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A visit to Wheaton Regional Park will quickly reveal that this park is anything but average: it's an experience. If you're looking for something different for your family to do over the weekend, a visit to this park will not disappoint. Whether you walk the natural or hard surface trails, go horseback riding, or get dizzy on the park's carousel, everyone in your family will love it here and count the days until they can return again. Enjoy the Trails When it comes to fitness, leading by example through family exercise will set your kids up for a healthy lifestyle down the road. There are plenty of opportunities for exercise at the park. more The HeartSmart trail is one that focuses on heart health by marking off the distance traveled every 1/10 of a mile. Families can walk, run, skip, or gallop together along the hard-surfaced trails and keep track of just how far they've traveled along the way. Take a Horseback Riding Lesson Whether you're an advanced equestrian or an equestrian-in-training, you'll be able to take lessons suited to your particular level of expertise at this park. The park features both an indoor and outdoor riding facility where you and your family can enjoy horseback riding lessons. Once you take your lesson, you can ride through the park's 1.5 miles of equestrian trails on horseback, specifically designed for horses and their riders. Ride the Miniature Train or Carousel Carousels and mini-trains aren't your everyday park features. However, in this particular park, they are the two staples that define it and make it unique. The Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel and miniature train at the park are two of the most well-known and enjoyed park features among visitors of the park, especially families with children. Make sure you visit both of these spots while you're visiting the park. Stop by Adventure Playground If you're looking for the park's playground, you don't have to worry about rickety old equipment or worry about your kids getting splinters. There's a brand new playground at this park called Adventure Playground that has several different sized slides, climbing mounds, walls, and nets. It also features gymnastic equipment, swings, concrete animals, and a sandbox. Kids and parents alike will have a blast playing at this park. Have a Picnic Whether you stop for takeout or pack a lunch, you'll find a quiet spot to have a picnic with your family at this park. Head over to the Shorefield Area and you'll find picnic tables and grills available for use. If you're planning a larger event with more than 40 people, you'll need a permit which can be obtained at the Park Permit Office. If you're planning on using restrooms or drinking fountains, plan your event or picnic accordingly. They only operate from April to October. Whether you're looking for a date night car or a family car, we have the vehicle to meet all of your needs. Visit us today at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Silver Spring to test drive your dream car, meet with one of our experienced staff members, and learn about our current promotions and specials.

There are plenty of reasons to visit Silver Spring, and although pancakes might not be the top tourist attraction, they are certainly a great way to pass the time while you are there. With a choice of places serving a range of delicious pancakes, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the perfect pancake in Silver Spring, Maryland. more Eggspectation Whether you like your pancakes to be served in savory or sweet style, the egg-cellently named Eggspectation not only makes use of all the best egg puns on their menu, but also has a wide variety of pancake-based dishes. They form the basis of one of their most popular breakfast dishes, combined with bacon, tomatoes, and Lyonnaise-style potatoes. They also have a range of buttermilk pancakes which make for some truly indulgent sweet options. These include traditional stacks loaded with fruit, decadently delicious s'mores pancakes layered with chocolate sauce, graham crackers and marshmallow fluff, and red velvet pancakes which come with chocolate chips and cream cheese frosting. Tastee Diner The classic diner experience combined with traditional pancake-based dishes makes for a truly enticing treat and this is just what the Tastee Diner serves up. With an entire menu section for hotcakes, you can choose a hearty breakfast including eggs, bacon, and sausage, a sweet combination with blueberries or chocolate chips, and there is even a low-calorie syrup for those who want a guilt-free sweet treat. Young diners will be in pancake heaven with a specially designed menu just for smaller appetites. This menu features a mini pancake breakfast with one egg and a strip of bacon and an option with blueberries, chocolate chips, and syrup for those with a sweeter tooth. Parkway Deli This classic New York-style deli serves the kind of delicious dishes that you expect to see on any diner menu, including a selection of pancakes suitable for any time of day. Their breakfast options include classic combinations of eggs, bacon, sausage, and tomatoes with the option of grits for those who like their breakfast served southern style. If you find yourself in Silver Spring around lunchtime, you can enjoy their deliciously different cheese blintzes. These consist of thin pancakes rolled around a cheesy filling which are then fried until they are crispy. The blintz is then served with a choice of apple sauce or sour cream. Their potato pancakes are a real treat, served with fruit and sour cream, topped with nova lox, or as part of a platter featuring sauerkraut and grilled links. Silver Spring has plenty of places to eat, whether you live in the area or are visiting from out of town, so you can find a spot that will serve you up a treat. Whatever brings you to Silver Spring, whether you're exploring the beautiful parks, heading to the shopping center or even buying a car, you can fuel your visit with some of the most delicious pancakes in the region. image via pixabay

When you're looking for somewhere to have a drink with friends or family, go on a date night, or just chill out with a beer and watch the game, Silver Spring, Maryland, has a great selection of bars. Here are some of the best bars in town. more Quarry House Tavern Recently restored after a devastating fire, the Quarry House Tavern on Georgia Avenue has risen from the ashes pretty much as it was before — a dimly-lit basement dive bar. The low ceiling, wood paneled walls, and vintage wall art give it a kind of timeless feel and a relaxed ambience. This is a great place to meet friends or just hang out over a few beers. The craft beer menu is probably bigger than the food menu but, if you do want to soak up your drinks, the Quarry House specializes in burgers. They've got names like Zeus, Barstool Rodeo, Aloha, and Morning Glory. If you feel daring, try the Afterburner topped with 4-Alarm sauce, jalapeno, and Pepper Jack cheese. The bar opens 4 p.m. until late every day. The Urban Winery Located on Bonifant Street, The Urban Winery, as the name suggests, make their own wine in the heart of Silver Spring. The winery has a tasteful atmosphere with wooden barrels, exposed brickwork, subtle lighting, and rural Greek-influenced art. In addition to their own wines, you can taste wines from Maryland and around the world. Wine is sold by the glass, bottle, or in tasting flights to give you a variety of flavors. Beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Along with your wine, you can choose from a selection of Greek dishes, charcuterie boards, and cheese plates. Check the events calendar for live music and other events. The Urban Winery is open every day except Mondays. Olivia's View Olivia's View is the rooftop bar of The Society Restaurant & Lounge on Georgia Avenue and it gives you views over downtown Silver Spring. After a day at the office or when you're seeking sanctuary from urban life, Olivia's View offers table seating along with low, comfortable couches, and fresh air flowing through to give a chilled vibe. You can relax with a glass of beer or wine and sample small plates, such as lump crab poppers, Angus beef sliders, Caribbean rolls, and calamari. The bar is open from 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Reliable Tavern Spanning two floors of an old hardware store, the Reliable Tavern on Georgia Avenue has retained much of the old building's charm. The wood paneled walls feature lots of vintage memorabilia of hardware supplies which, with the low lighting, give the tavern a comfortably dated ambience. The Reliable Tavern offers a good selection of wines and craft beers, and the expert bartenders make the best cocktails. To satisfy your appetite, they serve a variety of kolaches or you can bring your own food. The tavern opens at 5 p.m. daily and 3 p.m. Sundays. These downtown locations each offer a very different experience; there is something in Silver Spring to suit every taste.

Silver Spring, Maryland is home to over 50 pieces of street art. Street art refers to visual art that has been created in a public space outside of your typical art venues.  Here is a brief list of where to find some of the most interesting street art in Silver Spring. more A Brushstroke of Discovery When artist Narcissus Quagliata was hired to create the 170-foot outside mural on the Discovery Communications Headquarters Building, he was given the opportunity to live on in Silver Spring history forever. The vibrant painting was done on enamel overlaying steel. This piece includes a variety of art forms and focuses on our planet's history. You can find this unique street art at 8500 Colesville Road. The Hand The Hand is a sculpture with a story. It was created by artist Ray Kaskey with help from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It's a take on the story of Noah and the Ark from the Bible and was created based on the part in the story where Noah releases the doves from the arc. The giant bronze hand can be found at 1325 East-West Highway. Botero Ballerinas This beautiful kinetic sculpture, created for The Premier Apartment complex, is moved by wind. It was made to celebrate life and the sense of community. The sculptures are made of steel and move with any breeze. They show off beautiful lights and evoke the delicate feeling of the feminine form. Symbolizing the beauty of a ballerina and human interaction, the Botero Ballerinas can be found at 8711 Georgia Avenue. East/West Beacon This towering 35-foot high sculpture was designed and created by the artist Ray King to greet the busy travelers on the East/West Highway. The illuminated, freestanding piece is constructed of stainless steel and holographic glass. It's laminated with a light-refracting film that glows a beautiful iridescent color. This brilliantly designed beacon can be found driving down the highway or in person at 1200 East/West Highway. Acorn Park All that's left of Francis Preston Blair's estate is the lovely Acorn Park. It's nestled up against the Silver Spring Discovery Building. There's a small park, a gazebo, and a collection of murals. The murals consist of five different panels created by the artist Mame Cohalon. The Caldor Company restored the park and gazebo and these can be found at 1190 East-West Highway. Coastline Coastline, also known as the Wave Pool, is not only a piece of street art but also an educational tool. This work was commissioned by Foulger Pratt Companies and created by Jim Sanborn. The water environment replicates a 65-foot coastline with waves so you can envision the workings of a coastline. You can find this piece at 1301 East-West Highway. There are so many different works of art in the area that allow you to glimpse into the mind of an artist. We hope that if given the chance, you choose to check out some of the lovely pieces of interesting street art in Silver Spring. Some rights reserved by Elvert Barnes

Silver Spring, Maryland, has a variety of fun attractions to explore, including many that give you an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. If you're looking to get outside and check out the natural side of Silver Spring, head to one of these beautiful outdoor locations. more Wheaton Regional Park Located in the northern part of Silver Spring, Wheaton Regional Park is a 536-acre public park that offers a variety of fun activities for everyone to enjoy. The entire family will love hopping on board the replica 1863 C.P. Huntington engine train for a scenic tour through the park. You can then take a fun ride on the historic Herschell Spillman Company carousel. You can also take a walk on the trails, see what's biting at Pine Lake, or take a stroll through the gorgeous Brookside Gardens. U.S. National Arboretum For a fascinating look at botanical research, take a trip to Washington, D.C., to walk through the U.S. National Arboretum. The 446-acre arboretum has an extensive collection of trees, flowers, and other plants from all over the world. Some of the popular gardens and collections in the arboretum include the National Herb Garden, Fern Valley, Friendship Garden, and Asian Collections. Another popular spot is the National Grove of State Trees, which has specimens of almost every state tree in the country. DC Insider Tours Washington, D.C. is a fascinating city rich in history and heritage. DC Insider Tours gives you an opportunity to enjoy some time outside while you learn about the city and its interesting past. One of the most popular tours is DC in a Day. This walking tour lasts about 6 hours and takes you to some of the most popular attractions in the city. If you need something shorter, consider the 3.5-hour Full Throttle DC tour, which is the city's first electric bike tour. Potomac Riverboat Company If you're interested in a unique view of the area, take a ride with Potomac Riverboat Company. Along with offering cruises and water taxis, Potomac Riverboat Company also has a number of sightseeing tours. The company has two different monument tours that take you by some of the famous monuments and landmarks along the Potomac River. Another fun tour is the Canine Cruise, which is a dog-friendly sightseeing cruise that lets you enjoy some time on the water with your four-legged family members. Sligo Creek Trail Sligo Creek Trail is a 10.2-mile paved hiking and biking trail that runs beside Sligo Creek. The trail is a popular spot for runners, walkers, joggers, and bikers because it passes through plenty of tree-filled parklands. If you plan on spending the afternoon traveling from one end of the trail to the other to explore the outdoor beauty of the area, don't forget to pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the 15 picnic areas along the way. Whether you're interested in taking a tour of the capital or spending some time exploring nature, you know you'll have a good time when you check out these top outdoor activities around Silver Spring. Some rights reserved by ssfaulkn