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North Bethesda is a busy suburban community in Montgomery County, Maryland, stretching along Rockville Pike between Bethesda and Rockville, about 12 miles northwest of downtown Washington, D.C. It has no city government of its own, but it has grown into one of the county's main hubs for offices, apartments, shopping and the arts.
The area is best known for Strathmore, an arts campus with a modern concert hall and a historic mansion turned gallery, set right beside the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro station. Along the Pike, the former White Flint area is being remade into walkable neighborhoods such as Pike and Rose, with restaurants, shops and a food hall.
North Bethesda also holds an important piece of American history: the Josiah Henson Museum and Park, on the farm where Henson was enslaved before his escape and later fame. The Bethesda Trolley Trail links the area by bike to Bethesda and Rockville. Downtown Washington is an easy Metro ride away.
A modern concert hall opened in 2005 and known for its excellent acoustics, hosting the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the National Philharmonic, touring musicians, comedians and dance. It sits next to the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro station, so taking the train avoids parking hassle. Book popular shows early.
An early 1900s mansion on the Strathmore campus that now hosts art exhibitions, intimate concerts and classes, surrounded by lawns and a sculpture garden. In summer the grounds host outdoor concerts and events. Gallery entry is usually free; check the Strathmore calendar for exhibitions and open hours.
A newer mixed-use neighborhood on Rockville Pike with streets of restaurants, cafes, shops, apartments and The Block, an Asian food hall with many small counters. It is lively on evenings and weekends, with seasonal events in its small plaza. Use the garages and explore on foot, or take Metro to North Bethesda.
A Montgomery Parks museum on the former Riley farm, where Josiah Henson was enslaved before escaping to Canada and becoming an author, minister and abolitionist whose life inspired Uncle Tom's Cabin. Exhibits and the historic farmhouse tell his story. Check opening days and book a guided tour if available.
A paved walking and biking trail that follows the route of an old streetcar line between Bethesda and Rockville through North Bethesda, with bridges over busy highways and quiet neighborhood stretches. It is an easy, mostly flat ride. Combine it with a stop at Pike and Rose or the Strathmore grounds.
A large county-run indoor swimming center with a competition pool, a diving area and a leisure pool with a water slide, open year-round. It hosts swim meets and is popular with families on rainy or cold days. Buy a day pass at the desk, bring your own towel and check the schedule for open swim hours.
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Photo: G. Edward Johnson, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: G. Edward Johnson, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
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Photo: Ben Schumin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ben Schumin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ben Schumin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ben Schumin, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
