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By Katie Bianco, Holly Gambrell and Stefanie Gans
Love sounds like a jazz tune
I grew up watching my parents not celebrate Valentine’s Day. They’re still together and as madly in love as they were 30-plus years ago, but on a Valentine’s back in the ’80s my mom had to drop my dad off at basic training for the army. Apparently that isn’t a very romantic memory, and ruined the holiday for them, which is probably why I’ve always felt the day to be a little cliche and pointless. But this year, I’ve decided to give the holiday a shot at Salamander Resort & Spa’s A Weekend of Love & Jazz. The weekend includes plenty to do, and on Friday, Feb. 15, I’ll be at Sips & Sounds, a meet-and-greet with jazz legend Marcus Johnson, complete with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. -HG // Salamander Resort & Spa: 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg; $85 per person
Bowl like a toddler
My parents visited last week to help with child care because my husband was out of town for a work conference. I know my audience, and rather than a sit-down dinner with their restaurant-critic daughter, I knew they’d really enjoy a game night. With my toddler and 11-month-old, we checked out Punch Bowl Social, a modern take on the game-centric Dave & Buster’s. Besides the adult bowling lanes (and arcades, darts, foosball, etc.), there’s this cute little alcove of two miniature lanes with pins on strings and balls that can’t weigh more than four pounds. It was my 3 year old’s first time bowling and she lost her mind. It’s just as fun for adults because it’s much easier to throw strikes and spares on this pint-size alley. It was a pretty perfect night, especially at $6 a game (not per person!) with crispy french fries and thick milkshakes. I sent my husband some snaps and videos and he was FOMO-ing hard. Now that he’s home, we’re going again this week. -SG // Punch Bowl Social: 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
‘Here’s looking at you, kid’
When my husband and I were first dating, we used to make it a point to dine at a romantic restaurant on Valentine’s Day. Ten years and two kids later, romance on one of the busiest restaurant nights of the year isn’t really a priority. But that doesn’t mean I don’t want a little romance in my life—and popcorn. This year, we’re going to get a sitter, then head to Angelika Film Center at Mosaic District to take in a special showing of Casablanca. Bonus: the theater also serves Champagne. Want more ideas? Check out our February issue for a fun roundup of unique V-Day outings. -KB // Angelika Film Center: 2911 District Ave., Fairfax
