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.
The Silver Spring Freshfarm Market Offers Fresh Produce All Year Round
Silver Spring Freshfarm Market, located in the heart of downtown Silver Spring on Ellsworth Drive and Veterans Plaza, is a bustling, family-friendly market operating every Saturday year-round. The market boasts over 45 farmers and producers, offering everything from organic fruits and vegetables to pasture-raised meats to Maryland-made wines, beers, and ciders. New to this year’s line-up is Call Your Mother serving up wood-fired bagels with local toppings, such as scratch-made cream cheese and smoked whitefish. Another favorite is Baklava Couture, a Greek artisan bakery specializing in sweet and savory pastries. Live musicians scattered throughout the market add to the charming ambiance.
A public garage, accessible from both Georgia and Wayne Avenues, is located adjacent to the market site. Parking is free on Saturdays and is convenient for loading your car with all of your goodies. Make sure you bring along your reusable bags, which come in handy while strolling from vendor to vendor. Silver Spring Freshfarm Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Enjoy Homemade Italian Fare at Olazzo
Abandon your local chain Italian restaurant and enjoy an authentic taste of Italy at Olazzo. This family run restaurant serves the finest ingredients prepared in classic preparations for all of their menu items, and you can taste the difference Enjoy rich pastas, light salads, and a few low-carb specialties for very reasonable prices.
The Chicken Cardinale is a particular crowd favorite, and is served over perfectly cooked penne with a flavorful tomato cream sauce. The service is top notch, and what you would expect from a family operated business that prides itself on being a part of the neighborhood. Visit Olazzo for happy hour and daily specials, like six dollar martini Tuesdays. They also feature a weekend brunch with omelettes, Italian pastries, and a variety of crepes. Go to the restaurant's website to learn more about the brothers behind the restaurant’s success, or to preview the menu. Catering is also available, and making reservations from the website is quick and easy.
Enjoy Authentic Bubble Tea at Kung Fu Tea
The trio of friends who founded Kung Fu Tea nearly a decade ago did so after a disappointing experience at a bubble tea shop in NYC. They'd just come back from a trip to Taiwan, where they enjoyed the authentic treat on a regular basis, and were dismayed by the poor imitation they found at the cafe in Queens. So the buddies decided to do something about it. They opened Kung Fu Tea in New York, and since have expanded to include more than 150 locations across three countires—including a branch that opened three months ago in Bethesda.
Come to Kung Fu Tea to experience what authentic bubble tea really tastes like. The cafe promises a variety of classic iced teas, boba-infused milk teas, and jelly-topped punches and specialty drinks. If you're looking for a light and refreshing sip, order the strawberry lemonade, a frosty ombré concoction flecked with the sweet jelly. If you want something more decadent, order a classic milk tea speckled with tapioca bubbles and crushed Oreos. Kung Fu also offers tea-infused slush and other unique options, so you might want to make repeat visits to experience the different beverages.
Meet Your Favorite Authors at Politics & Prose
Politics & Prose serves as more than just a bookstore. The local business draws crowds for its author signings, writing classes, and other special events. So whether you're a bookworm who wants to meet your favorite author or a budding wordsmith yourself, Politics & Prose has something to tempt you.
The bookstore's schedule is jam-packed with events every day of the week. Coming up this summer, you can meet Michelle Smith, author of The Whole Smiths Good Food Cookbook. She penned a cookbook that specifically accommodates anyone adhering to the Whole30, and she's coming to Politics & Prose to talk about her recipes and writing methods. Want to learn how to design a compelling plot, explore the poetry of W.B. Yeats and other Irish artists, or delve into French culture? These are just a few of the subjects at classes coming up this summer at Politics & Prose.
Find Fresh, Locally Sourced Foods at the Takoma Park Farmers Market
Every farmer at Takoma Park Farmers Market has at least one thing in common: they cultivate their crops and raise their meats within 125 miles of Takoma Park. That's part of the criteria to be included in this market, which is organized by folks who want their local food to actually come from local sources.
Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Laurel Avenue, these farmers line up behind booths stocked with their seasonal fruits and vegetables, pasture-raised meats, eggs and gourmet cheese, and fresh baked goods. This year, the market hosts two pop-up guests each week, such as local breweries or distilleries. Check out the specialty vendors and explore the rest of the Takoma Park Farmers Market this Sunday. It runs year-round, so you have ample opportunities to visit.