The arrival of warm weather brings with it an abundance of fresh date night plans. Take advantage of beautiful days and balmy evenings and plan a romantic outdoor rendezvous. Whether you’re the active and outdoorsy type or just interested in catching some rays while drinking wine, there are plenty of ways to bring your dating life into the sunshine. Here are a few fun spots for outdoor dates in Northern Virginia.
Play Mini Golf with a View
Check out Perch Putt in Tysons, a mini-golf course located 11 stories up in the sky. The 18-hole course is accompanied by food trucks serving up seasonal snacks and tasty cocktails, so be sure to grab a drink and enjoy. 1805 Capital One Dr., Ste. 1150, Tysons
Picnic at Great Falls Park
One of Northern Virginia’s greatest natural gems is Great Falls Park, a gorgeous 800-acre park full of hiking trails and scenic overlooks of waterfalls. There’s also a large picnic area, so pack a basket with your favorite lunch and head there for an afternoon date. 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean
Walk Through Blooming Gardens
Take a leisurely, romantic walk through these landscaped gardens. The gardens are full of native plants. The property features a restored 18th century log cabin and the Korean Bell Garden. 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct., Vienna
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Nothing screams summer like baseball. Major league games are all the rage, but minor league games can offer just as fun with a lower price tag and a chance to see future potential baseball stars. Have a hot dog and a beer at a Fredericksburg National game at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. 42 Jackie Robinson Way, Fredericksburg
Bike the W&OD Trail
If you and your date love to bike, there’s no better nice weather date than cycling along the 45-mile-long W&OD Trail. Stop off at a brewery in Purcellville, Leesburg, Herndon, Vienna, or Arlington for a pit stop as part of your biking journey. Multiple parking/exit points between Purcellville and Shirlington
Relax at a Scenic Winery
There’s nothing like sipping on a crisp glass of white wine on a breezy day at a vineyard with a gorgeous view. Luckily, Northern Virginia is full of wineries where you can do just that, including Bluemont Vineyard in Loudoun County. You and your date can try a flight of white wines, red wines, or a mix in the winery’s tasting room, or have brunch. 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont
See a Drive-in Movie
What about a classic date night at a movie, except it’s a movie at a drive-in? The Family Drive-In adds the movies for the weekend on Monday afternoon so you can plan your date. Bring your favorite snacks or buy a pizza there, then kick back and enjoy the film. 5890 Valley Pk., Stephens City
Catch a Concert on the Lawn
Wolf Trap boasts a full schedule of concerts at its outdoor music venue. Whether it’s an evening of comedy with Jerry Seinfeld or listening to the National Symphony Orchestra, get lawn seats and pack the charcuterie board for a date night to remember. Just don’t spill the wine on your date, or it will be a night you won’t want to remember. 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna
Feature image courtesy The Family Drive-In
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