Model homes open at Watkins Mill Station in Gaithersburg

Model homes are now open to tour at Pulte Homes' Watkins Mill Station development at 506 Parkview Avenue in Gaithersburg. The development features stacked 2-level townhome-style condos, which start at $584,990. When completed, the property will offer a Clubhouse with a fitness room, an outdoor swimming pool, a pavilion, a tot lot, and two pocket parks. What's most interesting is how close it is to the actual train station that inspired its name. You are literally steps away from the platform at the Metropolitan Grove MARC commuter rail station. This could be a real boon for the person who works in downtown Silver Spring, or near Union Station in Washington, D.C., or for train buffs who want a front row seat to the Amtrak, CSX, and MARC Brunswick Line trains passing through this station.

Gorjana opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Gorjana has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. A midsummer opening is perfect timing for this Laguna Beach-inspired jewelry boutique, even if you're more likely to be sporting pieces from your Gorjana haul at O.C., rather than in The O.C. New additions for this summer include scallop earrings, the Scallop Padlock Bay Necklace, and the 18K gold plated Crab Single Stud earring, all at surprisingly reasonable prices. Look for Gorjana on Level 1 of the mall, next to Sunglass Hut in the Nordstrom wing.

SLT coming this fall to Rockville

SLT is coming this fall to Rockville. It will be located at 1643-A Rockville Pike at Congressional Plaza, between Shoe Fly and Appalachian Spring. The boutique fitness studio utilizes an advanced, custom version of the traditional Pilates reformer called the Megaformer. Following the Lagree Fitness Method, SLT's 50-minute workouts combine high-intensity strength training with cardio and low-impact Pilates. SLT stands for Strengthen • Lengthen • Tone.

Arby's coming soon to Derwood

Derwood will soon "have the meats." Arby's has leased the building formerly home to McDonald's at 7200 Muncaster Mill Road at the Red Mill Shops shopping center. The McDonald's closed here this past March. It will be an ironic transformation, as an Arby's restaurant on Rockville Pike was recently converted into a McDonald's. Now Arby's will return the favor in Derwood.

Little Miner Taco closes in Rockville

Little Miner Taco has closed at 39-A Maryland Avenue at The Square at Rockville in Rockville Town Center. The birria taco restaurant opened there two years ago. A sign in the window says the restaurant is closed for maintenance. However, the Rockville location has been removed from the Little Miner Taco website, which still lists their Brentwood and Northeast Washington D.C. spots.

Sheepskin Gifts & Alpaca Too returning to Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

One of the signs that the holiday shopping season isn't as far away as it seems is here once again at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. Sheepskin Gifts & Alpaca Too is announcing its annual return to the mall for 2026. Coming soon signage for the seasonal apparel store has been posted at the former Sleep Number space on Level 1, between Arc'teryx and Lululemon. The holiday pop-up tends to open in September, but recently made an earlier exit in January than its typical March departure.

Squishable relocates in Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Squishable has relocated to a new spot at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. But you won't have to go far out of your way to find it. The collectible stuffed toy boutique moved directly across the corridor from its previous location. Look for Squishable on Level 1 of the mall in the Macy's wing, in the corner space between UnderArmour and Brow Art 23.