Whether it’s your first date or your 50th, these itineraries featuring some of this year’s Best of NoVA winners and runners-up are sure to impress.
Views & Vino
Warm-up: Start the night at Barca Pier & Wine Bar in Old Town Alexandria, grabbing a spot on the pier if the weather’s nice. Cozy up on a couch with a glass of stone fruit sangria and a small plate or two while gazing out on the Potomac or into each other’s eyes.
Main event: Walk to Ada’s on the River for more panoramic waterfront views and a menu to suit any date’s desires — think wood-fired, custom-aged prime meats, vegetable entrées, seafood courses, and starters to share.
Cap it off: Amble over to King Street hand-in-hand for live music in an old-world setting at Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub.
Books & BBQ
Warm-up: You can learn a lot about a person by discovering what their favorite books are. Browse the selection at Bards Alley on Vienna’s Church Street and get to know your date’s literary tastes.
Main event: Ice-chilled oysters, steak tartare, American wagyu — indulge in quality cuts and conversation while wowing your date at the upscale Ingle Korean Steakhouse.
Cap it off: Whisk your paramour to Wolf Trap for a performance from a chart-topping artist.
Hikes & Hops
Warm-up: Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast sandwich or doughnut from Heidelberg Pastry Shoppe in Arlington.
Main event: Drive over to Custis Trail and take in the scenery on this popular 4.5-mile paved trail, where you can walk and talk. Remember the words of Fred Rogers: “Listening is where love begins.”
Cap it off: Cool off with a refreshing beer on the rooftop bar at Wilson Hardware. Or, if you don’t mind driving a little farther, hit up Alexandria’s Aslin Beer Company (the beer garden season is open May through October) or Honor Brewing Company in Fairfax.
Art & Italian
Warm-up: If time permits, drive out to Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton to see a revitalized 55-acre arts center inside of an old prison. Check the calendar for special events like free art classes, concerts, and art walks and surprise your date.
Main event: On to Semifreddo in Manassas for an authentic Italian meal. The relaxed strip mall setting makes it feel like a hidden gem you and your significant other stumbled upon yourselves.
Cap it off: Catch a ballet, musical theater, opera, or chamber orchestra performance at the always excellent Hylton Performing Arts Center, also in Manassas.
Feature image of Barca Pier & Wine Bar by Rey Lopez
This story originally ran in our June issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
