Wheaton
Wheaton is a little known suburb of Washington DC with more than 45,000 people and a reputation for having the best ethnic restaurants in over one hundred miles in any direction. This is the place to eat exotic dishes inspired by Thai, Peruvian, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine. There are also cultural venues, a botanical garden, shopping centers, and outdoor recreation spots.
Although Wheaton isn't a town or a city, it's a “census designated place” in Montgomery County, Maryland. The city is also an Arts and Entertainment District, so artists working in the area have a tax break. Just northwest of Silver Spring, the food, arts, and attractions here will delight anyone.