Having spent most of her life in and around Silver Spring, Debbie Gerald definitely knows her go-to spots in the community. From local parks and coffee spots to farmers markets, get to know more about Debbie in this latest agent spotlight as she shares her favorite places in and around the area.
About Debbie:
“I grew up in Silver Spring and lived in Gaithersburg for awhile where I renovated and sold our home. I came back to Silver Spring to renovate and sell a home in Woodside Park, and then renovated and sold a home in Sligo Park Hills. I recently renovated and moved into a home in Silver Spring’s Cameron Heights neighborhood. (I’m sensing a pattern here!)
I think four renovations is enough for me, but I also said that after three. I am enjoying meeting my new neighbors and exploring my new neighborhood (even though I am pretty familiar because I grew up not too far away) and look forward to many happy years. I can say I am very happy that I moved back to Silver Spring years ago, always something interesting going on in the community.”
Woodmoor Pastry Shop
Republic
Locavino
Where is your go-to spot for a nice dinner out with family and friends?
Love to go to Republic in Takoma Park. Great for dinner and they have a nice happy hour!
Do you have any favorite trails in your neighborhood?
My favorite is to take my dog Winston to Sligo Creek Park. My current home and my last home in are/were both walkable to the park.
Happy hour! Where do you recommend a good spot for a drink?
Coffee is a must. Where is the best coffee in the area?
Kaldi’s hands down. Great vibe. AND…it does not hurt that our office is right next door.
Kaldi’s Social House
Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park
Forest Estates Farmers Market
Have a sweet tooth? What’s the best bakery in town?
Woodmoor Pastry. I remember growing up my mother used to take me in. I try to get the parker house and snowflake rolls for holidays. Remember to pre-order!
Favorite Farmers Markets?
DTSS! I always see so many neighbors and clients. I also like Forest Estates Farmers Market. They choose one farmer each year with the market held in Getty Park.
What’s your favorite park to take a stroll in?
My new favorite is Evans Parkway Neighborhood Park, between Georgia and Dennis.
The park was renovated and offers a playing field and open lawn areas along with a playground and paved area for wheeled play. There are tennis courts, basketball courts, and a picnic area. Plus walking trails, natural meadow areas, and shady woodland areas. It was one of the first pilot projects in the nation to be certified under the Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) Rating System for sustainable site design, construction and maintenance.
After working here in Silver Spring for almost two decades, it’s no secret that we at Go Brent Team love serving our neighbors in this incredible community. Whether it’s buying or selling homes, recommending local partners, or providing real estate advice, we’re always here to help put the spotlight on the best that Silver Spring has to offer.
Now, the spotlight is on us! Get to know more about Go Brent Team: our neighborhoods, favorite local spots, and local service recommendations – all the things we love about living and working in Silver Spring.
Liz Brent
SEVEN OAKS RESIDENT FOR 21 YEARS
I’ve lived in Silver Spring’s Seven Oaks neighborhood for 21 years now. The walkability is a huge plus since the kids could walk to schools and we have easy access to downtown Silver Spring. Kaldi’s Social House is my favorite local spot, it’s conveniently located next door to my office, and so stopping in for morning coffee is a must! I love that they are now offering lunch too.
A great local service provider I’ve found and worked with over the years is Diana Hyatt at the local M&T Bank on Georgia Avenue.
Debbie Gerald
SLIGO PARK HILLS RESIDENT FOR 4 YEARS
I grew up in Silver Spring then moved away, returning 9 years ago to renovate and sell a home in Woodside Park, and then moving to Sligo Park Hills 4 years ago. The close proximity to downtown Silver Spring and Takoma Park was really important to me; I also enjoyed meeting my neighbors, many of whom are the second-generation residents. Kaldi’s is my local coffee shop and I also head to 8407 Kitchen Bar fairly regularly; Woodside Deli’s Turkey Ruebens are also a favorite (think takeout!).
Fantasy Nails at the Woodmoor Shopping Center in Four Corners is my favorite nail salon.
Cari Jordan
WOODMOOR RESIDENT FOR 17 YEARS
I’ve really loved living in Woodmoor for the past 17 years. I enjoy the sense of community – meeting friendly neighbors out in the community walking dogs or playing with kids. When my kids turned 10, I felt very comfortable with them walking themselves to and from friend’s homes in the neighborhood. My kids now also walk to the Sweet Frog in the Woodmoor Shopping Center. Speaking of the shopping center, we really appreciate the great wine and craft beer selection at the Woodmoor Market, and Santucci’s subs can’t be beat! With two kids and a dog life is busy, so KitchKat is a local business that I now use for fresh meal delivery or we may run over to Wheaton for Thai food from Ruan Thai or Ren’s Ramen for amazing, homemade ramen noodle soup.
Two Coconuts in Kensington, owned by a Woodmoor neighbor, is my go to place for hostess and personalized gifts.
Susanna Drayne
NORTH WOODSIDE RESIDENT FOR 16 YEARS
Living in North Woodside has been terrific, especially with the walkability to stores, schools, daycare, and Metro. Living near Sniders is also a big plus – I can do a week’s worth of food shopping in about 30 minutes! Fenwick Beer & Wine has been a welcome addition to the local scene. Not only do they have a phenomenal selection of wine and beer, but they also host free Friday evening tastings.
A great local shop we use regularly is the Jalal Barber Shop on Georgia Avenue near Seminary Place.
Linda Magolda
WOODSIDE PARK RESIDENT FOR 2 YEARS
I live in Woodside Park, where I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s. I left the area and lived in New Jersey for the better part of 40 years, and just recently returned to Silver Spring to be closer to my family. The neighborhood holds memories for me, and coming back has been very nostalgic. I often walk with my dog, and enjoy the beautiful homes, trees, and landscaped gardens. The community is filled with friendly people — many fellow walkers and runners, and of course, canine buddies (and neighborhood cats too!)
The downtown I remember as a child was a smaller place; today’s city is bustling. I especially enjoy going to the year round Farmers Market in the heart of Silver Spring, and must also mention Sniders and Mrs. K’s Toll House Restaurant, which have been around as long as I have! Silver Spring was a fun place to be growing up as a child, and it’s equally as exciting returning as a seasoned citizen.
Tammy Thomas
WOODSIDE PARK RESIDENT FOR 33 YEARS
Having lived in Woodside Park for 33 years now, I truly appreciate the unique homes offering so much charm and appeal. Of course, our neighbors make this place special and we look forward to our annual Luzerne Block Party each year. Silver Spring offers so much — we enjoy dining at Mi Rancho and Mrs. K’s Toll House Restaurant, walking around the weekend farmers market, shopping at Sniders, and frequenting the Woodmoor Pastry Shop. It’s also wonderful to have Sligo Creek Park’s walking trails and golf course close by; I have fond memories of teaching our daughters to ride their bikes there!
For a special treat, we head to Velatis on Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring; this local business has been making delicious caramels and other sweets since 1866.
Beth Stanton
WOODSIDE RESIDENT FOR 13 YEARS
We moved to Woodside from a nearby Silver Spring neighborhood (Sligo Branview) — we were looking to be closer to Metro, and were hopeful that downtown Silver Spring’s revitalization would come to fruition. So now 13 years later, we’ve love living inside the Beltway, walking to downtown Silver Spring, and having easy access to DC! Living and working in Silver Spring offers me a great work/life balance – I’ve got a 5-minute commute down Georgia Avenue and I’m able to be home with my kids after school. One of my favorite local restaurants is the Big Greek Café – their Greek salads are delicious! My kids are huge fans of Olazzo, and I recently learned they do catering which has come in handy when I need to feed a crowd.
There are many local businesses that I depend on, but two come to mind. John Greenan & Sons Jewelers on Fenwick Lane is a wonderful family-owned business. From watch batteries to jewelry repairs to gifts, it’s a local place I know I can trust. I like to entertain and was thrilled to find We’re Having a Party, located off Brookeville Road, for dependable but inexpensive party rentals – think tables, chairs, tablecloths, and more.
