Tag Archives: Washington DC

The Best Local Fall Festivals!

Fall is here! We’ve moved away from the dog days of summer, but it also means crunchy apples, bright orange pumpkins, spooky festivities, delicious treats, and crisp autumn air. We’ve gathered a list of the most fun and most entertaining fall festivals and autumnal events in the area. Take your family, go on a date, even take a stroll alone! These fun festivals have something for everyone.

Boo At The Zoo

photo via national zoo

The Smithsonian’s famous National Zoo hosts an amazing treat-filled event – BOO AT THE ZOO!

Kids can go trick-or-treating at the wildest spot in town during Boo at the Zoo. Celebrate Halloween early with more than 40 treat stations, a dance party and kids’ karaoke. This frightfully fun evening is a magical time for the whole family. There is candy as well as non-food items to collect as you walk around and explore the zoo.  Many animal enclosures are open as well for zoo-goers. Beer and food are available for purchase at the zoo as well.  Come ready to say “boo!”

Festival Info:

When: Friday, October 18th, Saturday, October 19th & Sunday, October 20th from 5:30 – 8:30pm
Address: Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008
Cost: $20/per person for FONZ members, $30/per person for non-FONZ members

Learn more

Bootanica at Brookside Gardens

photo via Brookside Gardens

Gather the family together for a fun evening! Children can dress in their favorite costume, participate in a garden costume parade, paint a pumpkin, try a pumpkin treat, and top the evening off listening to award-winning storyteller Gary Loyld present “Pumpkin Tales for the Young” telling tales more funny than scary. Designed for kids 3-12.

Festival Info:

When: Friday, October 25th from 5:30 – 8:30pm
Where: Brookside Gardens Visitors Center
1800 Glenallen Avenue
Wheaton, MD 20902
Cost: $18/per child; adults free.

Learn more

Pumpkin Rock N’ Roll

photo via Pumpkin Rock N’ Roll

Join in the Halloween fun at Pumpkin Rock n’ Roll – a full-blown Halloween extravaganza.  Enjoy family-friendly attractions including live musical performances, the pumpkin derby race, food trucks, and a hay maze.

Festival Info:

When: Saturday, October 27th from 12:00-4:00pm
Where: GIGS Courtyard
3762 Howard Ave.
Kensington, MD 20895
Cost: FREE! 

Learn more

Silver Spring Holiday Crafts Desserts & Sweets Festival

photo via Chic Events DC

Just in time for kids’ candies celebration, join us for a delectable excursion in the world of sweets and desserts! Come to Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring for a crafts and dessert fair on Sunday, October 27th. Join the KIDS’ COSTUME PARADE with BEST COSTUME prize from 2:00pm – 2:30pm. Also, don’t forget to get your pumpkin decorating ready just in time for Halloween!!

Festival Info:

When: Sunday, October 27th from 1:00–6:00pm
Where: Veteran’s Plaza – Downtown Silver Spring, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Cost: FREE!

Learn more

Butler’s Orchard: Pumpkin Festival

photo via Butler’s Orchard

Located in upper Montgomery County, Butler’s Annual Pumpkin Festival is the place to be on Fall weekends!

There are so many activities and fun stations, that everyone will have done something they loved by the end of the day. Check out the hayrides, hayloft, straw maze, pony rides, pedal tractors, and face painting! Lots of food vendors on hand to tackle all your fall-food cravings as well!

Festival Info:

When: Weekends October 19/20, October 26/27 & November 2/3
Where: Butler’s Orchard
22222 Davis Mill Road
Germantown, MD 20876
Cost: $12/per person (children 24 months & younger free)

Cash Only at Gate.  ATM on site or purchase tickets at the market with your Visa or MasterCard.

Learn more

Fall Fun Festival at Gaver Farm

photo via Gaver Farm

Fall Fun Fest featuring 7-acre corn maze, farm animal barnyard, giant slides, jumping pillows, mini mazes, wooden play structures, corn bins, pedal kart, country cruisers… over 60 awesome attractions! 

Festival Info:

When: Now thru November 3 from 10:00am-6:00pm daily
Where: Gaver Farm
5501 Detrick Road,
Mount Airy, MD 21771
Cost: Admission $13.50 per person weekends, $9 per person weekdays, kids under 2 free. Season Pass $35 per person.

Learn more

Pet Adoption & Supply Drive Sponsored by The Thomas Group

The Thomas Group is partnering with the Humane Rescue Alliance to host an adoption event to help animals find their FURever home.

Pets from the Humane Rescue Alliance will be available for adoption at our office on Saturday, October 26 from 10AM – 1PM. Come, play, and stay a while – there will be free coffee, treats, belly rubs, and smiles!

We are also sponsoring a pet supply drive during the month of October to benefit the Humane Rescue Alliance. Check out their wish list here; donations can be sent directly to HRA or dropped off at Go Brent office during the month of October.

Go Brent is located at 914 Silver Spring Avenue #103 in downtown Silver Spring (just next door to Kaldi’s Social House).

Go Adopt.
Go Rescue.
Go Brent.

Because everyone deserves their home sweet home!

For more information, contact ThomasGroup@GoBrent.co.

To keep up with the Humane Rescue Alliance, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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.

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.

Get Ahead of the Spring Market

The winter season brings little inventory but as you know the DC-area market typically explodes come Spring. If you intend to buy or sell in 2019, now is the perfect time to meet with an agent to ensure you have a strategy in place and don’t miss out.

Go Brent agents are full-time Realtors who have an unrivaled command of the local market. In 2018, we successfully assisted our clients to buy and sell 145 homes.

Put our expertise to work for you – contact Go Brent to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to talking with you!

Go Brent Welcomes Don Bunuan

Go Brent is expanding once again! We are excited to welcome Don Bunuan to the team. Don is a realtor licensed in Maryland and DC.

“A successful full-time realtor, Don works with both buyers and sellers. Don is best known for his honesty, integrity, attentive service, and ability to effectively communicate with clients. A lifetime DC-area resident, Don focuses his business efforts on the Hyattsville area as well as the Route 1 corridor. Prior to starting his real estate career, Don worked as both a high school teacher and managing grants and contracts for the Department of Education. Don’s excellent communication and negotiation abilities, along with his experience writing contracts, serve him well as he helps clients navigate the process of buying or selling a home.”

To learn more about Don, visit his team profile.

As a dynamic real estate team, Go Brent looks for full-time agents who are dedicated to providing our clients with excellent customer service. If you are a real estate agent licensed in Maryland and/or Washington, D.C. and are interested in learning more about our team, please contact us: liz@gobrent.co.

Celebrate the Holiday Season with These Local Events

We live in a fantastic area for holiday events and activities for everyone. Now that Halloween is over and November has started, it’s officially time to start talking and thinking about the holidays. Many get started in November so mark your calendars. Lots of lights, lots of crafts and lots of fun! These holiday activities have something for all interests and ages.

Downtown Silver Spring Tree Lighting

Every year the fountain gets transformed into a gorgeous themed Christmas tree! Last year it was the bikes and the lights. What will it be this year? Come on down to the lighting and street fest. This is a great family event and who doesn’t love a surprise tree and holiday shopping?!

Date: Saturday, November 10th from 6-9pm
Where: Downtown Silver Spring Fountain/Ellsworth Ave.
Cost: FREE

Click here for more info: Downtown Silver Spring Tree Lighting

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

If you love walking through the gorgeously maintained gardens during the fall and spring you will absolutely adore how they are transformed into a twinkling walkway of holiday delight! With some holiday-themed creatures and some regular sparkly tree lights, bring your strollers and puffy coats to walk through the garden wonderland.

Dates: Runs from November 16th through January 1, 2019
Where:Brookside Gardens 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD 20902
Cost: $25 per Car/Van (Sunday-Thursday) // $30 per Car/Van (Friday-Saturday)

Click here for more info: Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Silver Spring Thanksgiving Parade

Held in downtown Silver Spring, line up along Ellsworth and up around Georgia Avenue.  There are so many incredible performances like Girl Scouts, cultural dancers and fun floats that march along to kick off the holiday season.  The exciting parade traditionally heralds the start of the holiday season.  It also is televised live on News Channel 8 and rerun on Thanksgiving Day. Check it out live or on TV!

Date: Saturday, November 17th at 10am
Where: Downtown Silver Spring
Cost: FREE

Click here for more info: Silver Spring Thanksgiving Parade

ZooLIGHTS

The Smithsonian’s famous National Zoo hosts a light display with fun activities for the family!

Walk up and down the zoo hill for events like “snow” tubing and riding the carousel. The lights abound on trees, walkways and bushes throughout the zoo. Some animal houses are even open late for viewing. As always, there is food and drinks available for purchase.

Dates: November 23rd through January 1, 2019
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008
Cost: FREE (rides and activities cost money via ticket books purchased at the event)

Click here for more info: ZooLIGHTS

5th Annual DC Brau Holiday Market

For the 5th year in a row, the brewery will be transformed into a crafters’ marketplace for one day only — perfect for visitors to start (and finish) their holiday shopping with unique wares from more than 40 local artists & artisans in a unique indoor setting. There will be live Music by Reed Appleseed & DJ Budman, food trucks, and games & activities for everyone and lots of delicious DC Brau beer!!

Date: Saturday, November 24th
Cost: VIP TICKETS – $10 EACH: Includes early admission at 1PM for an extra hour of shopping and a free branded DC Brau tote.  // GENERAL ADMISSION – FREE – doors open at 2PM.

Click here for more info: DC Brau Holiday Market

Small Business Saturday on Main Street Takoma

A fairly self-explanatory event that supports local businesses the day after Black Friday. Shop small. Shop local. Support your neighbors and friends on SBS!

Date: Saturday, November 24th
Where: Main Street Takoma
Cost: Whatever you are willing to spend at local businesses in Takoma Park

Click here for more info: Small Business Saturday on Main Street Takoma

2018 American Holiday Festival

Get free tickets to this annual kick-off concert for the Washington, DC, holiday season, performed by the talented musicians of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” at DAR Constitution Hall. Be sure to log on and print your free tickets for entry! Enjoy the sounds of the holiday season with this fantastic free concert!

Date: Saturday, December 1st @3pm
Where: DAR Constitution Hall
Cost: FREE

Click here for more info: 2018 American Holiday Festival

The Area’s Best Fall Festivals!

It’s FINALLY fall! Yes, fall means back to school and moving away from the dog days of summer, but it also means crunchy apples, bright orange pumpkins, delicious treats, and crisp autumn air.  We’ve gathered a list of the most fun and most entertaining fall festivals and autumnal events in the area. Take your family, go on a date, even take a stroll alone! These fun festivals have something for everyone.

Image via: National Zoo

BOO AT THE ZOO

The Smithsonian’s famous National Zoo hosts an amazing treat-filled event – BOO AT THE ZOO!

Come dressed up in costume ready to trick or treat at over 40 treat stations! There is candy as well as non-food items to collect as you walk around and explore the zoo.  Many animal enclosures are open as well for zoo-goers.  The decorations and spooky art installations make for a hilariously scary walk from station to station. Beer and food are available for purchase at the zoo as well.  Come ready to say “boo!” And collect yummy treats! All ticket holders get a free treat bag to hold your goodies!

Festival Info:

When: Friday, October 19th, Saturday, October 20th & Sunday, October 21st from 5:00 – 8:00pm

Address: Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute
3001 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20008

Cost: $20/per person for FONZ members, $30/per person for non-FONZ members

Parking Pass: $15, or you can take METRO at the regular commuter cost of the trip

Image via: eventbrite

Silver Spring Fall Fair

Come down on a Sunday afternoon to Veterans Plaza for the Silver Spring Fall Fair! You can taste yummy fall cookies, sip on hot chocolate or apple cider while your kiddos decorate pumpkins! Walk around, meet your neighbors, look at local arts & crafts vendors and celebrate FALL!

Festival Info:

When: Sunday, October 21st from 1:00– 6:00pm

Where: Veteran’s Plaza – Downtown Silver Spring
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Cost: FREE!

Image via: Montgomery Parks

BOOtanica at Brookside Gardens

Bring your kids to Brookside Gardens for a fun pumpkin-filled evening! Children can dress up in their Halloween costume, march through the gardens in a costume parade and paint pumpkins.  There are also pumpkin treats to try all while listening to award-winning storyteller Gary Lloyd present “Pumpkin Tales for the Young” telling tales that are more funny than scary.

Festival Info: 

When: Friday, October 26th from 5:30-8:30pm

Where: Brookside Gardens Visitors Center
1800 Glenallen Avenue
Wheaton, MD 20902

Cost: $18/per child (3-13), parents/adults are free. Register at ActiveMontgomery

Image via: Pumpkin Rock N’ Roll

Pumpkin Rock n’ Roll

Join in the Halloween fun at Pumpkin Rock n’ Roll – a full-blown Halloween extravaganza. Participate in a costume parade and enjoy family-friendly attractions including live musical performances, food trucks, inflatable rides and slides, and a hay maze. Don’t miss the main event: The Pumpkin Roll, a derby race of Halloween pumpkins-turned-boxcars.

Festival Info:

When: Saturday, October 27th from 12:00-4:00pm

Where: Warner Circle Park
Kensington, MD 20895

Cost: FREE! RSVP/Register in advance.

Image via: Butler’s Orchard

Butler’s Orchard: Pumpkin Festival

Located in upper Montgomery County, Butler’s 38th Annual Pumpkin Festival is the place to be on the weekends in October! Families will certainly enjoy this festival with kids! There are so many activities and fun stations, that everyone will have done something they loved by the end of the day. Check out the straw pyramid, pumpkin coach rides, a combine slide, pedal tractors and even get your face painted! There are lots of food vendors to tackle all your fall-food cravings as well!

Festival Info:

When: Weekends in October (13th-14th, 20th-21st & 27th-28th)

Where: Butler’s Orchard
22222 Davis Mill Road
Germantown, MD 20876

Cost: $12/per person CASH ONLY AT THE GATE* (children 24 months & younger free)

*You can use a credit/debit card if you buy tickets at the market

Image via: CertifiKID

Fall Fun Festival at Gaver Farm

The Gaver Farm Fall Fun Festival has so many activities you will have to pack it all in to get everything done! They have everything from pumpkin picking and corn mazes to duck races and a petting zoo.  New this season are cool jump pillows for kids.  Take a weekend to enjoy the farm air and activities at Gaver!

Festival Info:

When: Open Now thru November 4 from 10:00am-6:00pm daily

Where: Gaver Farm
5501 Detrick Road,
Mount Airy, MD 21771

Cost: $13.50 per person weekends, $9 per person weekdays, kids 2 & under free.

Image via: onlyinyourstate

Montpelier Farms Fall Festival

Come enjoy this beautiful farm for their fall festival! They have a corn maze, hay rides and pumpkin- activities galore! Come enjoy fall with arts and crafts and farm-hand activities that the family and kids will love.  While enjoying the festival, pick out some pumpkins to buy for your porch or house! They have a large selection. There are many other activities and events that you can purchase separately at the farm as well like punkin’ chunkin’, pumpkin painting and scarecrow making!

Festival Info:

When: Thru November 4 from 10:00am-6:00pm daily

Where: Montpelier Farm
1720 Crain Highway North
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774

Cost: $12/per person (2 & under are free)

Your Guide to Local Farmers Markets

Photo via: Takoma Park Market

When choosing neighborhoods many buyers look for perks including access to transit, local shops and restaurants, and neighborhood parks. Another perk – farmers markets! Been to one of our local farmers market lately? With the warmer weather expected (finally!) it may be a great time to visit. Many markets are ramping up with special events and new vendors for the spring/summer season.

Check out our local farmers markets for the most up-to-date information:

Downtown Silver Spring FRESHFARM Market

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photo via: FreshFarm Downtown Silver Spring

The FRESHFARM Downtown Silver Spring Market is the second largest in our network of producer-only markets. This bustling, family-friendly market operates every Saturday year-round and boasts over 45 farmers and producers from DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Come and shop for conventional and certified organic fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meat, poultry and eggs, artisan sweet and savory baked goods, fresh milk, butter, and yogurt, goat, cow, and sheep cheeses, charcuterie, fermented foods and pickles, jams, jellies and sauces, honey, fresh oysters and handmade crab cakes, Maryland-made wines, beers, and ciders, flowers and plants, handmade soaps, and more!

Location: 890 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910
On Ellsworth Drive between Fenton Street and Georgia Avenue, and in Veterans Plaza

Hours: Saturdays, 10 am to 1 pm (Jan. to Mar. 2018)
Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm (April to Dec. 2018)

Learn more: http://freshfarm.org/downtown-silver-spring.html

Takoma Park Farmers Market

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Photo via Takomaparkmarket

Join us every Sunday on Laurel Avenue in the lovely historic business district of Takoma Park. You’ll find the freshest local, seasonal produce, breads, pasture raised meats, artisan cheese, eggs, baked goods and more from farms located within 125 miles of Takoma Park, MD. Each week, the market is a lively meeting place for residents and visitors. Street performers often set up along the sidewalks and non-profits share info at the Community Corner creating an enjoyable backdrop to market activities.

Location: Laurel Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912

Hours: Sunday, 10am-2pm, year round

Learn more: http://takomaparkmarket.com/

Bethesda Farm Women’s Market

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Photo via Fiveprime

A unique, intimate, quirky and festive shopping experience in Downtown Bethesda. The Market features great food, drink and music with artisans, crafts and boutique businesses from around the Mid-Atlantic region. Local vineyards and breweries provide tastings and food trucks offer a quick meal.We are a ten minute walk south on Wisconsin Ave from the Bethesda Metro Station at the intersection of Bethesda Ave. and Wisconsin Ave.

Location: 7155 Wisconsin Ave. Bethesda, MD

Hours: Wednesday, Friday & Saturday / Sunday Flea- Outside only / Market Bldg. Open 7:00am – 4:00pm

Learn more: http://farmwomensmarket.com

Kensington Farmers Market

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Photo via: Town of Kensington

Every Saturday from 9am-1pm, the MARC Train Station parking lot on Howard Avenue comes alive with vendors selling a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, meat, breads, olive oil, paella, homemade soaps, cheeses, meat pies, empanadas, cut flowers, cookies and other baked goods.

Location: Historic Train Station at 10417 Howard Ave.

Hours: Open every Saturday year-round, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Learn more: http://tok.md.gov/events/farmers-market/

Eastern Market

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Photo via: Washington.org

You may be familiar with Eastern Market, but checkout this list of local DC neighborhood markets.  Maybe you can make a market stop part of your next trip to DC!

The Latest on the Purple Line Project

photo via The Washingtonian

After years of planning and design, the Purple Line project has begun construction. This work includes the removal of trees and underbrush, establishing fences and environmental protection along the work zone. Utility investigations will also be taking place at many locations along the corridor.

Here’s a wrap-up of work that is underway:

  • The Georgetown Branch Interim Trail is closed until the new trail opens in 2021.
  • Arliss Street in Silver Spring between Flower Avenue and Walden Road is scheduled to be closed through 2020 to allow the construction of the east side of the Plymouth Tunnel. This site, adjacent to the Giant Food Store, will have a fenced construction yard. Access to the Arliss Knolls Townhouses will be maintained.
  • Plymouth Street will also be temporarily closed during the construction of the west side of the tunnel and Manchester Station. However, access for local traffic will be maintained.
  • Work has begun on the site of the Bethesda Metro South Entrance located on Elm Street in Bethesda. This station will eventually provide a connection to Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). This operation will continue for several years.
  • General preconstruction work, including tree removal and site prep, has started along the western side of Veterans Parkway in Riverdale.

Stay up-to-date!

You can subscribe for Purple Line updates here or visit these pages for more info:

Additional responses from the state and the PLCC, the private construction consortium, are expected later this month. You can check the Council website; new items will be added to the “Frequently Requested Documents” section.

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