Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Valentine’s Day – you either love it or hate it. One thing is for certain — after the year we’ve just had, whether you’re single, dating or married, we all deserve a little love.
Keep reading to find out ways you can enjoy Valentine’s Day this year, no matter what your relationship status is.
Romantic Getaways
The Alexandrian
This historic hotel in the heart of Old Town Alexandria is offering a romantic "staycation" for you and your loved one. Their “Every Night Is Date Night” package allows you to stay socially distant while celebrating and includes the following:
- Enjoy a three-course meal from the property’s new Southern American restaurant, King & Rye. The meal will be paired with wine and delivered to the privacy of your guest suite or terrace.
- A late check-out of 2 p.m. to give you time to explore King Street.
- Please note that reservations must be made three days in advance and are available to book Wednesday through Saturday beginning Feb. 10 and continuing indefinitely. Rates start at $229 a night. Book your stay here.
Image courtesy of The Alexandrian
Hotel Indigo: Old Town is for Lovers
Book a special package at the Hotel Indigo and enjoy a local Alexandria Makers Market box of goodies which includes a Cocoa Mask Kit for Two along with Two Baileys Chocolate Mousse Cheesecakes along with a 2 p.m. late check out to enjoy Alexandria a little longer.
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
If you and your sweetheart would like to get a little farther away, consider spending Valentine’s Day weekend at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay. The resort is located two hours from Alexandria on 342 acres in Cambridge, Md. Enjoy the resort’s “Spa Escape” package, which starts at $309 per night and includes overnight accommodations and a $100 credit to Sago Spa & Salon. Guests will also receive a 20 percent discount on all merchandise and products at the spa.
In addition, Water's Edge Grille will offer Valentine’s Day specials including crab cake-encrusted filet mignon, tuna poke, seafood Cobb salad and a house-made chocolate and strawberry cake.
Make reservations on the resort’s website or by calling 410-901-1234.
Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
Decadent Dinners
Crepes, Truffles & Wine with a French Chef
Image courtesy of The City of Alexandria
Feb. 4 | 7 p.m. - Virtual
If you would rather keep Valentine’s Day a little more private this year, consider a virtual cooking class. The Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee presents an opportunity to learn how to make savory crêpes and chocolate truffles with French Chef Hugh Cossard. You will also learn which wines to pair with these popular French dishes. You can then take what you learn and cook a romantic dinner for your special someone!
The cost for the event is $10 and tickets can be purchased here. Ticket sales close at 4 p.m. on Feb. 4. Attendees will receive recipes, wine pairings and an email with the Zoom meeting link in advance and a copy of the video following the event.
Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant
Feb. 12 and Feb. 13: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Feb. 14: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Guests can enjoy a special Valentine’s Day dinner at the Mount Vernon Inn or pick it up to enjoy at home. The cost of dinner is $39 per guest and includes the following options:
First Course (choice of)
- Mini crab cakes with sherry-saffron aioli over micro greens
- Heirloom tomato caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, basil, arugula, and balsamic vinaigrette
- Caesar salad
- House salad
Second Course (choice of)
- Cherry brandy braised Venison Tenderloin over parsnip puree and mushroom ragout
- Pan fried snapper almandine over hari-coverts and flash fried sweet potato straws
- Smoked portabella mushrooms over vegetable rice pilaf and garlic sauce
- Slow roasted marinated ½ chicken over orange glazed carrot confit and beer battered potato logs
Third Course (choice of)
- Death by Chocolate cake (gluten-free with almond flour)
- Red velvet heart cake
- Tiramisu
- Chocolate strawberry mousse cake
Orders for two include a box of chocolates made by the Inn’s executive pastry chef.
This special dinner is available for dine-in service or pick-up. Order in advance here.
Find Love at Lena’s
Feb. 14
Enjoy a three-course dinner for two for $120 at Lena’s Woodfire Pizza. In addition to dinner, guests can choose to receive a bottle of Lena’s house Cabernet Sauvignon or Honey Game, a special game available in limited supply through a partnership with Penny Post. The game includes over 300 fun and unpredictable questions that will teach you more about your partner, yourself and your relationship. Find details and a copy of the menu here. This meal will also be available to order to-go.
Outside the Box
Alexandria Seaport Foundation 'Be Mine on the Water'
Feb. 11 – Virtual
Give your partner a romantic date while giving back to the community. The Alexandria Seaport Foundation is excited to announce their love-themed fundraiser. Tickets are $150 per couple and include wine, fine chocolates, local talent and a live auction in support of the foundation. Gift bags can be picked up ahead of time at The Alexandria Seaport Foundation office or delivered for an additional $20 fee. Purchase tickets here.
Love Songs & Gourmet Delights: Valentine’s Concert in the Secret Garden
Feb. 13 | 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Enjoy an outdoor live concert of love songs and arias at the beautiful secret garden at Princess Street. While you listen, savor a gourmet sampler of charcuterie, chocolate and sparkling wine! There will be heat lamps provided but guests are encouraged to dress elegantly but warmly and bring blankets. Tables will be socially distanced and face masks are required when not at your table. Tickets are $89 per person. Find out more about the program and book your table here.
Valentine’s Day Wine & Chocolate Pairing
Feb. 14 | Noon – 6 p.m.
Cute cats, chocolate and wine – is there a better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Check out adoptable cats at Mount Purrnon Cat Café and Wine Bar in Old Town while enjoying sweets with your loved one. More details and tickets are available here.
Photo courtesy of Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe + Wine Bar
Couples Ring-Making Class
Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27 | 4 p.m.
If you’re looking for a creative way to spend Valentine’s Day, sign up for a class at Wear Ever Jewelry. During this three-hour class, you and your partner will learn how to make a textured band ring out of silver. Class sizes are limited to three couples and workstations will be sanitized and separated by plexiglass. The cost of the class is $150 and includes materials for two people. Sign up for the class here.
Galentine’s Day!
Writing Workshop: 'Book Boyfriends' and Why We Love Them
Feb. 14 | Noon; Virtual
Join Old Town Books for a virtual writing workshop with USA Today bestselling author and local resident, Charis Michaels. She will lead an interactive discussion on male protagonists in romance fiction and why a romance novel is really the heroine’s story. Bring questions or comments about your works-in-progress or examples of your favorite heroes and why. RSVP here.
Daniel O’Connell’s Ladies Only Cocktail Evening
Feb. 14 | 6:30 p.m.
This one’s for the single ladies. Enjoy an evening of signature cocktails and fabulous dishes with your girlfriends in the Fitzgerald Room of Daniel O’ Connell’s Irish Restaurant and Bar located at 112 King St. The menu includes a cheese board, shepherd’s pie trio, shrimp crostini and a flourless chocolate cake. Space for this event is limited. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased here.
Galentine's Day Package at Hotel Zena
DC’s Hotel Zena is paying homage to best friends everywhere with the launch of their “Hotel Zena Galentine’s Day Package.” Sit back and sip custom cocktails, find virtual inner peace at Embrace Om yoga and splurge on skincare with an e-gift card from Skincando.
This special will be offered during the month of February and includes the following:
- two custom cocktails from Figleaf Bar & Lounge
- one virtual class from Embrace Om yoga
- one $25 e-Gift card to Skincando
- $10 daily parking
Book your stay here.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Zena
FigLeaf
Family Friendly
Parent & Child Valentine’s Craft Class (ages 3 -12)
Photo courtesy of KidCreate Studio
Feb. 13 | 2 p.m., 4 p.m.
Feb. 14 | 4 p.m.
Feel the love as you create amazing art together with your child. In this class presented by KidCreate Studio, you will design your own glittery heart mosaics using clay, beads and more. These mosaics are great as keepsakes or they're the perfect Valentine's Day gift for a friend or loved one. Get ready for some messy fun, as each parent and child will create their own craft.
The cost for the class is $22.50 for members and $25 for non-members. Sign up here.
