Welcome to another great guest post in our Great Dates in 50 States series! Please welcome to the stage Stephanie Yoder of Twenty-Something Travel and her great dates in Washington, DC:
Washington DC is known for many things (fat cats, legislation and bad traffic come to mind) but romance is not really one of them. However, there are lot of fun and unique things to do in the DC area that are interesting, fun and yes- romantic!
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The American Film Institute Theater and Cultural Center is actually in Silver Spring, Maryland, but metro accessible via the red line. In addition to quality new releases they show a variety of older movies and host multiple film festivals during the year. Instead of catching the latest lame Tom Cruise thriller take your date to see something different like a selection from Noir City DC: The 2009 Film Noir Festival or a screening of Office Space (with guest appearances by Milton and Lumbergh), two recent possibilities. |
 Eastern Market
A Saturday and Sunday Morning favorite, Eastern Market is a perfect low-key day date. Grab a crepe or some fresh cider from one of the vendors and wander the crafts, antiques and fresh produce. It’s easy to spend several hours soaking up the culture and ambiance of the vibrant Capitol Hill neighborhood. When you get bored you can slip into Capital Hill Used Books, one of the very best used bookstores in the city. |
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The Arboretum calls itself “a living museum where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes.” What this means for you is a huge, free, absolutely beautiful park to take a date for a picnic or an afternoon of wandering. Come in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom for a vivid escape from the city. |
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Of course since you are in DC it never hurts to take advantage of the brilliant landmarks which dot downtown. Better to go in the evening when the tourists disappear and the ivory monuments are beautifully lit up. My personal favorite is the Jefferson Memorial. Sit down by the tidal basin on a steamy summer night for some iconic magic. |
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If you are of the persuasion of someone who finds bookstores terribly fascinating and romantic, this is the date spot for you. Politics & Prose is one of the few unique independent bookstores in the area. They have a great book solution and host a different author every night of the week. If you get tired of browsing you can retire to the adjoining coffee shop. |
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Want to impress your date with a night at the Kennedy Center but can’t afford a fancy show? Every day at 6 you can see a different band perform for free on the Millennium Stage. Performances vary wildly- from big band to folk to children’s youth choirs. Check the website to see who is on soon. |
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Stephanie Yoder runs Twenty-Something Travel, a travel blog dedicated to assisting new or young travelers with the skills, resources and opportunities available to them for travel abroad. When not traveling the world she lives in Washington DC. |
AFI Theater
National Arboretum
Nighttime Monument Walk
Politics & Prose
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage
The Tidal Basin also makes for a great spot to walk and talk. It’s about a mile to walk the circumference, and you get pretty nice views the whole way. It also allows for a stop off at the little-known FDR memorial, which is absolutely beautiful and makes a great spot to sit and enjoy each other’s company.
Also, if you’re in the mood for dinner, I highly recommend a little hole-in-the-wall called Granville Moore’s. They have the BEST mussels you’ve ever eaten. Go on Mondays when they have specials.
.-= Jason´s last blog ..50 First Lines – #28 =-.
Wow! What great ideas! I’ll have to try these :]