I always get wicked turned around in Bethesda. Right is left, up is down, etc. Maybe it’s all the one-way streets. Or the 3-4 one-way streets. I don’t know. But I feel like a dork when I have to consult the giant map on the corner kiosk to figure out where I’m going.
But where was I going? My friend and I were in search of a farmer’s market on a Saturday afternoon. Should be easy, right? Ooh – score! There’s a sidewalk sign right in front of us! “Farmer’s Market, 2 blocks, 10a-1p.” And…it’s 1:30. Hmm…
Wait! My friend has an iPhone (what a novelty!) and determines that nearby is…the… Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market. Sounds like something from a college course titled “Critical Perspectives in Women’s Studies: Gender and Food.” After a fair number of Lilith Fair jokes and the requisite tie-dye-clad hippie passing us on the sidewalk (no joke), we stumbled upon a pleasant indoor farmer’s market with quaint stalls of sellers peddling their wares. And those wares were delicious, might I add. I enjoyed this pastry/vegetable combo that was practically transcendent. I take back everything I just said about patchouli!
I really like, however, that we experienced a different side of Bethesda, one that didn’t involve a steak house or a luxury home tour. I know there’s much more to this area than just the stretch of rather unattractive mid-rise buildings along 355, but in the immediate area of the Metro rail station, the options are somewhat limited, especially during non-work hours. If I’d had the time, I would have left the beaten paths (i.e. 355 or East-West Highway) for more exploration.
The only really incongruous thing seemed to be the retail store located just a block from the market: a boutique featuring nothing but furs in the display window. I mean, c’mon: it was 90 degrees outside.
Fixtures like these lined the Red Line corridor in Maryland. I'm guessing that Metro is either updating their maps and fares, or have started to offer tanning as a bonus for riders.
Station: Bethesda Rating (1-10): 6
Ridership: After awhile, the Red Line Metro rail stations in Montgomery county start to bleed together. I know that a certain number are above ground and a certain number are below ground, but other than that it’s suits and ties on weekdays, and sandals and tourists on weekends. We did, however, meet a charming duo of adolescent Gothic Lolitas and their photographer friend. People were staring and pointing, but those gals had way more personality than any other person we met.
Pros: The station drops you smack in the center of Bethesda, with most restaurants, shops, and hotels within 5-10 minutes’ walking distance.
Cons: It’s been just a couple of weeks, and I’m struggling to recall any distinguishing feature of this station, save for the fact that it has the second-longest escalator after Wheaton. It’s also a possibly jump off point for the Purple Line, which might be a pro for those of us looking to travel cross-town on the rails, but is probably a huge con for the local community when/if construction commences.
Nearby & Noteworthy: I’m a hopeless mid-century modernist. If it’s not stainless steel, sharp angles, molded plastic, or atomic orange, there’s a good chance I won’t be interested. I cannot resist, however, scouring a good consignment store, and S&K Consignment was a pleasant surprise. The prices were very reasonable and there were several eyebrow-raising items, which would be right at home for a decorator with a flair for the flamboyantly rococo.
Latest Metro News: If you’re one of the five people in DC who haven’t yet seen this, please take a moment to review a Tea Party guide to visiting our fair town (via DCist.com). This particular site declares Bethesda a safe place to stay if one is using public transportation. Phew.
