On August 21, 2023, Montgomery Parks will begin renovating the lighting in the Capital Crescent Trail, Dalecarlia Tunnel, with six ceiling-mounted lights to make the tunnel brighter, safer, and more reliable for commuters, recreational cyclists, and pedestrians.

This work will require narrowing the tunnel down to one lane during the construction day so users should expect slowdowns and stoppages during the work period. Equipment will be removed from the tunnel at the end of the day. Signage will be posted during project workdays. Park Police will be present to assist commuters at both ends of the tunnel during work times.


Glen Echo Park is still reeling after suffering serious damage due to severe storms that rolled through the area a few weeks back. According to a FOX5 report, “Park officials say about 15 trees went down, damaging some of the historical components of the park that have kept generations of families coming back for years. Some of the horses and benches on the carousel were damaged and they’re blocked off with caution tape right now. The organ that plays the music is normally a real organ that is self-playing but the organ was damaged, so they’re playing a recording in the meantime.”

The Park has put together a funding campaign that states the following, “Glen Echo Park Partnership’s programs and events add to the vibrancy of our community, inspiring joy and creativity every day. Thank you for supporting our “Lift Us Up” campaign to recover over $50,000 in losses from storm damage.”, and has raised over $24,000 with a goal of $50,000 to help with repairs.


Eater DC recently released a list of “17 Sandwiches to Try Around D.C. Right Now” and two sandwiches available in Montgomery County have made the list. While there are classic Montgomery County sandwich spots/delis like Twinbrook Deli in Rockville and Filippo’s (formerly Marchone’s) in Wheaton, and newer places that are highly regarded for their sandwiches like Full On Craft in the Norbeck area (technically Rockville) near Olney, and Gemelli’s in Gaithersburg, among others, Eater DC tends to stick to places much closer to D.C.

The first MoCo sandwich listed is the “Chip-wich”, available at The Girl and The Vine in Takoma Park (7071 Carroll Ave). Per Eater DC, “Takoma Park’s adorable cafe and wine shop counts the “Chip-wich” hoagie as one of its most popular orders since day one. The sandwich hides house kettle chips inside for a surprise crunch in every bite, joined by smoked turkey, smashed avocado, pepper jack cheese, bacon, sprouts, and dijonnaise.” The Girl & The Vine, a neighborhood wine, food market and bar located in the heart of the Takoma Park community opened in March 2019. The neighborhood market features a wide selection of food and beverages including wine, beers, cocktails, coffees and teas, as well as sandwiches, salads, bread, meats and cheeses, and more.


While there are many wonderful restaurants in Montgomery County that offer high quality and tasty sushi, Eater DC put together a list of restaurant the website considers to have standout sushi in the D.C. area and has included just one Montgomery County restaurant on its list. Hinata, located at 4947 St. Elmo Ave in Bethesda, is a Japanese grocery store that was opened in the mid 90s by Owner Waka Sakita who once worked at Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji wholesale seafood market. The carryout sushi is a longtime favorite for many local residents, but somewhat of a hidden gem for those who don’t frequent the Downtown Bethesda area.

Eater DC describes Hinata as a “cozy, family-run carryout in Bethesda” that’s “a local favorite for made-to-order rolls and fresh sashimi at an affordable price point. Call ahead or shop for grocery items from Japan while waiting for takeout orders.” With groceries like Japanese candy, tea, dried mushrooms, soy sauce, vinegar, packaged ramen, and more available inside, the sushi counter offers fresh and reasonably priced sashimi, nigiri and rolls. Hinata has a 4.7/5 Google rating with 163 reviews and a 4.5/5 Yelp rating with 161 reviews. Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


Whelan’s Potomac, a family owned and operated Beer & Wine store, recently opened at 9812 Falls Road in Potomac Village. “With our onsite bar with 12 fresh beers on tap as well as curated wines by the glass, we can’t wait to share our space with you.” The beer and wine wrote on its social media. “Whether you’re calling in for a pint or grabbing a few 6-packs and bottles of wine to-go, we aim to offer some of the best selections available in the Village”. The beer and wine is hosting a Grand Opening celebration starting at 3pm on Saturday, August 26th.

Whelan’s is owned and operated by Greg Whelan, who brought McGinty’s Public House to 911 Ellsworth Drive in Downtown Silver Spring, and his wife Emma Whalen, who was co-owner of the recently closed Astro Lab Brewing in Silver Spring.


UPDATE: Montgomery Mall bomb threat determined not valid. Mall has been cleared and turned back over to mall security.

Montgomery County Police tweeted the following on Friday, August 18, at 8:12pm:  “MCPD at Montgomery Mall for reported bomb threat. Mall being evacuated as a precaution. Currently investigating validity of the report. More information will be released when it is available.”


Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Investigative Section are investigating a burglary that occurred on Monday, August 7, 2023, at the Bone Jour store in the 4900 block of Del Ray Ave. in Bethesda. Detectives have released surveillance video of the suspects and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying them.

The investigation has revealed that the rear door of the store was pried open, and a female suspect entered the store.  A bundle of permanent balloons was stolen from outside of the store.


Per Westfield Montgomery: Westfield Montgomery is proud to partner with Bethesda-based non-profit organization, The Napkin Network for the “Napkin Nook” initiative in a testament to the mall’s ongoing commitment to the community. As 1 in 3 families struggle to afford diapers for their children, the Napkin Nook welcomes those in need to take home essential baby items such as diapers and formula, making their parenting journey a little easier. Stationed on the lower level in front of the PlaySpace, the activation aims to bridge the gap between families in need and those eager to help, recognizing the challenges of motherhood and the persistent need within the community.

“The Napkin Network is here to assist in this messy, wonderful, challenging, and necessary journey known best as ‘motherhood,” says Founder Lindsay Gill. Echoing Gill’s objective, Zeina Davis, Director of Marketing for Westfield Montgomery says: “As a native of Montgomery County and a mother myself, it’s my pleasure to facilitate the betterment of mothers and families who contribute to the vitality of our center and are at the heart of our vibrant community. We aim to be a cornerstone of the community, offering both support for families and a platform for local artists.”


Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream will open its third Montgomery County location in Rockville’s Fallsgrove Village Center. The ice cream shop, which was recently ranked #1 in “Mr. MoCo’s 15 Favorite Ice Cream Spots in MoCo” list, has two existing locations in Bethesda– The Wildwood Shop (10219 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814) and River Road Shop (5241 River Road Bethesda, MD 20816). Sarah’s Handmade aims to open its Fallsgrove location by the end of the year, with additional information to follow.

Per the ice cream shop, “Sarah’s Handmade was created by a Bethesda mother-daughter team, Sarah and Annie Park. When Sarah retired in 2018, she suddenly found herself with time to indulge in her old hobbies. She began to experiment and create original ice cream recipes for her family, friends, and neighbors, fit for each occasion. Soon enough, she was receiving calls and orders from strangers for her handmade ice cream! With strong enthusiasm from friends and wide support from neighbors, Sarah and Annie decided to bring the homemade flavors to a River Road storefront in Bethesda. To stay true to Sarah’s commitment to the highest quality ice cream that she would “feel proud feeding my family,” Sarah uses only the best, local-whenever-possible ingredients and sticks to her small-batch, all-natural recipes.”


Per MCDOT: Starting on Monday, Sept. 11, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will begin its semi-annual interior washdown to degrease and clean 21 County-owned parking garages in BethesdaSilver Spring and Wheaton. The cleanings will occur on nights and weekends starting with Bethesda garages in September and concluding with Silver Spring garages on Saturday, Nov. 4. Some garages will experience partial closures during the cleanings, including select entrance/exit areas and ramps. The full schedule of garage cleanings can be viewed here.


Swarovski has reopened in a new location on the upper level of Westfield Montgomery Mall (7101 Democracy Blvd) in Bethesda. Swarovski closed its previous location this past spring to make room for a new Rolex storefront at Liljenquist & Beckstead, which is taking over the former Swarovski space. Swarovski is an Australian based company that specializes in jewelry, watches, and crystal decorations.

In other Westfield Montgomery news, VinoRita Wine Slushies is now open mall’s food court, taking over the kiosk space that was previously home to HalfSmokeGelato Galax, and Coldstone Creamery. Alcohol infused slushie flavors include the best selling “Black San,” which is a Blackberry Sangria, Peach Frose, Strawberry Daquiri, and Blueberry Pomegranate. Non-alcoholic options include Blue Raspberry and Lemonade.


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