Keep out the Chill: Three Cold Weather Date Ideas in the District

It may be warm out today, but don’t be fooled. That doggone groundhog has tricked us all with promises of spring when Washington has at least a few more weeks left in the 30s and 40s. The silver lining? You still can take advantage of your cold-weather accessories on winter-themed dates — and we’ve got 3 great ideas for you.

Nikki Bogopolskaya, HowAboutWe’s DC Community Manager, a Washington food and drink expert, and author of the moderately funny lifestyle blog City Girl in the District, shares her favorite ways to stay warm and fuzzy when the weather outside remains frightful.

1. CoCo and a Movie

The Date: How about we…get hot chocolate and appetizers at CoCo Sala and catch a flick at E Street Cinema.

Why It’s Great: CoCo Sala’s signature hot chocolates (which come in “cold chocolate” as well when the warm weather finally does roll around) in flavors such as “Dark CoCo,” “Salted Caramel CoCo,” and “Pumpkin Spice CoCo” are so rich and succulent that they can beat out any dessert. Small plates such as shrimp mac & cheese, Creole crabcakes, and lobster crostini are the perfect luxurious accompaniments. Several blocks North, E Street Cinema plays both box office hits and the independent films not showing anywhere else. The cozy theater sports a fully stocked bar and gourmet snacks such as vegan brownies and caramel corn.

Want to go? Propose it here.

2. Sip N’ Skate

The Date: How about we…spike our chai and go ice skating at the The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden.

Why It’s Great: Well, spiking chai is always a great idea in my book. I’d recommend rum or bourbon. As for the ice skating rink at the Sculpture Garden, it’s located at the National Mall and surrounded by Washington’s most beautiful architecture and monuments. Enclosed by trees, the ice rink is a perfect urban oasis and a super fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon. At night, lights encircling the rink illuminate the ice—tres romantic if you can avoid skating on the plethora of pastel-clad children that often populate the ice.

Want to go? Propose it here.

3. Just Chillin’

The Date: How about we…grab drinks at the Donovan House Rooftop Ice Bar.

Why It’s Great: The Donovan House’s famous rooftop pool bar has been converted into an ice bar for the winter season. Guests can cozy up by the firepits and sip winter cocktails, such as drunken spiced cocoa and mulled wine. The chilly environment still provides some of DC’s best people watching and a phenomenal view of the city, so grab your date, snag a blanket by the fire, and toast your drinks while gossiping about all the other beautiful people. The Ice Bar will be taken down mid-March and turned back into the Donovan’s pool oasis, so don’t wait to propose this date (rhyming scheme unintentional).

Want to go? Propose it here.