Welcome to the Town of Kensington.
Urban Background of Kensington MD
The Kensington Town was developed along Connecticut Ave and Howard Ave. Before 1880, this area was predominantly agricultural. The first wave of development occurred around the B&O railroad, and significant growth was followed by the Civil Service (Pendleton) Act of 1883. Kensington, Forest Glen, and Capitol View were the first few areas that emerged as suburban of Washington DC.
According to 2020's census data, this historical town covers less than a quarter-mile and has an estimated 2,212 residents living in this neighborhood.
Though majority of housing stocks were built prior to 1975, you can still see a few modern buildings. One of the recent housing development is on the Metropolitan Ave, incorporating two historical landmarks.
The total length of the tour is about one miles. Plan a relaxing weekend savoring this neighborhood and get some “culture“ boost.
Getting started:
P1: Safeway. Below grade parking entrance at Armory Ave. P2: 7-11. Parking site at Metropolitan Avenue Center. The red dot is the near by urgent care.
For those driving here, here are two locations to park:
Safeway: If you come to visit outside of this town. You can gather your group here in the parking lot, enjoy their refreshment and start your culture tour. Safeway currently offers 100 surface parking and 150 below-grade parking spaces. The below-grade parking entrance is on the Armory Avenue.
a gentle reminder: though the parking is sufficient, I recommend leaving your vehicles at lower-level to avoid congestion at regular store shoppers.
7-11: If you come from eastern side of Kensington, parking at the Metropolitan Avenue Center lot would also be a good alternative. Their space is limited, only about 20 surface parking spaces.
a gentle reminder: if this walking tour is your last minute plan, you could gather stuff you forget at the retail store and calmly begin your tour. If you plan a quick walking tour in the morning, consider have a lunch break at Metropolitan Ave after your walking tour.
For those biking here:
Get out of Rock Creek Trail (at Branch Drive and Plyers Mill Road exits) and follow Plyers Mill Road to the walking tour. Kensington Fire Station is an indicator that you are not far from the start of the walking tour. There are bike racks on Armory Ave at the backside of the retail store. (Enjoy your bike ride here. I imagine there would be more racks in the future, along Plyers Mill Road and Metropolitan Avenue or portion of Kensington Crossing.)
For those taking public transportation:
Bus L8, 4, 5, 34, 37: stop is located at the Connecticut Ave. Bus 33 is located at Howard Avenue. All bus stops are at the Safeway site.
Begin K’s walk @ Howard Ave:
Click the image to get enlarged map
Before you begin your exploration, a 1926 old-fashioned service station (1) will greet you entering the journey.
A bright-colored bookshop(2) and its newly painted décor by local artist Nicole Bourgea is a good sign that you are on the right track. Don't forget to get one of bookshop’s unique postcards. (Write a wish, hold on to it, and I will tell you where to send it).
Stroll along Howard Ave, you will see a lush courtyard and artistic venues at Antique Village.(3)
Continue the exploration at Antique Row.(4)
Grab a snack at sandwich shop (5) and see if you can find the "Skjald" font nearby.
Walk along Fawcett Street and visit St. Paul United Methodist Church (7). You will discover an intimate hidden garden on the way.
After the church tour, take Mitchell Street to the Kensington Town Hall (8) (Kensington Historical Society's office is also located here.)
Walk along Armory Ave and turn at Baltimore Street; you will see Warner Manor(9) (inside the Warner Circle Park) right in front of you.
After visiting Warner Circle, stop by Noyes Library(10). Then take the Montgomery Ave towards the north, and you will see the train station at the end of the avenue.
If you are not in a rush, follow the steps at Montgomery Ave that lead to Flinn Park (11). You can enjoy the fountain’s soothing water sound and maybe discover a few family names you saw at the Kensington Historical Society’s archive.
Exit Flint Park at the Kensington Parkway, and you will see the mailbox and post office across the street. For those curious about various spiritual practices, there is another hidden bookstore (12) near by that you might be interested.
After mailing your postcard, continue walking along Howard Ave and visit the symbolic Kensington Train Station. (13) If you come during farmers market season, don't forget to get a few fresh local produce!
Two nearby significant art murals (14) will also excite you: one is a 75-by-28 foot mural depicting the 1894 town's incorporation history by local artist Matt Corrado. The other is "We Rise by Lifting Others" by regional artist Nicole Bourgea. You can sit and contemplate in front of these scaled artworks or use them to make memorable photos.
After memorable photos, rest at Howard Avenue Park.(15) During the summer time, KHS' concert series is lovely entertainment that you can't miss.
After the break at Howard Avenue Park, continue walking the other part of Antique Row. You might get a few rare-find items in these 1960 warehouses.
When ending your trip before fetching your car, don't forget to stop by Pizza place (16)- the most famous "wood-fired oven" pizza in town!
For those who park at the 7-11, finish your tour at the north side of Kensington Train Station. Stop by 10500 & 10520 St. Paul Street (17) and enjoy the newly opened cafe and follow Metropolitan Ave to fetch your vehicle. .
By the way:
"meta-analysis indicated that water sounds had the largest effect on health and positive affective outcomes, while bird sounds had the largest effect on alleviating stress and annoyance. Both sounds were audible >23% of the time in park recording sites."- A synthesis of health benefits of natural sounds and their distribution in national parks. PNAS, Vol-118, No.14
"The Pendleton Act provided that federal government jobs be awarded on the basis of merit and that government employees be selected through competitive exams." Pendleton Act (1883). National Archives.
Last update: 4. 21. 2022