10 Things to Do on Valentine's Day in the DC Metro Area

Dinner Cruise on the Potomac: Imagine a romantic dinner where you and your loved one getting to see the sights of the Nation's Capital without leaving your seat? Well, you can imagine no more. The Odyssey and the Spirit of Washington have a treat for you. Reserve a spot on one of their boats for a romantic Valentine's evening you and your loved one won't forget. The trip includes dinner, live entertainment, dancing and more. It's best to make your reservations early to get the best seating. The Odyssey and the Spirit of Washington are located Gangplank Marina, 600 Water Street, SW. Dress code for the boat involves semi-formal attire.

The Naked at the National Gallery Scavenger Hunt: What could be more romantic than a trip to an art gallery? It's a great way to your artistic side. However, a trip to the art gallery can become a cool adventure. The people at Watson Adventures hold Scavenger Hunts throughout the DC area for groups, organizations to test their skills and work on team building. For Valentine's Day, they have a special Scavenger Hunt involving nudity in the art world. Teams search for answers to tricky and humorous questions as they search for the bare essentials of their 2 hour challenge. The hunts take place on February 7^th and February 14^th at 2 p.m. The cost is $22.50, and early reservation is required.

Romantic Ice Skating: Why should the winter weather keep you from enjoying your love? The DC region has many great ice skating venues. One of the most popular is the Sculpture Garden Ice Rank located across from the National Gallery of Art. Guests are treated to extraordinary art sculptures and gardens while ice skating. It's $7 for adults and $6 for kids. The closest Metro is Archives or Smithsonian. Other ice ranks in the area includes Pershing Park Ice Rank near the White House and ice rank at Pentagon Row in Pentagon City that runs from October to March.

Visit the Kennedy Center: The Kennedy Center has some great show for lovers. On February 14^th, you can choose to see Unleashed: The Secret lives of White House Pets in the Family Theater. If you like comedy, you can get tickets for their long running play "Shear Madness" at the Theater Lab. If you lover has a thing for Sympathy Orchestra, the NSO pays tribute to the Smothers Brothers at the Concert Hall. If you can't afford high priced plays, the Millennium Stage has a great show for you to enjoy! If you can afford a ticket to the shows I mention, it's best to buy them in advance because some of the will sell out. The Kennedy Center does have a restaurant for those who like to eat before you can watch the show. If you're planning to have dinner there, it's best to make your reservations early.

Make Your Own Pottery: Remember when you were a kid, and you were excited about making your own pottery? Now, you can capture this moment with a visit to All Fired Up. You and your loved ones will get the chance to create on of a kind hand painted items like plates, cups, tiles and more. This store has many great specials were get a discount on items you purchase or pieces you use to paint. They have locations in Cleveland Park and Bethesda. It's best to call ahead, if you're interested in getting studio time.

Enjoy an Art House Film: Sick and tired of the typical romantic comedy? There many great independent movie theaters in the DC area. Among the theaters in the area includes E Street Cinema in downtown DC, AFI Silver Theater in Silver Spring and Bethesda Row Cinema in Bethesda, MD. While you plan a visit to these places, you can sign up for their online newsletter your chance to get advance screening passes, discounts and other great features.

Visit the Atlas District: It's one DC's hottest new nightlife destination. The Atlas District has some amazing spots to check out during Valentine's Day. If you love the bizarre and unusual, the Palace of Wonder is a great place to visit. If you love music and dancing, you can stop the Rock & Roll Hotel or The Red & Black Bar. In addition, you can catch a play or other performing arts at the Atlas Performing Arts Center.

Explore Nature: There are 2 great spots to get in touch with nature while you enjoy Valentine's Day. You can make a visit to the National Zoo to check out the Panda or other wild animals. Another option is to make a visit to the Natural History Museum on the Mall in DC. You can check out the Sant Ocean Hall to uncover the mystery of the Ocean. If your loved one is a jewelry fan, you can take them to the Hope Diamond exhibit.

Visit Asylum: I'm not talking about an Asylum. I'm talking about Asylum Bar & Lounge in Adams Morgan. It's a unique hotspot with vegan menu, live music on weekends, happy hours specials and wild events that you don't see at any other bar or lounge like their Annual Valentine's Day Slamfest. It's a change of pace from the usual nightclub scene in the city.

Carriage Ride in the City: It's time to leave the car at home, and check out the city on carriage. It's a perfect Valentine's Day idea. It gives you the opportunity to see the city having to deal with the traffic and parking. There's a company in DC called Carriages of the Capitol that gives guests a tour of the city on horses and carriage. They have a great specials in time for Valentine's Day.