May is Go MoCo Month, a celebration of the people, places, and experiences that make Montgomery County such a fun place to explore. To help inspire your next outing, the Visit Montgomery team is sharing a few of our personal favorite spots across the county. These are the places we recommend to friends and family, the restaurants we keep going back to, and the experiences that remind us why we love calling MoCo home.
Joe’s Picks
A Night Out at The Fillmore Silver Spring
For Joe, nothing beats a night at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, a venue packed with energy and memories. One specific memory is The Wonder Years’ 10th‑anniversary shows for No Closer to Heaven, a band he’s loved and seen countless times. With favorites just walking distance like McGinty’s Pub and great Thai spots, it’s the perfect area for a full night out with friends. What he loves most is The Fillmore’s walk‑in energy: merch front and center, bar to the right, balcony seating above, and a steady rotation of concerts and comedy shows that guarantee something for everyone. No matter the event, the vibe is always high‑energy and unmistakably MoCo. If he were to describe The Fillmore in one word, it is simply: Electric.
Taco Night at Tacombi
When Joe wants a go‑to MoCo bite, he heads straight to Tacombi in Bethesda Row, where his must‑try recommendation for first‑timers is the Baja Crispy Fish Taco, a beer‑battered cod with poblano mayo (he promises it doesn’t taste like mayo) and a drizzle on top that ties everything together without adding heat. The atmosphere channels an authentic Mexican taqueria: bright, casual, and full of good energy, making it perfect for a relaxed dinner or an easy lunch, especially with outdoor seating. His advice for newcomers is simple: just walk in and enjoy. With great service, reasonable prices, and a location surrounded by shops and activities, Tacombi makes it easy to turn a meal into a full Bethesda Row experience.
Katherine’s Picks
A Full Day on the lakefront at Rio
For Katherine, Rio Lakefront is a MoCo favorite, a place layered with sweet memories and endless things to do, whether she’s out with her girlfriends or spending a full family day with the kids. With friends, she loves starting at Copper Canyon for happy hour (the martini is a must) before strolling the lakefront, browsing shops, popping into Blue Mercury, or unwinding in the cozy corners of Barnes & Noble, one of her favorite spots to slow down. With family, Rio becomes an adventure of paddle boats, carousel rides, playground time, rock climbing, Dave & Buster’s, and a mandatory stop for strawberry mochi donuts, which is her and her son’s favorite treat. What she loves most is that Rio has something to do all year‑round, cozy movie nights, casual dinners, or spontaneous shopping; there’s always something to enjoy in every season.
Shopping at Clarksburg Premium Outlets
When Katherine’s not shopping at Rio, you’ll find her at the Clarksburg Premium Outlets, her go‑to spot for everything from kid outings to quick errands, thanks to its open‑air layout, wide store selection, and relaxed atmosphere. She loves wandering from shop to shop without feeling rushed, grabbing a snack, and turning the trip into a full afternoon, especially with brands that fit every style and budget. What makes the outlets stand out for her is how walkable and convenient the entire area is, with easy parking, a laid‑back vibe, and always something new to discover. Whether she’s shopping for herself, picking up gifts, or just enjoying the fresh air, the Clarksburg Outlets consistently delivers an enjoyable experience.
Stephanie’s Picks
A Peaceful Escape at Brookside Gardens
For Stephanie, Brookside Gardens is MoCo’s ultimate outdoor escape, a hidden oasis that offers everything she loves about nature, from bird‑watching and peaceful walking paths to the serene beauty of the Japanese Pavilion, her favorite spot for reflection, photos, and quiet moments. The gardens instantly make her slow down and be present. She loves and appreciates their commitment to sustainability, especially the gift shop filled with Maryland‑grown plants and locally made items. Some of her most meaningful memories come from a solo trip or sharing the gardens with family, including taking her in‑laws to Winter Lights for hot chocolate and glowing displays that feel magical for all ages. Spring is by far her favorite season, when early blooms, the Butterfly Garden, and the indoor conservatory come alive. Her goal this year is to attend the meditation sessions and the summer concert series. Whether you’re a first‑time visitor or a regular, Brookside’s welcoming staff, easy‑to‑navigate trails, and peaceful setting within Wheaton Regional Park make it a family‑friendly retreat tucked right into the heart of MoCo.
Dinner at Kiin Imm Thai
Stephanie and her husband discovered Kiin Imm Thai during their weekly tradition of trying new takeout spots after moving to the area two years ago, and it quickly became one of their goes‑to restaurants thanks to its authenticity, intimate 20‑seat space, and warm, attentive service that makes you feel like family. Her must-order dish is the Spicy Crispy Chicken, which she says is consistently high-quality, served with veggies and rice, and clearly marked for spice level. She also loves the dumplings and veggie spring rolls. She describes the vibe as “cozy and intimate street food,” perfect for date nights, quiet evenings when you don’t feel like cooking, or unwinding after a busy day, and she was especially impressed by the Beef Drunken Noodles with their wide, flavorful noodles and bold seasoning. Her best advice is to go early; the restaurant handles a lot of takeout, but even with a short wait, the staff is incredibly accommodating, making every visit feel cared for, never rushed, and exactly why Kiin Imm Thai has become one of her favorite places to eat in MoCo.
Lee’s Picks
A Damascus Favorite at The Hornets Nest Grille
For Lee, The Hornets Nest Grille is more than a restaurant; it’s a true Damascus staple. He has been going there since he was a kid, back when it was originally Tom and Ray’s, and it has remained a family favorite ever since. He always recommends checking out the monthly specials, which are consistently creative and comforting, and his personal go-tos include the Chicken Cacciatore, Donny’s Orange Chicken, and the always-popular salads, with Peanut Butter Pie as a must-order dessert. What keeps him coming back is the familiar, homey atmosphere, the kind of place where the servers know the locals and the locals know each other, which he calls the “restaurant version of Cheers,” a perfect reflection of the Damascus community. It’s an ideal spot for families, and Lee says dinnertime is when the restaurant really comes alive, offering welcoming staff, loyal regulars, and a comforting menu that embodies everything he loves about small‑town dining in MoCo.
A Staycation at The Bethesdan
The Bethesdan Hotel is the standout stay in Montgomery County, a boutique‑inspired Hilton property with personality, comfort, and a touch of mid‑century flair, featuring some of the largest rooms in the county, filled with colorful local art and a warm, modern design. He especially loves the rooftop pool, including the rooms that open directly onto the pool deck, which give the whole space a subtle Palm Springs vibe he jokingly attributes to The Office, though the breezy aesthetic truly delivers. Its location is another major advantage, with easy Metro access and more than 200 restaurants nearby, making Bethesda’s food scene incredibly convenient to explore; he even notes the hotel’s signature scent, a clean, fresh, lightly sweet aroma that greets you the moment you walk in. What he appreciates most is that The Bethesdan feels like a true guest‑only retreat, calm and elevated, making it an ideal choice for staycations, hosting family, or business travel, with the hotel ready to accommodate any type of trip.
Maria’s Picks
Evenings at The Crossvines
For Maria,The Crossvines in Poolesville is the perfect blend of beauty, flavor, and relaxation, a place where great food meets sweeping golf‑course views and where the combination of a stunning course and a bistro focused on local ingredients immediately drew her in. Her go‑to pairings must be the Farmhouse Market Salad with Salmon and Fairway Rosé or the Farmhouse Burger with Cab Franc; each meal captures everything she loves about the bistro’s fresh, thoughtful, regionally inspired menu. As a golfer, her ideal visit is from spring through fall, especially when she can end a round by catching a golden sunset on the patio. She describes the atmosphere as rustic chic and adaptable, whether you’re playing a round with friends, enjoying a romantic dinner, or settling in for a laid‑back afternoon, The Crossvines can match any mood.
Staying at the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center
For Maria, the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center is the perfect home base for a MoCo getaway thanks to its effortless access to dining, shopping, entertainment, and the full Rio Lakefront experience just steps from the front door. The lakefront itself, with its boardwalk, views, and lively energy, gives the hotel a unique atmosphere she hasn’t found anywhere else in the county. She loves the amenities, from the seasonal Tiki Bar & Grill with its Asian‑fusion menu to the clean, well‑equipped Fitness Center, and she often heads to the lakeside trails and boardwalk for a refreshing walk. What keeps guests returning, in her opinion, is the hotel’s consistently top‑notch customer service paired with its unbeatable location, creating a stay that feels easy, memorable, and full of things to enjoy for all ages.
Leticia’s Picks
A Day in Takoma Park
Leticia loves Main Street Takoma for its warm, community‑driven vibe and the way the whole area feels like a neighborhood gathering place. She always recommends wandering through the unique local boutiques, especially Tabletop, where she can pick up gifts and usually something for herself, before grabbing a coffee at Tacoma Beverage Co. Sundays are her favorite thanks to the lively farmers’ market. The area’s steady lineup of community events, including the Tacoma Park Street Festival each October, makes it a spot where everyone feels welcome.
Gluten-Free Favorites at Isaac’s
Isaac’s Poultry Market is a go‑to for anyone craving great chicken, and for someone who’s gluten‑free, it’s a standout, most of the menu, including the fried chicken tenders, is gluten‑free and you could never tell the difference. They even carry her favorite locally made snack, My Dad’s Chips, and the street corn salad was so good she immediately wanted more. Located just outside the Kentlands in Gaithersburg, Isaac’s works perfectly as a grab‑and‑go option but also offers casual seating if you want to stay awhile.
Kelly’s Picks
A Historic Stay along the Canal
For our CEO, Kelly, staying at a C&O Canal lockhouse is unlike any typical getaway; it’s a chance to step directly into history, sleeping within the same stone walls where canal keepers once lived and experiencing a peaceful, adventurous escape that feels worlds away from modern life. She loves the quiet, the nature, and the steady rhythm of the canal, and always tells guests to drop everything and head outdoors to explore the towpath before ending the day with an outdoor fire, especially at the rustic Lockhouse 25, which has no plumbing, electricity, or climate control. What makes the experience truly special for her is the authenticity: each lockhouse is furnished to reflect the 1800s, offering a rare opportunity to disconnect from the bustle of everyday life and feel deeply connected to the past.
Shopping Local in Kensington
For Kelly, Kensington Antique Row is one of Montgomery County’s most charming hidden gems, a historic, walkable town filled with Victorian homes, Antique Row, and a true “Main Street” feel that makes supporting local businesses all worthwhile. She loves browsing the artisan shops and locally made goods, soaking in the friendly, character‑filled atmosphere that often surprises first‑time visitors who say they’re so glad they discovered it. Kelly especially appreciates the authenticity of the small businesses here, from community‑minded owners to cozy gathering spots like Java Nation, her favorite neighborhood coffee shop, where she always recommends the Avocado Toast. She also never misses the Kensington Farmers’ Market at the Historic Train Station on Saturdays, a lively event filled with produce, prepared foods, cheeses, seafood, and meats. It’s one of her favorite ways to shop local.
These staff picks highlight just a few of the many ways to experience Montgomery County during Go MoCo Month. Every recommendation comes from real memories, favorite traditions, and places we genuinely love sharing with others. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, trying somewhere new, or revisiting an old favorite, we hope these local picks inspire your next MoCo adventure.
Looking for more inspiration? Download the Visit MoCo Adventure Planner App to explore things to do in Montgomery County, build out your own itinerary, and map out your weekend.
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