Forest Glen - Silver Spring, MD Area Guide

Once part of a 1689 royal manor grant to Colonel William Joseph during the days of Maryland’s colonization, Forest Glen’s history was shaped by farming and the establishment of a private girls’ school, National Park Seminary. Today, Forest Glen is home to a mix of residents with diverse backgrounds.

In Forest Glen, spend time admiring old architecture, evident in places such as the National Park Seminary Historic District, St John’s Church and other wonderful examples of Queen Anne and Gothic revival architecture from the 19th century. Just south, find the National Museum of Health and Medicine, as well as a few art galleries just outside the neighborhood. Join the community during various events throughout the year, including the Silver Springs Jazz Festival.

Suiting residents seeking the quieter side of life, Forest Glen has few commercial establishments, including restaurants. However, a good number of quality choices lie within a short distance, ensuring variety in fare, price and experience.

For a true local favorite located within Forest Glen's borders, visit Pacci's Trattoria . Housed in a wooden historic general store on Post Office Road, the cosy restaurant serves authentic Italian that is loved by residents and visitors alike. While the varied menu presents a host of popular dishes, start with a caprese salad or the pasta and sausage entree, followed by a gnocchi lasagne, carbonara or your choice of pizza.

If you're heading to downtown Silver Spring, stop in at Bete Ethiopian Cuisine & Cafe , where a fun and intimate atmosphere, helpful service and fresh, tasty dishes provide a satisfying Ethiopian dining experience. Opt for shrimp and grits, tender lamb or the veggie special combo and, if you visit during summer, take advantage of the patio and enjoy a cold beer and relaxing surroundings.

If you're going north, pay a visit to Moby Dick Sushi, which lies within Wheaton, a neighborhood just minutes from Forest Glen. The snug restaurant keeps locals returning with its high-quality fare, a diverse menu consisting of Japanese and Korean dishes and a warm atmosphere. You have the option of ordering soup or salad, but, listen to locals' recommendations and enjoy a feast of fresh, tasty sushi here.

As for nightlife, you'll find a range of pubs, clubs and sports bars in Wheaton. The traditionally Irish Limerick Pub promises a good time, with live folk music and expertly poured Guinness drafts as part of the attraction. Great service and authentic food adds to the festive atmosphere. Heading in the other direction, toward the city, find a number of popular choices, including the cafe and wine store Adega Wine Cellars & Cafe.

Georgia Avenue cuts through the center of the neighborhood and takes drivers south into Washington, D.C,. through Silver Spring. At the southern edge of Forest Glen, Georgia Avenue connects with I-495, granting travelers access to the many neighborhoods that surround the city. Those without a car can take advantage of Uber, which operates in the area. You can also choose to use a taxi, many of which can be found at metro stations. You can also hail one from the street, although calling ahead might be easier and quicker. Another service offered in the area is car sharing with Zipcar. Metered parking is available.

Residents also have various public transport options to choose from. The metro system provides the quickest way of getting into Washington, D.C., with the red line connection at Forest Glen Metro Station connecting travelers to the city in about half an hour. Buses present residents with another option; however, a journey to the city requires transfers to other routes and takes over an hour. Both the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation serve the neighborhood, providing residents with various routes via Metrobus and Ride On buses.

While there are no dedicated cycling lanes within Forest Glen, sidewalks line neighborhood streets and main roads. Cyclists also enjoy using trails at Sligo Creek Parkway, which borders Forest Glen on the east.

Forest Glen’s range of parks, as well as the nature wonderland of Sligo Creek, makes it a fantastic neighborhood for outdoor fun and activities. With beautiful wooded surroundings, Forest Glen Neighborhood Park off Coleridge features play equipment, picnic tables and a basketball court. The 12-acre McKenney Hills Neighborhood Park on Hayden Drive provides great opportunities for walking and playing, with amenities including tennis courts, basketball courts and a playground. Plenty of fun can be had at General Getty Neighborhood Park off of Woodland Avenue, where you’ll find playgrounds, tennis courts, a picnic area with a gazebo, a semi-circular pergola protecting garden beds and an outdoor game area.

Outdoor enthusiasts, cyclists and nature lovers head to the numerous trails and parks of Sligo Creek on Forest Glen’s east side. Surrounded by shady, tall trees, families enjoy playground and picnic areas, while joggers, roller skaters, hikers and bikers make use of a range of paved trails. Leashed dogs, too, join in the fun. Residents get together at the creek for various events, such as the semi-annual Fall Sweep the Creek.

Forest Glen's cost of living is around 14 percent more than the Maryland average and just slightly more than that of Washington, D.C., with the average rental rate for a one-bedroom residence sitting at $1,153. The price of gas is around 8 percent higher than the national average. A ticket for the bus costs $1.75, while a one-way train ticket into the city costs $5. A beer at a local pub costs around $5.

The neighborhood lacks shops, providing residents with more peace and quiet than can be found in other areas. Nonetheless, its ideal location does allow for easy trips by car or public transport to nearby shopping malls and retail areas. Close malls include Westfield Wheaton, Kemp Mill Shopping Center, Kensington Shopping Center and Blair Park Shopping Center. In addition, a half-hour trip by subway gets passengers to downtown Washington, D.C., for even more retail choices.

Forest Glen cyclists have no lack of options awaiting them, with a number of bike and bike accessories shops on their doorstep. Visit Silver Cycles on Georgia Avenue for bikes to purchase and rent as well as a range of parts and accessories to meet all your biking needs. Quality, attentive service and fair prices makes this spot popular with locals.

The saying "one man’s trash is another man’s treasure" rings true in Kensington, to the west of Forest Glen. Choose from a number of thrift shops and second-hand stores in the area, including Growing Years and Kensington Caboose, which both specialize in gently worn children’s clothing.

In Wheaton, browse some of the nation’s most well-known department stores and boutiques to find your favorite brands and designers labels. Options here include JCPenney, Sears, Target, Macy’s and Guess. A variety of grocery shops in this area provide residents with all they need to stock their kitchens; the chain grocery store Safeway can be found in nearby Wheaton. Let's Grow Local Farm Market on University Boulevard provides the community with fresh produce.