Silver Spring, MD

Does anyone live in or near the area? DH and I are renewing our vows, just the two of us. Our pastor is newly retired and moved to Northern VA but her daughter is affliafed with a church in Silver Spring so we are going to go there for our intimate ceremony and then spend the weekend in the DC area.

I have a few questions...

We need a hotel to stay in. Any recommendations?

A salon that does hair and make up.

Any recommendations on a fun place for our tiny group to eat after the ceremony? Preferably some place with live music but not a must have.

Fun things to do in the area. We are willing to travel a bit around the Maryland/DC/Northern VA area

Any other tips you can think of?

Thanks!

Message edited 7/14/2015 2:06:10 PM.

Re: Silver Spring, MD

what about Bethesda, MD. I believe this is very close to Silver Spring. We stayed at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda for a wedding. its a great location, close to the metro if you want to go into DC. there are a lot of bars, restaurants, shopping in Bethesda that you can walk to from that hotel.

this place is great for brunch. http://www.blacksbarandkitchen.com/

congrats on your vow renewal! Sounds romantic!

Re: Silver Spring, MD

Bumping this up to get more suggestions.

Any must dos in DC? There's so much to do and we will only be there for 3 days so I want to make sure to get the good stuff in. We won't have the kids.

Any suggestions for great places to go for dinner in DC or nearby?

Silver Spring, MD

There's an aquarium in Baltimore, I think.

Re: Silver Spring, MD

I lived in Silver Spring for a few years. It's a HUGE area, there is a "downtown Silver Spring" that has a subway stop, 2 hotels and tons of restaurants and bars.

Then there is suburban Silver Spring which I know nothing about

I think sticking to staying in downtown Silver spring would be your best bet, lots in walking distance.

I haven't been in the area in like 8 years so I can't really say anything about the restaurants or salons but it's a really cool area and hopping into DC is really quick on the red line.

Info on Downtown Silver Spring

Re: Silver Spring, MD

Stayed here once for a work conference...

HILTON GARDEN INN SILVER SPRING

Turns out it is #1 on Trip Adviser -- and from staying there I can see why - great hotel, great prices, great customer service, nice and clean -- perfect location.

Anyway, as for hair and make up -- I don't know but I did a search and out of all the websites I saw in the area, this looks the most chic and professional:

Click for Link

Re: Silver Spring, MD

Without kids I would do:

The Spy Museum (I never have but it looks cool.)

I would try to take the opportunity to see some of the sites that might bore your kids. I forgot what you have to do to get into say the capital but if you google it I'm sure it'll come up.

I would see the monuments at night somehow - they are gorgeous all lit up. You could walk, but many of them are spread out. There are companies that do bike tours at night. I think one is called Bike and Roll. I'm sure you could rent a bike and just go on your own but for some reason I am never comfortable doing that.

Free Tours by Foot does some good walking tours. I did the U street food tour a few years ago - lots of fun and you can't beat the price!

Clyde's in Georgetown was very good, as was Pizzeria Paradiso in Dupont Circle. Those neighborhoods are two hot spots for good restaurants.

If you are going on a Friday over the summer the National Gallery of Art has a free jazz performance in the Sculpture Garden. There is a cafe that serves sangria. I would probably go even without the jazz.

Have fun!