If you’re tired of the same old dinner and a movie, try these history-themed date ideas where you can learn about Virginia’s deep and sometimes complicated history and have a good time simultaneously.
For History-Themed Dates Inside NoVA …
Get Spooked During an Alexandria Ghost Tour
Get close to your date as you huddle together wandering the streets of Alexandria, hearing spooky stories that involved natives who lived in the area thousands of years ago and those who were here during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. The tour lasts approximately one hour and covers eight stops in a little over a mile. Tour begins at Market Square, 301 King St. in front of the fountain, $26–$27
Dig into the Past at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum
Located on the third floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, the Alexandria Archaeology Museum showcases exhibits giving guests a peek into the past. “Preserving Alexandria’s Maritime Heritage” explores the discovery of four ships along the city’s waterfront. There’s also “A Community Digs Its Past: The Lee Street Site,” which shows a bit of the city with circa 19th–century residences, shops, and taverns. Check out the rest of the art at the Torpedo Factory while you are there. This could be a great midday adventure followed by lunch in Old Town. 105 N. Union St., 3rd floor, Alexandria, free
Spend an Afternoon at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens
Oatlands Historic House and Gardens in Leesburg is steeped in history. Beginning in 1798 when the young George Carter inherited over 3,400 acres of Virginia farmland from his father, Robert Carter III. Oatlands is a National Historic Landmark. Oatlands’ 8 miles of trails are free, or you can reserve a guided tour for $20 per person. Garden tickets are also available for $10 per person to wander hand-in-hand over 4 acres. 20850 Oatlands Plantation Ln., Leesburg, free for trail walks
Picnic After Learning the History of George Mason’s Gunston Hall
History lovers will be pleased to know that Gunston Hall offers mansion tours. It has a vistors center where you can learn more about George Mason’s ideas and about how archaeology has helped uncover information about enslaved people at Gunston Hall. Picnic lunches are welcome on the grounds when the weather is favorable. There are trails with easy-to-moderate hikes that show off the region’s wildlife and the Potomac River. 10709 Gunston Rd., Mason Neck, $10
Love the Arts in an Old Jail at Workhouse Arts Center
The Workhouse Arts Center’s interesting history began at the turn of the 20th century, when then-president Theodore Roosevelt organized a penal commission to investigate conditions at the DC jail. Congress approved the purchase of a 1,155-acre tract of land north of the Occoquan River, creating the Occoquan Workhouse. Nearly 100 years later, the prison closed, and Fairfax County bought the complex. Now The Workhouse Arts Center, the complex consists of 11 buildings with dance studios, art galleries, a theater, and more. 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, free
For History-Themed Dates Outside NoVA …
Venture to Williamsburg for Dinner at the King’s Arm’s Tavern
Make your way down to Colonial Williamsburg for this reproduction of a public house that originally opened in 1772. Everything is perfectly 1770s, even down to the server’s fashion. The restaurant features 18th-century recipes but updates them to suit more modern tastes. 416 East Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg
Cruise Richmond’s Historical Kanawha Canal
This 40-minute narrated boat tour is short enough to be able to incorporate lunch or dinner before or after. Authentic-looking canal boats travel along downtown Richmond’s Canal Walk while a guide discusses Richmond’s long history. Hear about Powhatan’s chiefdom, the first successful electric streetcar in the world, and much more. 139 Virginia St., Richmond, $15
Feature image of Oatlands Historic House and Gardens in Leesburg, stock.adobe.com
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