Despite being a place where some serious work takes place, Washington can be a pretty romantic city. If you happen to be in the nation’s capital for Valentine’s Day 2011, consider some of these options for a romantic weekend.
The U.S. Botanic Garden has two events on Valentine’s Day. The first is a lecture called “Chocolate: A Consumer’s Guide and Tasting.” Beth Burrous, a biochemist will help decipher chocolate labels and explore the healthy side of chocolate and how it gets its flavor. The lecture will also include a tasting of a variety of chocolates, ranging from classic milk chocolate to single-origin 70 percent dark chocolate. The event, which is February 14 from 12 PM to 1:30 PM, is free to members of the U.S. Botanic Garden and $5 for non-members. Register for the event by calling 202-225-1116.
And then in the evening the U.S. Botanic Garden will offer a guided night tour of the conservatory, which has eight garden rooms in a glass enclosure. A special Valentine’s Day gift will be given at the end. The tour goes from 6:30 PM to 8 PM and cost $20 for couples and $10 for singles. Registration is also required for this event and can be done by calling 202-225-1116.
Head over to the Virginia Wine Showcase where Virginia winemakers announce their new releases. The event also features food, fine art and culinary purveyors, showcasing chocolates, cheeses, lavender wreaths, accessories, gourmet gadgets and jewelry. Attendees can also take in some seminars and tastings, including an olive oil tasting, farm fresh cuisine, wine tasting 101 and cheese and wine pairings. The Virginia Wine Showcase is February 12 from 11 AM to 6 PM, and February 13 from 11 AM to 5 PM. A tasting ticket, which includes unlimited tastings of more than 300 wines, a souvenir tasting glass and all seminars and exhibits is $45 at the door and $41 and 5 percent tax online. A non-tasting ticket, which includes access to seminars and exhibits and the option to buy wine by the bottle, is $20. Kids under age 11 are free. The event is at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles at 14750 Conference Center Drive in Chantilly, Va. Tickets can be bought online. The website also has a $5 off coupon for tickets.
The Odyssey, a dinner cruise ship, is offering two dinner events. One is on February 12 from 7 PM to 11 PM and the other is on February 14 from 6 PM to 11 PM. Both offer three different packages ranging from $129.90 per person to $249.90 per person. The Odyssey is also offering a Valentine’s Brunch cruise on February 13 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The cost is $64.90 per person and $32.45 for children age 3-12.
Several hotels are offering Valentine’s Day deals, including the Willard Intercontinental, a luxurious hotel located two blocks from the White House. The hotel is offering a Heart to Heart Package from Feb. 7 through Feb. 14 for $379 a night. The package includes a two-person guest room with an American breakfast in bed, valet parking, champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries. The hotel is located at 1401 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. You can make reservations online or by calling 1-888-424-6835.
The Kennedy Center is offering a Valentine’s Day performance by Chris Botti, a best-selling jazz instrumentalist. The show is Feb. 14 at 8 PM and tickets range from $20 to $85. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 800-444-1324.
