The Polka Dot Park is a fun, bright community space in historic Hyattsville. It's in a former…read moreparking lot. The space is large with blue picnic tables and murals decorated the walls. It's a great space for community events!

Polka Dot Park is awesome. There was a fairly desolate looking lot in Hyattsville that now has a…read morelot of tastefully done art that consistently provides backdrops for many many photos. The space is gently sloped and there are a number of picnic tables, umbrellas and lights that, along with the colors, make for a whimsical community space. During warmer months, bands will play on the loading dock that can be repurposed as a stage. While driving by on most days, you can see people taking selfies with the large "Handmade in Hyattsville" painting, or with one of the colorfully painted garage doors as the backdrop. According to their facebook page, it is made possible by Urban Investment Partners.

Silver Plaza is the at the heart of Downtown Silver Spring. The plaza, as its name suggests, is an…read moreopen space where the public can sit, stand, play, or simply hang out. The atmosphere here is almost always energetic and anyone looking to explore downtown Silver Spring should start here before venturing out towards the various shops, theaters, and restaurants in the area. The restaurants in the area (in between Georgia Ave. and Fenton St.) range from the expensive to the moderately priced. Just about anyone can grab a bite to eat here. From pho to fries, the choices in cuisine are expansive. Looking to do some shopping? City Place mall can be accessed from the plaza, as well as shops such as DSW, Borders, and the Ann Taylor Loft which are located outside of the mall. Feeling like seeing a movie? Check out the Majestic where there are always a large number of movies playing at any given time. Don't like the new stuff? Well there's always the AFI Silver Theater where you can catch Hitchcock classics and the like. The most stunning thing about the Plaza is the fountain. Symbolizing the actual silver spring that was discovered in the area (thus giving Silver Spring its name), the fountain is a place where parents bring their children to cool off during the summer, and provides everyone else with a soothing sensation only flowing water could give you. The only down side to the plaza is the amount of obnoxious high schoolers that can situate themselves throughout the plaza at any given time (mostly at night). But then again, that's anywhere and it's not too bad unless you're trying to watch a movie at the Majestic. The food is great, the shops are plentiful, the parking is ample, and the Metro is close. Don't miss out on such a wonderful public space to spend a day or an evening. P.S. The Downtown Silver Spring Summer Concert Series and the Farmer's Market are also situated in this wonderful Plaza.

This is a great new development in Silver Spring. Perfect for outdoor events and a true centerpiece…read moreof the neighborhood. Thanks to the County!

Sometimes I just want to walk to Silver Spring without having to deal with the bus. If not because…read moreof the stress of waiting on a system whose willingness to get me from point A to point B is hampered by its unreliable schedule, then it's certainly because The Silver Pass provides this proactive pedestrian with a straight shot to the downtown area. Situated between a fire station and Mayorga, the The Silver Pass gives walking folk a means to travel safely underneath railroad tracks and alongside heavy traffic. The walls flow with dark colored, horizontal lines, appropriately giving you the impression that you are venturing forward. Also, on either end of the Pass, you'll find tiled mosaics depicting the colorful inspiration of its artists. Although The Silver Pass is not much to marvel at, it is enough to appreciate. Without it's convenient pedestrian walkway I'd have to add another 5 minutes to my trip. Sure, sometimes it smells funny and I question whether it's car exhaust or piss (I try to avoid touching the walls), but The Silver Pass serves its purpose as a convenient walkway, and I'm fine with that.

Had some very good take out from here and then was taken here the following night so got to try a…read morefew dishes. Everything was delicious and well prepared. I arrived early on my dine in night before the rest of the party and tried a glass of a Super Tuscan which was a terrific wine. It's a neighborhood gem. Highly recommend. Service was terrific and its very lovely spot.

"It's good again!"…read more Since Trattoria da Line opened to much acclaim several years ago, its pendulum has swung back and forth. It started out good, then it was mediocre, then it was good again. And so on and so forth. Frustrated by the lack of consistency, we stopped going for a while. But now - "it's good again!" On my latest visit, I stuck to the basics: spaghetti bolognaise, a house salad, and a glass of Montepulciano de Abruzzo. Spaghetti bolognaise isn't on the menu per se - but there is bolognaise over gnocchi, and the chef is willing to go with a different pasta on request. I was delighted with the sauce - among the best I have had around town - and the pasta was of good quality and cooked to perfection. The dish was also plated very nicely, in a neat little swirl. Not showy but with care. I appreciated that. The salad was fresh and used crisp apples, not mealy ones. I would have liked a better quality Montepulciano, or perhaps glass a whose shape would improve its robustness, but it was fine. I'm a little worried that what once was a steady clientele has dropped off. The restaurant was only half full on a Friday evening. But I, at least, will be returning soon!

If you're looking for authentic Italian food with heart, Vicinos Italian Restaurant is an absolute…read moregem! We were in town for my son's swim meet and wanted a great Italian spot where he could carb up before his races and I'm so happy we found this beautiful, family-oriented restaurant. The moment we walked in, the smell of fresh, delicious food filled the air and instantly made us feel at home. From the very beginning, the owners were incredibly kind, warm, and welcoming. We were greeted with genuine smiles and treated like family, which made the entire experience even more special. The customer service here is truly top-tier attentive, friendly, and full of heart. The food was absolutely delicious! Everything tasted fresh, authentic, and made with love. We were even treated to complimentary bread and pizza, which was such a thoughtful and generous touch. And the dessert? AMAZING the perfect sweet ending to a fantastic meal. One thing that really stood out was how the owners greeted so many guests by name. You could tell there are many loyal regulars, and seeing that kind of connection between a restaurant and its customers is rare and beautiful. It created such a warm, welcoming atmosphere that made us feel like part of the community. We loved everything about this place and will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend Vicinos to anyone looking for incredible Italian food, outstanding service, and a true family-style dining experience!

Craving Italian, we found this spot conveniently close to our hotel. Upon arrival, our waiter…read moregreeted us with a friendly handshake, and we were promptly seated. With both the Yelp photos and the menu to guide us, it was tough to choose. The menu prices are very reasonable. We both went with the cheese ravioli, and I had an iced tea -- the total came to just $30. The ravioli were bursting with flavor and cooked perfectly, not overdone like so many places. Service was outstanding, yet the atmosphere remains relaxed and unhurried, so don't come here expecting super-fast dining.

*adding more pictures from my latest visit - still a solid 4-star restaurant in my opinion.read more

Came here with bae to eat lasagna fritta which is my favorite. Always consistently good. Cheesy…read morecenter with marina on top. Fancy mozzarella sticks is what i used to call them. I am a creature of habit and get the same things most of the time. The create your own pasta with chicken and sausage.

I knew Norman Lane from when I worked in Silver Spring. A funny story about Norman, one day the…read morefire dept. went on a call to see about a person down by the railroad tracks, they found another Silver Spring bum, he was Dead. When Norman was told this news, he said, that guy was just a bum. Norman pretty much kept to himself, but when police wanted to know about some crime in town, they would check with Norman.