Dinner
The most romantic place for Dinner in Silver Spring has to be Sergios.

It is intimate, quiet and dark, like a cozy cave, the wait staff are attentive, the drinks are good, the food is Real Native Italian, Generous and Excellent! (especially the veal dishes).  The atmosphere is understated thick white tablecloth elegant and romantic.

Nothing beats having that warm, friendly, personal greeting from Sergio Toni, the owner, a native of Rome and now a Silver Springer.   Sergio has been involved with this restaurant since 1982 when it was Mamma Reginas.

This Silver Spring Restaurant is a hidden treasure - the location is in the basement (off the garage) of the Hilton Hotel in Silver Spring.
Sergio Ristorante Italiano
8727 Colesville Road
Hilton Hotel Garage
Valet Parking
(301) 585-1040


Flowers
Bell Flowers - Their Place on the corner of Silver Spring Avenue and Georgia has been a Downtown Silver Spring Landmark for 65 years now!  Family Owned with a tradition of excellence - they know flowers and they do Flowers right!   Always consistent in their friendly and fast service.
(301) 588-1300   8201 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910 

Hoover Fisher Florist - With a motto like "Reaction Guaranteed" Hoover Fisher does not disappoint when it comes to flowers. Also a family owned Business for over 55 years. A little further outside Downtown Silver Spring in the Woodmoor Shopping Center is another excellent place to purchase great fresh flowers. 
(301) 593-4700   16 University Blvd (Woodmoor Shopping Center) 4 Corners, MD 20901


Candy   
Velatis -  Forget the Whitman Sampler or Russell Stover, for something more Valentines Day special try Velatis.  The candy is made fresh right before your eyes in a little shop on the corner of Bonifant Street and Georgia Avenue in Downtown Silver Spring.  My recommendation for Valentines, go for the Chocolate Covered Caramels - out of this world!

(301) 578-8612 
8408 B Georgia Avenue,
Silver Spring, MD 20910

I haven’t been in a laundromat in a long, long, long time, maybe 12 to 15 years ago. 

The last time I needed to use a laundromat I went to the one near the corner of University Blvd & Piney Branch Road  and also the one in the 16th Street Strip Mall that was on the level under the McDonalds there.  They were both crowded places and kinda dingy and dark.  There were 2 different sizes of washers and dryers that took coins.  I couldn’t wait to get my laundry done and get out.

I recently went into the new Tropicana Laundromat on Fenton Street to wash some real bulky items (rugs, big comforters and pillows), that my regular washer and dryer can’t handle.  I was amazed at how far Laundromats have come since I’d been in one!

This place is CLEAN, Bright, Airy, Pleasant and Spacious.  You could eat off the floors.  They had 2 people outside hosing down and cleaning off the parking lot steps and even the asphalt (that people park their cars on) when I was there.  It was immaculate inside and out.

There must be 6 -7 different sizes of washers and dryers,  from tiny ones for delicates to the Heavy Duty Super Jumbo size that I used, and there are  lots of them!  There are huge, long, nice clean folding tables and plenty of  those big rolling steel laundry baskets. 

There are 3 Big Screen TVS mounted on the back wall and areas to sit and read or watch a big screen while you are waiting for your laundry to be done.

And . . . No more coins to fumble with – you can load money (via credit card)into a card to use in the machines.

I have to admit, when I first saw the sign go up last year I thought it was going to be some kind of an all night Restaurant/Bar.   I had visions of  Mai Tais, Margaritas, pina-coladas, other tropical drinks and food dancing in my head.   I was disappointed at first when I figured out it was a Laundromat.

Tropicana Laundromat
8010 Fenton St
Silver Spring, MD 20910

The Blair Subdivision is one of the earliest subdivision of homes in Silver Spring.  Originally called E Brooke Lee's Addition to Silver Spring, it is one of E Brooke Lee's first forays into Residential Real Estate Development.  Carved out of land that was part of the Blair Family Country Estate, many of the street names come from the Blair and Lee families, such as Gist, Violet and  Woodbury.  There is even a street named after the famous horse Selim that threw Francis Preston Blair and ran off, causing the discovery of the original "Silver Spring". 

Most of E Brooke Lee's addition eventually became the commercialized area of Downtown Silver Spring and South Silver Spring.  There are residential single family homes left that make up the Blair Subdivision with some sections called Blair Takoma.  The boundaries of the residential sections of Blair and Blair Takoma are roughly:  Sligo Avenue to the South, Philadelphia Avenue and the Montgomery College Campus to the North, Fenton Street to the West and Piney Branch Road on the East. 

Developed in the early 1900's, around the B&O Rail Station, the Blair Neighborhood has an abundance of Bungalows, including many "Sears Style Kit" Bungalows. Blair is one of the first working class neighborhoods of Silver Spring.   

Within Walking Distance: 
All the great ammenites of Downtown Silver Spring! Silver Spring Metro Station (Red Line), Downtown Silver Spring, Restaurants, Shopping, Veterans Plaza, Ice Skating Rink, year-round farmers market, NOAA, Discovery Channel Headquarters, Montgomery College, The New Montgomery College Performing Arts Center, Whole Foods, Safeway, Giant Food, Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, Sligo Creek Park, many delightful "pocket parks" and much more.


Public Schools:
East Silver Spring Elementary School (K-4)
Piney Branch Elementary
Sligo Creek Elementary

Takoma Park Middle School

High School: Home School is Montgomery Blair High School
Downcounty High School Consortium - Choice Process: Blair, Einstein, Kennedy, Northwood, or Wheaton high schools 

*Note: always Check the Montgomery County School Assignment Locator for the specific school a child will attend that is assigned by street address.

Full of wonderful old timey bungalows, some colonials, american four squares, farmhouses and cape cods, this neighborhood is walking distance to Silver Spring Metro and borders on Downtown Silver Spring.  The Blair - Blair/Takoma Subdivision is considered part of East Silver Spring.


Blair and Blair Takoma Home Sales 2011

11 single family homes Sold

Average List Price - $507,855
Average Sold Price - $480,045

Lowest Sale Price - $350,000
(a small 2 Bedroom 1 Bath 1928 Bungalow)
Highest Sale Price - $701,000
(a large expanded and completely renovated 5 Bedroom 4 Bath 1923 Bungalow)

Average Days on Market - 41

Check out Homes for Sale Now in Blair Subdivision, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 

This Quiet Charming Pocket of Single Family Homes in Downtown Silver Spring has 131 Homes within it's boundaries.

Recent Home Sales in McNeill's Addition to Silver Spring Park  Sales settled (closed) from January 1, 2010 to YTD 2012  *All Information from the MRIS - Metropolitan Regional Information Systems


314 Dale Drive - 4 Bedrooms 1 Bath

List Price - $389,000
Sold Price - $380,000
Seller Credit - $10,000
Days on Market - 22

Sweet Cape Cod. Long term owner. Dated but well cared for. Freshly painted interior & exterior. Newly refinished hardwood floors on two levels. No kitchen appliances. Perfect for a Streamline 203K FHA Loan to improve kitchen & bath. Walk to Downtown Silver Spring, Ride On to metro & Whole Foods. House sold in as-is condition.

613 Mc Neill Road - 3 Bedrooms 2 Baths

List Price - $449,000
Sold Price - $449,000
Seller Credit - $5,000
Days on Market -  3

Absolutely charming 1936 Cape Cod on a delightful block. Walk to park or stroll to dwntwn Silver Spring. Enchanting front porch, rich hardwd flrs, 2 BRs +1BA on the main, LR w/fireplace, DR w/huge picture window & view of rear yard. Kitch w/side entry, upper level mstr ste w/tons of closets & large BA. Fully fin lower lev. Wonderful natural light in every room. Big & flat backyard! Move-in Ready






8306 Queen Annes Drive - 3 Bedrooms 2 Baths

List Price - $564,900 
Sold Price - $543,500
Days on Market - 10

Walk to Metro & Town Center from this meticulously maintained three bedroom Colonial. Best of both worlds in this quiet, serene setting yet blocks to all conveniences: Metro, restaurants, AFI, Civic building with Ice Rink, Veterans Plaza & The Fillmore! Fabulous Rec/Family Room with full bath perfect for au-pair! Fabulous yard perfect for addition!




722 Dartmouth Avenue - 3 Bedrooms 2 Baths

List Price - $565,000
Sold Price - $555,000
Seller Credit to Buyers - $1,500
Days on Market - 6

Truly superbly renovated w/every last detail thought through. Both baths & kit gutted & renovated. Expansive 3 level deck can support 2nd story addition for future renovation. Wonderful flow on main level. Front to back living room (with fireplace) with screened porch off side. LL bedroom has full egress windows.





605 McNeill Road - 3 Bedrooms 3 Baths

List Price - $585,000
Sold Price - $585,000
Days on Market -

FABULOUS CAPE COD on quiet, one way street a stone's throw from downtown SS, METRO, parks & playgrounds. 3 BR, 3 redone BA. Redone kit with Corian. Big surprise is VERY BIG, walk-out finished lower level w/ French doors to patio & large fenced yard. Possible parking off alley. Welcoming front porch, Hardwood floors, built-in bookcases & Fireplace






8212 Queen Annes Drive - 3 Bedrooms 4 Baths

List Price - $670,000
Sold Price - $650,000
Seller Credit - $2,500
Days on Market - 12

Completely renovated cottage/cape with 3 beautifully finished levels in this walk-to everything DT SS locale. Main has open floor plan w/liv rm open to den, dining room, sitting nook w/entry to deck, kitchen, & master suite addition. Lower level has walk out family room & large office suitable as guest space. Superb award-winning landscaping adds the finishing touches.




606 Deerfield Avenue - 5 Bedrooms 4 Baths

List Price - $675,000
Sold Price - $663,000
Days on Market - 10

Fabulous home! Incredibly spacious and fully updated 4BR 3FB cape featuring 10'x20' light-filled eat-in kitchen w/professional appliances, gorgeous fully fin LL FR/apt (reg living unit, not a rental), sunroom. Custom detailing throughout! Lovely covered patio, fenced yard. OSP. HOW. Walking distance to downtown SS & Metro! 2 half blocks to Nolte Park and near Sligo Creek Park!





609 Bonifant Street - 3 Bedrooms 3 Baths

List Price - $678,000
Sold Price - $654,000
Seller Credit - $1500
Days on Market - 9

Country estate feel w/unbeatable in town location! Thoughtfully expanded & renovated home just blocks to 2 parks, Whole Foods, Metro & all of DT SS. Open thru hall to large liv room, sun, porch expanded DR & Kit. Kitchen w/stainless/granite has great bkfst nook & walks out to rear porch, urban oasis w/patio/koi pond & access to driveway.






608 Deerfield Avenue - 5 Bedrooms 4 Baths

List Price - $995,000
Sold Price - $965,000
Days on Market - 38

Rare opportunity to own a custom, quality newer home by builder known for solid construction, custom design & beautiful attention to detail. Plenty of space without sacrificing intimacy or character. Wood floors both main and upper, custom built-ins. Just blocks to all in DT SS





For more information about Homes for Sale in Mcneills Addition and adjacent subdivisions such as Sligo Park Hills, South Woodside, Seven Oaks, Silver Spring Park, Blair-Takoma and more:

Call or email Debbie Cook (301) 587-3528 www.SilverSpringTeam.com

A Mature, Established and Vibrant  Neighborhood of Unique and Charming Single Family Homes on Shady Tree Lined Streets, just 2 Blocks from the Downtown Silver Spring Central Business District.

Robert Hayes Mc Neill was a 40 year old Washington DC attorney from North Carolina, living with his wife Cora and 2 Children on the "Mc Neill Farm" - Silver Spring in 1918.  At this time in the 1900's Silver Spring was mostly open land and forests dotted with a few farms and 3 Large Country Estates. 

In 1923 Robert Mc Neill subdivided his farm into lots that today is Robert H. Mc Neills' Addition to Silver Spring Park. 

The lots were sold to a few different builders with E Brooke Lee's North Washington Real Estate company ending up with most of the lots.  Building started at the beginning of the Depression in 1932-33. 

The old circa 1900's farmhouse on the Mcneill property is still there, having been updated several times in the last century. 

Most of the 137 Homes in the neighborhood were built in the early to mid 1930's and are prized for their unique character and period architectural detail.  No two houses are exactly alike.  This is no cookie cutter neighborhood. 

The homes in Mc'Neills include unique brick and slate cape cods, colonials and Tudor style houses. Hardwood Floors, Fireplaces, arches, high ceilings and porches were standard ammenities in most of these charming houses.  The homes have wide alley's behind them with garages, another feature that was common in the 1930's era.

The Boundaries of McNeills Subdivision are: Dale Drive to the south, Cedar Street to the north, Deerfield Avenue on the east and Dartmouth Avenue on the west.

This Great location is just steps to Nolte Park (playground, several ballfields and picnic area), Bullis Park and four blocks to Sligo Creek Park. Walking distance to the local public elementary & middle schools, both with a French Immersion program. It's only ¾ mile to Metro and the MARC train, and a few Blocks away is the Silver Spring town center with the new civic building & Veteran's plaza, ice rink, shops, restaurants, entertainment, and farmers market. The site of the upcoming, state-of-the-art Silver Spring Library is only four blocks away. McNeill's Neighborhood is the ultimate walkable neighborhood with the perfect balance of urban and suburban living.

Public School Info for McNeills

Sligo Creek Elementary School
Silver Spring International Middle School
Downcounty Consortium (DCC)

*School information is as reported on the MCPS school finder site. As directed by MCPS, this information shall not be relied upon without a call to the MCPS Boundary Line at 301-279-3331.

     

      Homes in this neighborhood sell quickly - Check out the most recent Homes SOLD in Mcneills Addition 

For more information about Homes for Sale in Silver Spring Neigbhorhoods like Mcneills Addition and adjacent subdivisions such as Sligo Park Hills, South Woodside, Seven Oaks, Silver Spring Park, Blair-Takoma and more:      Call or email Debbie Cook (301) 587-3528 www.SilverSpringTeam.com
 

There are 6 more days to get a Pumpkin and carve it out and or display it for Halloween.  

The  Annual Pumpkin Patch has a good selection of Pumpkins and some pretty chrysanthmums at Woodside Methodist Church in the Woodside area at the edge of Downtown Silver Spring. 

Boy Scout Troop 209 is Silver Sprng’s Oldest Boy Scout Troop.  Boy Scout Troop 209 has been in existence since the 1930’s at this same Silver Spring Location.

Buy a pumpkin or some mums and Support  your Local Silver Spring Boy Scout Troop 209.   All proceeds go to the troop’s financial aid fund to make sure that all scouts can participate in the troops many activities and it’s more fun than just picking up a pumpkin at the local grocery store!

Woodside United Methodist Church
8900 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Located at the corner of Georgia Avenue and Ballard Street,

1 block north of Spring Street. Google Map

Look for the Boy Scout Troop 209 Truck.

Make your pumpkins last:  Check out these great tips to preserve your pumpkin and stop it from rotting on the porch or in your yard this year. 

Also from Plumbers and the Roto-Router people - Never, ever put the guts of the pumpkin (the pulp) in the garbage disposal or down any of the drains in your home, this can cause a real Halloween nightmare

Spacious, Open, Light Bright and Airy Mid Century Modern Rambler in move-in condition.  Open, Circular Floor Plan is great for entertaining. Awesome Large Eat in Kitchen with Bay Window and a Double sided Brick Wood Burning Fireplace between the kitchen and Living room. There are Warm, Exposed Hardwood Floors in the Living Room, Dining Room and Main Level Bedrooms.  Home has a Full Finished Level Walkout Basement with Family Room, a 2nd Woodburning Fireplace, Full Bath and 4th Bedroom. The Main Level Master Bedroom has an attached Master Bath with Shower.  The Home has just been freshly painted, has a new Roof, New Central Air.



The Wonderful Hillandale Heights Subdivision is by the Beautiful Wooded Parklands of Northwest Branch Park with miles of Hiking, Biking, jogging trails and has a quiet countryside atmosphere. Walk to the FDA campus, new Cresthaven elementary school, Francis Scott Key Middle School and Neighborhood Swim Club. 

The popular White Oak Library and the beautiful big Martin Luther King, Jr Recreation Center Park are close by.  Short commute to 95 or 495. Located minutes from the District of Columbia, Downtown Silver Spring, and Bethesda. Convenient to Burnt Mills Shopping Center with a Trader Joe's Market, Starbucks and White Oak Shopping Center with a Giant Food Store, Wahlgreen's and other popular shops.

Listed at $319,000

                   More photos and info at this property's website         www.HillandaleHome.com 

This celebration is one of the oldest in the nation.  Takoma Park is an artsy enclave with tree lined avenues and Victorian Homes, the perfect setting for an annual patriotic Independence Day parade.  This celebration is one of the oldest in the nation and the Takoma Park Community has had 121 years of practice!

On Monday July 4th 2011, enjoy what people living in Silver Spring and Takoma Park have have been enjoying for the past 121 years.   This will be the 122nd annual Takoma Park 4th of July Celebration. 

Parade
The parade starts at 10:00 am beginning at Carroll & Ethan Allen Avenues, follows Carroll Avenue towards DC, crosses over to Maple Avenue along Carroll Street, then returns along Maple Avenue.

Community BBQ - 12:00 to 6:00 pm
Hosted by Steve Francis - Lincoln and Maple Avenues

Wiffleball Tournament - 2:30 pm
Sponsered by Takoma Park Recreation Department
Lee Jordan Field - Takoma Park Middle School

Evening Program and Fireworks - Starts at 7:00 pm
Takoma Park Middle School - 7611 Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park, Md 20912     

Master of Ceremonies: Howard Kohn
Joe Uehlein and the U-Liners
Announcement of Parade Winners
Acro-Airs
Greetings from the Mayor - Bruce Williams
Takoma Park Community Concert Band
Drawing for Raffle Prizes
National Anthem - David Goettee

                                               Fireworks at 9:30 pm by Bay fireworks!

Want to live in Takoma Park, Maryland?        Search Homes for sale in Takoma Park, Maryland 20912

This one owner home really shines, it's all spiffed up with Fresh Warm neutral Paint, New Carpet and Flooring.  It is Move in Ready and won't disappoint someone looking for a home in pristine condition. 

Spacious house with 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths including a separate Master Bath, an Eat in Kitchen and a Fabulous Deck off the Dining Room


The Wooded Lot is close to a half acre in size.  The lot is fenced and has an extra yard for dogs and kids or gardening, a shed, dog run and dog house.  Don't worry about cutting the big lawn because the Lawn Tractor comes with the house.




Ever wanted to live in a Quaint Historic Town where you can walk to the antique shops, the town center, historic railroad museum, popular favorite restaurants and 2 beautiful parks?  Old Bowie may be the place for you.  


The Town of Old Bowie is away from the hustle bustle of the greater Bowie area, yet close enough to access major transportation routes such as 95, 495, 450, Route 50 and BW Parkway, convenient to DC, Annapolis, Baltimore and very close to NASA and Fort Meade.


The Seller is offering a One Year Homebuyers Warranty and has already had a Home Inspection on this property for you to review. 


If you're looking for something special that is NOT in a crowded cookie cutter neigborhood with small lots and HOA fees, this is it!
 

Priced at $297,000

In Silver Spring, every year we have a summer attraction that causes a lot of excitment.  During Shark Week the Discovery Building has an ginormous inflatable shark swimming through it.  It is quite a sight to see in the skyline at the corner of Colesville Road and Georgia Avenue at the heart of Downtown Silver Spring.  The Shark has been nicknamed "Chompie".  

I heard a rumor on Twitter today, which was confirmed by Silver Spring Patch, that Silver Spring's Jaws will not be in the sky this summer. 

Apparently Chompie is going to be given a rest this year, but the big shark will be back in all it's glory, for next year's 25th Anniversary Celebration of Shark Week.