The National Gallery of Art
6th & Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20565
Green Metro Line to the Archives Metro Station
Take your charming lord or fair lady and explore the paintings of Piero di Cosimo and other Renaissance artists at the The Piero di Cosimo: The Poetry of Painting in Renaissance Florence exhibit inside the National Gallery of Art. This exhibit offers you and your sweetheart the chance to see 44 Renaissance paintings, originating from religious pieces, mythological creations and other inspirations of the period. It’s a perfect location for both the budget-tight (admission is free!) and the romantic historians at heart and the Piero di Cosimo exhibit delivers a seamless fit for your Valentine’s Day sightseeing needs.
Baked and Wired
1052 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007
Blue, Orange or Silver Metro Line to the Foggy Bottom – GWU Station
Looking to indulge in your inner sweet tooth this Valentine’s Day? Baked and Wired is the place to sweeten your palate, with a selection of various Askinosie chocolate bars, cake-cups and brownies. Steaming with multiple espresso drinks and teas and lingering with the scent of fresh baked breads, Baked and Wire is the place to get your fix for bakery cravings. The cafe features the Razmanian Devil, a lemon cake-cup with raspberry filling and a lemon buttercream with icing on top. Grab your sugar bunch and walk into the doors of this eclectic, unforgettably delicious coffee and baked goods shop.
Washington Harbour Ice Rink
3050 K Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20007
Blue, Orange or Silver Metro Line to the Foggy Bottom – GWU Station
Get closer to your honey by holding hands and skating at the Washington Harbour Ice Rink, which faces the Potomac River. Admission runs about $10 per person, with added costs for skates and socks/gloves. Nothing beats the chance to glide along the ice as you race your snow bunny across the rink. Get other couples involved with a girls versus guys or younger vs. older race; the possibilities at this ice rink are endless.
United States Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20001
Green Metro Line to the L’Enfant Plaza Station
Roses, irises, and coneflowers, oh my! What a great way to surprise your rosebud than the walk through the United States Botanic Garden. The United States Botanic Garden has six gardens, including the indoor Butterfly Garden and First Ladies’ Water Garden. Watch monarchs float past you while seeing various flora being pollinated at the Butterfly Garden. These gardens provide you and your Valentine the chance to stay warm while seeing all the natural beauty D.C. has to offer.
Melissa Eck is a sophomore double major in English language/ literature and broadcast and can be reached at meck@terpmail.umd.edu.
