Written by Jody Trammel

Kemp Mill

Sligo CreekKemp Mill is a small community in Montgomery County. It is part of Silver Spring which is also in Maryland. Tourists will enjoy the shops and restaurants in the commercial area. And when you’re planning your next family weekend you should think about visiting Kemp Mill.

Whether your travel brings you to Kemp Mill or any other place in the DC area, remember Affinity Airport Sedan. We will pick you up on time and get you where you need to be.

Brief History

A map of Maryland that dates back to the late 18th century shows a mill owned by a Quaker minister and political activist named Evan Thomas. Francis Valdenar bought the frame saw and grist mill in 1833. Then in 1857, Valdenar sold this mill to George Kemp who renamed it Kemp Mill. The family operated the mill until 1905 and unfortunately in 1919, the mill burned down. The Maryland National Park and Planning Commission acquired the site in 1957.

Kemp Mill Today

There are numerous Jewish synagogues as well as Jewish and Catholic parochial schools in this community. Kemp Mill Recreation Center was constructed and now houses basketball and tennis courts, a baseball field and playground. A spacious meeting place was also constructed for residents. Sligo Creek emerges from Kemp Mill and has become the most developed sub-watershed of the Anacostia River. The Sligo Creek Trail for hikers and bikers connects Kemp Mill to downtown Wheaton and links up with the tributary trail system in Anacostia. We highly recommend this riding adventure.

Kemp Mill Shopping Center is the neighborhood’s trade nucleus. This quaint neighborhood mall is complete with two restaurants; two banks; grocery outlet, dry cleaner, barber shop, pharmacy, nail and hair salon, mini gymnasium, and martial arts training facility. Assorted pastry shops and doctors’ clinics also occupy the complex. However, the famous anchor store for decades, Giant Food Grocery, closed down on September of 2007. A small local chain (Magruder’s) refurbished the facility and opened two months later. It did not last long and ceased operations in July of 2012. Businessman Shalom Kosher, who owns a Kosher store in Wheaton, acquired Magruder’s and opened a second retail shop on Lamberton Drive the same year.

Check out all there is to see and do in Kemp Mill. And for a worry-free ride there, just call 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.