Whether you spend February 14th by yourself, with loved ones or that special someone, Valentine’s Day is for love in all forms! No matter who you choose to spend it with, you should be doing something that you love. For me, that includes indulging in some of the best food the D.C. area has to offer, partaking in interesting experiences and doing things that I simply enjoy.
Here are fourteen classic and less conventional ideas for how you can venture into Valentine’s Day by yourself or with somebody else!
Paris is the city of love, so by association, French fare is ideal for celebrating Valentine’s Day. Arguably the best French restaurant in D.C., Le Diplomate is a dining destination any day of the year, but with its Parisian brasserie inspired interior, it is the perfect gathering place for a meal by yourself, with a friend, or a lover on La Saint-Valentin. Reservationscan be made at Le Diplomate for brunch, lunch, and dinner!
Kick Axe Throwing and Throw Social
There’s something in the air at Kick Axe Throwing and Throw Social… and it’s not love but pure fun! Located in Ivy City, Kick Axe and Throw Social are two separate bars located in the same building. On the bottom floor is Kick Axe, an Aspen ski resort-inspired lounge with axe throwing, small bites, and a fully stocked bar. Upstairs is Miami inspired Throw Social, which features curling, foot bowl, luxurious cabanas, and a bar straight out of South Beach. Both bars are fun, inviting, and beautiful, and I loved kicking axe downstairs and getting flocked up upstairs and think you would too! ‘
A class at Barry’s Bootcamp is one way to get your heart pumping on Valentine’s Day! Classes at Barry’s consist of high-intensity interval training and they aren’t for the faint of heart. Like an ex that just won’t go away, a class in the red room at Barry’s will push you to your limits. That being said, the classes are fun because of the instructors, carefully curated playlists and competitive atmosphere. There are two Barry’s in the D.C. area, one in Dupont Circle, and a brand new location in Clarendon.
Even if you can’t relate to the phrase, “diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” there’s something that you will want to befriend at Tiny Jewel Box! Jewelry buying should be a luxurious experience, and that and more can be found at this family-owned shop in Dupont Circle. Now through Valentine’s Day, the box is home to Have a Heart X Muse pop up, an exclusive, curated collection of 300 unique charms made by leading jewelry designers for charitable causes.
Something sweet is always appreciated on Valentine’s Day, but a sweet treat tastes even better when you make it yourself! Tucked away on 15th St, the Milk Bar Flagship store at Logan Circle offers classes that let you do Milk Bar your way! Lead by an instructor, a Milk Bar experience walks you through the assembly of your dream dessert in an open and inviting class setting.
To know pasta is to love it and thankfully, it can be enjoyed with or without a special someone at newly opened North Italia. Boasting Italian fare, North Italia uses the freshest ingredients to recreate an Italian dining experience thousands of miles away from the borders of Italy. On Valentine’s Day, the restaurant will feature an exclusive Valentine’s Day menu. North Italia has locations in Foggy Bottom, Reston, and Tysons.
Self love is the best kind of love, and nothing screams “I love me,” like indulging in a spa day. Situated on Washington Boulevard in Arlington, Skën Spa offers medical spa services that will leave you looking and feeling like your best self.
At the heart of Dupont Circle is The Pembroke, a contemporary American restaurant that’s delicious food is only exceeded by the restaurant’s beautiful interior. WIth plush pink seats, cream-paneled walls, and luxurious marble tables, it’s hard not to fall in love with this restaurant.
The only thing more beautiful than a bouquet of flowers is living ones! The United States Botanic Garden is a living plant museum that’s perfect for taking a stroll to stop and smell the roses and appreciate the simpler things in life. Admission to the garden is free daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sometimes a luxurious space, room service, and a bar downstairs are exactly what your heart desires, and all of that and more can be found at Riggs, D.C.’s newest luxury hotel. Riggs is in a building that was once the Riggs National Bank, and its impressive lobby, cafe, and bar all pay homage to that history. Silver Lyan, the bar at the Riggs, is operated by Mr. Lyan, winner of “World’s Best Bar,” and a drink there will surely quench your thirst whether you venture there alone or with a partner!
Situated below Ghibellina, Sotto is one of D.C.’s best kept secrets. This subterranean Jazz club serves Italian fare, craft cocktails, and an unparalleled Jazz experience in a cozy and romantic setting. For Valentine’s Day, the club will have performances by Nicole Spahos at 6:00 p.m. and The Insomniacs at 8:30 p.m..
Whether you’re in the mood to sing “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” or belt “On My Own” you can sing your heart out at Zeppelin DC. Zeppelin hosts karaoke 7 days a week upstairs from 10:30 p.m. until it closes, so make sure you fill up on sushi downstairs before you sing to your heart’s content.
Ice Skating
Ice Skating is a quintessential winter activity that can be enjoyed by pairs mixed or solo dolo. You can pick up a pair of skates and hit the ice locally at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink, the Washington Harbour Ice Rink, and The Wharf Ice Rink!
Netflix and Chill
“Netflix and Chill” may be overused as a phrase, but doing it alone or with someone else never gets old. Check out what titles are new to Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime if a night in is what’s on your mind for Valentine’s Day!
Thrift Shopping
Pre-loved is no problem at luxury resale clothing shops Reddz Trading, Secondi, and Ella Rue! Luxury consignment shopping is like a box of chocolates because you never know what you’re gonna find, and whether you go on the hunt alone or with someone riding shotgun, you’re sure to find something you’ll love!
Wine is one of my love languages, and I would imagine that’s true for most of us! Discovering more about wine is a passion of mine because I’m genuinely curious about it and how I can better pair it with meals and cater to guests when I entertain. Located in Barracks Row, DCanter is a wine boutique and a valuable resource for learning more about wine. On February 15, the boutique is hosting Love is Blind: Blind Tasting Tips & Tricks to help wine lovers become better informed about their favorite beverage.
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