Make a Date

I am always looking for ways to break away from the dinner and movie kind of night. And with Valentines Day right around the corner, I thought I'd share! Here are some of the date ideas I have come up with (with prices in parenthesis).

1. A trip to a local winery ($5-10 for tasting, $15-20+ for bottle of wine)

If you live in Virginia you are most likely less than an hour away from a winery at any given time. That being said, wineries make wonderful dates! Afterwards, buy a bottle of wine and sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Some options around Richmond? James River Cellars, New Kent Winery, and a many, many more options as you head towards Charlottesvile.

New Kent Winery

2. Visit the local zoo/aquarium (depends on location)

Everyone is still a bit of a child at heart (even if it is buried very,very deep down) and what better way to revisit that than a trip to your local zoo or aquarium?? Especially, if you live in Richmond! You must visit the Richmond metro zoo and feed the giraffes!!

 3. A day, or weekend, in the nearest big city (depends on itinerary)

Spend a day in the city, eat lunch at a place you've never heard of, visit a museum, grab a glass of wine at the hip new bar. The nice thing about big cities is that they offer multiple food and attraction options so, even if you've been there before, you can always find something new to experience with your date! If you live in Richmond (or nearby), you only have a quick trip standing between you and DC!

My DC suggestions?

Food:

• Whole Foods (inexpensive): Whole Foods are found all over DC, with multiple options for everyone. Sushi, sandwiches, pizza, seafood and more? They've got it! You just have to get over the fact that you are heading to a grocery store to eat.  
• King Street in Alexandria: If you walk down the streets of Old Town Alexandria, you are guaranteed to pass at least 10 delicious restaurants. Just check out the menus and pick the one that you happen to be craving!  

King Street in Alexandria

Drinks:

• Point of View at the W Hotel: (slightly expensive, go before 9PM!) Absolutely one of my favorite spots in DC. This bar is a stones throw away from the White House and Washington Monument, and offers incredible views of the entire surrounding area. It is a little on the expensive side, but the breathtaking views help you forget about the money spent.  
• PX in Alexandria: I am absolutely dying to visit this modern day speak-easy in Alexandria after finding it on Garden and Gun's Top 50 Southern Bars list. I am assuming the drinks are expensive, but what better way to celebrate a special occasion than a (now not so) secret bar?
• Sequoia in Georgetown: (moderate) If it is a nice day in DC, you must head to this bar. It boasts beautiful views of the Washington Harbor and Kennedy Center, with plenty of outdoor seating for all.
• Mr. Smith's in Georgetown: (relatively inexpensive) I have talked about it 100 times but it is my favorite piano bar, ever.

Attractions:

• The Newseum: This is one of the few museums in DC that you have to pay to enter, but it is well worth the fee! Not only do they have a piece of the World Trade Center and the Berlin Wall, but each exhibit is well thought out and displayed. This is one of those rare museums you will never get bored in which is why it is by far my favorite museum in the city.  
• The Torpedo Factory in Alexandria: (Free) Any art lover should head here immediately.
• The National Zoo: (Free) What can I say? I am a child, I love animals, and I especially like the idea of chimps walking on free standing lines above my head. Throw in a few baby animals? amazing.
• National Air and Space Museum: (Free) Guys tend to really like this one, and there is a lot of interesting things to look at...especially big planes. They also have a full room full of flight simulators for the brave pilots out there. Friendly warning though: Jon flew us upside down in a flight simulator there for about 15 minutes and I could stand straight for a good 10 minutes after, so make sure you trust your pilot. :)

4. Putt-Putt ($5-15 dollars per person)

This is an underrated one! Where else can you beat your golf loving boyfriend at his own game? Plus, you can always make it a little more interesting and add a little wager on the game. Loser buys dinner perhaps?

5. Find a Ropes Course (usually about $50+ a person)

Conquer fears and get a work out at the same time! I once visited one right outside of DC, called Go Ape!, and it was so much fun! Plus every relationship needs a little team building right? haha. If there is one near you, I highly recommend it.

6. Seasonal Activities

Go tubing down the river, see a summer concert, tailgate at the local sports game, go ice skating at the city's outdoor skating ring, take a tacky light tour, and so much more.

What is coming up in Richmond?

• Attend the Legwarmers concert in your 80's gear (tonight! January 27)
• LION KING at the Landmark! (Starting February 15)
• Attend SCAN's Bourbon Street fundraisier (February 18)
• Watch or participate in the Monument Ave 10k (March 31)
• See a Flying Squirrels game (Starting April 5)

Of course this is just a small assortment of things do to, so if you have any suggestions please leave them in the comments below!