Beauty

Ginger Nail Spa

Where skill, consistency, and care define the modern nail experience. Article by Anicia Juarez | Photography by Dr. Ceylon Mitchell, M3 Mitchell Media Nail care today blends beauty, wellness, and personal expression. At Ginger Nail Spa, that balance is shaped by how the work is done and how consistently it shows up from appointment to appointment.  When entering the spa, you will experience a rich environment of luxury fragrances, marble and quartz appointments in the salon and spotless...

Life + Culture

Black in Business Awards

A new celebration of Black-owned business leadership in Montgomery County Photography by Sean Hart — HARTISTRAW The inaugural Black in Business Montgomery County Awards brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders for a powerful evening of recognition and celebration on November 20, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC North/Gaithersburg. Hosted by The Black Business Council in partnership with MBA Growth Partners, the event honored Black-owned businesses whose...

Life + Culture

Mayor of the People

How Mayor Jud Ashman has helped write Gaithersburg’s next chapter Article by Deborah Blumberg When Gaithersburg Mayor, Jud Ashman founded the Gaithersburg Book Festival in 2010, he drew from a lifetime love of reading, including childhood books like Charlotte’s Web and Superfudge, stories he read growing up in Miami. Now, the long-time mayor and small business owner has grown the festival into an annual event that draws thousands of readers and over 100 prestigious authors. It’s one of dozens...

Life + Culture

Gaithersburg at Work

The people who keep the City moving Article and Photography by Cities run on details. The kind most residents never see, but feel every day. In Gaithersburg, that work spans public safety and public works, parks and programs, planning, communication, human resources, and legal guidance that supports nearly every decision the City makes. In this feature, we highlight eight department leaders who keep Gaithersburg moving through steady service and long-range thinking. Some oversee crews...

Arts + Culture

Rooted in Legacy

How the Potomac Community Foundation is preserving African American descendant history while expanding educational access, community trust, and long-term opportunity across Montgomery County. Article and Photography by Launched in April 2025, the Potomac Community Foundation is entering its first full year with a focused mission: honoring legacy while expanding opportunity for Montgomery County’s African American descendant communities. As the county approaches its 250th anniversary, the...

Life + Culture

February Events Near Gaithersburg

Article and Photography by February 1 Billy Price Band & Chris O’Leary Band Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis A soulful, blues-forward concert perfect for date night. ramsheadonstage.com February 5 Taste of Maryland Agriculture Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland, Hanover The 56th annual celebration of Maryland agriculture with tastings, wine, and farm-to-table experiences. mdagriculturecouncil.com   January 28 - February 7 Paranormal Activity: A New Story Shakespeare Theatre Company...

Health + Wellness

Smiles of Chevy Chase Promotes Health/Wellness

Dr. Despina Markogiannakis inspires patients to change the world with their smile every single day Article by Mindy Toran | Photography by Ella Scott/ Dr. Ceylon Mitchell, M3 Mitchell Media Ever since she was a young girl, Dr. Despina Markogiannakis was fascinated by the blend of art and science in the field of dentistry.  At the age of 10 she heard a visiting dentist at career day at school describe how he was able to change someone’s life by recreating their smile and she was inspired to...

Arts + Culture

Recovery, Redefined

SweatHouz Pike & Rose brings modern contrast therapy to the heart of North Bethesda Article and Photography by Provided A new year always feels like a small reset button, doesn’t it? It’s a chance to slow down, take a breath, and start over with a clearer head. That was exactly what Brenna Dorsey wanted when she opened SweatHouz Pike & Rose back in April 2025: a place where taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, but part of the rhythm of life. This isn’t your average spa or wellness...

Fitness

Around Town This Month

Article and Photography by FEATURED EVENTS January 10 2026 Winter Carderock 5K, 10K & Half Carderock, MD A scenic winter race through the C&O Canal area featuring multiple distances for all fitness levels. www. bishopsevents.com January 17 Fix-It Fair Casey Community Center, Gaithersburg Bring your household items—bikes, jewelry, appliances—to be repaired by skilled volunteers. www.gaithersburgmd.gov/recreation January 18 Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour The HALL...

Travel

The Inn Above Tide

A Zen-Like Retreat in Sausalito’s Seaside Calm Article by Amy Duvall & Glen Cox | Photography by Provided Perched directly above the shimmering waters of the San Francisco Bay, The Inn Above Tide is a restorative haven for travelers who crave beauty, serenity, and effortless access to Northern California’s most popular attractions. Whether you’re visiting San Francisco, continuing north to Napa and Sonoma’s wine country, or simply seeking a peaceful coastal escape, this luxurious boutique...