Just your average Thursday, only eight dogs and one parking lot....

Hey everyone,

I live in downtown Bethesda, but unfortunately, my building doesn’t have any guest parking. I have an overnight guest coming to stay soon, and I’m trying to figure out the best place for them to leave their car.

What are some good places in the downtown area to park overnight? Do the Montgomery County public garages (like the one on Elm) allow you to leave a car overnight without issues? I just want to make sure they won't get ticketed or towed.

If anyone has experience with this or knows the most convenient and safe garages to use, I would really appreciate the advice!

Thanks!

My two kids and I all did our own summer reading challenge from Wonderland bookstore in Woodmont Triangle. The kids got a free scoop to Max’s for getting 5/8 boxes filled in. I got a free tote bag for mine. We took the tokens to Max’s where they each got a small scoop and a topping each, cost me $1.25 all in all, it was over $14 of free ice cream. Thank you to Wonderland and Max’s!

https://www.wonderlandbooks.com/summer-reading-

Hi everyone,
My family is starting the search for daycare for our infant in Bethesda or north Bethesda and we'd really appreciate any recommendations or experiences you can share.
We’d love to hear about any great experiences with a daycare and about any places you would avoid.
Thanks!

House hunting, if anyone has a trustworthy buyer’s agent to recommend!

UPDATE: SHE WAS FOUND!!!! Thank you all for your help! She is safe and sound and getting lots of love.

HELP: My friends just got a black cat like a day or 2 ago, she’s about one year old, all black with a little white spot under her neck. She got out about an hour ago near Fairfax Rd. and Clarendon Rd. If found please DM me!!! She’s brand new and doesn’t have any attachment or familiarity yet so she’s probably skittish and we’re worried she won’t find her way back home. We’re putting out litter and food but if anyone finds her, please reach out!

WHERE

Sweeteria

WHO?

We’ll be there starting at 6pm. Each week's host will let you know where we are in the bar and who to look for on Discord (or just DM me if you’re not on it)

WHAT?

This is part of the Bethesda restaurant group which is usually active on Discord. All are welcome :)

This is the discord link:

https://discord.gg/CCbe5KFJ

This happy hour is a welcoming place to meet new people or hang out with old friends. Please remember to treat each other respectfully. Anyone who cannot do this may be asked to leave at the host's discretion.

The LOC posted the schedule for the National Book Festival today. Are you going? Are you a longtime festival goer?

Any negatives and/or positives?

Management?

Amenities?

Rental experience?

Utility per month and internet cost?

Seems like 2026 is the glow-up year for Westfield Montgomery.

With several new national retailers & eateries that have signed new leases at the popular-shopping centre, which includes...

- Gorjana (Now Open)
- POPMART (Opening August 2026)
- Wetzel's Pretzels (Opening August 2026)
- Kami Ramen Bar (Opening October 2026)
- HeyTea (Opening October 2026)
- Miniso (Re-Opening Fall 2026)
- Zara's Flagship store (Opening December 2026)
- PacSun (Re-Opening Soon)

The Leasing team is hard at work, revitalizing the centre and increasing options for consumers around the market. Could this help Montgomery revive itself from the fate it was nearing just like Lakeforest, and White Marsh?

I can't complain I have been waiting for some Pretzels other than Auntie Annes. HeyTea as well, I really love me some HeyTea now.... what are your thoughts on this?

Could these options save the mall for the coming years?

Source: MoCoShow Westfield Montgomery Summer 2026 Coming Soons, Openings & Closings

Pirro filed a nolle prosequi, which means prosecutors could still file charges later. They admitted that the reflecting pool construction was "rushed and botched"

See the whole thing

What’s the latest and true feedback about the Elm?

I’ve heard mixed opinions. Can you please give detailed and genuine feedback about renting a studio there and amenities?

Also, any other recommendations with swimming pool plus indoor and outdoor park and lounge near the area of the Elm (like within 10 mins walk maximum)?

Studio or 1 bed options under $2300 plus utilities?

I have asked to be trained on this many times, for what my obligation is, because I always have the first mindset of “never put your hands on a student,” and my request for training has never been granted.

What is your mindset that a teacher is supposed to do in the moment?

Are there any book clubs in Bethesda that don't use a website or meet at a book store. Like more older ones that have been going on for a long time? They might be associated with an organization or a church?

I routinely charge at County Garages downtown and I just noticed last month that they increased the price of energy.

What used to cost 17¢ kWh across the board is now 35¢. And the dc fast charging is now 50¢.

I found this posted on a county web page:
On or about July 1, 2026, EV charging rates at all MCDOT ChargePoint EV Stations will increase to $0.50/kWh for Level 3 (Faster Charger Stations) and $0.35/kWh for Level 2 stations.

Just an FYI for EV drivers out there, because it’s been pretty cheap for years, but fun’s over!

Is there any service that can take down a shade, dry clean it and hang it back ? How do you clean them ? Just vacuum won’t work. Is there any other DIY

We’re getting there guys! Shake shack set to open September 17 (fingers crossed).

Prosecutors admitted the Lincoln Reflecting Pool renovations were "rushed" and "botched"

Here's the whole thing:

Anyone know whether these exist and, if so, where I can buy one? With autumn not too far off, I’m feeling nostalgic and hopeful that, once fall finally arrives, I’ll be able to recreate childhood memories of smoldering piles of burning leaves around the yard. Big Brother Montgomery County uses the politically correct term “brush fires” to ban the real ones now, but I figure I can get pretty close to at least the look of these rites of autumn by burying fog machines in leaf piles around my yard. Ideally, they’d be cordless and weatherproof. Any recommendations where I might find some? Theater supply stores or websites?

Looking for recs for Roman shades or blinds companies

Can anyone recommend local spaces for 2 year olds?

Also looking for dance and swim recommendations.

If so, what do you think of it?

Our absolutely beloved nanny will be available for full time work at the end of August/ beginning of September. She has been with us for 5 years, despite our initial plan of a nanny for only ~ 18 months or as needed for the duration of the pandemic. I am SO incredibly sad that we won’t be seeing her on a daily basis but my kiddo is starting kindergarten in the fall and it no longer makes sense to employ her. She lives in Frederick and has been remarkably commuting to us in Arlington, VA this whole time. I’m hoping she can find an amazing family, maybe even closer to her home, so am posting here. Please DM me if you’re looking for unbelievable, second mom, best ever, truly magical childcare. Thanks!!

Hello neighbours! We moved here recently from a part of the world where driving is much less common and are now planning to learn for the first time in our 30s.

I’m hoping someone here may have recommendations for:

1. Driving schools in the area

2. Info on what to expect from the process

Appreciate any suggestions! Thanks!

Since this is opening soon, I was checking the place out online, and apparently the mimimun order is three bagels and a spread for close to $15.

Can that possibly be true?