For this one, I am handing the torch over to City Cast DC's audio producer Julia Karron. She grew up in Bethesda and has some very strong opinions about how you should spend your time there:
First, coffee: You’ve got to head to Bethesda Bagels. Pair a cup of coffee with the bagel sandwich (sausage, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel) for absolute perfection. And make sure to grab a dozen bagels with lox to bring back to the fam (or roommates) for some bonus points. Ceremony Coffee right by the Metro is a great choice for the coffee elitists out there.
Snapshot of downtown Bethesda. (eddie welker/Flickr)
What to do: If it’s a nice day out, take a walk along the Capital Crescent Trail or along the C&O Canal. You can even stroll all the way to D.C. if you’re feeling ambitious. Bethesda is surrounded by nature, and it's a great place to get that dose of vitamin D. If it’s gross out, check out Round House Theatre for a show, or go shopping on Bethesda Row.
Where to eat: Raku has an amazing curry noodle soup with tofu and veggies, plus great mid-priced sushi. Right down the road is Q by Peter Chang for those craving numbing spice and family-style dishes. And for something vegan, PLANTA has the best veggie burger in the city.
What to drink: World of Beer lives up to its name with an enormous selection of beers. If you’re feeling ‘fancyboi,’ check out Hip Flask on the roof of the Marriott, the neighborhood’s only high-rise bar, for a view of the magical suburbia below.
