Tired of stuffy dinners and lack-luster flowers? Break out of the Valentine’s Day rut by treating your sweetheart to one of these out of the “chocolate” box suggestions.
Do the “Cupid Shuffle” at Eden Lounge
For the single bachelors and bachelorettes, skip the Haagen Daaz and romantic comedies and head over to Eden Lounge for the Singles Stupid Cupid event. Dance to sexy top-40 beats and mingle in Eden’s new Green Room as its transforms into the sensual “Red Room” this February 14. Mix and mingle with eligible singles as you sip on some of Eden’s signature cocktails. Single ladies will be treated to a flute of delicious strawberry champagne on the house before midnight. www.edendc.com
Get El Fuego at LIMA’s Salsa Night
Primo Productions and LIMA are offering Salsa lessons, beginner and intermediate, every Monday from 9 to 10:30 pm. Learn new moves with your Valentine while DJ Bemba plays Latin beats and rhythms. For more information check out LIMA’s website http://www.limaloungedc.com/monday/
Indulge in a Chocolate Covered Aphrodisiac at Co Co. Sala
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone at Co Co. Sala and enjoy their Aphrodisiac Allure 7 course meal. The menu includes creamy sage and parmesan gnocchi, tantric cocoa nib tenderloin, and warm linzer chocolate soufflé with raspberry rose panna cotta and hazelnut praline. Cost is $75 per person. More information is available at their website. http://www.cocosala.com/
Take a Romantic Cruise
Float down the Potomac with your Valentine on Odyssey, which offers a 3-hour sightseeing tour, a 4-course meal, as well as music and dancing. Couples can choose to take a brunch or dinner cruise. Brunch cruises are $64.90 per person and dinner cruises are $129.90 per person; includes a complimentary champagne toast. More information is available on the Odyssey Cruise website.
http://www.odysseycruises.com/WashingtonDC/valentines-day
Ice Skate at the National Gallery of Art
Go skating with your Valentine’s Day crush at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden! After you’re done, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and get a bite to eat at the Pavillion Café. Ice rink admission for adults is $7 for two hours. For more information check out the National Gallery of Art’s website http://www.nga.gov/ginfo/skating.shtm#cafe
Into Handcuffs? Visit the “Crimes of Passion” Exhibit at the National Museum of Crime and Punishment
From February 11-15, you and your special someone can experience a Valentine’s Day unlike any other. Get handcuffed to your valentine and view over 600 exhibits relating to crimes of passion. For more information, click here http://www.crimemuseum.org/
Woo at the Zoo
Smithsonian’s National Zoo will be offering a special Valentine’s Day event that explores the sexual behaviors of animals. Head over to the Zoo with your Valentine and learn about animal dating and mating. Attendees will also have the opportunity to create personal valentines for their special someone. The cost of entry is $15 for FONZ members and $25 for non-members. Must be 21+. For more information check out the National Zoo’s website http://nationalzoo.si.edu/
Paint With Passion at the ArtJamz “Lincoln Sessions”
Paint the perfect present for your valentine. On February 11th and 12th from 7-10:30 ArtJamz gives you that chance, as well as one of the first evenings in the Lincoln Restaurant. For the cost of $60 your night will include all art supplies, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, fantastic music, and the inspiring pop art of local artist Maggie O’Neill (who will be joining the festivities). Groups of five get 15% off. Please email discount@artjamzdc.com for code. For tickets, more information and future events go to www.artjamzdc.com
Cultivate a Taste for Romance with a Cuisine Contra Dinner
Dive into a night of mystery by spending your Valentine’s Day dining with Contra Cuisine. For $125 per ticket you will receive a night of food, drinks, art, music and a surprise location that will be announced Valentine’s Day. Also with the purchase of your ticket you will automatically be entered to win two business class tickets to Paris from Openskies to continue your romance in the “City of Love”. For tickets and more information go to www.cuisinecontra.com
Race to Romance in the “Love the Run You’re With 5K”
Get your hearts beating in more than one way by joining the “Love the Run You’re With 5K” sponsored by Pacers. In true Valentine’s form runners get to pick and broadcast their relationship status by declaring either Co-Dependent (in a relationship), Stupid Cupid (single), or Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em (it’s complicated). After the race join your fellow runners for a party hosted by Champps. The race is February 12th at 9:00 a.m. at Pentagon Row, Arlington, VA. The registration fee is $35 before the race and $40 on race day. For more information go to http://www.pacersevents.com/lovetherun/index.html
Pucker Up with Luxxery
Plump your lips for your Valentine’s pucker at Luxxery’s DC and Waldorf, MD spots. Choose from an array of lip fillers to get your perfect pout at 20% of Juvederm and Restylane injections provided by Dr. Ayman Hakki’s cosmetic boutique. For more information go to www.luxxery.com
Seal your Affection with Glaze at Color Me Mine
On Monday 2/14 at Color Me Mine in Silver Spring will be hosting a Date Night from 6 to 10 pm. There is a $15 studio fee per couple plus the fee of the pottery and a Valentine’s Day keepsake is included! Pre-registration is required. For more information check their website http://www.silverspring.colormemine.com/
Pamper your “Suite”-Heart at the Park Hyatt
The “Suite Romance” package includes a lovely evening in the Presidential Suite and luxurious amenities such as butler service, welcome treats, in-suite massages, a private shopping experience at Tiffany’s and Co. with chauffeur, a five-course tasting menu created by Chef Brian McBride, a private moonlight monument tour, rose petal bath, breakfast, and valet parking. 800.778.7477 www.parkwashington.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/
Live in the Lap of Luxury at The Hay-Adams
Relax with your love at this historic hotel and book their Valentine’s Day Package. Your evening will include: an overnight stay in a luxury room or suite, champagne, chocolate covered fruit, red roses, and breakfast. www.hayadams.com