Per the Maryland Department of Natural Resources: With colors intensifying across the state this week, parts of Maryland are right on the cusp of peak leaf change. The mountains of western Maryland are seeing bold shades of amber, crimson and gold, while other regions of our state are reporting marked increases in autumnal hues, spreading further along the tree canopies in central, northern, and southern Maryland. This weekend’s weather promises to bring warmer than average temperatures to the region, and we’re embracing the shift – and the burst in fall color – by including some of our best locations to enjoy a walk in the woods at one of our state parks and forests.
“Fall has arrived in full splendor” in Frederick County, according to Cunningham Falls State Park Manager Mark Spurrier. Cunningham Falls is located in the picturesque Catoctin Mountains, an ideal spot for viewing fall’s bounty of colors. Aaron Cook, Project Manager/Forester in Clear Spring, predicts Washington and Frederick counties will reach peak leaf change next week as the area enjoys another weather pattern of sun-filled days and crisp, starry nights.
Per the Office of the Maryland Governor: Governor Wes Moore today launched the historic Service Year Option, the first-in-the nation public service year program for high school graduates. The governor was joined by fellow service champions Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller; First Lady Dawn Moore; Department of Service and Civic Innovation Secretary Paul Monteiro and several cabinet members; University of Maryland President Darryll Pines; legislators, program host employers, and program participants for a festive kickoff event at the University of Maryland, College Park’s Reckord Armory.
“By calling Marylanders to serve – and serve together – we will ensure our citizens develop skills to meet society’s needs. I look on this inaugural cohort and I see courage, compassion, and vision. I am so grateful for your willingness to raise your hands and join this new endeavor,” said Gov. Moore. “You are the trailblazers who will define not just the future of these programs, but the future trajectory of our state. Service isn’t a vision we claim, it’s a tradition we inherit. Service will save us.”
The DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival is coming to Montgomery County on November 7 & 8, 2026, at the Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse in Germantown, Maryland. Get ready to sip, sample, shop, and enjoy a full weekend of family-friendly fun!
Sip, Sample & Shop
Get ready to explore a festival floor filled with top chocolate makers, coffee roasters, bakeries, specialty food vendors, artisan brands and small businesses from across the region and beyond. Sample new flavors, meet the people behind the products and shop directly from the talented makers and businesses who created them.
Experience Chocolate History
One of the highlights of this year’s festival is a large-scale chocolate sculpture of George Washington on horseback, created by award-winning chocolate artist Paul Joachim.
The sculpture will be part of a special exhibit exploring chocolate’s place in early American history. Guests can see the sculpture up close, sample colonial-style drinking chocolate, and shop the exclusive Collector’s Heritage Box inspired by the historic drink. It’s a unique opportunity to experience chocolate through art, history, and taste all in one place.
Seminars, Demonstrations & More
Visit the Sip & Share Seminar Classroom for educational sessions and demonstrations throughout the weekend, all included with your festival admission. Explore topics ranging from ancestral cacao in the Ecuadorian Amazon and the realities of starting a coffee business to craft chocolate and festival trivia. Learn directly from experts and makers as they share their knowledge, demonstrate their craft and offer a closer look at how their products are made.
Fun for All Ages
The DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival offers an experience the whole family can enjoy. Kids under 12 receive free admission with a ticketed adult and can get creative at our complimentary kids’ craft tables. Festival mascots Chunk & Bean will also be on-site for meet-and-greets and photo opportunities throughout the weekend. Families can even shop for Chunk & Bean plushies, children’s books and other kid-friendly items.
Whether you’re a serious chocolate lover, a coffee enthusiast, a foodie or simply looking for a fun fall outing, there’s something for everyone to see, taste, shop and enjoy.
Save on Tickets
The DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival Maryland Edition takes place November 7 & 8, 2026, at the Adventist HealthCare Fieldhouse in Germantown, Maryland.
MoCo Show readers can use code MOCO10 at checkout to save 10% on online festival tickets. Grab your tickets and get ready to sip, sample and shop at one of the sweetest weekends of the fall!
The National Zoo announced on Wednesday that Giant pandas Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji will leave for China by mid-November. “Make sure to plan your visit or tune in online to the Giant Panda Cam for your panda fix.” Entry passes are required for all Zoo guests, however they are free.
As part of the terms of the Zoo’s current Giant Panda Cooperative Research and Breeding Agreement with the China Wildlife Conservation Association, all three giant pandas will return to China by Dec. 7 when the agreement ends. The Zoo entered into this agreement in Dec. 2000 when Mei Xiang and Tian Tian arrived at the Zoo. More information below:
The City of Gaithersburg celebrates and honors Native American Heritage Month in November with an educational presentation and proclamation highlighting the culture, heritage, and achievements of our Native American neighbors.
Per the City of Gaithersburg: Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultural traditions and proud ancestry of Native Americans & recognize the vital contributions they have made and continue to make to the art, history, traditions & diversity of our society.
We ❤️ Teachers 5K celebrates educators through movement. On race day, runners and walkers across the country will participate in host city races, school celebrations, and virtual events — all in support of teachers and educator wellness. We'll be in beautiful Wheaton Regional Park, Join Us!
Walk it. Run it. Move for the teacher who moved you.
The entire community is invited to join the City of Gaithersburg for its annual Veterans Day Observance on Saturday, November 11, 2023, honoring & recognizing all U.S. military personnel who play an important role in safeguarding our nation & our future. The observance takes place at 11 a.m. at the City Hall Concert Pavilion.
Per the City of Gaithersburg: The patriotic ceremony will include words and music to commemorate the occasion, followed by a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. City officials and members of local veterans groups will be on hand to honor those who have served in all branches of the military.
Tacos Way is now open at 8777B 1st Ave in Silver Spring. A couple weeks back Montgomery County’s Alcoholic Beverage Services (ABS) announced that the restaurant recently received its alcohol license and exterior signage has recently was installed. The restaurant posted on its website and on social media that it is now open. Menu items include tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, salads, and chimichangas.
According to its website, “All of our taco flavors are inspired by delicious Mexican flavors.” Tacos Way has an additional location at 10540 York Rd in Cockeysville, MD. We will provide an update when additional information becomes available. Featured image courtesy of Tacos Way on Facebook. The news of the opening was first reported by Source of the Spring.
Per the State of Maryland: “Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 19 Attorneys General in support of the District of Columbia’s efforts to restrict the capacity of firearms magazines within its borders. The coalition filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, arguing that D.C.’s law that prohibits possession and sale of largecapacity magazines comports with the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution because these magazines are not commonly used for self-defense.
“Large-capacity magazines can cause mass casualties within a matter of seconds and must be restricted to ensure the safety of our communities,” said Attorney General Brown. “Those restrictions are constitutionally sound and should be upheld to combat rising and more extreme gun violence.” The case, Hanson v. District of Columbia, concerns the constitutionality of a D.C. law that allows for possession and sale of firearms magazines that accept up to 10 rounds of ammunition, but prohibits larger capacity magazines. The case was brought by plaintiffs who claimed that the law violates their Second Amendment rights. A U.S. District Court concluded that the plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed on the merits of that claim, and, therefore, allowed the law to remain in effect while the case proceeds. The plaintiffs then appealed the decision to a higher court.
Permanent signage is up at EggMania (385 Muddy Branch Rd), which is taking over the space formerly occupied by Curry Place, next to Indian Bazaar in Gaithersburg. The menu consists of egg-centric Indian street food, including a masala omelet, egg curry, and Goti Fry (sliced boiled eggs cooked with ginger, garlic and chili and topped with American cheese and onion-tomato based gravy). EggMania currently has franchises in several states and is currently opening new locations throughout the U.S. The restaurant had its hearing for a beer/wine/liquor license with the Montgomery County ABS back in July.
The restaurant tells us, “There’s lots of misconception when it comes to “EggMania”. In American culture eggs based dishes are primarily used during breakfast whereas in popular Indian street food culture, eggs based dishes are made for entrees and served during lunch / dinner and full menu items, not just breakfast. EggMania is not breakfast place. Hope to serve the community and bring this delicious food options for our MoCo residents and surrounding very soon…!!” No opening date has been announced.
Permanent signage is up and construction continues to progress at the site of Montgomery County’s first Wawa, which will be located at 405 S Frederick Ave, across from Gaithersburg High School. The store is currently accepting applications and there are also multiple job listings for the location on indeed.com. No opening date has been announced, but we would anticipate the store opening in the next few months. Latest photos of the store’s progress can be seen below.
Wawa began in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. Toward the end of the 19th Century, owner George Wood took an interest in dairy farming and the family began a small processing plant in Wawa, Pa, in 1902. The milk business was a huge success, due to its quality, cleanliness and “certified” process. As home delivery of milk declined in the early 1960s, Grahame Wood, George’s grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 as an outlet for dairy products. Today, Wawa has become an “all day, every day stop for fresh, built-to-order foods, beverages, coffee, fuel services, and surcharge-free ATMs, and Boundless Convenience. A chain of more than 950 convenience retail stores (over 750 offering gasoline), Wawa stores are located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Washington, D.C. The stores offer a large fresh food service selection, including Wawa brands such as built-to-order hoagies , freshly brewed coffee , hot breakfast sandwiches , built-to-order specialty beverages , and an assortment of soups, sides and snacks.”
Planning Board selects Sartori after a six-month-long nationwide search for the leader of the nationally renowned 150-staff member Montgomery Planning Department
At its weekly meeting today, the Montgomery County Planning Board announced its appointment of Jason Sartori as Planning Director of the Montgomery County Planning Department, also part of The M-NCPPC. Sartori has been with the department for nearly eight years and has served as Chief of the Countywide Planning and Policy Division since January 2019.
