If your idea of old-world charm in a new-world setting is walking on cobblestone sidewalks and enjoying first-class contemporary dining, then Bethesda has some spectacular offerings. Most visitors are delighted and stunned by the quaint but active culture in the city, and repeat visitors find more to discover each time they set foot in the city. Close to DC, it has all the appeal of a cosmopolitan population but with a much more intimate feel. It’s the perfect spot for enjoying time away from it all, and the fall season has some wonderful events.
With a city as affluent as Bethesda, one could reasonably expect that some of the residents have pretty high tastes in art. That’s absolutely true here, but there are also more down-to-earth events that can appeal to art lovers of all shapes and sizes. One of the most delightful events in town is the Bethesda Row Arts Festival . This year it will be in its 12th incarnation, which is ample time to get the details worked out for a very smooth and invigorating event. There are typically 45,000 visitors each year, so it’s not only a chance to get to see how the arts and crafts communities celebrate, but also get to know the local culture as well.
The festival takes place in the four-block area known as Bethesda Row. This is one of the most popular gathering spots for the locals, as well as those who are staying in Bethesda hotels to get the full flavor of a vacation here. There are 180 artists represented, and these include local artisans as well as nationally-known artists. All kinds of media are represented, from sculpture to painting to photography, and there are also activities for the kids. On the Row, there are also plenty of exquisite restaurants, galleries, and shops, so there’s always something to do here.