Leave it to Rebecca to know just when we needed her! Who’s in need of a great date night out? (Me! me! Ooooh, pick me! ;))
Here are some great ideas for your next evening away in the DC metro!
It is important to find time to reconnect with your partner in the midst of all the craziness we call life and parenting. We try to have a date day/night at least once a month to relax and help us get back to where things all began- when we were just two people who had fallen in love. It’s fun to reminisce on the days as a young couple and to revisit some old favorite spots. But in case you are interested in something new, here are my fave picks for some much-needed time with your partner.
- Winery Tours and Picnic
This is one of my favorite things to do living in our area. There are a TON of options to choose from and no matter where you live, a great vineyard is no more than an hour drive. Stop by your local Wegmans and pick up your favorite cheeses, some charcuterie, crackers, olives, and fruit to build a great picnic. (Walmart and Target have great baskets!) Pack a couple bottles of water, some napkins, small plates, and forks. Next, decide on your route for the day- you may even have time to hit two or three vineyards! Here are the wine trail links to help you plan. http://vawineinmypocket.com/wineries
- A Night Out on the (Old) Town
Old Town Alexandria has TONS of great places to offer. My favorite spot to start at by far is the PX Lounge. Their handcrafted cocktails in a social lounge decorated like the golden age is an intimate place to reconnect and lose the stresses of life. Make sure to book a reservation early as seating is limited and there is a two-hour maximum per table. http://www.barpx.com/ After your cocktail time, head to one of Old Town’s great restaurants. Suggestions within walking distance would be Geranios (http://www.geranio.net/main.htm), Columbia Firehouse (http://columbiafirehouse.com/), or Ashlar at Morrison House (http://morrisonhouse.com/restaurants/ashlar/). If you care to, spend the night at the Morrison House- their rooms are classic, elegant, and romantic.
- Brunch
There is nothing wrong with having a date earlier in the day! Or even on a Sunday, for that matter! The best cozy spot for a couple’s brunch is at Cheesetique in Del Ray. (http://cheesetique.com/) This small restaurant is also a cheese and wine shop with other goodies. Order a board of their cheeses and meats and opt for a bucket of mimosas or make your own bubbly concoctions. If wine is more your thing, there are a few different flights to try and the fromagers/waiters are attentive to your tastes and can offer pairing suggestions. Hang around after brunch if it is nice out and stroll the streets of Del Ray.
https://www.visitalexandriava.com/plan/neighborhoods/del-ray/
- Festival or Concert
There are SO many fun things to do in the DC area. Be sure to sign up for mailing lists so you will know whats going on and when. Pick an all-day festival with dinner afterwards. Or find a show/concert to go to one evening and grab a bite beforehand. Once you know where the event is, it is easy to search for restaurants and bars nearby. There are also a number of great small venues for live music such as Jammin Java, Epicure Café, or U Street Music Hall.
- http://www.fxva.com/events/
- https://www.virginia.org/directory/events
- https://www.visitloudoun.org/events/
- https://www.livenation.com/
- http://www.culturecapital.com/
- Camping
For some of you, this might mean staying in a Holiday Inn. For the more adventurous, there are two options I would recommend. If freshwater is more your thing and you like tubing or catching bass, check out Outlanders River Camp on the Shenandoah. There are cabin rentals and tent sites and all are riverfront. Bring your fishing poles and hiking boots. http://www.outlandersrivercamp.com/
If saltwater is more your thing, plan a visit to Point Lookout State Park. Primitive campsites line the shore of the bay and offer great fishing and crabbing for campers. There is a nature center in the park as well as a public beach, a dog friendly beach, and a small snack shop. A boat launch makes dropping your kayaks in super easy! http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/southern/pointlookout.aspx
- A Weekend Getaway
One of my favorite places to visit is Berkeley Springs West Virginia. They have a great variety of Bed and Breakfasts to choose from and a mix of shops that are both upscale and eclectic. A short drive away, are panoramic overlooks, low water bridge, a nature preserve, and Cacapon State Park. When it comes to dining, they have both upscale and laid back. Check out Berkeley Springs Brewing for a cold one or Lot 12 Public House for a more elegant and locally sourced menu. Make sure to have breakfast at Earthdog Café if you want somewhere a little different. A must-do activity while in Berkeley Springs are the historic Roman Bath Houses. Call or pop in to book your private walk-in soaking tub- they are located right in the middle of town! Anything you need to plan your weekend away at Berkeley Springs can be found here: http://berkeleysprings.com/
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