destinations
When the Weather is Frightful,
These Outings Are Delightful
By Wendy Migdal
F
ebruary can be a tricky month to plan date-night activities. Some years we’re inundated with snow; other years the crocuses start blooming. (And often, both.) We’ve put together some ideas for date-night (or date-day) activities with the idea of keeping warm and cozy.
Traditional Couples’ Activities
Of course, the best date-night restaurant is one that both of you really love, regardless of what other people think. However, here are a few that receive high marks as date-night locations. The Secret Garden Café in Occoquan is not just a summer destination. The 1840 building features a cozy interior with a fireplace. It’s the sister restaurant to Battle Street Bistro in Manassas. The two don’t serve exactly the same menu, but both are from-scratch, include a wide variety of options, and are, of course, delicious. The Black Sheep Restaurant specializes in farm-to-table cuisine and the famous “Bacon Tower,” which features not only the aforementioned bacon, but a tableside blowtorch as well. And really, what says “date night” better than a blowtorch? For an upscale, quiet, classy, restaurant, try Carmello’s, which specializes in both Italian and Portuguese. Couples’ massages can be a great way to relax together. Some people enjoy massages and would like the experience even more if they could share it with someone. Other people might feel more comfortable in a couples massage to avoid that awkward feeling of being in a small room with a stranger and without very many clothes on. Either way, there are often some good deals to be found in February.
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February 2023 prince william living
Bacon Tower at Black Sheep
Wineries offer that getaway, vacation-feel while only being a few minutes from home. Several wineries, such as Effingham Manor Winery in Nokesville, The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm in Gainesville, and The Winery at La Grange in Haymarket have indoor fireplaces. If the two of you really enjoy the vino, consider buying a Virginia Wine Pass. It’s good for a year, covers two people, and comes with perks that vary by winery, such as buyone-get-one tastings and discounts.
