Tag Archives: Silver Spring

Go Brent Agent Spotlight: Liz Brent

photo via source of the spring

After living in the Seven Oaks neighborhood for over 23 years and working in many local neighborhoods, Liz Brent knows Silver Spring inside and out. From parks to coffee shops, Liz shares some of her favorite go-to spots in the community. If you want to keep up with Liz, follow her on Facebook or Instagram.

What’s the best breakfast or brunch spot in town?

Fenton Cafe for crepes and Italian coffee! 

Get active! Are there any good hikes or bike trails in the area?

Sligo Creek is the best; I really love living close to it. Walking, jogging, and biking – I do it all. I’ve also started walking several days a week to the Go Brent office too.

Caffeine Rush: What’s your favorite coffee spot?

We are lucky to have great options for independent coffee shops but Kaldi’s is right next door to our office, so that’s my go-to!

Have a sweet tooth? What’s the best bakery in town?

I’ll go with caramels – Velatis.

What are fun weekend activities to do in the neighborhood?

Ice skating in the fall and winter! Walk to Ertters for a popsicle! An Ertters popsicle run was a regular after-dinner thing when my 3 kids were young.  It got them out of the house, we saw friends and neighbors along the way and there was an inexpensive treat at the end.  

Favorite Farmer’s Markets?

I’m lucky to be just 3 blocks from the SS Farmer’s Market.  

Are there any cool historical spots worth visiting?

Many! One that’s less well known is the tiny Battleground National Cemetery on Georgia Avenue in Brightwood. It was commissioned by President Lincoln for Union soldiers who fought at Fort Stevens. I’m an old cemetery fan.  

What’s your favorite park to take the kids and/or pets to or just take a stroll in?

My Ridgeback Tess is a regular at Ellsworth Urban Dog Park or we head over and walk at Sligo Creek.  When my kids were young, we hung out at either “The Sunny Park”, on Ellsworth or “The Shady Park” by the creek on Bennington. 

Go Brent Agents Recognized by Washingtonian

Go Brent is local, small and mighty! We are excited to have five agents recognized in Washingtonian’s Top Agents List which hit newsstands this month. Liz Brent, Cari Jordan, Debbie Gerald, and The Thomas Group – Tammy Thomas & Natalie Thomas were all listed among Washington’s Top-Producing Agents.

Washingtonian magazine annually recognizes agents and teams producing the highest sales volume in the area.

We’re proud of our agents’ good work and thrilled to work with such amazing clients.

Listing Spotlight: 1917 Grace Church Road

Under construction in desirable North Woodside!

This custom 4-bedroom Dutch colonial is designed and built specifically for the lot and neighborhood.

Property Details:

Address: 1917 Grace Church Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

Bed / Bath:
5 Bedrooms / 5 Baths

Price:
Offered at $1.238M

Square Footage:
4,288 Square Feet

The main level features a formal living room, formal dining room and open concept kitchen with center island seating area and family room with fireplace and breakfast nook. A main level den or guest room is serviced by a private full bath. The second floor has a master suite with large bath and walk in closet. The second bedroom has an en-suite bath as well. Bedrooms 3 and 4 share a bath. The laundry room is centrally located on the upper level. The lower level offers a bedroom and full bath along with large family/playroom. 

Click to view Grace Church Road Floor Plans PDF

Click to view Grace Church Road Elevations PDF

Hardie Plank siding and Boral trim provide low maintenance long lasting exterior. There will also be a thermal slate front walkway and stone foundation accents. The home will feature custom cabinets, high-end appliances, wide plank hardwood flooring, and upgraded trim/doors/finishes. Bathrooms with custom tile design, heated floors, glass enclosures, upgraded finishes and fixtures. No builder grade materials anywhere in the house.

1917 Grace Church Road is conveniently located inside the Beltway near local shops including Snider’s Grocery, Woodside Deli, ALDI, Goldberg’s Bagels, and CVS. Montgomery Hills Park offers a playground , basketball court, and tennis court; hike/bike local trails in Sligo Creek Park, Capital Crescent Trail, or Rock Creek Park. The local public elementary school is located in the neighborhood. It’s an easy walk or drive to downtown Silver Spring’s restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and year-round farmers market. Commuters have quick access to local bus routes, Forest Glen and Silver Spring Metros, and the future Purple Line as well as Georgia Avenue, 16th Street, and the Beltway.  An active neighborhood association keeps the community connected.

This is truly a one of kind custom home!

Click here for more details on the property listing

Interested in more information? Please let us know how we can help:

The Area’s Best Local Summer Festivals

The official start of summer is right around the corner but doesn’t mean the summer spirit hasn’t around come into full gear! We’ve put together a list of the most fun and most entertaining summer festivals and events in the area. Get out your dancing shoes, check out some art, try an array of great food and much more at these fun summer festivals. There’s a little bit of something for everyone!

Silver Spring Thursday Night Summer Concert Series

Put on your “dancing flip-flops!”  Silver Spring’s Thursday night Summer Concerts are a perfect, free night out for the whole family. You can groove to the tunes on long summer nights while your kids enjoy games and face painting.  Silver Spring’s long running and popular Thursday Night Concerts kickoff on June 20 with a mix of crowd favorites and new offerings in the Silver Spring Season.  The concert series features a raffle with free prizes for adults as well as toys and gifts for kids.   

Event Info:

When: Thursdays from 7pm-9pm // June 20 – August 8th
Where: Silver Spring Civic Building, Veterans Plaza, One Veterans Place.
Cost: Free!

World Heritage Festival

Taste delicious ethnic food from Nigeria, Jamaica, Thailand, Greece and get refreshed with a scoop of ice cream or shaved ice or even a fresh smoothie!! Enjoy a cultural performance show with folk dances from Bolivia, Brazil, Egypt, Turkey and much more! You will have an array of vendors to choose from with more than 60 artists displaying everything from fine art to jewelry, ceramics to crafts, and every creative item in between.

Event Info:

When: Sunday, June 23rd
Where: Silver Spring Civic Building, Veterans Plaza, One Veterans Place.
Cost: Free!

K-Town Food Truck Night 

Don’t want to cook dinner? Go to Food Tuck Night in Old Town Kensington every 1st and 3rd Thursday night. Theres great food and music for the family to enjoy!

Event Info:

When: Every 1st and 3rd Thursdays May thru October from 5 – 8pm
Where: 10417-10419 Armory Ave., Kensington, MD 20895
Cost: Free!

Silver Spring Arts & Crafts Summer Fair

Come out to the annual Arts and Crafts Summer Fair to see over 60 arts and crafts vendors, cultural dance performances, and food vendors.

Event Info:

When: Sunday, July 14, 2 – 8pm
Where: 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Cost: Free!

Kensington Summer Movie Nights

Kensington Fire Department puts on this great family event. Bring your kids to the park for a night viewing of classic movies, including ‘The Princes Bride’! There will also be food trucks before the movie!

Event Info:

When: Saturday, June 22 and Saturday, July 23 at 6:30pm – 10pm
Where: St. Paul Park, Kensington, MD 20895
Cost: Free!

Latin Heritage Fiesta

A celebration of Latin Heritage with amazing food, over 60 art vendors, and dance performances. It will be a big party that the family will love!

Event Info:

When: August 11, 2 – 8pm
Where: 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Cost: Free!

4th of July Parade and Fireworks

Go see Takoma Park’s 130th Independence Day Celebration! This year’s theme is Community Heroes and leading the parade will be our Grand Marshals, Takoma Park’s First Responders. This event is a great way to start your 4th of July celebrations!

Event Info:

When: Parade starts at 10am. Evening activities starts at 7pm
Where: 7500 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912-4939
Cost: Free!

Shorts and Sundress Summer Jam

Break out those shorts and sundresses the weather is going to be great for dancing! DJ Lineup: TMF, The Underground, DJ Cel, Handz on Radio, and Tommy Wickens aka A Plane, Cyberjamz Radio. Food and drinks will be provided by Nich’s Kitchen.

Event Info:

When: Parade starts at 10am. Evening activities starts at 7pm
Where: Polka Dot Park, 4320 Hamilton Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781
Cost: $8

Riverdale Park Station Summer Concert Series

Celebrate the start of Summer with the 2nd annual Summer Music Concert Series. This series will feature local artists from the DMV area every Friday from 6pm-8pm in Bear Square.

Event Info:

When: Friday evenings from 6pm-8pm
Where: Riverdale Park Station, 6621 Baltimore Avenue, Riverdale Park, MD 20737
Cost: FREE!

Yappy Hour at Republic

Grab your pup and join The Big Bad Woof for Yappy Hour at Republic! This event takes place on the last Sunday of each month through October. There will be treats and samples for the pups and tasty food and drink specials for the humans.

Event Info:

When: June 30 from 3pm – 5pm
Where: 6939 Laurel Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Cost: FREE!

Denizens Second Location is Now Open in Riverdale Park

The beloved Silver Spring brewery, Denizens Brewing Co., has branched out to Prince George’s County, opening their second location in Hyattsville’s Riverdale Park Station.

The 150-seat taproom offers not only their popular go-to brews, but an array of seasonal specials, cocktails, and wine that can fit any palate. The kitchen serves many pub-style eats from burgers and wings to steamed mussels — as well as dishes that incorporate many of their signature brews.

Denizens is located at: 4550 Van Buren St, Riverdale Park, MD 20737

Taproom Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 11pm
Friday and Saturday: 11am – 1pm
Brunch is served 11am – 3pm every weekend.

StoryCorps Is Coming To Silver Spring

StoryCorps, a National Public Radio (NPR) production, is coming to Silver Spring from April 23 through May 22.

StoryCorps is a non profit organization which has been in operation since 2003, their work captures and records meaningful conversations between individuals. One feature of this production is their Mobile Tour which showcases their mobile recording studio, the MobileBooth, which is a silver trailer that travels across the United States recording over 1000 conversations annually.

The MobileBooth will be parked outside of Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring. Slots are available for anyone who wants to have a meaningful conversation with someone in your life. The first batch of appointments will be available on April 9th, and the a second batch of appointments will be made available on April 24th. 

You and your conversation partner will have your conversation recorded for up to 40 minutes. You will get a copy of your recorded conversation and with your permission, they will preserve and store your recording in the Library of Congress.

To learn more about StoryCorps & register, visit their website.

The Area’s Best Upcoming Spring Festivals

The sun is out and the weather is letting up — which means Spring has finally sprung! We’ve put together a list of the most fun and most entertaining spring festivals and events in the area. Take your family, go on a date, even take a stroll alone! These fun festivals have something for everyone.

Monthly Art Walk Dates Set!

Tour the public artwork of Silver Spring on a Summer monthly artwork that will kick-off on Thursday, April 18 from 5:30-8:00pm.  Organized by the Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District, and Silver Spring Urban District, and Montgomery Planning Department, April’s tour will feature painted murals in Silver Spring. 

Festival Info:

When (and how to register):
Thursday, April 18 at 5:30PM – 8PM
Thursday, May 30 at 5:30PM – 8PM
Thursday, June 13 at 5:30PM – 8PM
Where: Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District

Takoma Egg Hunt!

Come down to Piney Branch Elementary School for an egg-tastic time with your kids. This free event has age categories for the little guys all the way up to the big kids. This event is sure to put a smile on everyone face!

Festival Info:

When: Saturday, April 20, 10:00AM
Where: Piney Branch Elementary School
Cost: FREE!

Visit website for more details

Takoma Art + Wine Hop

A full weekend of art and live performances is planned in Takoma (MD and DC) for the 11th annual Art Hop Arts Fest. The work of over 100 artists will be installed INSIDE the shops, restaurants, galleries and cafes of Takoma creating a lively arts district.

Festival Info:

When:
Saturday, April 27 from 11:00AM-5:00PM
Sunday, April 28 from 10:00AM – 3:00PM
Where: Main Street Takoma
Cost: FREE!

Visit website for more details

KENSINGTON DAY OF THE BOOK FESTIVAL

Old Town Kensington celebrates International Day of the Book with this fun book festival. There will be live music, food trucks, poetry reading, a children’s stage, and of course lots of books!

Festival Info:

When: Sunday, April 28, 2019 from 11am-4pm
Where: 3716 – 3786 Howard Ave, Kensington, MD 20895
Cost: FREE!

Visit website for more details

Image Via: Anniversary Festival Facebook

HYATTSVILLE ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL

Come celebrate Hyattsville 133 years! There will be a parade to kick off the celebration and be sure not to miss out on the Anniversary Carnival happening the whole weekend. To top the day off there will be fireworks in the park!

Festival Info:

When: Saturday, April 27 starts at 11:00AM
Where: Magruder Park Recreation Center 3911 Hamilton St, Hyattsville, MD 20781
Cost: Parade and Fireworks FREE!

Visit website for more details

TAKOMA PORCH MUSIC FESTIVAL

Come down to Old Town Takoma Park to listen to live music from the porches! There will be over 20 porches and 50 bands performing in the neighborhood. Come walk around, meet your neighbors, and enjoy live music.

Festival Info:

When: Saturday, May 11 from 2:00-6:00
Where: Old Town Takoma Park, on a porch near you! For exact locations and performances check out the link above.
Cost: FREE!

Visit website for more details

Image via: Pizzeia Paradiso

SPRING FEST

Pizzeria Paradiso Hyattsville is putting on the second annual Spring Fest! There will be pizza, a large variety of beer, games, art and music. Come ready for great food, beer and company!

Festival Info:

When:Saturday, June 8 from 12:00-5:00 PM
Address: 4800 Rhode Island Ave., Hyattsville, MD
Cost: 10-50$

Visit website for more details

Image Via: Silver Spring Blues Festival Facebook

SILVER SPRING 11TH ANNUAL BLUES FESTIVAL

Come down to Downtown Silver Spring for an all day block party with great music, food, vendors, and arts. This two stage music festival is great for a family day outing.

Festival Info:

When: Saturday, June 15 starting at 10:00AM
Where: 920 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
Cost: FREE!

Visit Website for more details

Are these Local Hotspots on your Radar?

It’s great to see the influx of restaurants, markets, and breweries providing a variety of options for a quick bite, a happy-hour hang-out spot, or a nice dinner. If you are looking for a new place to enjoy food, drink, and friends, we’ve got you covered!

Here are a few of our favorites – local hotspots receiving rave reviews and new places we’re eagerly anticipating:

Cielo Rojo

Where: Takoma Park
Website: www.cielo-rojo.com

Cielo Rojo is a family owned fine-casual Mexican restaurant in the heart of Takoma Park, MD. David Perez & Carolina McCandless first met in 2012 at Gracias Madre, an organic vegan Mexican restaurant in San Francisco. 

El Sapo Cuban Social Club

Where: Silver Spring
Website: www.elsaporestaurant.com

El Sapo Cuban Social Club is a hip, festive, forward-thinking Cuban restaurant, and the first of its kind in the D.C. metro area: bright, open, and brimming with energy, fresh mojitos, upbeat music and bold island food.

Pizzeria Paradiso

Where: Hyattsville
Website: www.eatyourpizza.com

Chef/founder Ruth Gresser, started cooking up Neapolitan-style pizzas in Dupont Circle over a quarter century ago. Founded on the spirit of laughter, Pizzeria Paradiso evokes the warmth one feels in the home of a close friend.

Silver Branch Brewing

Where: Silver Spring
Website: www.silverbranchbrewing.com

Silver Branch Brewing Company is a production brewery and taproom located in the heart of Downtown Silver Spring immediately adjacent to the Silver Spring red line metro stop.

Port-au-Prince 

Where: Silver Spring
Website: www.paphaitiancuisine.com

Port-au-Prince (aka “PAP”) Authentic Haitian Cuisine! Hungry for Haitian food? Enraptured by Haitian art? Now you can savor the delights of Haiti’s culinary and artisan offerings right here in the DMV (DC,MD,VA) metropolitan area.

Coming Soon!

The Girl & Vine

Where: Takoma Park
Website: www.thegirlandthevine.com

The Girl & The Vine is a market, it’s a café and deli, and it has a bar component to it as well. The Girl & The Vine is where you go for your everyday wine, or a unique bottle of something a bit more interesting

Denizens Brewing Co.

Where: Riverdale Park
Website: www.denizensbrewingco.com

The Silver Spring-based Denizens Brewing Co. recently broke ground on construction on its second location. Coming to Riverdale Park in early Spring 2019!

New Real Estate Pricing Stats

We have real estate pricing stats with data through year-end 2018. The stats cover the past ten years of home sales. We have stats available for zip codes in Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Kensington, Hyattsville, Riverdale Park, and University Park. Some zip codes show that home prices are near, or exceed, where we were at the top of the market.

We’re happy to share this data with you. Fill out the form below to request your copy and we’ll send to you via email. If you’d like to meet in person for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your home and current market conditions, you can also request a personal consult below.

Ready to get started? Please contact us to schedule a free consultation.

Casseroles for a Cause is Back!

After the positive feedback from the community, our friends at Silver Spring Cares are back with another round of Casseroles for a Cause, starting February 5th through the 28th! Silver Spring Cares will partner once more with Shepherds Table, Interfaith Works – Carroll House Men’s Shelter, The Arc Montgomery County, and Difference Makers. to help collect delicious casseroles that will keep freezers full for many of our vulnerable neighbors in the community.

Read some of the post below and head on over to their website to learn more, see how you can help, and sign up!

“The need is even greater this year as typical donation resources are being shared with other timely issues facing our community. By filling the freezers now in October, organizations will be better situated to prepare and plan for the upcoming months. But we can only do this with your help!”

Sign-up here to participate in the latest Casseroles for a Cause and let’s help make a difference in our community together.