A suburb of Washington, D.C., that features many gracious old buildings, Bethesda, Maryland, has developed into a bustling spot with a variety of restaurants, watering holes, shops and eclectic galleries. Although some people grouse about the area's snootiness, others appreciate the upscale atmosphere.
Located 35 mi/55 km southwest of Baltimore, Bethesda is also home to the National Institutes of Health, the federal agency responsible for health research. The NIH has an interesting visitors center with a slide show, films and a model lab.
Just west of Bethesda are the towns of Potomac and Great Falls, worth a trip so you can see the Great Falls of the Potomac River. You'll get great views of the falls from the Virginia side of the river, but there are hiking paths and areas to explore on the Maryland side as well.
Just outside of D.C. in North Bethesda, the Music Center at Strathmore presents performances by artists from nearly every genre, from folk and jazz to pop and show tunes. Strathmore also features concerts by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the National Philharmonic. It's at 5301 Tuckerman Lane. Phone 301-581-5200. http://www.strathmore.org.
Another worthwhile option is to take one of the old canal-boat trips that leaves from the Great Falls Tavern in Great Falls. Nearby, in Glen Echo, is the Clara Barton National Historic Site, dedicated to the heroic nurse who established the American Red Cross.
