Bethesda, for those who remember it three to four decades ago, was once a sleepy hamlet of old-school shops and vintage diners. Then, in 2001, the neighborhood expanded from the quaint streets of Woodmont Triangle to Bethesda Row’s modern streetscape when developers completed a shining mix of skyscrapers and sophisticated shops along the pedestrian-friendly streets. The expansion led to more dining options, some of which were operated by the DMV’s top chefs. Today, Bethesda has three theaters, six art galleries and The Writers Center, where local authors meet to hone their craft. Downtown Bethesda has become a bustling place, where active folks can enjoy biking on the Capital Crescent Trail or a workout in exclusive gyms and yoga studios. Afterward, they can reward themselves with sweet treats—Bethesda has more than a dozen crave-worthy bakeries, with cases full of European pastries and gooey cookies. Locals and commuters love the free Bethesda Circulator bus, with its 20 convenient stops. You could spend a week in Bethesda and never run out of discoveries in this ever-evolving neighborhood.
Dress
Bethesda has a wealth of apparel stores, from upscale chains to independently owned shops. But notable among the broad offerings on Bethesda Lane is Wylie Grey, a fashion boutique that began as a pop-up. Local owners Nikki Yazdanian and Rachel Grinney focus their offerings on elevated basics, from jeans to sweaters and winter coats. Look for such sustainable and emerging brands as Ulla Johnson, Sabina Musayev and Sea. 7125 Bethesda Lane, wyliegrey.com
Play
Kids need a creative outlet, and Imagination Stage has them covered, whether it’s watching a show with professional actors or participating in hands-on acting classes. The programs here cater to children ranging from 12 months old to high school seniors, with dance, filmmaking, musical theater and improv. While the main hub is a contemporary theater complex in Bethesda, the 45-year-old organization has 50 satellite locations. 4908 Auburn Ave., imaginationstage.org
Browse
Ask locals where to find that special gift for their favorite people and they’ll likely point to The Blue House. For nearly three decades, this shop has sold whimsical home decor, seasonal items, jewelry, clothing and accessories in the Woodmont Triangle neighborhood. Owner Connie Cissel stocks both the trendy and the tried-and-true, including treasures you didn’t even know you needed (earbud cleaning kit, anyone?). 7833 Woodmont Ave., thebluehousebethesda.com
Nosh
This is the original location of Bethesda Bagels, and after 42 years the bakers are still serving arguably the best bagels in the DMV. But the menu doesn’t stop with sesame, poppy, flagels (flat bagels) or multigrain. The lineup changes seasonally, with favorites such as pumpkin and blueberry popping up on the menu. Diehards swear by the pepperoni pizza bagel. 4819 Bethesda Ave., bethesdabagels.com
Discover
Bethesda Theater opened its doors in 1938 and has since morphed from a movie house to its current iteration as a dinner theater and event space. Audiences will find a wide range of performances by famous comedians, jazz artists, go-go acts and Christian bands—but always with a side of drinks and dining. 7719 Wisconsin Ave., bethesdatheater.com
Drink
Despite the skyline of soaring office space and apartments, there’s only one penthouse speakeasy, and it sits atop a Marriott hotel, next to the company’s international headquarters. Hip Flask Rooftop Bar opened in 2022 with far-reaching views of Bethesda from its 12th-floor perch. Find a seat beside the floor-to-ceiling windows or on the outside patio from 5 to 7 p.m. for happy hour to try a signature cocktail such as the Smoking Beauty or MoCo’s Waredaca on draft. 7707 Woodmont Ave., hipflaskrooftop.com
Shop
Among the plethora of high-end shops is Pampillonia, a jewelry store with superb service and a selection of gems you can’t help but covet. While there are many more affordable jewelry stores around here, none has this level of quality—that includes estate pieces, colorful Arcobaleno enamel jewelry, and recycled metals and diamonds. The jewelers are experts in creating custom engagement rings, too. 7114 Bethesda Lane, pampillonia.com
Mangia
One local family has brought years of joy to the neighbors. Olazzo, an Italian restaurant owned by brothers Roberto and Riccardo Pietrobono, has been a Bethesda fixture since it opened in 2002. You can expect nearly every day to see regulars devouring the luscious homemade pastas and meatballs. The menu has hefty sandwiches, tasty apps, bountiful salads, and a stellar selection of Italian and California wines. The Pietrobonos also own Bethesda’s Alatri Bros. pizzeria and two Gringos & Mariachis restaurants. 7921 Norfolk Ave., olazzo.com
Coming up
Imagination Stage debuts Inside Out and Backwards, a show for children ages 1 to 4, which runs from March 2 to 31.
Bethesda Urban Partnership hosts the 2024 Poetry Awards & Reading at The Writers Center on March 14, followed by the 2024 Essay Awards & Reading on March 15 at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda.
The Bethesda Film Fest features local and regional documentary makers screening and discussing their films at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema on April 5 and 6.
This story appears in the March/April issue of Bethesda Magazine.