MARILYN'S JULY NEWSLETTER

What a perfect time of year to indulge! For the past 12 years, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has celebrated with an Ice Cream Trail to promote the state’s dairy industry. I've enjoyed this trail with my kids in previous summers. As we explored Maryland—visiting the bay, hiking, or finding new swimming spots—we'd try and find a local dairy on the list and enjoy some fresh ice cream on our way home.

These small businesses offer fresh homemade ice cream and some also offer other dairy products like milk, cream, and butter. This year, the Maryland Department of Agriculture has partnered with the Department of Natural Resources to add nearby trails to each creamery location. Consumers are encouraged to hike before or after their ice cream treat! Plus, there's a contest to win free ice cream and an annual park pass.

For a list of all the dairies on the trail and information on entering the contest, check out We all scream for what? Get ALL of your 2024 Ice Cream trail info around the tristate HERE! - Tri-State Alert (tristatealert.com)

If you're looking for ice cream closer to home, there are plenty of great shops to satisfy your cravings. The Charmery The Charmery, voted Maryland's best ice cream by Reader’s Digest, started in Baltimore and now has locations in Columbia, Chevy Chase, and DC. Other favorites include Sarah’s Homemade Ice Cream Sarah's Handmade Ice Cream (sarahshandmadeicecream.com) in Bethesda and Rockville, Bruster’s Bruster's Ice Cream (brusters.com) in Gaithersburg , The Scoop thescoopicecreams.com in Potomac and Jimmie Cone HOME | jimmie-cone (jimmiecone.com), a local institution in Damascus and Mt. Airy.

Which one is your favorite? Vote for one of the places named here or introduce us to a new one, and I’ll send you a gift card as a treat.  Just send me an email with your vote.  I’ll share the results next month. Even though National Ice Cream Month will be over, there will still be plenty of hot days to enjoy some cold, creamy ice cream!
 

NEIGHBORHOOD LIFESTYLE

photo by Anthony Roberts

 

Let's celebrate!

Thursday July 4^th beginning at 7pm Germantown Glory at South Germantown Recreational Park, 18041 Central Park Cirle Germantown.  The celebration will kick off with a concert by Central City Orchestra. On-site parking is available.
 
Saturday July 6^th Mid County Sparklers will be at Albert Einstein High School 11135 Newport Mill Rd, Kensington beginning with concerts by Joe Falero and Downtown Sound. The only parking available on-site will be for individuals with disabilities. Free parking and shuttle service will be provided starting at 5:30 p.m., from Westfield Wheaton, located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road
 
For prime viewing spots for the DC display on the mall check out Where to Watch the 4th of July Fireworks in Washington, DC

Getting Away?

It’s important to make sure your home is safe and secure before hitting the road. 
So before you start packing, take the time to read 10 Essential Tasks to Tackle Before Your Vacation.  You’ll learn what you can do to prevent mishaps like water damage from pipes, ways to make your home look more lived-in to prevent break-ins, and things you can ask your neighbors to help out with.  If you usually take care of your own lawn mowing, hire someone to cover for you while you are away.  It not only makes the house look lived in, it’s nice to not have to tackle that job as soon as you get back. 
Safe travels and send me some pictures.
 

  VENDOR CORNER

 

As a small business owner, I've cultivated a network of exceptional vendors and small businesses known for their quality service. This space serves as a platform to spotlight these outstanding partners. I regularly assess their performance and ensure my clients receive the standard of excellence.
If you need a referral for any service provider, please don't hesitate to reach out via text or email. I take pride in connecting individuals with reputable professionals who consistently deliver top-notch service.

All of the ice cream shops listed above are small businesses.  Check them out and support them if you can.
 

 

NOTEABLES