BY: MACKENZIE GALLOWAY
For You and Your Bae
Playlists: "Bae," "Falling in Love," "IN Love"
Date: CityCenterDC's Palmer Alley
One of D.C.'s most romantic spots, Palmer Alley is filled with endless opportunities for you and your bae. With lights illuminating your path, you can pick up a few gifts for your S.O. at Gucci or Kate Spade before wining and dining at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse or Centrolina. Instead of ending your night back on campus, stay a night at the Marriott Marquis.
Date: National Harbor
One of The District's most popular attractions, the National Harbor is filled with romantic adventures. You can start your night with some ice skating and hot chocolate, then make your way over to Succotash or The Tasting Room for a cozy dinner. Got a creative boo? Head over to Muse Paint Bar for wine and painting. Finish the night at Bobby McKey's, a romantic piano bar situated on the harbor.
Date: The Wharf
Also known as the Southwest Waterfront, The Wharf opened in October. The Wharf sits alongside the Potomac River, providing visitors with a phenomenal view of Virginia and southeast D.C. You and your S.O. can be adventurous and sample the catch-of-the-day at the Maine Avenue Fish Market, then head on over to Hank's Oyster Bar or Rappahannock Oyster Company to indulge in full-course seafood meals. For dessert, Milk Bar is right next door. If you and bae are looking for entertainment, you can catch a show at Arena Stage, The Anthem or Pearl Street Warehouse. Before heading in for the night, venture out on to the docks to enjoy swings made for two and a romantic fireplace right on the water.
Date: Georgetown
Whether you take some cute pics on the waterfront or just browse the shops and restaurants along M St. and Wisconsin Ave, Georgetown is the perfect place to spend V-Day. You can start the night shopping (maybe even picking out gifts) at big brand names or local boutiques. All that shopping will probably cause some hunger to arise, and from Fiola Mare to Farmers Fishers Bakers (one of Barack Obama and Joe Biden's favorite spots, #Bromance) you're nothing short of options. After you fill your stomachs with food and your hearts with love, you can settle down and enjoy a jazz show at Blues Alley, or show off your bowling skills at Pinstripes. If you've got a sweet tooth, stop by Baked & Wired for cupcakes. Finish the night with candles and rose petals at the historic Watergate Hotel or the opulent Four Seasons.
Date: Union Market
One of D.C.'s artsiest hangouts, Union market is filled with opportunities for you and bae to get in touch with your creatives sides. Start your evening off by taking a picture in front of the Instagram-friendly heart wall, created by Los Angeles-based artist, Mr.Brainwash on International Women's Day in 2015. Afterwards, you can head to the market and explore the best fish markets, bakeries, cafes and distilleries D.C. has to offer. Get a taste of East Africa at Gorsha Ethiopian Eatery or some Korean fare at Takorean. Or, fill up on shrimp and grits at Puddin. On a full stomach, shop for plants at Little Leaf or pick up some fashionable pieces for your S.O's closet at Brief Assembly. Finish with dessert at Ice Cream Jubilee or Capital Candy Bar.
For Singles
Playlists: "Living Single," "Leave Him Sis, "Confidence
Date: Day at the Spa
Escape the stress of Valentine's Day at one of D.C.'s many spas. The Red Door by Elizabeth Arden is home to a chic spa, where you can indulge in a signature shea butter massage, topped off with foot reflexology and facial acupressure. The W Hotel's spa has a cool, comfy atmosphere and offers triple-oxygen facials, salt glow scrubs and full-body massages. And to top it off, at the end of your indulgence, you can indulge even more at the W's BROWNIE BAR.
Date: Anti-Valentine's Day Dinner
Restaurants on the night of Valentine's Day are bound to be crowded, so why not spend your V-Day at an ANTI-Valentines day dinner? The Daily Dish Restaurant will offer meals like, "Eat Your Heart Out" (heart-shaped ravioli filled with seafood) and "Love is a Battlefield" (Devil's Food cupcakes). In addition, B.Reel Media will host an "Anti-Valentines Day Food Show," featuring the "Main Meat Man" vs. the "Vegan Side Chick." Bring your vegan and or meat-loving besties for a fun-filled evening.
Date: Mixer
Your lil' boo acting up? You thought they were going to take you out for Valentine's Day and ended up ghosting? If you want to spend your day finding a new boo, you're in the right place. L8 Lounge DC Wednesday night will host, "We Hate Valentine's Day: A Valentine's Day Singles Meet Up Party #dontbeL8," where you can eat, dance, enjoy cocktails and meet a potential new boo.
Date: Singles' Parties
If you want to throw it back with your BFFs, D.C. has plenty of singles' Valentine's Day parties. On Wednesday night, Saint Yves will host a "Singles In DC" party, featuring food, drinks, and lots of singles! Ozio dining will host a Valentine's Day rooftop party on Wednesday night - the perfect stop for you and your gal pals. If you and your single BFF are looking for something to engage in on V-Day, Great Shoals Cellars will put on a "Wine and Paint Party" for an artistic toast to friendship.
