1. Towneplace Suites By Marriott
City: Gaithersburg, MD
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (301) 590-2300, (800) 257-3000
Address: 212 Perry Parkway
Description: With spacious studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom suites, TownePlace provides a moderately priced home base for extended stays in Washington’s northern suburbs. TownePlace has an exercise room, pool, and coin laundry. The hotel is near Montgomery County’s technology corridor along I–270 and Lakeforest Mall. Pets are allowed.
2. Montgomery County Agricultural Fair
City: Gaithersburg, MD
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (301) 926-3100
Description: There’s still plenty of rural character in this highly urbanized county, as evidenced by the size and popularity of this old-fashioned country fair. You’ll find livestock judging, pony rides, a petting zoo, gardening displays, old-time handcraft and baking exhibits, amusement park rides, games of chance, concerts, and plenty of food concessions. Admission fee applies.
3. Secure Medical Care Center
City: Gaithersburg, MD
Category: Health Care
Telephone: (301) 869-0700
Address: 803 Russell Avenue
Description: Secure Medical Care Center is a convenient, cost-effective alternative to the hospital, best for treatment of minor illnesses and injuries. The centers are staffed by a small team of doctors and nurses and are open seven days a week. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend and on holidays. They can also perform a limited amount of lab work and diagnostic tests, physical examinations, and other services.
4. Gazette Newspapers
City: Gaithersburg, MD
Category: Media
Telephone: (301) 948-3120
Address: 9030 Comprint Court
Description: They seem to be everywhere: The Gazette Newspapers publish news and features in the communities of Aspen Hill, Bethesda, Burtonsville, Chevy Chase, Damascus, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Kensington, Mt. Airy, Olney, Poolesville, Potomac, Prince George’s County, Rockville, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, and Wheaton. The papers are published Wednesday and distributed free to homeowners. The company also publishes the monthly Montgomery Business Gazette and Tech Gazette. You can find Gazette newspapers online.
5. Bohrer Park At Summit Hall Farm
City: Gaithersburg, MD
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (301) 258-6445
Address: 506 South Frederick Avenue
Description: Highlighted by a water park with two long slides, this site of nearly 60 acres also offers outdoor game facilities, a circular path, a miniature golf course, ponds, a playground, a concession stand, and an activity center. It’s a popular summer hangout for Gaithersburg residents. Park admission is free, but pool, water park, and miniature golf prices vary, so call ahead.
6. Seneca Creek State Park
City: Gaithersburg, MD
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (301) 924-2127
Address: 11950 Clopper Road
Description: Near Gaithersburg, this park’s 7,000 acres offer outstanding hiking, boating, and fishing opportunities almost within eyesight of suburban housing developments. A visitor center holds frequent programs year-round.
7. Red, Hot & Blue
City: Gaithersburg, MD
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (301) 948-7333
Address: 16809 Crabbs Branch Way
Description: If you like barbecue, this is the place to come for lunch or dinner. Please see the Virginia listing.
8. Lakeforest
City: Gaithersburg, MD
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (301) 840-5840
Address: 701 Russell Avenue
Description: In northern Montgomery County, two-story Lakeforest Mall offers anchor stores Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Sears, and JCPenney, plus a whopping 160 other stores, five theaters, and more than a dozen restaurants. Specialty stores are along the lines of Ann Taylor, Talbots, and Brookstone. The mall is sister to Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, Virginia (see earlier listing).
9. Water Park At Bohrer Park At Summit Hall Farm
City: Gaithersburg, MD
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (301) 258-6445
Address: 502 South Frederick Avenue
Description: Gaithersburg residents flock to this pool and its special features, like two twisting 250-foot water slides, a frog slide, water fountains, and a seal that spouts water. The surrounding grounds offer a playground with a ball pit and climbing equipment, concession stand, miniature golf course, and five-hole “kiddie” course. Costs and hours vary, so please call ahead.