Our favorite places
Zinnia
This is a great spot for a coffee or drink just 5 minutes from the church. We spend a lot of Sunday afternoons here, especially when the weather is nice.
Downtown Silver Spring
Plenty of shops, restaurants, a movie theater and outdoor areas. Weekends often feature farmer's markets or festivals if you are looking for somewhere to enjoy the fresh air and walk around just 15 minutes away from the church.
Quarry House Tavern
Just a few blocked from where we both live, the Quarry House is our go to spot. Mike Tiufekchiev used to come here back when he lived in Silver Spring, and although it has been through a fire and a flood since then, it truly remains an amazing dive for burgers, beers, and whiskey.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
If you can, please do visit this amazing Basilica! We used to get to attend mass here all the time, and still come back often. It is a beautiful place to receive the sacraments, and venerate our Blessed Mother. The basilica is the largest Roman Catholic church in North America, and it is among the ten largest churches in the world. We were blessed to get to spend many evenings talking on the steps with friends, days praying in the chapels, and graduate on the steps; We definitely recommend taking time to see this beautiful church over 100 years in the making.
Union Market
On a nice day, you cant beat Union Market. Super easy to get to from the metro with plenty of food stalls and a lovely rooftop area. Most days there is some sort of free event going on.
Georgetown Piano Bar
If you want to go shopping in Georgetown, be sure to stop at the piano bar. We always stop here before or after a Georgetown date for live music and jazz themed cocktails.
The Wharf DC
There's so much to do on the wharf. Some of our favorite spots include: Boardwalk - bar/ arcade Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips - great to take with you to the pier Hank's Oyster bar - Amazing seafood and brunch Tiki TnT- Rum bar with elaborate cocktails and small plates
National Mall
If you are staying in Silver Spring, or anywhere near a metro stop, the national mall is a quick (and affordable) metro ride away. There are museums, monuments, and plenty of food trucks all within walking distance of the Smithsonian metro stop.