Sip Reds, Whites and More at The Urban Winery
The Urban Winery is the closest winery to DC, conveniently located in nearby Silver Springs, Maryland. You can easily spend the work day in the hustle and bustle of the city and still enjoy the delicious food and drink of the winery on the same day.
The Urban Winery produces traditionally crafted wine in a variety of reds and whites, as well as their popular Metro Series with fresh, fruity flavors like strawberry rosè and green apple Riesling. Stop in for a sampling of their handcrafted wine, along with a variety of small plates like cheese and charcuterie or Greek-influenced appetizers. The Urban Winery also offers classes set right in the barrel room to talk about wine and how to pair it with food. Plus, just about every day of the week there is a different event in the dining room, from geeks who drink trivia or flight night, to live music or sangria Saturdays.
Check out the events calendar online, and preview the menu to get your mouth watering for The Urban Winery’s fine wines.
Pair Your Morning Coffee With Live Music at Bump ‘n Grind
The name of Bump ‘n Grind in Silver Spring tells you all you need to know. It isn’t just a 90s R&B reference (although this place does spin throwback records from time to time), but refers to the dual nature of the shop. The “bump” refers to the dance, funk, soul, and rock records that are on sale and prominently displayed throughout the store, and the live music and DJ nights on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The “grind” in the name refers to the small-batch roasted coffee and espresso beans that are transformed into carefully crafted drinks by expert baristas.
In addition to coffee shop staples like pastries and bagels, you’ll also find a small menu of flatbreads, breakfast burritos and salads. Locals say they love the sense of community this place encourages, whether you visit on a lazy Sunday morning to sip your coffee or attend one of the evening film screenings and Forward Fest events.
Enjoy the Jazz Brunch at Macdara’s Grille
Every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Macdara's Grille transforms into a jazz club. Live jazz music accompanies a brunch spread of eggs, waffles, sandwiches, and a few boozy libations. Since Macdara's Grille first opened this summer, its combination of brunch bites and live music has quickly become a winning combination.
Start your brunch feast by sharing a plate of the loaded tater tots, which are smothered with cheddar cheese and chunks of bacon. Then dig into a savory dish like the biscuits smothered with sausage and gravy or the hashbrowns scrambled with eggs, cheese, and bacon. If you want something that balances sweet and savory, try the chicken and waffles with honey mustard and maple syrup—the eatery offers a vegan version of the dish, as well. Wash down your meal with mimosas or bloody marys at Macdara's Grille.
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Get Creative With Your Crew at Color Me Mine
A special memento from a fun time with friends is even more special when you made it with your own two hands. Color Me Mine let’s you paint and customize a piece of pottery, and has everything from decorative plates and bowls, to one of a kind banks, statues, frames, and so much more.
A session at Color Me Mine is a great way to get creative with friends, and walk away with a beautiful piece you can be proud to show off. Plan a party at Color Me Mine with pals, or make your next kids outing even more special with a paining party. You can also pop in for Family Fun Night or one of their other events for studio fees as low as $6 per person. When it comes to one of their pre-planned parties, every last detail is considered and taken care of for an easy experience. And best of all, it means no clean up for you. Check out the party packages on their website, or their calendar of events for your next opportunity to paint.
Find a New Read at Kensington Row Bookshop
Kensington Row Bookshop isn't your average used bookstore. In fact, it's not strictly a bookstore. On the second floor, you'll find a lending library with a selection of books that tends to change from time to time. Currently, it features literature all about Catalonia, the region in Spain where Barcelona resides. The second floor also boasts a game room where you can grab a spot on a couch and play your favorite board game with friends for an hour or two.
Of course, if you're just looking for a new book to read, Kensington Row Bookshop can help you with that, too. The owner is both friendly and knowledgeable about her inventory, so feel free to ask her for some suggestions when you need a fresh read. You can also just stop by Kensington Row Bookshop and peruse its selection for something that appeals to you.
Catch a Film at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center
The AFI Silver Theatre bridges the gap between past and present. It resides inside of a historic building, architect John Eberson’s Silver Theatre, which was built in the 1930s. However, the theater has undergone major restorative efforts and renovations to add exhibition spaces and an additional pair of stadium theaters in an expanded 32,000 square feet. The theater also boasts both the vintage equipment that can properly show silent films and the contemporary technology necessary to create a crystal-clear picture when screening a modern-day film.
The independent theater hosts special screenings of retro films, shows contemporary indie flicks, and hosts other cinema-related events. Come by on August 25th for a double feature of The Black Cat and Re-Animator. On September 8th, celebrate a beloved musical with a Grease sing-a-long. Or just grab a ticket to see one of the currently showing first-run movies.
Raise a Glass to Urban Butcher’s Stellar Happy Hour
For the days when you actually make it out of the office in time for happy hour, head to Urban Butcher's patio. Its happy hour specials run from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on the patio and at the bar's high-top communal tables, and they include everything you need to unwind after a long day of work.
Treat yourself to a lavender-infused margarita with house-made sour and silver tequila or try the MoCo Mule with house-made ginger beer and vodka. The hibiscus mojito is another refreshing way to decompress, a mix of rum, ginger, and mint with a subtle floral undertone. Whatever sip you choose, pair it with one of the gourmet bites, like a meat cellar board loaded with cured meats, salami, cheese, and paté. If you're still hungry, the Butcher's burger and fries is only $12 during happy hour, as is the truffle mac and cheese au gratin.
Catch a Show By the Washington Revels
Washington Revels is a multigenerational organization in the greater Washington area that celebrates traditional music, dance, drama, and storytelling from diverse cultures and eras, engaging more than 250 performers plus hundreds of volunteers. The Revels present 50+ programs annually, including the Christmas Revels (seen by 10,000 people every year!), May Revels, after-school workshops, concerts, pub sings, and parades. Venues for these and many other productions range from outdoor parks to a 1,500-seat theater.
On the 21st day of every month, the Revels host a Community Sing to share songs, community, and refreshments. The Sings have a different theme each month, and may honor the seasons, holidays, or historic and social movements of the particular month. On the second Thursday of each month, you can also join the Contra Dance at the Silver Spring Civic Building, and no experience is necessary.
Kick Your Workout Into High Gear at Sculpt Studio
Sculpt Studio has a unique exercise method and training apparatus that you probably haven’t heard of before. The Megaformer™ is a patented machine similar to a Pilates reformer, but with increased strength training settings and range of movements. You will be able to tone muscle, improve flexibility, and work on your core while reducing impact on your joints.
The Megaformer™ is the perfect piece of equipment to complement the Lagree Fitness method, the core program at Sculpt Studio that focuses on effective muscle stimulation for maximum results. Each class is 50 minutes of intense, fat-burning fitness. New clients can try Sculpt Studio for just $20 with their first visit special, or purchase a three-class pack for just $59. They also offer an Xpress 25 minute class for their time-starved clients. Be sure to visit their website to fill out the appropriate paperwork and waivers so that you can jump right into the workout as soon as you arrive.
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Try High Flying Yoga at Sky House Yoga
You may be pretty familiar with yoga, but have you ever tried holding yoga poses while suspended from the ceiling on a silk cord? Well, it's one of the house specialties at Silver Spring's Sky House Yoga. It’s acrobatic, exciting, and requires lots of strength, balance, and stamina.
If you'd prefer something a bit more traditional, however, no worries; this popular studio also offers vinyasa flow classes for students of all experience levels. Regulars note that all the classes here are challenging, yet accessible, and that the studio's commitment to aromatherapy and herbalism means that whenever you visit you're likely to encounter a light, fresh scent wafting through the air. Classes are small (generally ten to twelve people, max), while the space is bright, open, and invigorating. Be sure to check the website for a schedule of current classes.