Valentine’s Day is just a few days away, what do you have planned for you and your special someone? If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day in Washington, DC, we’ve got some DC date night ideas for you to try out in 3 different neighborhoods.
NoMa
Some of our favorite time spent in NoMa is spent at Union Market, so why should Valentine’s Day be any different? There are so many things to love about this open-air market it can be hard to know where to begin.
On Valentine’s Day in particular, we recommend starting the night/afternoon at the Chocotenango Pop-Up to sample some of their hand-crafted chocolate and learn about what makes both their concept and process so special. Their hours are from 11am – 8pm daily, so kick-off your romantic evening as early as your work schedule allows!
Next, mosey on over to Masseria to enjoy the romantic ambiance at the bar over a specially-crafted cocktail. Make a light meal out of a few shared bar snacks (trust us, this is not your average bar fare) and be sure to save some room for the next stop of the evening!
Next, it’s time for the kind of dessert dreams are made of: chocolate, cheese, and champagne! Don’t miss the We Heart Cheese: Chocolate, Cheese, & Baller Bubbly tasting event with Righteous Cheese from 7pm – 9pm at Lab 1270. This is a ticketed event with limited space, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Finally, be sure that at some point in the evening, you make time to track down one of DC’s most instagrammable spots, the hearts mural on the side of Union Market created by LA-based graffiti artist Mr. Brainwash. We can’t think of a better spot for a Valentine’s Day selfie (ussie?), can you?
Georgetown
Whether winding up and down the charming townhouse-lined side streets, strolling along the C&O Canal or window shopping along M Street, there’s a certain bit of romance already built into anything you do in Georgetown. Make this your destination for Valentine’s Day and you’re sure to have a special evening no matter what you have planned. Here’s what we suggest:
Start the night out at Orange Anchor to take advantage of the best deal in town: $2 champagne and $1 oysters from 5pm to 10pm! You may want to nibble on a little something extra, like the homemade crab dip or Chesapeake guacamole, to hold you over through the next part of the evening.
Next, take a nice stroll (or Lyft) up the road to Via Umbria for a master mixology class. Here you’ll learn to craft (and get to taste) 5 specialty cocktails. Make a reservation now to reserve your space!
End the evening with a late dinner at one of Washington DC’s most romantic restaurants, Ristorante Piccolo. Enjoy traditional Italian cuisine, opting for a la carte dining or the 4-course prix fixe Valentine’s Day menu. With multiple fireplaces, warm, friendly service and a strolling violinist, you’ll be swooning in no time.
Capitol Riverfront
Head to the Capitol Riverfront for a romantic evening of ice skating, live acapella performances, festive decorations, and delicious Italian food. For a $60 packaged deal, receive skate admission for two and a prix fixe meal from il Parco, including a bottle of sparkling wine.
Either pre- or post- skating and dinner, take a stroll through Yards Park and along the scenic Anacostia Riverwalk Trail. Be sure to pause at the Yards Park pedestrian bridge for a photo-op, then head to Ice Cream Jubilee to end the night on a sweet note.
