Spirit Halloween opens late in Rockville (Photos)

Better late than never! That's the only consolation for the Spirit Halloween store at 1683 Rockville Pike at Congressional Plaza in Rockville. The store had never opened this Halloween season, and last week cited its inability to receive the necessary permits to operate. Those permits were apparently finally expedited the day after my report, and the store is now open for business. The selection is slightly better than some other locations, as the inventory hasn't been picked over for weeks. This store also has the best presentation of the haunted subway car that is the centerpiece of this year's product line.

TRON: Ares commands the marquee at Regal Cinemas Rockville Center

TRON: Ares has replaced Taylor Swift in the prime center spot on the marquee at the Regal Cinemas Rockville Center cineplex at 199 E. Montgomery Avenue in Rockville. And that's quite an upgrade, to be frank. Whoever puts the letters up knows their TRON, having placed a quote from previous sequel TRON: Legacy on the marquee, rather than merely the title of the latest installment. The new movie took in $14.3 million at the box office nationwide yesterday.

Warby Parker opening next week at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

Warby Parker is aiming to open this coming Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, according to Google. The eyewear boutique looks just about ready inside, except for the empty shelves still awaiting glasses. This is Warby Parker's second Bethesda location. A Bethesda Row store has been in business since May 2017. Here's a sneak peek inside the Montgomery Mall store:

Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings holding soft opening at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The restaurant is currently operating under special soft opening hours. It is open 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM seven days a week. Look for Nan Xiang right by the main outdoor entrance to the Dining Terrace food court on Level 2 of the mall.

Ice rink under construction at The Square at Rockville (Photos)

It's almost that time again at The Square at Rockville in Rockville Town Center. Time to strap on a pair of ice skates and glide into the holiday season. The ice rink is under construction in the Town Square. While the plunge in temperatures has been well-timed for the debut of the rink, property owner Morguard reports that the official opening date of the rink for 2025 will be Sunday, October 19. 

Armed robbery on residential street in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an armed robbery in the Twinbrook area late Tuesday afternoon, October 7, 2025. The robbery was reported in the 1600 block of Lewis Avenue, a residential street that backs up to the CSX/Metro tracks, at 5:00 PM Tuesday. A firearm was the weapon employed in the robbery.

Charley: A Chesapeake Chophouse & Bar opening today in Gaithersburg

Charley: A Chesapeake Chophouse & Bar is opening today, Thursday, October 9, 2025 in Gaithersburg. It is located at 9811 Washingtonian Boulevard at Rio Lakefront. The restaurant has dropped its original name, Charley Prime Foods, and has switched concepts from American cuisine to steaks and seafood. At the bar, the headliner is now the Orange Crush, to fit the restaurant's new mantra that "Summer never ends at Charley."