It’s coming, just around that chilly February corner — the day that either sparks dread and induces eye rolls or makes the heart of lovers go all a-flutter. Valentine’s Day is almost here and for some young AU students that means planning the perfect V-day date, a task less simple than it may seem.
A truly atrocious Feb. 14 may be the last for a once happy couple, but a successfully planned night of romance can be a beacon of continuing success for another couple. But how to know what plan is perfect for your sweetheart! Therein lies the paradox.
Well the Scene staff is here to help provide a path that avoids a Valentine’s Day that ends with your Juliet/Romeo throwing a box of mediocre chocolates in your heartbroken face.
Not every date is appropriate for all stages of a relationship. While a night in a roadside motel may be just the spice a dull marriage needs, it’s an unsavory choice for that girl/guy you met last week in World Politics, unless of course they’re “into that” and then you may or may not want to reconsider your choice in mate.
We’ve done some of the grunt work and have scouted out some D.C.’s best date spots tailored to your honey’s needs.
Cool operator
Go for a calm, creative and classy location if it’s a tricky first date. One possibility include an afternoon at Tryst, located in Adams Morgan. This bustling coffee shop is a great choice to keep things casual while still showing her/him a good time. The eclectic décor, slouchy couches and tempting pastries make for a super-sweet setting.
Not to mention that this AdMo treasure is usually a-buzz with chatter which means less awkward first-date silences.
Who knows, maybe you’ll share more than a pain-au chocolat.
The white knight
Maybe a laid back afternoon of chatter isn’t your style.
For those looking to go all out and sweep your valentine off of his or her feet feel free to up the ante. Begin with the night with a tried and true gesture. Roses from that subway guy, free-form poetry, why not break out the old guitar then seal the deal and send chills down his or her spine with a night of ice-skating at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden’s ice rink.
End the night with a stop to one of D.C.’s best cupcakeries (Cake love, Georgetown Cupcake, Red Velvet, what have you).
Who knows, you might be getting breakfast as well.
That super-creative jerk who makes everyone else look bad
This year it could be you!
Put fellow couples to shame by planning an exciting night that will leave your date in awe, rendering them nearly un-dateable for any future partners because they will never live up to your epic standards of awesome!
Consider what makes you guys great if you’ve been dating for a while. If you love comedy and ethnic food than head out to an Ethiopian restaurant on U Street and follow it up with two surprise tickets to a nearby show at the Washington Improv Theatre. Or simply do something they’d never expect.
Finally, go dancing, sing to your sweetheart at a karaoke bar, see that sports game even though you have no idea what a Washington Wizard is — leave your comfort zone in the name of love!
Another option? Share a unique experience together. Hike through Fort Reno Park and share a frigid picnic, go out to a fancy-shmancy Embassy event, dress up and catch the midnight showing of Rocky Horror picture show, skydive — just get creative!
Who knows, you may actually have a great Valentine’s Day this year.
mwolfson@theeagleonline.com
