Written by Jody Trammel

Friendship Heights

Friendship HeightsFriendship Heights is made up of residential areas and commercial facilities surrounding the northwestern part of D.C. and the southern area of Montgomery County. It is a pleasant community with retail shops, high-rise apartment units, and accessible transportation just around the corner. In spite of this development, this neighborhood in D.C. and Maryland is more of a village than a busy market district.

If you need a ride between Friendship Heights and the airport, please feel free to give us a call.  Airport Sedan provides a dependable shuttle service in and around the area.

History of Friendship Heights

The origins of Friendship Heights were unassuming. The name’s terminology originates from the 3,000-acre “Friendship” land grant to colonists in 1713. During the 1800s, a family of Quakers (Shoemakers) from Philadelphia cultivated the roadway of Georgetown and Frederick, which is now Wisconsin Avenue. At the turn of the 20th century, the trolley car trail from Georgetown connected with the southern boundary of Montgomery County, encouraging local businessmen to build homes for travelers. Among the businessmen was the descendant of original settler Samuel Shoemaker—a lawyer for the prohibitionist group called the Anti-Saloon League of Washington D.C. Another founder was Henry Offut, a grocer from Georgetown who eventually became a banker.

Friendship Heights Village, including the Offutt Subdivision, was recognized by the Council of Maryland County in 1914. In the past, village homeowners held a hog slaughter every year. Part of the autumn ritual was to shoot the animals using a .22-caliber rifle, then boil the game before removing its fur.

Commercial Neighborhood

A lot of people go to Friendship Heights for a wholesome shopping experience. If you go up to Wisconsin Avenue, there are many and varied retail outlets. The commercial district is anchored by two large malls. One is the Mazza Gallerie, home to a luxurious specialty department store (Neiman Marcus), an upscale consumer retail enterprise (Williams Sonoma), and an AMC theater. The second mall, the Chevy Chase Pavilion, houses the Embassy Suites Hotel, a J Crew specialty retailer, and a World Market that sells furniture, home accessories, food, and wine. At the south end are fashionable specialty shops that sell Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Christian Dior.

If you need a car service from any airport to Friendship Heights, make it an easy trip by calling Affinity Airport Sedan.

Written by Jody Trammel

Silver Spring

AcornParkSilver Spring is a popular urban hub in Montgomery County, Maryland north of Washington DC. The city center has gone through a major facelift with the opening of more retail shops, fine-dining restaurants and entertainment facilities. Visitors can indulge in outdoor dining and watch outdoor concerts during the summer season. A relaxing way to go around Silver Spring to and from the airport is by availing of the services of Affinity Airport Sedan. Located in Bethesda Maryland, we provide shuttle services in the DC Metro area covering the three major airports. We will be very happy to give you a lift.

Wonderful Attractions

While at Silver Spring, do not fail to visit Acorn Park which is described as the remaining memory of Francis Preston Blair’s “Silver Spring” historic estate.  According to history books, the spring with shiny mica minerals was discovered in 1840. Nearby is a peculiar small park with good-looking frescos and acorn pergola. Meanwhile, Rock Creek Park is one of the most amazing urban recreational areas in DC.  It is the habitat of raccoons, coyotes, deer, and owls along with various tree species. Amusement amenities consist of trails for cycling, hiking and horseback riding; playground for kids and picnic area; tennis stadium; golf course, outdoor venue for concerts; and, planetarium. The 14-acre Jessup Blair Park has two public tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer field, and picnic grounds. It is also a favorite of local residents and visitors. Sligo Creek Trail is a 10-mile path which is also one of the oldest in Montgomery County. It starts at the boundary of Prince George, goes through Montgomery and ends at Wheaton Regional Park. Sligo Creek Park is made up of nine smaller parks with sports facilities and common recreational building.

Silver Spring Today

Silver Spring’s redevelopment, which began at the dawn of the 21st century, was exceptional. Areas adjacent to the City Place Mall were rebuilt completely to make way for the new shopping plaza. It was named “Downtown Silver Spring.” Modern retail shops and restaurants opened in this location. The revival of the city and its 160th year anniversary was marked with the production of a documentary, “Silver Spring: Story of an American Suburb” which came out in 2002. From that period, development continued with the construction of office buildings, condo units, and commercial establishments. The New York Times published an article in 2007 about Silver Spring and highlighted that the urban center experienced a rebirth and emerged as an arts and entertainment seat because of massive investments. Visit Silver Spring and you will definitely enjoy your stay in this city. Call Affinity Airport Sedan to give you a lift.