Brookmont - Bethesda, MD Area Guide

The communities of Brookmont and Glen Echo came to be around the turn of the 19th century. The land now referred to as Glen Echo was purchased by brothers Edwin and Edward Baltzley in 1889. They worked together to advertise and develop the land, leading to ventures such as amusement parks (now defunct). In modern times, the community hub of Glen Echo Park draws locals for arts, recreation and entertainment. Glen Echo Park holds annual events such as dance classes, art shows, theater productions and activities for children.

The first homes in Brookmont were constructed on former farm land in the 1920s. Gradual development led to the current diverse style of homes in this neighborhood that often cost more than $1 million. The green space in this community draws sports enthusiasts and families despite high prices.

A number of scenic, fine dining restaurants exist in Glen Echo and Brookmont. Many locations overlook the Potomac River. The Irish Inn at Glen Echo, operating in a building that dates back to the 1930s, blends traditional Irish cuisine with contemporary American fine dining. Try the fish and chips or the shepherd's pie for some traditional, hearty cuisine. You will also find modern American dining options such as the wild mushroom and kale ragu with polenta.

Et Voila specializes in Belgium-French cuisine. This scenic spot along the Potomac draws crowds for the traditional continental brunches that include classics such as eggs Benedict and croque monsieur. The decadent desserts such as meringue make the perfect accompaniment to coffee with cream.

Brookmont and Glen Echo do not have much in the way of nightlife, but you can travel to nearby Friendship Heights for more options. The creators of the Civil Cigar Lounge present the vintage inspired concept of a cigar house, bar and small plates establishment. The small plates in this restaurant come from top chef Brian Votallgio's restaurant, Range.

Union Jack's in Bethesda serves as the perfect hangout spot for those looking for a bit of fun at a wallet-friendly price. This British-style pub Union Jack's offers 7,500 square feet for dance parties, playing billiards and watching your favorite sports team on television.

Locals rely on their cars for the most efficient means of travel through the communities. However, biking enthusiasts love these neighborhoods for the trails and bike lanes along the Potomac River. Examples include the MacArthur Boulevard Bike Trail, the Chesapeake & Ohio National Historic Park and the Capital Crescent Trail. Likewise, many of these trails are suitable for walking as well.

Many of the area's main attractions have parking lots, such as the Glen Echo Park. Restaurants and shops have attached lots or street parking available as well. While the residential neighborhoods may not all have attached garages, parking is not generally considered an issue considering the communities' small population. Don't expect to hail a cab, but you can always call ahead to schedule a pickup from tax companies or ridesharing companies such as Uber.

The Clara Barton Parkway runs through Glen Echo and Brookmont. This parkway lies parallel to the Potomatc River and takes drivers into Washington. Much of the parkway primarily serves as a commuter path. Traffic flows eastbound in the mornings toward Washington and westbound out of the city in the afternoons. The George Washington Memorial Parkway that runs to Mount Vernon, Va., can be accessed from the Chain Bridge and Clara Barton Parkway. Finally, I-495 lies to the north of Glen Echo.

Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts & Culture serves as a cultural and recreational center for Montgomery County. Social dances, art workshops, an old-fashioned carousel and special events draw thousands to this park every year. Children will enjoy art classes catered to their interests as well as the playground.

For more exercise-centric spots, venture just a few miles to Virginia where you will find the Mount Vernon trail. This park has an 18-mile trail that runs along the Potomac River. Run, bike, walk or rollerblade through the scenic landscape. The Mount Vernon trail connects with numerous other trails, such as Rock Creek.

Brookmont and Glen Echo rank as some of the most expensive suburbs in Washington, D.C. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence exceeds $1,831.

A few public bus routes reach Brookmont and Glen Echo, and while this may not be the most convenient or efficient method of travel, you can get to the city center for just $2 to $4 in this fashion.

The majority of the dining options in these neighborhoods would be classified as upscale, so the cost of a local beer may exceed prices you will find in other nearby suburbs, but not by an outlandish amount. For instance, at the popular Irish Inn at Glen Echo, a beer costs between $5 to $7.

The price of gas in Glen Echo and Brookmont costs about 15 percent more than the national average.

The upscale shops in Friendship Heights lie just a few miles from Brookmont and Glen Echo. High-end shops include Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus and various designer shops. Bethesda, a suburb just north of Glen Echo and Brookmont, offers a number of boutique and specialty stores. The locally owned consignment shop, Mustard Seed, in downtown Bethesda has great deals for designer fashion, selling new clothing as well as vintage items.

The intelligent and warm owners at the local wine shop, Cork & Fork, keep customers coming back to all three D.C. locations. The closest one to Glen Echo and Brookmont lies in Bethesda. Locals shop here for the rich variety of wine, including those from well-known vineyards as well as small, local ones. A number of grocery options lie within a 5-mile radius of Glen Echo and Brookmont. Friendship Heights has a Whole Foods, while downtown Bethesda offers the organic shop Trader Joe's as well as the Mid-Atlantic chain Giant. The Bethesda Farm Women's Market was established in the Great Depression and continues to thrive today. Local food vendors, artisans and antiques sellers set up shop every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in the heart of downtown Bethesda. This market opens year-round.