For Valentine's Day: Things to Do, Places to Eat, & Local Gift Ideas

by AJ Dronkers

Happily coupled up, getting there or living large as a single, if you love food and food experiences, local businesses have fun specials to celebrate love on February 14th. Whether you bah humbug the holiday or embrace it, we've got a list that will meet your needs.

Things to Do

L’Academie De Cuisine has some themed cooking classes: Valentine’s Day Cupcakes and Champagne, Sweetheart Wine Dinner, and a couples Valentine’s Day dinner class.

CulinAerie has a variety of cooking classes with a Valentine’s theme.

BKK Cooking workshop Valentine’s weekend which we previously profiled on our blog.

BKK cooking classes. (Photo by David Santori)

Odyssey Valentine's Day Cruise includes options for dinner, lunch, and brunch cruises. A reservation includes a private table, great views, a Valentine's Day meal including entrees, salads, and desserts, champagne toast at dinner and bottomless mimosas at brunch, DJ and dance floor, and additional amenities.

The International Spy Museum is hosting cocktails and a briefing on sex in the world of spies.

Romantic Gourmand Experiences

Kingbird at the Watergate Hotel is offering 3-course or 4-course French inspired pairing menus in their decadent back room at the newly renovated hotel.

Columbia Room is doing a special 'Women Rule'- themed winter menu, which pays tribute to iconic female bartenders and chefs. The tasting menu is around all winter, but for Valentine’s Day it will include caviar, champagne and canelés.

Up for an romantic overnight to Warrenton in Virginia horse and wine country? On Saturday, February 18 the Airlie Hotel and Conference Center will host a 4-course Valentine's Signature Dinner featuring the wines of Linden Vineyards, the vineyard of knowned Virginia winemaker Jim Law. The wine dinner package is $389 per couple and includes dinner and gratuity, guest room accommodations and breakfast the next morning. For more information go to https://www.airlie.com/upcoming-events/valentines-day or call 540-347-1300.

Columbia Room Audrey Sanders "Earl Grey Marteani" (Photo by Scott Suchman)

Sofitel DC has a lovely champagne and chocolate "Fondue-for-2" special in Le Bar (1/2 bottle of Laurent Perrier and fondue for $75).

Fondue & Champagne special at Le Bar inside the Sofitel DC. (Photo by AJ Dronkers)

Local Sweets Ideas for Gifts

Local chocolates such as Undone or Harper Macaw make great gifts for that lover with a sweet tooth, both are available at Glen's Garden Market and other specialty shops.

And candy lovers, always check out local confectioner Dan Burton's holiday creations at The Capital Candy Jar. He's got a great lineup for Valentine's Day, you can also find his products locally at select retailers and Glen's Garden Market, but he also has an online shop and offers flat shipping rates.

RareSweets "Breakfast in Bed Kits" include your choice of take & bake cinnamon rolls or buttermilk biscuits, bag of La Colombe Corsica Beans or a jar of signature RareSweets hot cocoa and 2 RareSweets Mugs for $70.