News & Politics

To Do: Dates Beyond the Dining Scene

Not everybody wants to spend the evening at a stuffy restaurant cooing sweet nothings. If you want to have a great date with your sweetie for Valentine’s Day but don’t want to be stuck at a table for two, here are some other options.

Foodie Fun
What’s more romantic than learning to cook for each other? Washington offers a plethora of cooking classes during Valentine’s Day weekend.

Whoopie pies are all the rage in the foodie world, and now you can learn to make your own. Head to M Bar in the Renaissance Washington, DC Dupont Circle Hotel for the “Making Whoopie” Pie class (we’ll excuse the groan-worthy name for now). On February 13 at 5, the executive chef will demonstrate how to make heart-shaped versions of the decadent treats. Bonus: He’ll also show you how to make chocolate-dipped strawberries. $15. To reserve, call 202-775-0800.

L’Academie de Cuisine is offering a slew of Valentine’s-themed cooking classes on February 13. You can take everything from a cookie workshop to a class on chocolate. Check out the full calendar here.

We love the CulinAerie cooking school, but it looks like most of the Valentine’s Day cooking classes are already sold out. If you’re quick, you may be able to snag a spot at the Valentine Kick Off Friday: Wine & Chocolate Tasting at 6:30 on February 12. $75 a person; register here.

Treat each other to tickets to the International Wine & Food Festival, taking place during Valentine’s Day weekend this year. The event is a smorgasbord of wine and food tastings, classes, and presentations. You’ll be in foodie heaven. The festival runs February 11 through 14 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Get tickets here.

Co Co. Sala will be hosting two classes for those looking to sip champagne and taste chocolate this Valentine's Day weekend. The Chocolate & Champagne class will touch on the different styles of chocolate, percentages and consistencies. Guests will also sample a variety of champagnes. The class will be held Saturday, February 13th at 2:30, and Sunday, February 14th at 1:30; $50 a person. For reservations e-mail contact@cocosala.com.

For Active Types

Nothing gets the heart going like a little outdoors fun, right? Here are some activities that’ll have your pulse racing in no time.

Terrapin Adventures, an outdoor course and camp organization in Savage, Maryland, is offering a Valentine’s Day couples package. For $59.95 a couple, you’ll get two hours to play around on a wood-and-rope course, free hot chocolate, and the chance to win some free gifts. Register here.

You and your better half will be saying “namaste” in no time with the Partners Yoga session at Spiral Flight Yoga (1826 Wisconsin Ave., NW). From 2 to 4, instructors Anya Arax-Melinick and Brion Trivers will guide you and your partner through connected movements and poses. $25 per person with advance registration; $30 per person for a drop-in. Register here.

Courtship and mating for animals aren’t that different from the human versions, right? Lots of showing off by the males and lots of dismissive eye rolls from the ladies. The National Zoo will delve deeper into the hilarious and weird world of animal courtships with its Woo at the Zoo event on February 12. It includes finger foods, a free long-stem rose, a cash bar, and experts from the zoo discussing, er, amorous animals. $10, 6 to10 PM. Get tickets and more information here.

Cultured Couples
A play, a song, a bit of poetry—all key elements to a perfect Valentine’s Day.

All you need is love, right? At least that’s what the Beatles had to say. Jammin’ Java celebrates the love songs and music of the Beatles on February 14 with its “All You Need Is Love Songwriters Circle” performance. Four lead singers from four area rock bands will play Beatles songs, crack jokes, and maybe even do a bit of philosophizing about the nature of love. 7 PM; $10 in advance, $13 the day of the show. Get tickets here.

Add a bit of amour to your night with La Saint-Valentin, a party thrown by La Maison Française and the French-American Cultural Foundation. Nibble on French food, sip on Champagne, and listen to French music. You can also bid on auction items and enter to win a trip to Cancun. Tickets ($75) and more information are available here.

Heads up, movie buffs: The AFI Silver Theatre will show great romantic comedies from February 5 through March 9 for its Screen Valentines: Great Movie Romances series. Films include Roman Holiday, When Harry Met Sally, and more. Check here to see the full lineup.

See the greatest romantic story of all time when New York City’s Acting Company performs Romeo and Juliet at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts on Valentine’s Day. Tickets ($18 to $36) can be purchased here. 4 PM.

>> Want to see the rest of our Valentine's Day guide? Head here

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