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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located in Carroll Hall, a historic landmark in downtown Washington, the Washington Stage Guild has established a specialized mission. The theater company offers audiences in the metropolitan area the neglected classics of older playwrights, especially the works of writers at the turn of the last century. The Washington Stage Guild produces four plays during its October-to-May season. The prolific George Bernard Shaw is a favorite, as is T.S. Eliot.
This predominantly African-American congregation has been worshipping here for over 100 years. Mount Zion United Methodist Church has a strong presence in the community through ministry and spiritual outreach programs that include all ages and cultures. The historic church building and cemetery served as a stop on the Underground Railroad and were featured in the best-selling novel, River Cross My Heart by Breene Clarke.
Famous as being the first mosque ever to be built in the capital city, Fazl Mosque or better known as the American Fazl Mosque dates back to mid 1900's and has also served as a headquarters for a well-known Muslim community. With as much Muslim population in the city, this religious site is frequented by a large number of believers. Although non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque, one can visit this place just to admire its intricate architecture.
St. David's is a growing congregation. On Sunday you can take part in a range of services, musical experiences, and educational offerings. The early morning service is in the traditional language but the one held later is a Family service, that happens in an energetic way along with music played on pianos. Family members of all ages participate in the service as ushers, readers, and offertory bearers. It is always a joyous moment to be a part of the congregation. Various trainings for children and the youth happen here. You can also join the programs and services in the Episcopal Church, drawn from the Book of Common Prayer. Become a part of the service and experience the showers of God's blessings.
The African Art Museum of Maryland has been providing the Baltimore area with access to fascinating African art and history since 1980. Besides its permanent collection, the museum also offers workshops for adults, kids, and families, outreach programs to local primary schools, lectures and an annual guided trip to Africa to experience African culture first hand. A great educational resource for people of all ages, races and cultures, the African Art Museum plays a vital role in its community. Call ahead for museum hours, as they are irregular.
William Howard Taft who was the President of the United States was also the tenth Chief Justice of the United States and a member of the Republican Party. In 1930 he succumbed to illness and was buried in the Arlington National Cemetery. Sculpted by James Earle Fraser, hordes of visitors head to the Taft to pay their respects to the President.