Cap Off a Round of Golf With a Meal at Sligo Pit Barbecue
Dreams are coming true at Sligo Creek Golf Course, but it’s not the putting scores that are improving. Sligo Pit Barbecue and Catering is now open, and they serve the food every hungry golfer desires after playing a long nine. Sligo Pit Barbecue and Catering smokes turkey, brisket, pork, and chicken each day for massive platters, heaping sandwiches, or catering pans to go. They also have classic burgers and dogs, plus a few sides to round out the offering. If your game starts early, they even set up shop at 8:30 a.m. on the weekends for breakfast sandwiches stuffed with a hearty helping of your favorite smoked meat.
Even if you aren’t in Silver Springs to golf, taking a quick trip to Sligo Creek is worth it to enjoy a casual meal of barbecue overlooking the beauty of the greens. And for your next event, you can count on Sligo Pit Barbecue and Catering for reasonably priced pans of food that everyone will love. They are open daily “’til the meat runs out!” so be sure to call ahead if you have a larger order or need catering.
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Bring a Big Appetite to the Silver Spring Jerk and Barbecue Festival on Aug. 18
Come to Veteran Plaza on Sunday, August 18th for the first Silver Spring Jerk and Barbecue Festival 2019. This celebration of food and music is sure to be fun for the whole family.
As the name suggests, this party is all about the jerk. The jerk style is a form of cooking native to Jamaica that makes heavy use of a spice mixture of the same name. The spices can be used as a dry rub, or as the major part of a marinade. At this festival, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy dishes in this style from Taste of Jamaica. They’ll serve jerk chicken and jerk pork, with a side of rice and peas as well as salad. Of course, you’ll need to drink something that complements your meal, which is why Reggae Wines will provide a special wine tasting. While you enjoy this excellent food and drink, take in live entertainment in various forms. A fashion show will take place, and Walter will be on hand later to perform his blend of jazz and blues music.
Tickets range from $10 to $15. Proceeds will go to J.E.P.F. Inc. a 501(c) charity.
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Make the Most of Your Patio or Balcony With These Decorating Tips
There’s a reason that patios and balconies are such coveted apartment perks. They make it easy to get some fresh air without leaving the comfort of your own home, and they’re great entertainment spaces during the warmer months. If you really want to get the most out of your patio or balcony, follow these tips to maximize the space.
Opt for multipurpose furniture. In order to create a comfy space to hang out, you’ll have to fill at least some of your patio with furniture. However, you want to keep things as simple as possible, so opt for smaller pieces of furniture that can pull double-duty, such as ottomans that offer both seating and storage.
Don’t go overboard. You might be tempted to stuff your balcony full of cushy furniture, but fight that urge. When you’re working with a small space, less is more. Only add as much furniture as you need, and choose items that take up less room, such as wrought-iron chairs with comfy cushions.
Focus on the flow. When you start to arrange your furniture, keep in mind that you won’t just be sitting out on the patio. You’ll have to get in and out easily to grab another pitcher of lemonade or answer the door when a new friend arrives. Circle up your furniture in a way that allows for easy conversation and flow of traffic.
Never skimp on plants. The one area where you don’t have to hold back? Greenery. Your outdoor space should feel like an oasis, and plants can help achieve that effect. Try to find unused space for planters, like a corner tucked away behind a chair, or add flower boxes to your railing for some extra life and color.
15 Small Patio Decorating Ideas [HGTV]
How to Make the Most of Your Seriously Small Apartment Balcony [Apartment Therapy]
Four Tips for Decorating a Small Patio With Style [The Spruce]
Add a Live Performance at The Fillmore to Your Summer Bucket List
Since 2011, the Fillmore has been a staple in the arts and entertainment industry in Silver Spring, bringing plenty of impressive and inspirational shows and events to our city. With a capacity of just over 2,000, it still offers a more personal experience than a lot of the larger venues you may frequent. Rather than your standard date night with dinner and a movie, why not try something new and head to The Fillmore for live entertainment?
Coming up in August, there is just over ten shows with no show like the last. Country music lovers will enjoy the Country Throwdown with Human Country on August 16th. If rap is more your style, the highlight of the month will be Bryce Vine on August 1st or local artist Shy Glizzy on August 3rd. For those 90s kids out there, August 2nd is bringing “What’s My Name Again?” to town with tributes to Blink 182, No Doubt, Green Day and Paramore. This is just a small selection of what’s coming to the stage next month, check out their homepage events calendar for more details and a full lineup.
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Shop Fresh, Seasonal Produce at the Takoma Park Farmers Market
There’s nothing better than supporting small, local businesses while getting fresh, sustainable food to enjoy each week. The Takoma Park Farmers Market has continually been voted one of the best farmers markets in the area, and for good reason. This year-round market offers varied vendors depending on the season, with tons of summer vendors now back for the season. Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday, the market offers everything from meat, fruit, bread, cheese and even flowers for the table. There’s truly something for everyone!
The market also hosts events. Coming up on July 14th is the Garlic Festival held in partnership with the Takoma Horticulture Club, Washington Gardener and Sara Hayden. Then, on September 22nd mark your calendar for the Annual Takoma Park Pie Contest. Will you have what it takes to win?
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How to Pull Off a Last-Minute Vacation
If you think it’s too late to start planning a summer vacation, think again. If you’re both flexible and efficient, you can still steal off to a far-off (or nearby) destination before Labor Day. Just follow these expert tips to pull off the summer vacay of your dreams.
First things first: figure out airfare. If you’re planning on going somewhere that requires a flight, start by searching for deals on airfare. You might actually pick your destination depending on the cost of a flight. Check out travel websites or go directly to airlines’ websites to see if they’re running any specials and if any of the highlighted spots appeal to your interests.
Think about where you want to go, but don’t get locked into a single destination. If you’re not into the idea of choosing a destination randomly, start by coming up with a few potential ideas. Then scour the internet for deals on travel to those specific destinations. If you allow for some flexibility when it comes to the dates you fly, you should be able to score a deal even with a more limited scope, destination-wise.
Try a road trip. Don’t want to deal with booking flights at all? Opt for a vacation spot that’s within driving distance. Not only will taking a road trip save you some money, but it will also probably save you some time. Even if you’re on the road for a while, you won’t have to deal with getting to and from the airport, getting through security, and doing everything else that eats up time during air travel. That leaves you more time to relax!
Ask an expert for assistance. Maybe the idea of taking on one more thing stresses you out. If this is the case, don’t skip your vacation entirely, just ask for some help! A good travel agent will be able to take care of all the planning for you and find the best deals along the way.
8 Tips for Planning a Last-Minute Vacation [Islands]
5 Tips for Booking a Last-Minute Vacation [Reader’s Digest]
5 Tips for Booking Last Minute Travel [Forbes]
Sligo Pit Barbecue and Catering Is Now Open Near Central
For the lucky golfers at Sligo Creek Golf Course, Sligo Pit Barbecue and Catering is now open for your hungry post-game stomach. But even if you aren’t a golfer, you’re going to want to make a trip just for their delicious barbecue fare. Follow your nose up the Parkway, and turn off at Omaha Beach Drive. You can choose to eat in – there is indoor seating and a few picnic tables outside – or get takeout for yourself or your whole family.
Catering is in their name, and there is no more welcome food on a summertime buffet table than expertly slow-cooked barbecue meat and sides. Choose from smoked turkey, pork shoulder, brisket, or chicken, along with all-American burgers and dogs. Baked beans, mac and cheese, and coleslaw are their signature sides, and are good enough to have on their own (as if you can resist that aromatic meat). For the early morning golfers, Sligo Pit Barbecue and Catering opens early on the weekends to serve egg and cheese breakfast sandwiches stuffed with a healthy serving of your choice of meat. Sligo Pit Barbecue and Catering is open daily “til the meat runs out!”.
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Pair Natural Wines With Healthy Fare at The Girl and The Vine
Uncomplicated, crisp, and fresh — all words that come to mind when describing the newly opened The Girl and The Vine. This wine, snack, and sandwich shop is a model of simplicity, from the straightforward menu, to the modern interiors.
The food offering includes only salad and sandwiches, and although there aren’t pages and pages of options, you’ll still be stumped on what to try. The Gambino Italian-style sandwich is a popular choice, as is the Chip-wich mounded with turkey, smashed avocado, and kettle chips. Wash it all down with either coffee or a glass of wine; The Girl and The Vine has over 100 to choose from, and many are organic or sustainably farmed. There is casual indoor and outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meal, as well as an opportunity to do a bit of shopping for cheese, wine, or fancy pantry staples.
Find The Girl and The Vine in Takoma Park, right on Carroll Avenue. They are open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
5 Home Trends You’re About to See Popping Up All Over
Just about every season, there's a new home trend that you see in every design magazine — and likely, all of your most stylish friends' apartments. From mid-century modern furniture pieces to antlers hanging on the wall, these trendy items are so universally beloved, they instantly add some extra style to any room. Here are just a few of the up-and-coming home trends that you're going to want to add to your own home.
1. Woven rattan. It was a trend decades ago, but rattan is back in a big way. From woven outdoor furniture to light fixtures made up of natural materials, these rattan decor items are perfect for adding an element of natural style to your home.
2. Mixed metals. Lately, designers have been mixing elements of brass, copper and silver in their designs, and the result couldn't be more stylish or unexpected. Try mixing metals in lamps, photo frames, side tables and other decorative knick knacks.
3. Millennial pink. While the "millennial pink" color has been trending in clothing and accessories for a bit, it's becoming more and more popular in the home decor world. Incorporate the color into your own home through throw pillows, rugs, or even upholstered furniture items.
4. Cacti. While the fiddle leaf fig was the trendy plant for the past couple years, larger-than-life cacti are the new designer favorite greenery options. Try adding a Southwestern vibe to your home by placing a tall cactus in an otherwise bare corner.
5. Jute rugs. Right on par with the natural element trend, jute rugs have an earthy look and a neutral color palette that's perfect in any area and any style of home. Whether you're looking to tie your living room furniture together, bring a calm and soothing vibe to the bedroom or even finish off your entryway with a rug that's equal parts stylish and durable, jute is a material that you're about to want in every room.
Find Casual Italian Fare at Angel’s Pizza & Pasta
Brick oven pizza from a certified pizzaiolo, handmade fresh spinach pasta, vegan and gluten free options… all from a food court? It’s hard to believe, but it’s the norm at Angel’s Pizza & Pasta.
You’ll be looking for excuses to get to Wheaton Mall just so you can have a slice of the chicken Alfredo pizza, charred brick oven wings, or pasta with vodka cream sauce. Other rare finds for a food court pizzeria include the oven-roasted meatballs, arancini rice balls and crispy fried calamari. Plus, there are rich desserts worthy of a much fancier eatery, like tiramisu, rum cake, and creamy chocolate mousse. Whether you're out running errands or just looking for some delicious Italian fare, Angel’s Pizza & Pasta is the place to go. The restaurant also caters and delivers all over the DMV area, so making them a part of your party table or office lunch meeting this summer is as easy as one quick call.