Make Time to Explore Bethesda

If you've registered for AUTM's 2019 Agreement Maintenance, Compliance, or IP Portfolio Management Courses, you’ll want to explore this handy guide of must-see sights in Bethesda. Note: Bethesda is only 8 miles from Washington, DC (about 30 minutes by subway, bus, taxi or car). So why not make it a full-on vacay and get your national monuments on?  
 
Selfies – There’s no better way to show the world how ethereal you are than posing in front of a giant pair of angel wings at the ‘What Lifts You Mural’ in Bethesda Row. Feeling a bit Max Headroom-ish? If so the BioWall in Silver Spring is an ideal backdrop. And of course, the selfie spots in Washington DC are all stupendendously awesome and insta-rific.
 
Shopping – If a charming boutique with unique jewelry and trendy accessories beckons, visit Lou Lou in Bethesda Row, while Blue House lifestyle boutique boasts a bit of everything. Sugarfina is a luxury candy boutique offering the finest sweets & treats from all over the world, and Red Orchard’s motto encourages all to live well, do good and gift it forward. Urban Dwell offers a hand-picked selection of trendy merchandise, while Kensington Antique Row celebrates objects from days past. And find wonderfulness for furbabies at Pet Parents.
 
Breweries – There’s a rotating selection of 10 craft beers on tap at 7 Locks Brewing, including their famous ‘Surrender Dorothy.’ Nanobrewery, Saints Row, boasts a comfortable tasting room for sampling suds and catching up with friends. True Respite Brewing Company is the place to be when you’re craving a ‘Scrum & Hooker’ or a ‘Punch Buggy,’ and Franklins Brewery has eleven beers on tap plus house made root beer (yuuum!). Right Proper Brewing Company serves up Southern-influenced brews and eats in a mural lined, industrial-chic space, and Waredaca Brewing Company (a former camp for boys) is an eco-minded farm brewery committed to sustainability and local ingredients.
 
Cocktails – For signature artisan cocktails, drafts and quality wines by the glass in a lively setting, visit CO2 Lounge, or rooftop oasis Olivia’s View, where handcrafted cocktails, beers and small bites win the day. Dramatic décor is the perfect backdrop for a wide assortment of tequilas, whiskies and mezcals at Gringos & Mariachis. The Loft at 4935 boasts state of the art lighting, power-packed sound systems and two beautifully stocked bars brimming with top shelf liquors. The Barking Dog serves a killer selection of cocktails, craft beers and delicious bar food, while Lucky Strike gastropub bowling alley features Victorian inspired cocktails, seasonal craft beers and upscale eats alongside 12 lanes of premium bowling. Villain & Saint spotlights American chow & live rock & jazz with comfortable seating for getting your groove on! Golf-themed sports bar, Caddies, is notable for great food, great drinks and popular happy-hour specials.
 
Casual Eats – True Food Kitchen (founded by Dr. Andrew Weil) serves “food that will make you feel better, not worse,” while plentiful mounds of hummus, baba ghanoush and falafel can be found at Lebanese Taverna Café. For unique salads, pizzas and other deliciousness head to Gusto Farm to Street. Though not vegetarian, the menu at Beefsteak proudly celebrates the unsung power of vegetables. The grub at Fish Taco is inspired by  regions of Mexico and the Southwest, and for an inviting atmosphere, flavorful ingredients and a towering riff on Thanksgiving leftovers head to Jetties. BGR (burgers grilled right) is the place to find a killer chili mac burger with a key lime shake on the side. California Tortilla has delicious eats, colorful décor and a hot sauce ‘Wall of Flame.’ Frankly Pizza’s specialty is piping hot, hearth-baked pizza, while Smoke BBQ offers something for everyone, including smoked salmon tacos or a Buffalo veggie wrap.
 
Upscale Gastronomics – Jaleo showcases the rich regional diversity of Spanish cuisine in a festive and stylish atmosphere. Bistro Provence serves modern French fare in a warm, cozy space. For Peking duck, dim sum platters and a “spicy challenge” in a lofty, modern setting check out Q by Peter Change. Regional flavors and the finest organic meats and game from Virginia’s Northern Neck and Southern Maryland are on the menu at Black’s Bar & Kitchen. Persimmon is a beloved bistro offering incredible starters, seasonal salads and American cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. At Addie's Restaurant, expect a full raw bar, alfresco dining & vegan fare. Anyone who cares about good food should explore Chloe, where dishes are meant to be shared. For top quality USDA Prime steaks, inspired seafood selections and contemporary salads amid nightly jazz, Woodmont Grill is the place to be.
 
Keep Moving – Rent yourself some wheels at Big Wheel Bikes, the major bike rental store in the area, or join Fat Tire Tours for a bike tour that lets you see it all without completely wearing yourself out. The Billy Goat Trail is easily accessible and has awesome views of the Potomac River. For a great urban hike, visit the paved trails and pedestrian bridges of Bethesda Trolley Trails – all right through the heart of Bethesda. Ballpark Boathouse rents kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, sailboats, rowboats and dragon boats. Little Falls Stream Valley Park is a scenic, 160-acre woodlands with trails for hiking & biking. Smithsonian National Zoological Park (aka the National Zoo) is one of the oldest zoos in the US and doesn’t charge for admission. The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden includes native American trees, shrubs, ground covers and perennials and is a great place to snag a selfie or ten.
 
See you in Bethesda!