Date Guide: Outdoor Activities With Indoor Fallbacks

 

 

Spring is right around the corner, but we all know that DC weather can be unpredictable. It’s warm in the sun, cold in the shade, and can change from one part of the day to another.

We know you and your date are probably itching to get outdoors after this winter, but you don’t want to be caught still shivering, so we put together 6 outdoor date ideas that have a Plan B in case of bad weather.

1. Watch Planes At Gravelly Point

Take a blanket and some snacks out to watch the planes take off and land at DCA. On a nice day, stop in Crystal City on the way to pick up pizza from We, The Pizza and make your own picnic. If it turns out to be a chilly day, never fear. You may not realize this, but you can go for a meal inside the airport even if you don’t have a boarding pass. Go to any of the pre security restaurants in the National Hall at Reagan International Airport to watch the planes from inside and people watch all the jetsetters.

#FrayLife Tip: As long as the date is going well and the weather is good, Gravelly Point is a great place to jump on Mt Vernon Trail by foot or bike.

2. Grab A Drink At A Rooftop Bar

Warmer weather means DC’s favorite rooftop bars are opening back up so you can once again enjoy fresh air as you enjoy your drink. There are literally dozens of options for rooftop bars. One of our top picks is Sauf Haus Bier Hall in Dupont because of the casual environment, live music, and big pretzels (mostly the big pretzels.) If it’s still too cold, the rooftop space can be enclosed and there are indoor spots downstairs both with big windows so you don’t lose the view.

#FrayLife Tip: If you get hungry for more than just a pretzel, Sauf Haus sits literally right on top of a Shake Shack.

3. Visit the National Arboretum

Get back in touch with nature by strolling the grounds of the arboretum, looking at plants, and possibly even enjoying a picnic. Based on the amount of weddings and engagement shoots that go down there, there’s no doubt that it’s a romantic setting with enough winding paths for you and your date to hold hands walking down. If it happens to get a little cold, you and your date can keep the car nearby and see the arboretum from the inside warmth on wheels. Get out and take some photos, but also know that you have the shelter of your car to come back to.

4. Sample Local Goods At A Farmers Market

Nothing says Spring quite going to check out the local farmers market on a weekend. Grab a coffee, taste some free food, and give your date some fresh flowers. There are a few markets to choose from around DC, MD, and VA. The Fresh Farm Market at Dupont Circle on Sundays is one of the largest and most popular. If you get caught in a spring shower or you need a spot to warm up, there are restaurants you can dip into for a real meal (granted, not as great as free samples) or walk one block over to Connecticut Ave for more indoor shopping and a hot drink from Capital Teas.

 

#FrayLife Tip: Some of our favorite finds there are plant based Chaia Tacos and Gordy’s Pickle Jar Bloody Mary Mix.

Soapstone Valley Trail. Photo Credit: Angela Pan Photgraphy

5. Hike A Nearby Trail

Throw on some light layers and hit one of DC’s peaceful trails for an afternoon hike. #FrayLife has a list of 4 you can choose from all with their own great reasons to try them out. Soapstone Valley Trail is a good choice for a brisk day because it is only one mile. From there you can choose to continue on longer trails or go back for a slice of pizza at the trailhead.

6. Wine Tasting At District Winery

Visit The Yards with your date for a glass of wine and a good view. The relatively new winery location has indoor and outdoor seating for wine tasting or eating at Ana, the restaurant at the winery. Of course you can go anytime, but they have a Date Night special at 6 PM, 6 nights a week. The Date Night includes a winery tour, wine tasting, a dinner reservation, and a glass of wine.

#FrayLife Tip: Try to go on a weekday if you want to avoid crowds. Spring is wedding season and District Winery is a popular place to host. The limited space will make the tasting room more crowded.

 

Have you tried any of our Date Night Ideas, or do you have one of your own? Share your experiences in the comments or use #FrayLife on Instagram.

 

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  1. Reagan airport has a really cool historic concourse in Terminal A that is wide open and a cool spot to watch the planes in side too!