Valentine’s Day elicits many different feelings for everyone. Each year when the beginning of February rolls around, some of us are anxiously awaiting dressing up for a fancy dinner with our s/o, while some of us are prepping for the glam that inevitably accompanies girls-only Galentine’s celebrations, while others are gearing up for celebrations of self love.
I love everything about Valentine’s Day except the cringy Hallmark aspect of the holiday. As the progressive 21st century woman that I consider myself to be, I don’t necessarily feel the need to “celebrate” with a dozen red roses and a box of chocolates. I’m by no means knocking this type of traditional celebration, but this girl wants to up the adventure-ante with something new and exciting this year. So regardless of how or with whom you plan to spend your Valentine’s Day, I have compiled a list of some ideas to take your celebration to a new level this year.
Note: Although these ideas are tailored to Washington, DC, they can be applied wherever you are in the world.
Have Dessert for Dinner
Candy is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. Every year I eat my weight in chocolate by the month’s end. So why not take the indulgence up a notch with dessert for dinner? Because calories taken in on the sweetest day of the year don’t count, right?!
DC Tip: No matter what type of sweets you’re craving, the bakeries and pastry shops within the District’s limits won’t disappoint.
Some of my favorites include:
– Macaroons from Laduree
– Ice cream from Ice Cream Jubilee
– Milkshakes from Ted’s Bulletin
– Cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake/Baked and Wired/Sprinkles
– Dangerously Delicious Pies
Pick/Arrange Your Own Bouquet
Being surprised with flowers is never something you’ll find me complaining about, but there’s also something to be said about picking out your own set of beautifully arranged blooms. This can be done with live flowers, or (for a more eco-friendly alternative) with dried florals and pampas grass.
Indulge in a Tasting
Last year, I took Seth all over the city to a handful of whiskey bars for a tasting of our own. Like I said earlier, I’m a progressive 21st century woman and know that men like to be wined (whiskeyed in this case) and dined as well.
DC Tip: If you’re looking for something a little less potent than whiskey, head over to ANXO Cidery & Pintxos Bar and fill a porrón with your cider of choice. Take turns porrón it in your dates mouth from across the table!
Dinner and a Show View
Two years ago, Seth surprised me with a dinner cruise on Spirit Cruises’ Spirit of Washington. We ate, drank champagne, laughed, and danced the night away on the Potomac. It was a magical time and a new experience that I didn’t even know I was missing.
DC Tip: Don’t splurge for all of the extras. The packages are cute, but not really worth it. You’ll remember taking in the twilight views of DC’s iconic waterfront buildings, not the silly stuffed animal waiting on your table. A window seat and a bottle of champagne is all you need.
Get Competitive
Make it a winning night with over-sized Connect 4 , Jenga, bowling, billiards, or darts. Or skip the classics altogether, and go for the latest trend. With axe throwing gaining popularity as of late, channel your inner lumberjack at one of the unique bars that have been popping up all over the country. There is something oddly satisfying about tossing a hunk of sharpened metal at a wooden backstop and having it “stick” in the bullseye.
DC Tip: Local axe throwing joints – Kraken Axes & Bad Axes. Our favorite table games bar recently – Franklin Hall. Pool spots – Bedrock Billiards, Buffalo Billiards, & Atomic Billiards. Darts – Midlands Beer Garden.
Take a Hike
There is something about being outdoors with my loved ones that fills my heart to the brim. Whether it’s the fresh air itself or the feel-good endorphins that nature evoke, being outside sparks joy. So grab your love, and maybe pack a picnic, and head to your favorite park or outdoor space for a Valentine’s hike.
DC Tip: Rock Creek Park is the perfect location to get your hike on. This natural space is the nation’s oldest urban National Park and to this day offers district dwellers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Explore a New Part of Town
Whether you fancy hitting up the latest exhibits at local museums, tasting the trendiest new dish (or drink), or strolling through a neighborhood that you’ve yet to explore, experiencing something new with the one you love is the ultimate unconventional Valentine’s Day date idea. The level of excitement and joy that inevitably accompanies new experiences is a feeling not to be missed, especially on Valentine’s Day. Because what’s more romantic than making sweet memories with your love that won’t soon be forgotten?!
