Celebrate summer before fall weather settles in with these six fun Northern Virginia-area date ideas. See a movie at a local drive-in, try a trendy ice cream flight, or go grape stomping at these local venues.
See a Movie at The Family Drive-In
There’s nothing more romantic than a retro night at the drive-in. Head to the Family Drive-In in Stephens City, just an hour drive from Dulles, before autumn arrives. If you’re looking for a particular movie, new ones are added on Monday afternoons for the upcoming weekend. The drive-in sells concessions like popcorn and candy, and they also have a hot menu with burgers, fries, and pizza. 5890 Valley Pike, Stephens City
Try an Ice Cream Flight
Ice cream flights have been on trend this summer. Luckily, there are many local options offering them to try on your next date night. Fredericksburg’s Moo Thru (the No. 1 winner for NoVA Ice Cream Wars) offers four different flavors to choose for their flight and Jake’s Ice Cream in Falls Church offers three or four child-size scoops. Jake’s has options for guests with dietary restrictions, so if you’re egg, soy, or gluten-free and your date is not, you can both enjoy a fun evening out.
Take A Swing at Masterpiece Mini Golf at Workhouse Arts Center
Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton is the site of a mini golf course unlike any other. The art-themed course, created by Workhouse Resident Artist Tim Grant, is 18 holes. Each hole is the theme of a famous painting. Expect to see works from artists like Michaelangelo, Monet, and the more modern Banksy. Hours through Labor Day are Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to sunset and Sundays from noon to sunset. 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton
Go Grape Stomping at Bluemont Vineyards
If you’re bored with your typical date nights you cycle through every month, Bluemont Vineyards is offering a grape stomping experience Saturdays and Sundays in September. To celebrate grape harvest season, guests can stomp their feet in a grape-filled wine barrel (a la I Love Lucy) and afterward, you can press your feet on a Bluemont Vineyard tea towel for a commemorative souvenir. Adult tickets, which are $29, include one welcome glass of seasonal sangria or a nonalcoholic beverage, the grape stomping experience, and the keepsake tea towel. 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont
Shop at a Farmers Market
Take advantage of all the farmers markets that Northern Virginia has to offer and grab ingredients to make a romantic dinner at home. Most markets are open Friday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to noon. If you’re planning a weeknight date, many FRESHFARM markets are open Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Here is some inspiration for NoVA recipes that use fresh produce that are perfect for recreating with some fresh farmers market finds.
Picnic in Lake Anna State Park
Picnicking at Lake Anna State Park is a great way to spend a late summer date before the chillier weather moves in. There are two picnic areas in the park. Picnic area A, located at the beachfront, has picnic tables, outdoor grills, and quick access to vending machines and restrooms. Picnic area B is accessible off the main park road and overlooks the lake for a more tranquil view.
Feature image courtesy LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/stock.adobe.com
