The first McDonald’s in Montgomery County opened on January 6, 1960, marking the arrival of the fast-food chain locally during its earliest years of expansion. The restaurant was located on the 1300 block of Rockville Pike, near where Best Buy stands today. A newer McDonald’s still operates at that same location.
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded Saturday afternoon to a reported house fire in the 15400 block of Avery Road in Derwood. (more…)
Craftmark’s new decorated model at Watkins Mill Station showcases the builder’s quality and attention to detail.
Now Selling: New Elevator-Ready & Rear Yard Townhomes in Gaithersburg
A MARC Station on Site, Homes Ready for the Holidays, and Grand Opening Incentives!
This October, Craftmark Homes opened the decorated model of their new townhome community, Watkins Mill Station, just north of RIO in Gaithersburg, MD. If you’ve been watching this corner of Montgomery County for what comes next, now’s the time to visit this exciting new townhome opportunity. For a limited time, Craftmark is offering up to $40,000 in Closing Costs/Rate Buy-Down to celebrate their Grand Opening.
Two Plans, Built for How You Live
Craftmark has brought their local area expertise to Watkins Mill Station, where they’re offering two townhome plans from the Upper $800s: The Seneca II, their award-winning, elevator-ready plan with 3-5 bedrooms and up to 3,039 square feet; and The Blueridge, a new design that’s available with a covered deck, private rear yard and up to 2,795 square feet. Both showcase designer-selected finishes, oversized kitchen islands, open layouts, and a two-car garage.
Rendering of the community Pool, Bath House, and Pavilion that Craftmark residents will enjoy at Watkins Mill Station.
Community Amenities for the Whole Family
Residents of Watkins Mill Station will enjoy a community pool and bathhouse with an outdoor pavilion (currently slated to open spring/summer 2027), a tot lot, and a community pocket park with an art installation. In the meantime, Seneca Creek State Park and the Muddy Branch Greenway Trail are close by for walks, runs and time on the water.
Easy Access, With or Without the Car
Uniquely, and especially important for area professionals, Watkins Mill Station features an on-site MARC station, so residents commuting into D.C. can relax or get a head start on their morning rather than driving. The Brunswick Line serves the station on weekdays with commuter trains to and from Union Station, and Rockville is one stop away for riders who need to transfer to the Red Line Metro or Amtrak.
Drivers will enjoy immediate access to I-270 and the Biotech Corridor, and Downtown Crown, Kentlands, RIO, and Olde Towne Gaithersburg are just a short trip for dinner and errands.
Craftmark’s new decorated model home features an in-home elevator and loft level.
Ready to Move? Craftmark Has You Covered.
If you’re looking to settle into a new home and host the holidays in style, Craftmark has Move-In Ready homes available in their model row. Or, do you prefer to select your own finishes? Now’s the time to act to make personal selections for spring move-ins!
Schedule Your Personal Appointment
Craftmark’s model home is open daily 11 AM – 5 PM, and buyers should call or email Bethany (details below!) to schedule a personal appointment to learn more about available homes and how to personalize a floor plan. Don’t forget to ask about limited-time incentives like up to $40,000 in Closing Costs/Rate Buy-Down assistance!
Community Information at A Glance:
Craftmark Homes at Watkins Mill Station
New Elevator-Ready & Rear Yard Townhomes: Now Selling from the Upper $800s
Model Home: 449 Exchange Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Burlington has secured a permit valued at $900,000 to begin construction at the former Big Lots location at 19142 Montgomery Village Avenue. While an opening timeframe isn’t available, a 2026 opening now seems likely.
Scorpio season is shedding season. Let the healing power of gongs help you release what no longer serves you! Gongs have been used since ancient times to banish evil spirits, dispel negative energy and invite sacred intention. Gongs can lead you into the parts of yourself that are ready to be shed so a new cycle can begin. This sound bath will feature four gongs and other healing instruments. Blankets, mats and bolsters are provided. Dress comfortably. Tickets on Eventbrite
Bridgerton is currently the number one show on Netflix in the United States following the premiere of its fourth season. The season is being released in two parts, with part one debuting on January 29 and part two scheduled for February 26, 2026. The hit series was created by Montgomery County native Chris Van Dusen, a Watkins Mill High School Class of 1997 graduate who also attended Daly Elementary School in Germantown.
Maryland recorded a 26 percent decrease in drug overdose deaths in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline, according to provisional data released by Governor Wes Moore.
Many school districts across Maryland and Northern Virginia either closed or opened late every day last week, something NBC4 meteorologist Chuck Bell warned about ahead of last weekend’s winter storm. Now, NBC4 meteorologist Amelia Draper is offering an updated look at the week ahead, asking the question many families are wondering: will schools open next week?
Montgomery County native and musical artist Jay Diamondz is heading to the Grammy Awards as a guest of Gemini Muziq, a producer he has worked closely with on his own music.
Cara Marbury, a 2001 graduate of Colonel Zadok Magruder High School in Montgomery County, has been named DCPS Outstanding Educator of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year.