A food idea
Take a patch of grassland, add a few edible plants, herbs, flowers, vines, bushes and trees and soon it’s a “food forest” where people can harvest something to eat for free. That’s the idea behind the appetizing new landscaping on Montgomery College’s Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus. Student Tierney Acosta (pictured) led the project, working with volunteers to transform 30,000 square feet of land into a buffet of blueberries, apples, papayas, tomatoes, peas and more. Acosta hopes to help fellow Montgomery College students experiencing food insecurity. It will take two years for the forest to reach its full potential. We can’t wait to see if more food forests sprout up.
Intersection of Chicago and Philadelphia Avenue, Silver Spring
Super Scoops
“There are no angry people in an ice cream shop,” says Bonnie Cosby, 65, of Germantown, which is why she’s become the “head ice cream maker” in her retirement. Cosby (pictured left), who founded Sunshine Creamery in 2022, says she uses milk from South Mountain Creamery in Frederick County and aims to make ice cream that tastes like her grandmother’s. She says she avoids preservatives, additives, stabilizers and artificial flavors and colors. Pre-scooped tubs (about 6 ounces) are sold for $6 at farmers markets in the county, and flavors vary depending on what her fellow vendors are selling (think cherries) and whatever else she thinks of. Indulging your penchant for sweets can help others, too—Cosby says she donates 10% of her proceeds from the Shady Grove Farmers Market to Rockville Help.
www.sunshinecreamerymd.com
Beach swings
Montgomery County’s first outdoor beach tennis court opened in April at the 18-acre Nike Missile Local Park in Gaithersburg. Beach tennis combines elements of beach volleyball, badminton and traditional tennis and could be the next pickleball. Thanks to an adjustable net system, the clay court can also be used for volleyball games.
Open from sunrise to sunset. Free; first come, first served.
8500 Snouffer School Road, Gaithersburg, montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/nike-missile-local-park
Prints Charming
For the coolest kids’ clothes in town, head to new boutique Pink Chicken. The little dresses, rompers, swimsuits and other pieces come in cute prints, including plenty of summery ones like lobster and popsicles. Girls are the focus here, but boys’ clothes are also on the shelves. Sizes range from newborn to 14 years old. Adults will find some options too, like flowy dresses that are perfect for beach days and the odd shirt for guys, perhaps decorated with mallards or barbecue accessories.
4925 Elm St., Bethesda, 240-967-1742, pinkchicken.com
Terrace upgrade
Summer is a time for outdoor dining, and we love Founding Farmers’ updated patio in Park Potomac. Opened in March, the patio has been expanded from 80 to 135 seats and is adorned with basil-green columns and beams and plants. Fans, heaters, retractable side walls and a louvered roof extend the outdoor season. After all, fall, winter and spring are also good times for outdoor dining.
12505 Park Potomac Ave., Potomac,
301-340-8783, wearefoundingfarmers.com
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