Looking to spice up Valentine’s Day this year? Northern Virginia is full of creative, romantic spots for this love-filled holiday. If the annual reservation at your favorite restaurant is starting to feel tired, check out these experiences that will surely impress your date.
Dine in the Dark
February 3 and 22
If you’re looking to beat the holiday crowds but still want an exciting date-night experience, this sensory dinner is for you. Immerse yourself in a secret, blindfolded, three-course meal where you put your tastebuds to the test. Guests can pick between a meat, seafood, or vegetarian menu, with each offering a starter, main, and dessert. Ambar: 2901 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, $72
Visit Cupid’s Cave
February 11–15
Sip on Virginia varietals like merlot, cabernet, and petit verdot during this 90-minute experience in Boxwood Estate Winery’s romantic, cave-like barrel cellar. Four wine tastings are paired with hors d’oeuvres, and each guest takes home a swag bag with a souvenir wine glass, a charm, chocolates, and a half bottle of Boxwood’s Trellis 2020. Boxwood Estate Winery: 2042 Burrland Ln., Middleburg, $75
Mix It Up
February 13
Create your own signature cocktails and learn the insider tips and tricks from a beverage expert so you can make delicious drinks for each other at home. Harrimans Cooking Studio: 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, salamanderresort.com, $60
Listen to Love Notes
February 14
Set the mood with an expressive performance from the Virginia Chamber Orchestra, William & Mary Symphony Orchestra, and internationally renowned pianist Thomas Pandolfi. Enjoy the romantic notes from French composer Paul Ladmirault’s rarely performed works, Valse Triste and Épousailles. Capital One Hall: 7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons, $42.50
Be a Dancing Duo
Dates vary
Sweep your valentine off their feet with private ballroom dancing lessons. Connect with your partner in an intimate setting while getting an aerobic workout and learning a new skill from an experienced professional. Arthur Murray Dance Centers: 3223 Duke St., Ste. B1, Alexandria, prices vary
Sample Sweet Treats
Thursdays through Mondays
Takes your tastebuds on a journey through five craft chocolate bars made at a family-owned, sustainable chocolate factory. After the tasting, get a tour of the bean-to-bar machines inside the factory while guides explain the process of crafting the small-batch chocolates. River-Sea Chocolates: 4520 Daly Dr., Ste. 100, Chantilly, $100
Feature image of Dining in the Dark courtesy Fever
This story originally ran in our February issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
