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At just 6.2 miles away from Washington, D.C, Silver Spring, Maryland has a lot to offer. Its close proximity to the city makes commuting easy and Silver Spring itself is a hub of culture. There are also many great hiking trails nearby which are great for exercising and reconnecting with nature! Check out the hiking trails below to find out some local favorites. 1. Little Bennett Regional Park Trails Little Bennett Regional Park is home to many important historic sites, an 18-hole golf course, and over 25 miles of natural surface trails. These trails are great for hikers and offer views of forests, streams, and wildlife. more There's a wide range of trails, from the Dark Branch Trail which is perfect for birdwatching to the loop near Clarksburg, Maryland which is great for all skill levels and consists of trails like: Big Oak Stoneybrook Whitetail Browning Run And more 2. Matthew Henson Trail The Matthew Henson Trail is over 4 miles long and consists of a wide, hard surface trail, which makes it perfect for bikers and hikers. There's also 0.6 miles of wooden boardwalk along the route as well as thousands of beautiful trees, some parkland, and the Turkey Branch Stream. 3. Black Hill Regional Park Trails Black Hill Regional Park contains the hard surface Black Hill Trail which is 4.6 miles long. The park also has over 16 miles of natural surface trails and offers views of many different types of trees as well as the lake. Parking is available at the Black Hill Regional Park Visitor Center. 4. Cabin John Regional Park Trails The Cabin John Regional Park Trails are open from sunrise to sunset and located in Bethesda, Maryland. Here, there are over 5 miles of trails. Recreational trails can be found throughout the park while nature trails are close to the Locust Grove Nature Center. The Cabin John Trail runs alongside Cabin John Creek and is a wonderful trail to hike! 5. Capital Crescent Trail The Capital Crescent Trail is 11 miles long! There's a paved trail that connects Georgetown, Washington D.C. to Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda and a crushed stone trail as well as a road between Bethesda and Silver Spring. The Capital Crescent Trail follows an abandoned railroad and offers views of neighborhoods, parkland, tunnels, and the Potomac River. You can see hikers, commuters, and equestrians use the trail. 6. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Park Trails The Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Park Trails wind around the park and connects to the Paint Branch Valley Park Trail. There is a 2.8-mile hard-surface trail, providing stroller and wheelchair accessibility, and a great spot for hiking, biking, and skating. The HeartSmart Trail circles the pond and is recognized for the heart health-conscious people who could be beginning rehabilitation or starting an exercise program. Find a New Car to Drive to These Great Trails in Today If you need a car to reach any of these amazing trails for your next hike, DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Silver Spring is your local car dealership! We offer a wide selection of new cars for sale in Silver Spring, MD, and our expert team will provide high-quality service in order to help you find the car that's right for you.

There are lots of museums in Washington, D.C., but not all of them get the attention they deserve. With over 17 museums in the nation's capital, there are a couple of really unique options when you are looking for a few museums to tour. Here is our list of unique lesser-known museums in Washington, D.C. more The Mansion on O Street The Mansion on O Street is one of our best picks for a unique museum in Washington, D.C. This eclectic museum has secret doors, themed rooms, and various types of diverse artwork. There is plenty to do and look at when you stop at the Mansion on O Street. This museum is designed for promoting and embracing life, art, and creativity. The International Spy Museum Get ready for a fascinating museum. The International Spy Museum is a non-profit organization that teaches the public about the world of intelligence and espionage. This museum has tons of interactive exhibits and lots of high tech spy gadgets. Get lost in the history of how spy work has influenced our past and explore how it will continue to shape our future. The Heurich House Museum Known as the Brewmaster's Castle, this museum is in historic DuPont Circle. It's goal is to preserve the legacy of Christian Heurich, a German-American immigrant who had the largest brewery in Washington, D.C. The mansion was built for him in 1894 and has been retained for its Romanesque residential architecture and impressive interior. The mansion was built with some of the most technologically advanced equipment of the time, with metal speaking tubes, electric lighting, burglar alarms, and even fireproofing. The museum keeps this building preserved and hosts a variety of beer-inspired events throughout the year, including an on-site homebrew class. Old Stone House The Old Stone House was built in 1766 in the British colony of Maryland. This building is preserved for its architecture. Originally it was protected as a location that was significant in the life of George Washington. It was believed to be Suter's Tavern, a place George Washington once stayed. The Old Stone House was actually the location of a clock shop owned by the son of the tavern owner. Over time, the history of the two buildings had become mixed up. The museum is open daily to the public and offers excellent insight into the architecture and design of the 1700s. The Culture House This museum is another contemporary art project, located inside an early 1900s Victorian church. The building itself serves as a work of art, as the entire exterior of the church has been painted as a mural. You can find lots of dynamic art and large-scale paintings inside the Culture House. So if you're heading to Washington, D.C., head over to one of these museums while you're there. There are plenty of exciting things to see and learn while exploring our nation's capital, so take some time to check out some of the more unique museums. You are sure to have a good time in the process. 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.

A sip and paint can be a great time for you and your friends! They offer drinks and fun while encouraging you to express yourself creatively. We have come up with a list of what you should know about a sip and paint night. Read it before you go and you are sure to be a pro! more Are They All They're Made Out to Be? Absolutely! Everything you have seen on social media or the internet about sip and paint parties is shared for a reason. They are entertaining, informative, and a fun time with friends, what more could you ask for? Plus, when you are finished you get to take home a masterpiece of your very own. How Long Do They Last? On average a sip and paint class will last around two hours. This allows you to settle in and get comfortable, have some drinks, maybe even enjoy some food, and then paint your picture! This time frame is perfect for a date night, part of a bachelorette party, birthday, or a night out with your friends. Do I Need to Bring Anything? Nothing! All of your art supplies will be provided for you with the cost of the class you are attending. You will be able to use their brushes, paints, and your own canvas to take home. You will want to find out if the alcohol is available for purchase on-site or if you are expected to bring your own. If you are unsure whether the alcohol is available for purchase at the venue, you can always bring a bottle of wine along and leave it in the car, just in case. What Will I be Painting? Usually, it is a preselected photograph of a landscape or nature scene specific to the class you sign up for. Either the instructor will walk you through the steps on their canvas, or you will get a photo of what the final product should look like to view while painting. Some classes also allow you to select and paint your own picture. In those instances, they may provide multiple images for you to pick from or encourage you to come up with your own idea. There really is no right or wrong way to do it. Just have fun with it. Are there Events Near Me? Yes! Right now, there is actually a Taco Tuesday Takeover Sip and Paint available at The Fire Station 1 Restaurant and Bar. It is located at 8131 Georgia Avenue. They will provide you with step by step instruction for your painting. These classes will last through the month of October and are held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. They are taught by local, Tychelle. All of the materials will be provided at this class. In addition to this class, there are other local classes around at The Art Lounge. Whether this is your first or sixth sip and paint, there is always something to learn to make your evening perfect. We hope that your paint night is great and you get to take home a beautiful piece of art you will treasure forever. Enjoy your evening! image via pixabay

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