Valentine’s Day is this Saturday. If you haven’t planned a special day for your loved one, you still have time to come up with something that’s both fun and special — and look as if you’ve been thinking about making plans for months. Here are a few suggestions to add a bit of romance and frivolity to your Valentine’s Day, a day that can be cold and snowy — or warm and fuzzy because you made it the best one you ever had.
Surprise her or him with a romantic night in a B&B or historic inn. This could be the start of a once-a-year tradition. Make a reservation to stay at the 1897 Inn at Buckeystown or the Antietam Guest House, an 1856 log and stone home. You might book a room in St. Michaels at the Inn at Perry Cabin or in nearby Columbia at The Columbia Inn at Peralynna Manor. Check out www.bedandbreakfast.com for ideas and reservations.
Treat your loved one to “50 Shades of Grey” (opening at the ArcLight in Montgomery Mall this weekend). After the show, make a reservation at a romantic local restaurant such as the Old Angler’s Inn which features two- and three-course Valentine’s Day luncheon and dinner, Normandy Farm Restaurant where you can dine either in the main restaurant or dance and dine in romantic Margery’s Lounge, or drive out to the Comus Inn for its special three-course Valentine’s Dinner served from 5-8 p.m. Several Valentine’s drinks offered are “Crazy in Love” Margarita, a “Lovers Mojito” and a “Dozen Roses.”
Spend your Valentine's Day exploring Yoga and Thai massage. Treat that special someone at Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave NW, Tenleytown. This session will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 2:30 p.m. and costs $40 a couple. For more information, go to www.lilomm.com.
Take a walking chocolate tour in Georgetown. This two-hour interactive walking tour features the history of the neighborhood while indulging in fine local chocolates. Highlights of the tour include chocolate-dipped bacon lollipops, chocolate tea, chocolate sugar, chocolate salt, chocolate crepes, chocolate skincare products and more. Advance tickets are required. Tickets: dcmetrochocolatetours.com.
Attend a Valentine’s Day Cooking Class at Dawson's Market in Rockville. On Feb. 14 at 1 p.m., join blogger Amanda Nicole Smith as she teaches how to make RAW Vegan chocolate treats. The class is hands on; participants get to make five types of chocolate treats to eat or take home. The class is $6 per person or $10 for two people. Space is limited; sign up in advance at 240-428-1386. Dawson’s is at 225 N. Washington Street in Rockville. Or, looking to do something different for Valentine’s Day this year? Come to Dawson’s in Rockville for Champagne and Chocolate Happy Hour on Friday, Febr. 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. A tasting ticket is only $5 per person for three tastings. At each station, enjoy a paired tasting of a chocolate-inspired dish and champagne. For more information and to register, call 240-428-1386.
Tour the Crime Museum for the Crimes of Passion: “Til Death Do Us Part.” This tour takes place after hours on Valentine’s Day. The self-guided tour includes a rose, a take-home pair of furry handcuffs, hands-on forensic demonstrations, and lessons on “crimes of passion” such as the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. 6 p.m.-12 a.m., 575 7th St NW. Tickets $80-$150 crimemuseum.org/valentinesday.
Learn the secrets of animal and human wooing at “Woo at the Zoo.” This year’s adults-only event emphasizes the mating habits of giant pandas and how science stepped in to help create the zoo’s newest baby panda, Bao Bao. Enjoy one complimentary drink and light snacks, visit a Valentine fortuneteller, decorate a sweet, and watch an animal demonstration. A cash bar with specialty drinks will also be available. All festivities take place in the Zoo’s Visitor Center starting at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 14, 3001 Connecticut Ave NW. Tickets and info: www.nationalzoo.si.edu/ activitiesandevents/celebration/woo.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the USA with a tribute to Bruce Springsteen. Hurry over to Annapolis to hear the music of Bruce Springsteen. The Rams Head will feature live music and entertainment throughout the evening. Admission fee includes appetizers, a gourmet buffet dinner, dessert and a champagne toast. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For information, call 410-268-4545.
Enjoy a special Valentine’s tea at the Mansion at Strathmore. This luxurious setting features live music and delectable treats. For pre-paid, non-refundable reservations, call 301-581-5108.
Here’s a differemt Valentine’s Day weekend for lovers: Choose a San Cameron Waterside Travel Registry Guest Cottage for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day weekend. Guests will discover the joys of complete seclusion and romance for two in a private nautical setting on serene North Point, just 30 minutes southeast of Baltimore. Package includes: romantic arrival fruits and chocolates tray, special boxed pair of champagne flutes with bottle of sparkling juice or non-alcoholic champagne, bouquet of flowers to say “I love you”, and personalized “Sweetheart Cake” for two.
Visit www.sancamregistry.com or call Dot Colvin at 443-717-3186.