Warm things up as temperatures drop with at-home and outdoor dates in Alexandria, VA. Celebrate a special Valentine’s Day at home with one-of-a-kind gifts and chef-driven flavors, mask up for a picturesque stroll with your partner, savor a slow Saturday morning and more. Keep reading to get inspired.
Celebrate a Special Valentine’s Day
Set the mood for a safe and special Valentine’s Day with scrumptious takeout and smile-inducing gifts. Try Hank’s Oyster Bar’s multi-course Valentine’s Day Dinner To-Go, jam-packed with heart-shaped lobster ravioli, chocolate-dipped strawberries and more. Share steak frites from Bastille, ending on a sweet note with profiteroles or pot de crème au chocolat. Pick up a colorful sushi feast for two from The Handover, plus craft cocktails or mocktails to-go from King’s Ransom. Savor special Valentine’s Day meals to-go from Del Ray Café (pre-order by February 10), Laporta’s Restaurant, Blackwall Hitch, Mackie’s Bar and Grill and more.
Show you care with gifts from Alexandria’s small business community. Grab gift cards for future pampering at Fountains Day Spa or Hazel O. Salon. Send your love from afar with themed and customizable packages from Cheers in a Box. Find sophisticated decanters, scented soaps and more gorgeous gift options at Goldfinch. Planning a sparkly surprise? Try Mystique Jewelers or Dejan Studio Jewelry.
Take a Romantic Ramble
Grab your face masks and embark on one of Alexandria’s signature Great Walks together. Stick close (as you stay six feet away from everyone else) and ramble along our Self-Guided Architecture Stroll, Old Town Art Photo Walk, Duke Street Black History Trail and more. Or try our brand-new self-guided route through Old Town’s TV and movie sites.
Share a Feast of International Flavors
Spice up a date night at home with flavors from around the globe. Pick up phở or bánh mì from Pho Nam, Mexico City-style vertical-roasted pork tacos al pastor from Taqueria Picoso or calamari and manicotti from Aldo’s Italian Kitchen. Try Peruvian charbroiled chicken with a side of arroz chaufa from Sardi’s Pollo a la Brasa, drunken noodles or chicken satay from Thai Signature or Nepalese steamed chicken momos from Diya Indian Cuisine. Top it off by splitting a dessert platter from Namaste Jalsa Restaurant & Bar, featuring milky-sweet gulab jamun, cardamom kulfi and more. For an outdoor dining experience, explore these heated options to stay toasty.
Savor a Slow Saturday Morning
Take it slow on a weekend morning with coffee and brunch fixings for two at home. Pick up single-origin coffee sourced from the Vía Volcán owners’ family farm in Panama or try Ethiopian brews from Abyssinia Market & Coffee House. Sip alongside takeout fare from one of Alexandria’s beloved brunch staples. Try a trio of brunch tacos or huevos rancheros from Chadwicks or a flapjack stack from Table Talk. Indulge in pain au chocolat from Café du Soleil or a fresh-baked cinnamon bun and latte to-go from the new St. Elmo’s location in Old Town North.
Enjoy a Cinematic, Sweets-filled Evening
Looking for some evening entertainment? Break out of your Netflix rut by streaming something filmed in or historically tied to Alexandria, from “West Wing” to “The Walking Dead” to “Loving.” Elevate your viewing experience with romantic, chocolatey treats like Buzz Bakeshop’s decadent espresso-chocolate cupcakes, a pint of Dark Chocolate Truffle (plus two spoons) from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams or a creamy and crunchy box of chocolates from Kilwins.
Looking for a romantic staycation? Explore The Alexandrian’s “Every Night is Date Night” hotel package.
Header Image Credits: Carol Jean Stalun Photography for Visit Alexandria (left); Instagram account of King’s Ransom & The Handover(center and right)
