Why you might roll your eyes:
Why deal with traffic and parking to get to the Mall when there are other places to skate?
Why you’ll love it:
Few spots compare to the National Gallery of Art’s open-air rink, surrounded by whimsical sculptures. We like it best at night, when it exudes romance. (We once witnessed a New Year’s Eve marriage proposal on the ice.)
Between Madison Dr., Constitution Ave., and Seventh and Ninth sts., NW; 202-216-9397. The rink typically closes for the season in mid-March.
