Get Out: Potomac’s Picks for Sept. 16 – 18

1.   TOTE YOUR TOTS TO SEE GROOVY NATE

WHEN/WHERE: Cabin John Mall Atrium, Friday, Sept. 16, 10:30 a.m.

WHY GO: Bring your kids to sing along and move to the music of Groovy Nate.

PRICING: Free; for more information check out www.shopcabinjohn.com/Cabin_John_Kids.php.

2.  DONATE USED BICYCLES AND SEWING MACHINES TO “BIKES FOR THE WORLD”

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m at in Potomac, Md.

WHY GO: Bicycles are needed around the world for transportation as well as enjoyment. Bikes do not need to be in working order as bike mechanics will repair them in the country of receipt.  Sewing machines should be in working order.

PRICING: Free, but donors are asked to bring a $10 donation to help pay for shipping. Call 301-299-9383 for information or go to www.potomac-umc.org.

3.  JOIN THE FIRST ANNUAL JAYNA MURRAY 5K RUN/WALK TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF JAYNA MURRAY

WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, Sept. 18. The pre-race warm-up begins at 7:30 a.m. The race starts at 8 a.m., starting and ending on Bethesda Lane at Arlington Road.

WHY GO: The race is held in honor of Jayna Murray and to raise money for scholarships and the programs she was passionate about.

PRICING:  $35 if registered by Sept.16. Late registration will cost $45. For information, check out www.jaynamurrayfoundation.com.

4.  HIKE UP SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN

WHEN/WHERE: Any pretty fall day.

WHY GO: Scenery, exercise, exhilaration and hikes ranging from a quarter mile to 5 miles.  Some are easy, some more difficult. For trail maps and more information, go to www.sugarloafmd.com. You might also visit the Sugarloaf winery, as well as have lunch or dinner at the Comus Inn.

PRICING:  Free. From Potomac, go north on River Road to Seneca Road (MD 112) Turn right onto Seneca Road, then left onto Darnestown Road (MD 28).  Go 11 miles until you come to a slight right onto Dickenson RD (still MD 28). Go 1.2 miles and then turn right onto Mt. Ephraim Road. Stay straight to head onto Sugarloaf Mountain Rd. Turn left onto Comus Road. The Comus Inn is on the corner, and an excellent view of the mountain can be seen from their north parking lot. Turn right onto State Road 95 and drive 4.2 miles to the Stronghold entrance "plaza". The route to the mountain is clearly marked by signs on local roads. The earlier you can get there the better; parking spaces close to the views are at a premium, particularly on weekends, but there's plenty of parking for all.

5.  BRING YOUR LITTLE ONES TO LEARN ABOUT OUR NATIVE WILDLIFE – AND WHAT IT LIKES TO SNACK ON

WHEN/WHERE:  Friday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Locust Grove Nature Center, 7777 Democracy Blvd. Bethesda, Md.

WHY GO: To learn how birds, bugs and squirrels enjoy nature’s bounty

PRICING: $5; class is for children ages 3 through 6. Register for Class # 156916 at www.parkpass.org. Call 301-765-8660 for information or check out the website at www.montgomerypark.org/nature_centers/locust/.

6.  ATTEND POTOMAC PHOTOGRAPHER EVELYN JACOB’S ARTIST’S RECEPTION

WHEN/WHERE: Sunday, Sept. 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Rd., Bethesda, Md.

WHY GO: To view outstanding photographs of birds in flight.

PRICING: Free; call 301-299-0400 for information or check out Jacob’s work at www.evelynjacob.net/

7.  THERE’S A PARTY GOING ON AT THE FIFTH ANNUAL SOUTH SILVER SPRING STREET FESTIVAL

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Sept. 17 from noon to 5 p.m. near Acorn Park off East-West Highway, 8045 Kennett St. Silver Spring, Md.

WHY GO: Everything from food, art, beer garden, moonbounce to local bands will entertain at this popular street festival.

PRICING: Free; call 301-980-2968 or go to www.silverspring.org for more information.

8. GRAB S’MORES AND CIDER AT THE APPLE FESTIVAL AND CAMPFIRE IN ROCKVILLE

WHEN/WHERE: Friday, Sept. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Meadowside Nature Center, 5100 Meadowside Ln., Rockville, Md.

WHY GO: See how apple cider is made, feast on s’mores, view arts and crafts and learn all about apples. 

PRICING: Free for moms, dads and children under 2.  Admission for kids is $8.  Preregistration required at www.parkpass.org. Call 301-258-4030 and also look at www.meadowsidenature.org for more information.

9.  SAMPLE DELECTABLE FOOD AT THE “TASTE OF FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS”

WHEN/WHERE: Saturday, Sept. 17 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Village Center, 4433 South Park Ave., Chevy Chase, Md.

WHY GO: Try food from local restaurants while listening to the BCC High School jazz Band. Fun for the kids includes moon bounce, face painting, balloon sculptures and basketball fun and games.

PRICING: Free; for more information check out at www.TasteOfFriendhipHeights.com.