This might go against what others are telling you, but a Valentine’s Day date does not need to be celebrated at a restaurant or theater. We would even argue that if you want to truly appreciate a night of romance, venturing out to a crowded restaurant or a quiet theater might not be the best way.

While we would never tell you to shy away from a dinner out, we think you should consider  for more intimate plans as well. Here are our 14 Valentine’s Day date ideas that do not include the typical date night out:

  1. Eating is important. Guys, since football season is over there’s not excuse for sitting on the couch. Get up and cook dinner together. There is something very attractive and intimate about moving around the kitchen together. If you want to cook alone, don’t shy away from creating a personalized menu for some added creativity.IMG_0798 IMG_2615

2. Craft your own cocktails or open a nice bottle of wine. Head over to Old Town’s Altura Wine and take a recommendation from Edgar, or see what @DistrictWino (Allison) and @JessHagadorn have to say on Twitter.

3. Make a movie for your significant other. No, not that kind of movie, but a slide show of the memories you two have had. Newer couples might find this to be challenging, but for the rest of us it’s time to get creative.

4. For some couples a dinner date is part of the weekly routine. If you’re set on leaving the house, we recommend a night of dancing. Grab cocktails at a nice secluded bar and then move your partner around the floor.IMG_2186

5. What is one thing you used to do a lot of when you first started dating? OK, we know what you are thinking….other than that. Think of something that may have been left in your past and do that again. This might be writing a letter or a midday email to set the mood for your evening.IMG_3537

6. Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to be romantic, it should just be about doing something together. If you’re in need of a revisiting your childhood, then pull our the video games and laugh your way through the 8 levels of Mario 3.IMG_4375

7. Couch, blanket, movie, guacamole, and a glass of wine. Need I say more?

Our winter months are full of date nights IN, which always include guacamole and red wine.

Our winter months are full of date nights IN, which always include guacamole and red wine.

8. Visit one of the many museums Washington, DC has to offer. The money you’ll save here can go toward a nicer bottle of wine.

9. How are you on the ice? A cold trip to the nearby skating rink might give you more of an excuse to help warm your partner up later.

10. Make out! (insert PG-13 of Ivan….)

Ivan felt the love in Febraury, as Valentine's Day came and went, but kisses were given all month long.

11. If you’re not willing to spend the money on a couples massage then take some time giving each other one instead. Remember to light some candles and make it last for longer than a couple minutes.

12. Make each other a CD or playlist of the 10 songs that remind you of them. Listen to each CD that evening while hanging out together.

13. Go away for the night. Make reservations at a cottage or local hotel and have an intimate night together. (Ritz Carlton – Tysons Corner has a special)

14. Who are we kidding? Of course you want to go out for a romantic dinner tonight. You’ve probably been waiting for the excuse and you’ve already made a hair appointment and have a nice suit or dress picked out. Here’s a list of restaurants offering specials this weekend:        SER, 2941 Restaurant, Pizzeria Orso, Daikaya, Majestic Cafe, Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap, City Tap House, Slate Wine Bar + Bistro, Del Frisco’s Grille, The Source, DBGB Kitchen + Bar, and L’Hommage.

Happy Valentine’s Day, all!!