Did you know there’s a trail in Prince George’s County Maryland that goes through College Park, Hyattsville and Riverdale? What if I told you there’s some amazing local owned businesses within walking distance of the trail?
The Rhode Island Trolley Trail is a 3.9 mile urban trail with historic importance to the communities along Route 1 in Prince George’s County. The trail was originally Route 82 of the streetcar system of Washington, D.C. Today, its a beautiful trail for walkers, runners and cyclists to visit these locally owned businesses you must check out:
1. Vigilante Coffee
This is easily one of my favorite coffee shops in the DMV from the roastery on site to the delicious baked goods. My go-to order is an iced matcha with oatmilk and vanilla with an almond croissant. A good coffee shop also has to have a good working space because after all, coffee shops are a great place to form community. The space is airy and industrial with lots of natural light. My girlfriend and I come here all the time to catch up!
2. 2Fifty Texas BBQ
Good BBQ places are hard to find in the DMV, which is why I’m so shocked at how good 2Fifty is. The meat literally melts in your mouth. What makes this place even more special is its owned by a Salvadoran couple. I love how they include my favorite Caribbean and Latin American side dish: fried plantains. Be prepared to wait in line outside the door here!
Beef brisket with turkey leg, plantains and side of cole slaw.
3. Town Market
What does it look like when a liquor store and a bar have a baby? Town Market! One side you get a wide selection of beer, wine, and spirits to purchase and on the other side there’s a bar with over 30 rotating craft beers on tap and more than 10 wines to drink while you watch the game on TV. Or you can enjoy your drink on the patio while you play your scratch-offs. Seriously, this place is so chill. It’s like an adult playground but with a neighborhood feel.
4. Franklins
Franklins is a staple along Route 1 and for good reason. They have a vast menu serving American classics and a microbrewery. The owners purchased a former hardware store next door and now its a toy shop. So after you eat and drink, you can walk next door to buy one-of-a-kind gifts. Yes, you can buy your Maryland state flag kitchen towel!
Outside the toy shop that’s attached to Franklins.
3. Tacos a la Madre
Don’t be put off by this Mexican taco spot in a residential house, but this is one of the best Mexican tacos in town. The carne asada hits like crack! The shrimp in the shrimp tacos are jumbo. They also have a decent selection of specialty items such as birria tacos and elotes. I’ve been ordering the carne asada quesadillas with Oaxaca cheese and its just perfection.
The sauce is just amount of spicy too.
Next time you’re riding your bike along the Rhode Island Trolley Trail, make sure to check out these local businesses along the Route 1 corridor. You can’t go wrong with any of these choices on this list. Which one would you try?
