14 Romantic Valentine’s Day Ideas

As my husband says - Valentine’s Day is every day in our house and, because it’s my third favorite holiday, I like to celebrate this day of love all month long. Luckily, DC has a plethora of fabulous events to keep us and our Valentines in a continual celebratory mood.  

 1.  Valentine’s Day Jazz Music - While I missed the Frank Sinatra era, my husband and I caught Tony Sands at The Hamilton Live last year, and he did not disappoint. It felt like Frank was up there singing to us with his voice and mannerisms.   Well Luck Be A Lady! - Tony Sands is back in DC on Valentine’s Day ready to serenade you and your special someone.

2.  Snuggle Up for Dinner by the Fire – If you don’t have a fireplace in your home, head to one of my favorite DC restaurants that has a fireplace to add that extra romantic ambiance.  The Tabard Inn (DC), Iron Gate (DC), and Cedar Knoll (Alexandria) are a few of my favorites. 

3.  Have a Cocktail! – DC isn’t at a loss for great craft cocktail bars and speakeasies but now we have Silver Lyan in DC – Lead by the world’s greatest cocktail expert, Ryan Chetiyawardana, a.k.a. Mr Lyan. Silver Lyan is located at the new Riggs hotel and we cannot wait to check it out.  My other favorite cocktail spot for a special occasion is Barmini. Sure, Minibar gets all the recognition (as it should) but treat your sweetie to a cocktail flight at the Barmini cocktail lab before dinner or as its own event. It’s such a unique experience.  Cocktail seatings last about two hours; during which you experience their tasting flight of 3-5 drinks.  The flights can be paired with fantastic bites like the truffle grilled cheese, caviar, and liquid olives!  And you can add more on to supplement your cravings. You’re not limited to the flights either. They have over 100 different libations and countless cocktail recipes.  No matter what you decide to have, it’s such a terrific experience – you won’t be sorry. 

4.  Cookie Decorating at The Baked Joint – My favorite cupcakes (and cake for that matter) in DC come from Baked and Wired in Georgetown but don’t forget about their other location – A Baked Joint. While they don’t have cupcakes at The Baked Joint, they have a myriad of other delicious pastries and cookies for you to enjoy.  Around Valentine’s Day, they offer Valentine’s Day cookie decorating for those that sign up. I have seen some that say “Be Mine” to “Text Me” and even “U Up?”  - genius.

5. Cinematic Romance – Cuddle up at home and watch your favorite Romantic Comedy or my favorite love story The Notebook.  But remember that love is give and take, so you may end up watching Rocky or Harry Potter in return for a night of Ryan Gossling. Regardless of what you two watch, don’t forget the popcorn. 

6.  Brunch!  – While everyone loves a romantic Valentine’s dinner, I think a romantic brunch often gets overlooked and the reservation may be easier to snag.  My current favorite romantic brunch spot in town is Fiola Mare. They have a lovely 2-hour champagne brunch for you and your sweetie to indulge in while being treated to fantastic service and views of the Potomac River.  

7.  Ice Skating on The National Mall – When is the last time you and your significant other went ice skating?  No really?? Nothing says I love you like holding hands and trying not to fall down on the ice.  If you need to warm up after a few laps around the rink, head into the National Gallery of Art to gaze at the beautiful French impressionism paintings and more. 

8.  Hot Chocolate – Angelina hot chocolate out of Paris is regarded as the best in the world. See if you can recreate the recipe and treat yourselves to a decadent hot chocolate recipe at home complete with whole milk and whipped cream.  If deconstructing world class hot chocolate isn’t your thing, I will share with you the best kept secret hot chocolate spot in town.  It’s called Café Chocolat and it is to die for!  I want a full report if you go. 

9.  Bubbles and Chocolate Fondue - Eno wine bar is one of our favorite spots for delicious wine and bites in Georgetown.  They always have great wine flights and cheese boards.  This year, on Valentine’s Day, they are offering a fun chocolate fondue event with their ever-flowing chocolate fountain and bottomless sparkling wine.  Sounds like a match made in heaven.  

10. Make Your Own Truffles – On Sunday February 9th, the Willard Hotel is hosting a truffle making class. What a sweet way to spend time together.  Talk about labor of love. 

11. Great Gatsby Party – This February 14th, party like Gatsby himself at the Mansion on O Street. If you didn’t get to attend a roaring 20’s party for NYE, then this is your chance (and what a venue to do it in).  If you haven’t toured the Mansion on O street, it is so much fun regardless of the occasion.  But throw in some champagne and swing music and I am there. I hear your ticket also comes with a dance lesson so now there are no excuses even if you have two left feet. 

12. Couples that Cook Together Stay Together – Perhaps a French cooking class is more your speed. If so, then head over to BLT Steak on Saturday February 15th for an afternoon of French technique cooking lessons entitled Paris in a Pan. The Class includes a three-course menu when you’re finished learning. Oui oui - sign me up!

13. Day After Cooking – In case you don’t want to spend the actual Valentine’s Day cooking, Gravitas is offering cooking classes during the day on February 15th and 16th.  Following the class, there is a three-course lunch with wine to reward yourself for your efforts.  They are also doing an alpine style fondue dinner throughout the week and weekend. Gravitas is such a unique space in DC, and they are always hosting such fun events.  We went to a murder mystery party there this past fall and we can’t wait to join them for some more events in 2020.  

14. Love and Chocolates – Remember, calories don’t count on Valentine’s Day. I love specialty chocolate shops and have sampled quite a few in the area.  One of my personal favorite places to pick up chocolates is at Fleurir in Old Town Alexandria. Their former location was so close to my house which led me to sample all of their flavors over the years so believe me when I say you cannot go wrong.  The chocolates and the packing will make your sweetheart say oh la la!