Here are some simple and creative ideas for D.C. locals and visitors for a first date or a date with your longtime significant other.
It’s time to debunk the myth that DC is a tough city to date and find true love. That’s the mission of Michelle Jacoby, founder, owner and CEO of DC Matchmaking, a boutique matchmaking and dating company based in DC. She is also the author of the book, “Never waste your time on the wrong person again” published in April 2021.
According to Jacobi, the district has a lot to offer.
“We have the most phenomenal demographic of single people here. We have very educated, very healthy, well-traveled, interesting, passionate, amazing people in D.C., and it’s a phenomenal place to be today,” she said.
Sure, dating isn’t easy, but “it’s just hard to date wherever you are,” she said. “Dating is a skill and not everyone is good at it.” That’s where Jacobi comes in.
She spoke to WTOP about her recommendations for where to go for fun.
It’s easy to default to Netflix at home or going out to dinner at a “normal” place, but Jacoby recommended adding a little variety to your date night to liven up your relationship. “It makes the relationship interesting,” she said.
Here are some simple and creative ideas for D.C. locals and visitors for a first date or a date with your longtime significant other.
Date ideas in DC
For those dating on a tight budget, consider visiting the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage for free daily events. The scene includes film screenings, live performances, comedy, and opera and orchestra performances.
If you are interested in lesser known pieces of music, use Sofar website Jacobi described it as “spikes with a little live music”. This website lists “secret concerts” at closed venues whose addresses are not revealed days before the events.
Those up for the adventure can check out Adventures of Watson, which allows couples and groups to turn their favorite neighborhood into a scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts can be held in several areas of the county, including the Museum of American Art and the National Portrait Gallery, the National Zoo and Union Station.
Jacoby recommended activities such as jet boating at Tidal Basin, a “high-end putt-putt/mini-golf course” known as Swingers as well as games and brews on Boardroom in Dupont Circle neighborhood. Other interesting events can be found at Crazy Aunt Helen on Capitol Hillwhere they host a Musical Mondays open mic along with several other events.
Jacoby also suggested NoMa’s outdoor beer garden, Wunder Gartenadding that they can offer “really beautiful events that are not just about beer” there.
When it came to what to eat, Jacoby recommended The hermitage of Jose Andresa vegan restaurant Elizabeth’s Gone Raw as well as a pizzeria Comet Ping Pong.
Maryland dating ideas
Beyond DC proper, locals and visitors looking to meet up in Maryland can head to Glen Echo Park, which includes dance classes, art exhibits and more.
In particular, Jacoby recommends Spanish Ballroom for swing, square, folk dances and even tango and milonga.
For a more relaxed date visit Strathmore in Bethesda for afternoon tea with local musicians filling the air with music. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the venue full calendar for more events.
Virginia dating ideas
Get some exercise by playing pickleball. Jacoby said it’s “a great thing to do with a partner… and friends” and a great way to meet people. There are several pickleball courts in Arlington.
After that go to Old city of Alexandria for ghost tours, pub crawls for public tours and private tours all year round with a costumed guide who will take you through dark alleys and haunted taverns.
not far Birch tree more musical entertainment can also be found in Alexandria.