Founded in 1993, the Waverly Street Gallery has since been a veteran organization that promotes and exhibits both traditional and contemporary art. The gallery collaborates with a range of international artists and local talent to host regular exhibitions across genres of painting, sculpture, photography and pottery. Emerging artists are showcased through their exhibitions every second Friday of the month, which is also when the Bethesda Art Walk commences. In the past, the gallery has worked with artists such as Kate Radi, Pat Silbert, Sandra Zacharia and Kanika Sircar, among several others.
Ratner Museum is a fine art museum, housing various paintings done in crayons, water colors and pencils. The frequently changing exhibits include wood work, sculptures, cloth designing and much more. The museum spans across three buildings, comprising of a conference room, a public library and children's literature center. There are various concerts, tours and lectures on various topics, that take place in the museum. So if you want to spend your day appreciating works of art and culture, Ratner Museum is your place to be.
Established in 1978, the Round House Theatre in Bethesda has been entertaining locals for more than three decades. The theater has an array of shows and classes for adults and children. Every season features a mind-blowing 200 performances. Its summer classes for kids include puppet-making, sound design, dance, music and storytelling. If you're looking for a great theater experience, come to the Round House Theater and enjoy a good movie or play.
Spread over 530 acres (214 hectares) Cabin John Regional Park park is among the largest community parks in the Bethesda region. The Cabin John Regional Park has something for everyone, featuring picnic spots, playgrounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, a nature center, a dog park, skating rink, trails, a campground and a miniature train. The adventure playground and the totem pole are the park's special attractions which are immensely popular among the little ones.
Escape a few miles north outside of the hectic district and beltway and relax at the stylish, trendy, and quaint Bethesda Row. Choose from a wide variety of over 30 international restaurants including Irish, Thai, American, Asian, Spanish, Mediterranean, and American for a nice outdoor lunch or dinner. Enjoy desserts at specialty shops such as Dolcezza Gelato or Sweetgreen. There are plenty of new boutiques and stores to please all types of shoppers. Bethesda Row also holds many events such as Movie Nights and art fairs.
A one-of-a-kind museum and play center for kids, KID Museum is a place where kids and parents can indulge in a host of educational and recreational activities. Through a number of interactive installations and workshops, this museum makes learning a lot more fun. From science and mechanics, to art, history and culture, each topic is brushed upon with a touch of excitement and liveliness. Various activities and events are also organised here, wherein kids can get a more in-depth understanding of a vast array of topics.
Claude Moore Park, spanning over 357 acres (144.473 hectares) of green land, is a great recreational park. On one end, that facing the Vestal's Gap Road, the park consists of the hiking trails, ponds and the historic district of Lanesville. On the other side is the entrance to the magnificent Sportsplex.
Located within the Claude Moore Park is the Lanesville Heritage Area. A nationally recognized heritage district, it houses several interesting places to visit for the entire family. These include the Vestal's Gap Road, Frogshackle Nature Center, Tenant House and Lanesville House.
The Vestal's Gap Road has always played an important role in the economic history of the town of Sterling and the state of Virginia. A major trade route, the road was the main artery through which north Virginia was connected to Ohio via the Blue Ridge Mountains and traders transported tobacco to Alexandria. The route was originally used solely by American Indians, but following the signing of a treaty with colonists to settle in Piedmont, the road became an important passage for the movement of goods.
Frogshackle Nature Center is a beautiful attraction housed inside the Claude Moore Park. The center is home to an wonderful assemblage of unique plant and animal species. The nature center also hosts several interactive programs for learning about the various species on display.
Gwen Thompson Briar Patch Park covers an area of 5 acres (2.02 hectares) and remains a picturesque recreational spot. Nestled on Stering Boulevard, this park is home to several amenities like picnic areas and a large playground. Volleyball and basketball courts are also found here.