where do you like to shop in the DMV?
Mostly downtown Silver Spring. I like to shop at the holiday craft markets and art shows in downtown Takoma Park, too.
A person after my own heart. I’m obsessed with holiday markets and seasonal pop-ups. One of the main places I spot emerging businesses and new ideas.
What are your favorite places to eat?
The white pizza at Vicino is craveable!
What do you cook this time of year?
Not much of a cook.
I found two people who don’t cook - as an avid cook I love this! Perhaps I need to barter - whatever Kathy grows, I cook? Because my gardening skills are non-existent.
A great road trip this time of year?
Longwood Gardens, A Longwood Christmas, Kennett Square, PA
What personal/family traditions do you take in during this time of the year?
The Brookside Garden of Lights is a great place to bring family and friends
What is something special about the holidays in the DMV or Silver Spring, specifically?
The Downtown Holiday Market in front of the National Portrait Gallery is a great place for gift shopping - I advise you go more than once in the season as some of the vendors are only there for a week or so and they regularly change out many of the booths.
What is something people don’t typically know about winter in this area?
The MoCo Thanksgiving Holiday Parade the Saturday before Thanksgiving each year in downtown Silver Spring!
You read it here twice, folks. Mark your calendars for 2023!
What’s your wish for 2023?
Peace & Quiet.
Amy, Residential Architect
FoCo - that’s Four Corners for you non-locals, a part of Silver Spring, 26 years
Grew up “Up & Down University Boulevard”
Where do you like to shop in the DMV?
Value Village, IKEA, HomeGoods, Trader Joe's, Target and Downtown Takoma Park
Amy is a ninja when it comes to Value Village - she can find the hidden gems.
What are your favorite places to eat?
Benihana is a family favorite for birthdays. And we love Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge. Fish Taco is a lunch favorite with the gang. I also like having drinks with my friends at The 4 Corners Pub
mmmm..tacos.
What do you cook this time of year?
All the things
A great road trip this time of year?
To the beach!
What personal/family traditions do you take in during this time of the year?
Our neighborhood lights a big gorgeous tree for Christmas. We can see it from the dining room and it is just so lovely every year.
What is something people don’t typically know about winter in this area?
I don't know but tell me!
What’s your wish for 2023?
No drama or heartbreak
Bianca Rupert, Marketing Assistant + Domestic Goddess
Silver Spring resident most of her life - originally from Silver Spring/Takoma Park area
What are your favorite places to eat?
What do you cook this time of year?
Everything
She really does! Bianca has 3 sons and a husband who eat very well because of her fine cooking skills.
A great road trip this time of year?
Ocean City, MD - they have a walk through holiday lights display. Also Philly and NY are always fun in the winter
What personal/family traditions do you take in during this time of the year?
Our neighborhood Christmas tree and Menorah lighting, Brookside Gardens lights, Symphony of Lights at Merriweather Post Pavilion, Ocean City Festival of Lights
What is something people don’t typically know about winter in this area?
There are multiple festivals and makers markets all around if you look
As noted above - obsessed.
What’s your wish for 2023?
Health & Happiness
Do you love where you live? Tell me about it - we want to share interesting places and spaces.
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