IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL.

Burnt Mills East Special Park: Explore the Outdoors Near Central

Let’s not sugar coat it. Burnt Mills East Special Park is a parking lot. But it’s an important parking lot, especially if you love to hike, bike, or take in the unique beauty of the Northwest Branch Trail. Time is ticking before the Maryland winter is here, so make plans to visit this natural oasis in Wheaton one more time in 2020. From Central, just jump on US-29 and head north. The quick 10-minute drive will take you straight to the Burnt Mills Reservoir. Leave your car at Burnt Mills East Special Park, and then take the day to enjoy the 12.9-mile trail studded with interesting flora and fauna, plus the gorgeous colors of autumnal leaves. 

Check out photos on alltrails.com for a preview of the wooded trails, but do it quick. In the blink of an eye, winter will be upon us, and everything will be snow covered. Be sure to use the Burnt Mills East Special Park for at least one more outdoor excursion this year.

Ooh La La Bakery Brings a Taste of Europe to Silver Spring

Just when you think you can’t look at another cookie after a holiday season of indulgence, you catch a whiff of the buttery delights at Ooh La La Bakery and suddenly you’re in the mood for dessert again. Ooh La La Bakery is an authentic French specialty shop, and creates classic desserts, fresh breads, and custom coffee drinks in one tidy café space along University Boulevard in Silver Spring. Choose from fresh fruit tarts, croissants, cinnamon rolls, and apple danishes, or get stocked up on crusty loaves of sourdough, demi baguettes, or super seed bread. While you’re there, you can grab a hand crafted coffee, or pick-up something savory for lunch or dinner tonight. A hot, pressed panini, chicken pot pie, or spinach quiche taste so comforting and delicious on a cold winter day. 

Ooh La La Bakery is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Make a stop the next time you need a coffee and pastry for breakfast, a dessert for a special occasion, or something fresh and handmade to eat.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Winter Workouts

Working out in the warm months was pretty easy, even with gym closures and other restrictions. The great outdoors always beckoned with sunshine and balmy breezes, inviting you to go for a run or maybe join an outdoor fitness class. But with the colder temperatures moving in, staying active has become more challenging. Here are a few ways you can do it anyway—and keep those resolutions.

1. Head outside (just bundle up first). Fresh-air workouts are still an option, you’ll just have to spend a little extra time getting ready. Bundle up in weather-appropriate, reflective gear before you head out, like these top-rated items. Don’t forget sweat-wicking pants and layered tops in synthetic or wool materials, a warm hat, and gloves, and sunscreen!
2. Stay hydrated. Just because it's winter doesn't mean you don't need to stay hydrated. In fact, dehydration is harder to notice when it's colder out. Be sure to drink water or a sports drink before, during, and after your workout, even if you're not particularly sweaty or thirsty.
3. Try online workouts. Online fitness routines are having a real moment right now, and for good reason. With everyone staying at home more, virtual workouts provide a convenient alternative to in-person sweat sessions. Pay a monthly fee to access a large library of workout videos, like BeachBody On Demand, or see if any of your local fitness studios are streaming classes. YouTube also has lots of options for free.
4. Get into at-home cycling. By now, you’ve probably heard of Peloton and its pricey in-home spin bikes. But did you know that you don’t need to splurge on one in order to access its library of pre-recorded and live-streaming classes? Snag one of these more affordable spin bikes and then subscribe to Peloton’s classes ($39/month) for a full-fledged fitness studio at home.