Things to See and Do in Montgomery County, MD

Established by colonists in 1776, Montgomery County made history in 1791 when it ceded 36 square miles, the land known today as Georgetown, to the United States government to help create our Nation's capital. Today, Montgomery County is a hub for technology and politics as well as dining and nightlife. Even with the increase of Metro access (today there is easy metro access to and from almost all sectors of the County from downtown Washington and Northern Virginia), the fact that more than 50 percent of the County's work force continues to work within the County speaks to the community bonds of Montgomery County as well as to the diversity of attractions.

Spring and Summer Highlights

Washington | Arlington | Alexandria |  Montgomery County  

Glen Echo
Glen Echo Park is a magical place that will thrill all ages. Located on the Potomac palisades near Bethesda, Maryland, Glen Echo was originally a Chautauqua retreat and then an amusement park. Today, this unique National Park hosts a wide variety of arts, environmental and history programs. Throughout the year, the Puppet Co. Playhouse will delight the park's youngest visitors, while anyone who loves to dance will revel in the social dances held in the beautifully restored 1933 Spanish Ballroom. Open to the public, for all ages, with no prior experience or partner required, most of the social dances offer an introductory lesson and live music. For more information, visit Glen Echo's web site.

Strathmore Hall Arts Center
Strathmore Hall, a Colonial Revival style mansion built in the late 1800s, and the Music Center at Strathmore, a new 1,976-seat concert hall and education center built on the property, have together become one of Montgomery County's most beloved gems. Currently, the grand estate and music center are home to exhibits by both national and local artists; concert series of chamber, folk, and jazz music; afternoon musical teas; lectures on music, art and poetry; as well as unique shopping opportunities. To plan your visit, check Strathmore's web site.

Bethesda Art Walk
On the second Friday of every month, year-round, 12 downtown Bethesda, Maryland, galleries and studios open their doors from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. for the Bethesda Art Walk. Local, national and international works are showcased each night, including painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media. Stroll downtown Bethesda's streets and duck into any of its 150+ restaurants for a bite to eat, or hop aboard the free Bethesda Circulator bus, which runs continuously throughout the duration of the Art Walk. For a map of participating galleries, visit the Bethesda Art Walk web site.

More Highlights: Washington | Arlington | Alexandria

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