Valentine's Day: Events Guide

Valentine’s Day. You either love it or you hate it.

No matter which camp you fall in, though, there’s no avoiding it. So it’s Patch to the rescue! We’ve rounded up a few creative ideas to make your holiday more memorable.

• Washington, D.C. International Food & Wine Festival: Valentine’s Day falls on Tuesday this year - not the most romantic day of the week, is it? If you’d rather celebrate with your sweetheart over the weekend and you both enjoy a taste (or two) of vino, make plans to stop by the annual Washington, D.C. International Food and Wine Festival. General admission tickets start at $80 and include a tasting glass. According to the event’s website, “over 500 rare, unique and loved wines will be available for tasting from 100 wineries from around the world and foods from artisanal producers around the world and D.C.’s best restaurants.”
• Romance Package at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner: If you have a little more time (and money) book the Romance Package at in McLean. The rates for this package start at $499 for Feb. 14. It includes deluxe accommodations, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and a rose petal turndown service. A similar offer is available at The Mason Inn in Fairfax, starting at $209 for the night. Both of these options sound pitch perfect for V-day. 
• Champagne and Everything Bubbly! Tasting at The Kennedy Center’s Roof Terrace Restaurant: Most restaurants in the metro area will be overrun with couples on Feb. 14. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, buy tickets for this Feb. 15 event. The Roof Terrace Restaurant atop the will be featuring champagne, prosecco and other sparkling wines during this tasting. The event includes appetizers and costs $40 per person. Reservations are encouraged because space in limited. While you’re at it, check out the list of performances for the night, too.
• Valentine’s Day Potomac Cruise on the Spirit of Washington: The Spirit of Washington is offering special lunch and dinner Valentine’s Day cruise from Feb. 11 to Feb. 14. The packages, which start at $49.90 per person, include a buffet meal and a champagne toast. Close your eyes and pretend you’re coasting down the Seine.
• Romantic dinner for two, please! When it comes to Valentine’s Day, women are usually pretty easy to please. A box of chocolates, a sweet greeting card and a dinner reservation usually fits the bill for us. Dozens of restaurants throughout Fairfax County will be featuring special holiday menus during February. Be sure to check out our Places directories in McLean, Vienna, Oakton, Falls Church and Fairfax City to read reviews, find the perfect restaurant for a date night and all the contact information so you can make a reservation (sooner than later, please!).