Back to results page Below are all of the text answers for the selected question in the OTBA Spring 2007 Survey.
Question 20. What typically draws you to these destinations?
Respondents Answers (CNTL-F to search)
1850010 -
1858645 useful stores and services, reasonable distance
1858647 shopping, restaurants
1858648 Good diverse store ion ease of parking, I work in georgetown
1858649 Charm, small local businesses, good food and drink, antiques, dances, movies, bb’’s
1858657 Powerful magnets.
1858661 Food
1858664 Small shops with interesting items, great food,quality items and services, beautifully landscaped,preserved and restored historic buildings, pleasant towalk around, safe, lots of people
1858670 parks kid friendly restaurants strolling
1858678 NA
1858685 n/a
1858691 unique atmospheres and dining experiences human-scale architecture sense of history
1858693 a specific store
1858715 Friends that live there.
1858717 Good walking and exploringDining
1858724 Pleasant atmosphere, good restaurants
1858738 lots of artists, cafes, locally-owned boutiques
1858750 If I go, it’’s for shopping or food, usually with visitors
1858797 food or shopping
1858812 doctor
1858831 high quality merchandise, knowledgeable vendors, they offer items I need or want
1858836 A particular venue
1858839 Good restaurants. Unique shopping. If I can find or something similiar at Target, I am not likely to feel the need to go on a special journey. Other food businesses (especcially bakeries). Shops that produce things like glass or other crafts onsite and especcially in view of the customers.
1858844 coffee shops, browsing antique shops, museum stores
1858868 CleanGood audience of people (not worried I’’m going to be mugged)Good foodSafety
1858872 Availability of public transportationAvailability of anything and everything
1858873 Restaurants, shopping, the water
1858875 I don’’t go to any
1858877 The small scale and the fact that the old buildingsand atomosphere have been preserved.
1858883 N/A
1858909 Relatives wouldn’’t make the trip just to shop.
1858929 Art
1858939 Interesting shops, Outdoor market,Interesting streetscape and people
1859048 Variety of shops, unusual types of shops
1859082 atmosphere, unique businesses
1859122 Nothing
1859124 Nothing
1859148 Particular stores/restaurants including, in the caseof Silver Spring, the Majestic movie theater.
1859152 Shops, lots of choices for restaurants, people, layout/architecture/ambiance
1859153 Ellicott City if I have time to schlep there and amlooking for antiques.Alexandria if I have time to schlep there and want towalk around the water, eat and restaurants, and go tothe Torpedo Factory (a big draw).
1859163 Food, other businesses, scenery.
1859168 too far i have young children
1859174 Friends
1859176 N/A
1859178 Lots of individual shops, boutiques and restaurants that are not chains.
1859185 I like the walkability of an old town area, the uniqueshops and restaurants and the local merchants.
1859187 historical atmosphere, variety of stores and restaurnats
1859188 unique mix of stores - ethnic diversity
1859189 Food, Shops, People
1859190 Variety of retail shops and choice of restaurants
1859191 They don’’t. I see them as very picturesque placesthat are fun to visit when I find myself there, butthat I put off going to because of the pain in the asreaching them and parking. I also find them to beover priced.
1859192 Restaurants,classes,shops
1859193 signs of life, which Takoma is completely lacking. Imoved my business out of downtown TP to Silver Spring. As long as the neighborhood NIMBYs go nuts over anytype of business that might bring in actual customers,nothing will ever change.
1859194 Things to see
1859198 alexandria, va
1859199 The unique stores and restaurants, the community atmosphere (well, sometimes at least), the smaller feel.
1859200 In an old town I am drawn by the ability to get the services I want in an area that is pedestrian friendly and has some sort of architectural interest.
1859201 Historic charmcharacter of the buildings, specialty shopsno huge chain stores that you see everywhere.
1859205 Glut
1859206 none
1859208 Mix of art, shopping and restaurants and architecture - very walkable and fun to browse
1859209 nothing in particular
1859210 food co-ops (University of Maryland) or farmer’’s markets (Takoma Park), computer repair (Apple), hair salon (Floyd’’s, College Park)
1859217 Non-franchise retail stores and restaurants
1859226 Atmosphere
1859238 Too far to get to !
1859250 My cousin lived in Historic Frederick.When I went to Old Town Alexandria, it was usually to visit a specific store or restaurant.
1859280 n/a
1859281 ResturantsShopping
1859284 Nothing, obviously.
1859310 n/a
1859311 I love Takoma Old Town but don’’t seek out other Old Towns. I like Takoma Old Town because it takes away the rush and bustle in most of life. I can shop and meditate at the same time without feeling hassled.
1859323 just Takoma Park - I like supporting local business
1859325 ?
1859330 Businesses open at night, restaurants, busy pedestrian streets, nice environment, nice stores.
1859336 Nothing.
1859337 stores
1859339 To find locally-owned shops with a variety of shopping opportunities. I may go for a particular store, but will find myself browsing/buying at others (just to see what they offer).
1859341 not applicable
1859343 Non-chain storesRestaurants
1859344 antique stores,
1859346 Nothing.
1859347 The scenery, the cute shops. I typically go when the weather is nice.
1859348 I don’’t often go, but when I do it’’s for the quieter/slower atmosphere
1859349 Outdoor small-town feeling
1859350 na
1859351 I’’m not generally drawn to them
1859352 none
1859353 Convinient, many stores and restuarants for shop around
1859354 In the area for other reasons (social events, etc.)
1859355 special events
1859356 na
1859357 they feel authentic, not appealing to the lowest common denomenator, nice aura, traditional/nostalgic look, not overly commercial and flashyI think when the neighborhood and proprietors show concern for offering special products and ambiance (for example the Retro second hand store), it shows that they have a pride and a love for what they do, instead of just being after your money.
1859358 good food, easy parking, safety
1859359 don’’t go. too busy to quotvisitquot
1859360 Small different shops that are not available elsewhere.
1859361 People... Takoma has too many liberal people.
1859363 Nothing - we live in an old town,not visit them.
1859364 N/A
1859366 stores and restaurants
1859367 The five and dime store for kid’’s presents (aka Chuck and Dave’’s), dinnner, ice cream and shopping
1859371 lots of stores, neat boutiques, nice walk around.
1859372 Specialty food items
1859374 na
1859376 people, environment
1859377 Many unique businesses in the same location
1859380 home-town feel, variety of small stores, lots of people walking around
1859385 great shops and restaurants
1859386 Fun to window shop, great restaurants, nice to walk through and see different stuff but also practical stuff
1859389 Both a sense of casual community, eg running into a friend at the local bakery and the variety and unique style of the shops.
1859390 Events, Ambience
1859391 metro access, independent businesses with unique offerings
1859392 atmosphere
1859393 ShoppingDiningFestivals
1859394 Bethesda has Imagination Stage and lots of good not too expensive restaurants.
1859396 Choices, quality
1859402 food either to buy or restuarant-books, movies
1859403 Charm, proximity, locally owned.
1859404 Good food and drink, Interestin/unique shopping... Is this really such a mystery? Takoma Park is not all bad - The Co-op, Big Bad Wolf, The Music Store, Amano and a couple of other shops provide a foundation for the future. In an area with so many like minded people there must be a way to but together a viable retail community.
1859405 n/a
1859406 visiting friends or other businesses (e.g., medical appointment)
1859407 Restuarants, Shopping, Entertainment
1859409 Ellicott City,AlexandriaCapitol HillOccoquan (VA)
1859414 cute, walk-able downtown area, good places to eat and shop, soothing atmosphere for meeting people
1859415 n/a
1859417 Passing through the area
1859419 m
1859420 easy to walk around, good stores, good food
1859421 Fun, easy to get to and park, and family friendly.
1859423 nice atmosphere
1859424 Movie Theater and REgular Theater
1859425 NA
1859433 Local Ownership, non-chain type stores, friends livingin the area, historical aspect
1859436 restaurants, event occuring there
1859439 Proximity
1859440 proximity to work
1859443 restaurants, shopping, ease of walking around tomultiple destinations
1859446 n/a
1859447 Proximity, novelty, walk-ability
1859449 convenience. Goods that I need. I tend to stick closeto home because of the horrific traffic. My husbandteaches a near the Cathedral so I get there becauseit’’s on my way to picking up my kids.
1859455 street life - eclectic shops - energy - variation other than chain stores
1859457 Restaurants
1859459 Nothing
1859461 it’’s mood and shops: gift/jewelry/clothes not seen in malls, and unique restaurants
1859462 Locally-owned businesses. Cute places to shop and eat.
1859464 Interesting history, culture, shops and dining.
1859465 The old shops and scenery.
1859467 N/A. If I went, I would go for a specialty store orrestaurant or to meet friends.
1859468 shopping
1859477 places that have personality, not cookie-cutter chains places where i can be surprised or inspired to buy something
1859479 well, we lived there, so it was our walkingneighborhood. alexandria food or kid-related stores.
1859481 specific shopping needs
1859482 n/a
1859483 Family outings, sidewalks, interesting shops to browse
1859485 none
1859487 n/a
1859492 Shops
1859497 natural beauty, unusual locally-owned shops, ambiance
1859498 Not applicable
1859499 food errands ambiance
1859501 When I have relatives in town and we want to spend an afternoon shopping
1859503 shopping
1859505 We might be in the vicinity on other business
1859511 Pedestrian friendly atmosphere, restaurants and boutique shopping
1859514 Restaurants and nightlife, sometimes shops or a movie.
1859517 charm, niche shops, good restaurants
1859518 Specialty shops and small restaurants
1859520 Dining options shops ambiance
1859528 Interesting stores and restaurants.
1859529 nothing - I like takoma park silver spring
1859530 quaint shopscoffee, tea cafethe feel of the place being small townparking without meters
1859531 n/a
1859532 N/A
1859540 Eccentric and fun things on sale with nearby restaurants
1859542 NA
1859551 if I would go to an old town destination it would be because there is a store there that has something i want to get.
1859554 friends
1859555 day’’s outing
1859559 the ability to walk leisurely and browse
1859562 variety of shops, pedestrian-friendly, fun to walk around, things in walking distance, special restaurants
1859564 Shopping plus. I.e. great shops plus enjoyableatmosphere, nice old architecture, good restaurants.
1859568 relaxation
1859573 arts, surrounding natural areas
1859576 Window shopping
1859577 NA
1859582 N/A
1859586 ?
1859589 Shopping (non-chain, independently-owned small boutiques), restaurants, friends in the area
1859592 Old towns are pleasant to visit, but for my shopping needs I prefer to be close to home.
1859595 nothing
1859597 event or friends
1859602 Unique settings/storesOld fashionedNot in townhouse/condo areasAreas still green and natural
1859606 variety
1859610 N/A
1859611 n/a
1859618 I used to live close to there
1859624 Good restaurants, and a wide variety of nice andunique shops all within walking distance
1859627 restaurants, stores, quaint and safe feeling, sense of community and strong identity
1859628 na
1859631 Their originality and uniqueness. We want a town hubwith businesses that are a true reflection of thelocale. Love local color, hate malls.
1859633 non-chain stores, entertainment options, coffeeshops and restaurants
1859634 the variety of shops, the restuarants, the ambience
1859640 None
1859641 reccommendations
1859643 N/A
1859652 shopping, people watching, night life, festivals
1859653 proximity
1859657 Restaurants and stores
1859660 friends or (in case of Laurel) Red, Hot Blue
1859662 NA
1859676 n/a
1859679 fun shops, good restaurants. Now Then is an excellent example could use more shops like that
1859683 Restaurants and bars.
1859690 locally owned businesses, restaurants, artisticstores, galleries, vibrant, locally driven town core.
1859693 I don’’t go often...if I do it is for antiques (notjunk) and art.
1859696 n/a
1859699 restaurants, bookstores, historic sites, scenic beauty, other shopping, tourist events
1859702 Doctor in that location.
1859703 High quality restaurants, interesting/quirky shops,non-chain retail experiences, cultural mix
1859710 WalkabiltiyLocal ownershipKnowledgable staff
1859711 In general I try to avoid the ’’cutesy old- town-e’’experience.
1859728 N/A
1859730 when I do go, like once a year, it is charm
1859734 n/a
1859739 charm, niche shopping, restaurants
1859748 food drink, small items like greeting cards
1859756 quaintness
1859757 too far to go
1859765 car repair, furniture
1859775 small town feel
1859780 atmosphere, restaurants
1859786 N/A
1859789 n/a
1859792 Festivals, familiarity w/area
1859793 unique stores and old. Also like waterfront
1859795 Shopping and cultural events
1859797 ccharm and proximity to where I am driving
1859798 Easy to get to by combination of metro, bus, walking.(yes, we do have cards)
1859799 Nice drive, unique shopping, special events, music
1859800 charm, historic feel, no major chains, unique stores, good food and green space
1859802 Want to spend time w someone
1859806 pedestrian walking, uniqueness, biking to Alexandria
1859807 restaurants, shops
1859811 Nothing much - maybe Torpedo Factory in Alexandria
1859814 Lots of choices of restaurants and lots of shops.
1859816 Am passing through the area while traveling.
1859818 n/a
1859820 n/a
1859824 I’’m drawn to the charming character and variety ofshops. I find that I like to browse in a number ofnice places and then get some food at a charming placeto eat. Takoma Park in MD is close to right, but alittle too thinly spread out. If the corrider fromthe Metro up Carrol to Laurel had more shops, then wecould get the critical mass that would make it feellike a destination. Also, we need good signageshowing people where to go and where to park. Myfriend commented that Takoma Park is the onlycommunity that hides it’’s shops. Driving along 410 orPiney Branch one would never know where downtownTakoma Park is.
1859826 see previous answer
1859830 n.a.
1859832 too far
1859833 Friends
1859835 pedestrian friendly and bikeable
1859836 Business dinners in alexandria
1859837 n/a
1859840 Ambiance, Culture, History
1859843 Services
1859848 ability to walk aroundlots of small interesting shops
1859849 special outing to specialty stores
1859850 walkability, restaurants, shops
1859858 Local owners, friendly
1859860 entertainment or food
1859864 -Family-Restaurants-Music venues
1859865 Out of town guests, specific restaurants sites (such as the BO Railroad)
1859870 close to work
1859871 None.
1859872 chance to walk around small town commercial
1859873 Large areas of shops and stores
1859875 Spending time with friends
1859876 none so far, but we just moved here
1859877 Antiques
1859880 stuff to do
1859884 interesting shops or festivals, antiques, art, music.
1859886 .
1859887 na
1859895 sense of history, interesting architecture, other nearby attractions, can’’t abide strip malls
1859896 food,movies, book/musid store
1859901 enjoy walking, small busienesss, variety
1859904 Trader Joe’’s is a huge draw to Alexandria. But thecombination of local feel, huge ion of shops andrestaurants, crowds, etc. Takoma Park needs a handfulof unique stores/offerings that make it a worthwhilestop. A really great ice cream/gelato(sp) shop wouldbe another example. Let people bring their dogs.
1859906 Atmosphere, stores, nearby friends
1859913 small shops with unique merchandise, individual attention
1859915 Feel of community and change of scenery
1859925 none
1859946 food, water, art, boutiques.
1859982 nothing
1859993 When out-of-town friends visit
1860009 n/a
1860013 Work, Friends
1860014 shopping, cute coffee shops, movie theatres, pleasurable walking, nice architecture
1860019 Restaurants, pleasant walks, shops.
1860025 tourism
1860029 Products that I can’’t get elsewhere. I really don’’t like to drive around and would pay more to be able to just walk.
1860035 Particular food or consumer goods
1860045 Down home feel, comfort food, relaxed atmosphere,sense of history, parking availability
1860048 Park once, visit lots of stores
1860049 Good food
1860050 NA
1860062 NA
1860065 ShopsRestaurantsAtmosphere
1860066 Usefulness of the shops
1860067 Interesting shopsGreat toy store
1860070 Food and shoppng
1860071 vibrancy, variety of businesses
1860072 na
1860073 they’’re fun, cute, for a change of pace
1860079 A cute area with good food and stores is always a draw!
1860080 I’’m attracted to such destinations as a tourist not a shopper. I think what is needed to support neighborhood commercial is different that what is needed to attract tourists.
1860088 shopping that’’s interesting
1860090 AmbianceServices offeredRestaurants
1860107 fuck quotrequiredquot
1860117 Interesting shops
1860119 shopping and culture
1860120 Quality
1860124 Programs
1860125 Festival, Antiques
1860127 Shops, ambience
1860130 festivals, fairs, bike trails
1860140 Hominess, unique shops, art
1860143 Interesting shops and restaurants.
1860147 charm, antiques, restaurants
1860152 n/a
1860160 See last reply
1860161 I like commercial districts that are friendly topedestrians. Even though I do drive and have a car, Iprefer to walk.
1860166 Torpedo Factory
1860168 See previous
1860169 n/a
1860174 nothing draws me to these areas
1860177 ’’Old Town’’ feel - not just ’’chain’’ restaurants and shops - but locally owned shops.
1860178 n/a
1860181 the diversity of stores and people
1860182 n/a
1860183 Proximity (Takoma Park)
1860188 Walkable area, many stores, restaurants etc.
1860189 The charm and quotold-nessquot is cool.The ones that have restaurants, pubs and servicesare best.
1860193 -
1860194 n/a
1860204 n/a
1860205 Meeting friends
1860213 na
1860215 none
1860222 Better food, movies, music venues
1860223 As I said, I don’’t make excursions to Alexandria Ellicott City I go to rarely but when I have, it’’s totake visitors because of the ambience.
1860227 Food, friends.
1860231 diversity of shops and ion. You find things that are not typically what would be in a large mall.
1860238 business
1860239 overall experience as well as interesting and quality goods and services.
1860241 Good Food and a glass of wine. Areas to take a walk.
1860243 If I went, it would be because someone invited me or Ineeded something from a specialty store (e.g.,Mystique jewelers in Alexandria).
1860247 Alexandria and Leesburg
1860253 art
1860255 Unique, upscale shopping in non-chain stores, quotmain streetquot feel
1860257 Multiple shopping, eating establishments in one location
1860261 Friend live in area
1860268 N/A
1860275 Truly specialized merchandise (I once went toKensington for Mission furniture). Atmosphere.
1860284 I don’’t go to them because they don’’t have much to offer.
1860285 walkability, some great green space, history, architecture. but they are usually more of a recreational trip I would rather Takoma be a stronger place to live leave the recreational trips to the other areas. We don’’t have the dense architectural character that those places have. We can provide infill, but you can’’t very well build charm into something - it has to start with some. TP doesn’’t have ENOUGH charm to be a mini-Alexandria or E.C. I think we need to be - much as I hate to say this - LARGELY an URBAN bedroom community, where people commute to work on public transit and come home to grocery stores, craft shops, movie rentals, restaurants, the farmer’’s market - come home to spend time with families neighbors. I don’’t want it to be a big destination for quotoutsidersquot. I am fine with the Farmer’’s Market other quoteventsquot being a draw, but I don’’t want the businesses to cater so much to a particular outsi
1860288 family member idea
1860291 none
1860300 walkability, small stores, easy to go in and out of, ease of shopping, old town feel, variety of stores (mix of art galleries, antique shops, small cafes and restaurants)
1860303 Variety of businesses and restaurantsCharm (let’’s face it)
1860307 Good restuarants, lovely small town environment, interesting diverse shopping opportunies
1860314 Food, music, shopping
1860318 alexandria
1860319 a specific event or shop we are interested in
1860321 Restaurantsshopping areasplaces to have a drink with friends
1860328 na
1860330 shops and restaraunts/brew pubs
1860333 Having a veriety of businesses (especially the combo bookstore, restaurant, movie theatre) in walking distance from eachother. I do not want to get in my car to go to a restaurant in a strip mall (a la langley) I like to walk the area and have several options
1860337 History, artists, unique clothing stores, etc.
1860366 na
1860367 Restaurants
1860375 When I do go on trips to other cities, it’’s the local charm of the area.
1860377 ability to walk to lots of niche stores
1860402 Events, meals
1860404 family, shopping
1860420 Atmosfere
1860445 Upscale boutiques and furnishings, art galleries
1860463 Pleasant atmosphere, nice shops
1860465 variety of restaurants in a close proximity to oneanother. Variety of stores in close proximity to oneanother. I’’d prefer to drive to one area and walkaround within a mile or two than to make several tripsin the car to various destinations.
1860468 Historical attractions, local merchants, restaurants, charm/quaintness, walking around town looking at the beautiful old homes
1860470 They are hip, fun destinations with interesting restaurants and shopping Alexandria has great furniture stores, the Torpedo Factory, etc., along with Banana Republic and those types of stores. I love Logan because it has great shops like Home Rule and Go Mama Go and great restaurants like Logan Tavern, and Rice it’’s a fun place to walk around and get a bite to eat. Both feel much more fresh and clean than TP to me.
1860475 Interesting retail
1860476 Shops and street life
1860488 not applicable
1860500 none
1860504 parking, items of interest
1860514 Number of restaurants and shops. SAFETY!
1860524 Entertainment/Movies
1860531 I stay in my local neighborhood as much as possible
1860545 food, walking around, night time activities, festivals
1860570 Looking for something specific that I would be likely to find in that area.
1860585 Family, multi-ethnic feel.
1860598 small, locally owned businesses
1860601 Arlington, Old Town,Alexandria,
1860604 not applicable
1860608 Ambience, old stuff
1860610 You can wander though a variety of shops, eat and drink.
1860616 Antiques and small specialty shops. We don’’t frequentso much anymore because much of the merchandise is thesame and almost exclusively made in China.
1860620 Bars, shopping, ease of locations with mass of services variations
1860622 N/A
1860635 Unique businesses and services of high quality that I can’’t find elsewhere.
1860637 pedestrian friendly, natural features,parking
1860641 Siilver Spring downtown is convenient, the others are not
1860649 shopping, eating
1860656 Variety of offerings. Always something going on.
1860658 NA
1860689 small shops w/interesting wares coffee shops places to sit outside (in nice weather) nice variety of restaurants or low-key bars (ie, not crazy party bars, but just a pub to get a beer w/ a friend)
1860696 close proximity, variety of cuisine
1860711 Good restaurants and shops
1860712 not applicable
1860713 NA
1860730 interesting shops and restaurants, atmosphere, street scene
1860733 Boutique stores.
1860739 good food, fun atmosphere, charm, nice to walk around, feeling like you’’re somewhere different
1860759 Shopping
1860767 friends in the neighborhood
1860772 Food, Antiques, Nice walking area
1860775 local business, sense of community, pride in community, friendly shopkeepers and customers, nice looking and feeling environment
1860783 character and variety
1860795 Rarely go - but if I do its because there is a particular niche store or they are on a bike trail (weekend activity), like Alexandria/Mount Vernon trail.
1860796 Shopping, dining
1860805 funky, unique shopsnon-chain storesantiquesold character of the place
1860819 n/a too hard to get to
1860841 Restaurants, tourism, friends.
1860843 These locations cater to vegetarians.
1860854 na
1860861 not applicable
1860875 n/a
1860882 Nice ambiance decent restaurants and shops, walkable.
1860889 n/a
1860914 Family/friends
1860940 location
1860992 family friends nearby
1861022 nothing
1861029 A lark or visiting friends who live in/near those destinations.
1861036 restaurants, shops
1861048 Food, entertainment (movies principally), variety of stores
1861066 A friendly and lively atmosphere that is family focused.Ease of getting in and out.Attractions that I am interested in.
1861067 desire to shop for something there
1861078 restuarants
1861079 quality of food, service, unique setting
1861085 Fun shopping, vegan food
1861087 small shops, nice restaurants, antiques
1861113 People, restaurants, and plays and performances
1861125 Spaciousness, Parking, Movie Theatre, Wide ion of restaurants with various price ranges
1861128 no
1861157 Alexandria - The Torpedo Factory and Georgetown - various clothing and a furniture stores (Theodore’’s) Adams Morgan - Skynear and the Brass Knob.
1861164 Waterfront, stores, restaurants
1861173 stay in Takoma Park
1861182 N/A
1861183 See previous comment
1861187 variety of shops, restaurants, movie theaters
1861188 ambiance, pedestrian/perambulatory experience
1861193 Independently-owned, somewhat upscale, unique shops with friendly employees good restaurants, pedestrian friendly, attractive surroundings
1861196 n/a
1861203 the stores and the atmosphere
1861204 Interesting little shops
1861260 Unique shops, All in walking distance, Good food options, Art galleries, refreshing scenery
1861267 n/a
1861270 indie-boutiques and good restaurants
1861279 NA
1861280 restaurants, atmosphere,
1861288 Friendliness
1861290 Chesapeake Bay, seafood
1861291 N/A
1861302 Small Shops
1861303 Restaurants, Scenic Walkway, Live Music
1861307 shops and galleries
1861318 I do not go to them because they are not close to where I live. I would maybe take the Metro to another Old Town, but I would not drive to one.
1861319 to visit friends that live there
1861321 driving through for business
1861341 Cozy yet funky feel, art, music, beer and food
1861365 Shopping, food, fun atmosphere!!! (i.e. They are openpast 8:00 p.m.)
1861366 The restaurants, activities, variety of stores, movie theatres, boutiques, antiques,
1861367 Goods provided by small local businesses
1861369 sidewalks with interesting stores and good food
1861371 ??
1861378 n/a
1861392 Interesting restaurants stores, proximity to other places I visit (near family in VA)
1861404 good restaurants nice shopping
1861408 window shopping, antique stores, good food, the waterfront, and it’’s a nice place to walk around and a great place to buy gifts.
1861414 bars
1861415 walking
1861416 Shops, restaurants wine bars
1861417 Live music, shops
1861444 Eclectic ambiance. There are many different shops, from chains to mom-and-pop, but they offer different merchandise. Lots of restaurants. Pleasant walking in the area.
1861450 the historyinterest and walkability of the streetscape
1861451 a
1861460 N/A
1861477 familiarity, friends, food, kid activities
1861518 vacation, beach
1861522 mixture of sightseeing, good food, interesting shops
1861532 Charm
1861542 Change of scenery
1861655 N/A - DC Bethesda are really the only places outsideof Takoma Park I go to with any frequency
1861671 nothing
1861738 n/a
1861749 not sure
1861750 Not Much
1861758 nothing
1861793 shops, parking, friends
1861794 Antiques
1861830 Uniqueness and Diversity of shops. Attractive, walkable streets. Good food. Cheap/free Parking.
1861850 Meetings with Friends for dinner, or social event
1861867 The look, specialty shops, good food
1861874 Nothing
1861976 shopping,food
1861988 Neighborhood feeling, charm, interesting and good places to shop and eat
1862000 Good restaurant and good shopping
1862030 n/a
1862061 beauty, cleanliness, shops
1862105 interesting businesses, restaurants, things to do location
1862129 n/a
1862132 Shopping, character, interesting architecture
1862145 cool funky shops with a variety of goods (not just used clothes!).
1862199 Business
1862228 Charm, ion of entertainment, shopping, and restaurants
1862295 Locally owned businesses for buying gifts, locallyowned restaurants and club/bar to hear musicians.
1862326 Restaurants
1862345 Restaurants, parks, water, entertainment. Let’’s havea coffee shop with a back patio overlooking Sligo creek!
1862360 locally owned businesses and the small town atmosphere.
1862369 The chance to walk around and see a mix of businesses, lots of other people, interesting architecture.
1862382 nothing
1862421 Dependslooking for antiques (frederick) meeting someone (Alexandria, Leesburg)
1862437 Walkability from shop to shopinteresting shops/not too many chain shopsgood restaurantshistoric buildings
1862463 Arts and entertainment, shopping, restaurants
1862516 The quality of the restaurants, the good local bar (Majestic Lounge) wine shop, and the small town feel of the neighborhood.
1862529 open air market of food and crafts
1862557 stores and places to eat
1862573 friends
1862587 food
1862589 Pedestrian friendly
1862785 Nothing
1862873 friends for activities or going out
1862883 n/a
1862941 when i have my hair done at Shampoo I will always have lunch /dinner at Mark`s The post offices are very convenient and I also have quite a few friends living right in town, So i`m there almost daily for various reasons
1862971 na
1862972 na
1862973 Independent movie theater, Sandwich shop, Independentbook store, boutique-ish restaurants
1862988 n/a
1863078 restaurants, friends
1863177 I do like the atmosphere.
1863197 n/a
1863398 n/a
1863422 Able to spend a day with distractions/entertainment with friends + family
1863656 A nice place to drive to
1863698 NA
1863814 Feeling of an old fashioned main street, small privately owned stores and businesses
1863841 combination of abundant and interesting shops, fairprices, small and personable eating establishmentswith excellent local fare
1863918 Lively atmosphere, eclectic offerings that appeal to all ages, businesses that provide social contact.
1863930 Going door to door and not in a mall setting to distinct merchants and service providers. The small town feel that if you went there all the time they would know your name and be glad to see you. The fact that I am shopping locally and independantly and not paying stockholders. That these merchants know their goods and services and products better than some hired hand who is just looking for pay day. They are quaint. They are pleasent, they are destinations and doing erands there is not a chore but an enjoyable outting.
1863963 restaurants and/or the movie theater
1863979 Concord, NH, Keene NH - still authentic downtowns. Brattleboro, VT - ok, but a bit touristy, Lewes, Del, but I hate all the new upscale shops replacing the old small-town ones.
1864026 shopping
1864046 Food
1864068 n/a
1864095 Unique sense of place - a destination. (Takoma Park is just a place to drive through as quickly as possible). Unique retailers (who like customers). Clean stores and store fronts.
1864112 Bethesda has beautiful food and charming streets
1864132 If I’’m in area
1864206 A new variety of small and interesting, nonquotmall-typequot shops.
1864212 Local businesses, ability to walk between stores/restaurants
1864214 N/A
1864260 Antiques in Ellicot, once
1864276 restaurantsother amenities (e.g. pool)
1864307 don’’t know
1864366 Antique shops
1864441 variety, pedestrian friendly
1864597 shopping, something to do, visiting family
1864626 a
1864716 Great shopping and dining.
1864778 nice walk in warm weather, farmer’’s markets (Alexandria), stores (the Apple store in Clarendon)
1864919 Interesting and unique restaurants and shopping, attractive ambience on the street and outside places.
1864922 NA
1864940 Beautiful SettingInteresting independent shops
1864942 restaurants/things to do
1864993 Dr.s Appointments, other required activities are aboutthe only thing that get me to drive too far away!
1865157 An event (like a street fair) or a mailing from a local business with an quotinternal eventquot like a sale or a special open house day
1865187 The samll town feel
1865199 n/a
1865267 Neighborhood tavern, local ownership
1865272 Restaurants
1865283 the stores i need to shop at
1865588 If I went, it would be a special trip.
1865785 NA
1865971 Proximity to weekend homeArtsy shops, restaurants, cheap Dollar Store
1866036 relatives, or shopping
1866231 I used to go to old town alexandria when I was young, but now I don’’t go
1866538 Nice atmosphere, unusual stores, variety of restaurants
1866563 Interesting Stores/Shops, Restaurants, General Atmosphere - Open Late Hours. Have feeling of hustle bustle.
1866707 proximity to SS, I’’m not into driving very far (too much traffic, too much hassle)
1866716 Shops, antiques, restaurants
1866878 Restaurants and shopping
1866994 Concentration of food and retail space
1867015 good place to eat, pedestrian friendly.
1867259 Window shopping in warm weather, unique stores with a family/local feel.
1867379 Good array of stores and restaurants, pedestrian-friendly, mass transit availalble
1867414 restaurants, charm
1867567 Unique shops and restaurants within a quaint historic area
1867570 It is on the way to vacation property I have in SW PA. I would like to go to Ellicot City and visit the antique stores.
1867786 NA
1867810 Variety of local businesses.
1867888 good shops
1867899 NA
1868048 variety of shops and restaurants
1868136 antiques, restaurants, window shopping
1868173 WalkabilityMulti-use can get what I need, plus grab a pint ofcider or ale in a place where I feel comfortable orentertained even if I am by myselfExtra care in presentation and lookCongeniality of store/restaurant owners and staffCohesive feeling of placeA feeling of fun and positive energyCreative and innovative design - wow factor
1868239 necessity food shopping
1868255 neighborhood stores and restaurants, walking-friendly,unique goods
1868266 nothing
1868282 I prefer to shop locally.
1868341 NA
1868352 small town feel with reasonable eating options
1868441 NA. But if I went it would be for the antiques. Please no more antique/second hand/ vintage clothing here in Takoma Park!!
1868458 N/A
1868466 local niche businesses
1868468 N/A
1868469 don’’t go to them
1868481 ambience, uniqueness, vegan vegetarian food
1868484 mostly restaurants
1868493 local, friendly businesses, good value, can get toknow the owner
1868513 Proximity, interesting shops and restaurants
1868542 I only go to areas like Alexandria etc. if there are concerts nearby
1868545 n/a
1868560 Friends, family, familiarity, ambiance.
1868565 quality of embience
1868571 n/a
1868574 Grew up nearby, and parents lived there until deaths in 2002, 2004
1868592 food and stores
1868605 Antique shopping, old architecture, general beauty of surroundings
1868607 Walking is pleasant. Lots of eating choices. Craft andother shops. WALKING IS PLEASANT.
1868629 Shops restaurants
1868647 particular shopping item
1868733 Ease, needed services, dedication to mission
1868747 Tradition, Proximity, Price
1868900 Quiet atmosphere, interesting shops-
1868948 Proximity to work or friends
1869055 Great restaurants, interesting clothing shops, art galleries, bars
1869167 n/a
1869188 Ease of parking, decent restaurants, interesting shopsor galleries, events
1869212 Not applicable
1869393 Restaurants, attractions
1869464 Nice used CD store in Clarendon - CD Cellar
1869558 family
1869593 Friends
1869614 varies, sometimes driving thru
1869705 Restaraunts and shops
1869726 festivals
1869959 n/a
1870003 Pedestrian friendly and lively atmosphereLocal businessesBars, Taverns
1870025 none
1870168 Friends, family, feeling of authenticity (except Smithfield)
1870194 i don’’t go there. i don’’t travel toshopping/destinations just for something to do
1870204 n/a
1870209 Close to work
1870478 Art
1870726 not applicable
1870762 Shopping availability clothing boutiques, restaraunts, bars
1870793 Mix, eateries, business travel
1871163 Restaurants, shops, relatives
1871395 Music and restaurants
1872183 Day tripsshoppings, walks, interesting stores of a less funky nature than TP
1872450 Character, local businesses, no ugly, soul-sucking franchises
1872494 na
1872515 Selection of dining (especially ethnic) and shops
1873194 1. Closness of businesses one can walk to all in a small area. 2. Small businesses instead of Shopping Mall 3. Availability of restaurants to shops so that one might sit and relax while shopping.
1873424 charminteresting shopsgood food
1873709 auto touring and antiques/ collectibles
1874000 n/a
1874383 unique stores and restaurants
1874557 A destination for a quotday tripquot....a little walking around, a nice lunch, look in the shops...
1874918 Variety of goods and services as well as local business not chains
1876131 Restaurants, activities (concerts, fairs), friends
1876311 nothing
1876373 n/A
1876641 bars, cafes, nightlife
1878432 As I said - friends. Not the destination.
1878743 Small town charm, high quality goods/services
1878751 Restaurants, bars, nightlife
1878823 Variety of experienceDining optionsStreetlife - appearance and vitality
1878979 Restaurants, bars, and nightlife in Alexandria
1879086 g
1879128 Pedestrian-friendly downtowns, lots of interesting sights and shops as well as good restaurants, easy access to Metro or parking
1879324 N/A
1881324 n/a
1881410 restaurants that are kid friendly but also serve alcohol
1882589 Historic Character, Small independant establishments.
1884888 I visit Washington DC for Culture, Museums, Talks, Movies, Concerts
1884985 only if I’’m on vacation or coming home from somewhere
1885623 Aerobics at Washington Sports Club!
1886428 Mix of restaurants/bars and shops
1887430 shopping - food
1889758 art galleries
1890049 Vegan restaurants, music, interesting stores, coolarchitecture, good parking
1890948 Walking environmentAmbienceInteresting range of pragmatic and indulgenet shooping, combined with places to eat.
1891796 interesting shops, activities, restaurants
1891802 NA
1891810 many stores mixed with restaurants all in walking distance to each other, with areas for kids to run and play in.
1892792 n/a
1893023 met a friend who lives in Baltimore
1893285 The variety in the shops and restaurants lack ofchain stores and restaurants.
1893503 Character
1893508 we are drawn to TP because we live here
1893509 Unique, quaint
1893540 walkability
1893559 Small, friendly shops and restaurants with unique, quality offeringsNice walkingNumber One appeal for me is existence of an Independent Bookstore!
1894189 MoviesSpecific restaurantsBicycle trailsSpecial Events (Scottish Walk)
1894195 Architecture, Quality of Food/Service
1894599 Window-shopping, streetscape, people-watching.
1894932 I’’m not, I go to old town TP because I live very close to Laural and Carol Ave.
1895178 not applicable
1895212 entertainment
1895499 Shopping, nightlife, cultural activities, community events
1896398 don’’t go
1896438 Interesting/unique shops and good sit-down eating
1898073 Large number of small-footprint stores on multipleblocks that are next to each other, not separated bygrandiose driveways and garages. Walkable areas with easy-to-cross intersections thatdon’’t have banks or other low-intensity uses on themain drag.Proximity to Metro, otherwise I might as well drive toa REAL downtown. Ability to walk from store to store,which very few people do. quotBethesda Rowquot quotSilverSprungquot are designed for car (99% of customers driveto those developments, and they face away from theolder retail areas, rendering their location fairlymeaningless, unless only the success of the new storescount.) An environment (architecture that is pleasing to lookat, not tacky ice-boxes with no awnings, where thereare too few retail and too many windswept plazas,banks, and wireless stores.)Many quotnew townsquot are slowly becoming quotreal downtownsquotwhile old towns ignore what makes them a quotreal downtownquot.
1905530 walkable streets fun window shopping, Charm
1914679 quaintness and small independent shops
1914944 Actually we do go to Baltimore for the museums andaquarium and for a couple of brewery restaurants theyhave there.
1914989 A batch of errands, services, etc that can all be done during one visit.
1915144 restaurants, shops
1915314 Work, relatives, friends
1915346 Tapas restaurant, antique stores
1915350 See above.
1915446 varied
1915495 the restaurants
1917120 Restaurants, movies, shopping
1918024 Charm and inventive dining options.
1918119 Small neighborhood feel (architecture, building design contributes) interesting local shops, walkable area, sidewalk dining.
1918717 Restaurants, shopping, and some kind of destination event (such as a ghost tour, architecture tour, house walk, garden show, art studio open house, gallery walk, music event, or something similar).
1918910 people, social, good restaurants, walkable andinteresting streets, things to do and see, liveentertainment
1918928 Friends locale/scenery pedestrian-friendly.
1921251 ReastaurantsGalleries
1924121 Torpedo Factory, other art galleries
1924225 Lots of shops in one place. Mix of shops andrestaurants and music.
1924226 n/a
1924228 Walkability, historic homes and businesses parks and openspace (river in Alexandria) lots of variety of things to see and do.
1924240 Arts, restaurants, events
1924264 Eclectic shops, vibrant street life, unique goods
1924267 nothing
1924284 Antiques, Food, entertainment
1924303 Unique shops and restaurants
1924362 none
1924395 Cmon, too many required questions
1924488 Lively atmospherePedestrian areasCafes and restaurants
1924509 I don’’t go
1924546 Variety of shops
1924551 An interesting mix of quaint retail shops and restaurants and the ability to walk around the downtown area
1924590 Hair salon, yarn shop
1924623 food, metro accessability
1924624 N/A
1924654 friend’’s recommendations.
1924673 atmosphere
1924683 ....
1924694 the most important thing for us is a space that ourson likes, so he can relax and have fun at 5 he’’slively, likes big spaces and crowds, likes hisfreedome to explore, and likes to find other childrento play with that plaza area in the rebuilt downtownSilver Spring has all of that
1924698 NA
1924701 n/a
1924719 ambience
1924730 local shopping, farmer’’s market, also it’’s close to mycommute route (Carole Highlands to Bethesda by car)
1924735 Ability to walk places, high concentration ofrestaurants and shops
1924741 restaurants, restaurants, good food, a good walk, a vareity of stores not all selling things I don’’t need.
1924762 Shops, Dining
1924774 ability to walk around and window shop good food options
1924778 na
1924804 na
1924812 Friends
1924813 I can walk to get things I need and want. There is avariety of goods and servicesnot just umpteenvintage/used clothing stores. There is a vibrancy anddiversity in scale and type of establishment thatserves more than one type of person. Places are uniquean independently owned. Streetscape is pedestrianfriendly and cars actually stop when people arewaiting in cross walksa real problem in TP!
1924815 N/A
1924821 if you mean mummified old-town type settings, like Annapolis, seasonal gift shopping. I don’’t go there as a frequent destination
1924838 Nice walking environment, park once and walk around to a variety of places and stores. They have continual visual interest with few empty spaces like vacant buildings and parking lots along the route.
1924846 Diversity of stores - from high-end to mom-and-pop
1924849 Special restaurants
1924854 Nothing.
1924859 Restaurants
1924954 variety in quality restaurants and shopping easy access to businesses
1925085 dont go
1925089 Ability to walk comfortably from one business to another without driving.
1925104 N/A
1925113 Old towne feel, parking, antique stores/shops, locally owned buisnesses
1925196 Things to do with young children
1925246 hklhlj
1925261 convenience, friends, family
1925310 cute shops, good dining
1925450 n/a
1925481 Variety of shops and restaurants
1925491 To meet friends.
1925636 family, unique gifts
1925656 nothing
1925719 varitey
1925730 small scale buildings, pedestrian friendly, fun shops/restaurants, interesting architecture, greenspaces, density of shops/restaurants
1925911 N/A
1926132 availability of what I need
1926472 not
1926475 na
1926482 Atmosphere
1926605 shops sevices restaurants
1926606 Quaint charming downtowns with historic architecture, unique one-of-a-kind shops, antique shops, good restaurants, coffee houses, tea shops
1927137 .
1927420 Antiques
1927566 the unique shops and restaurants
1928108 I like the small town, homey nature of these communities. It would be great to also have the vibrancy of Cleveland Park.
1928323 BreweriesVariety of storesArtMy wife
1929454 N/A
1929474 nothing
1929753 food, shopping, movies
1930289 Getting away from shopping mall atmosphere. Quieter, more personal, easier to browse in shops, on a more human scale, more unique merchandise.
1931677 Shopping and atmosphere
1932755 NA
1932787 good quality, reasonable ’’everday’’ prices
1933039 atsmosphere, people
1933972 n/a
1938003 see previous comment. Eastern market for the marketfeel (like the farmers market in DC) but it has betterplaces to hang out and eat (a bookstore even)plus the arts are a big draw.
1951061 atmosphere
1955617 A large variety of local business with unique merchandise (not consignment)
1970626 nothing