Things to do / Travel Guide
The Capital region is steeped in centuries of U.S. history. And the fact is, some of that history is not political, with more than a few high-profile romances having taken place here! Seated along the banks of the Potomac River, it is the beauty, coupled with great infrastructure and fine attention to the visitors' needs that makes your quest for romance possible in Washington DC and the rest of the Capital region.
Romantic Accommodations in the Capital Region
To get started in your quest for romance, appropriate lodging is crucial. The Hotel Monaco in Washington DC is a great choice for a few reasons. Guests can enjoy a quiet courtyard that offers beautiful plants and flowers. The rooms feature vaulted ceilings as well as oversized beds. The décor is trendy but hip with retro furniture and color schemes. There are great views from every side of the building, facing the courtyard, the Smithsonian Institute or downtown DC. You also get a complimentary pet goldfish at check in!
The Hotel Madera, just off Dupont Circle is another interesting choice for a romantic stay. Based on style, this is definitely not a cookie-cutter hotel. It's almost like staying in a modern art museum, where rooms present a romantic mix of all-out comfort and flair, such as modern art, exotic plants, and sexy tiger-striped pillows. Guests also enjoy a complimentary wine hour, and the adjacent Firefly Restaurant and Lounge is a local favorite.
In Baltimore, the Harbor Court is perfect for romantics. Enjoy afternoon tea and a great view of the city's Inner Harbor. Its location in proximity to the water is perfect (it'll take you only about a minute to cross the street) and makes it the ideal spot for lovers looking for a romantic moonlight stroll, or an opportunity to shop or just relax.
Travelers looking for a more authentic taste of the region can enjoy numerous bed and breakfast establishments. Some of these facilities are actually renovated historic homes within Washington DC itself, and thus offer a fun, unique, and relaxing way to better appreciate the city's rich past, all while spending time together in a romantic setting. One great example of this is the DC Guesthouse B&B. This charming 1900s-era Victorian mansion offers six spacious guest rooms filled with thoughtful appointments, beautiful and rare artwork from all over and that golden ring - privacy.
Romantic Dining in the Capital Region
Selecting a restaurant is an important element of any romantic evening out. The Capital region presents a great selection of romantic dining establishments to choose from. For instance, try Bob's 88 Shabu Shabu, the Japanese answer to fondue. Shabu Shabu style dining is a communal cooking pot full of simmering broth where you can cook a large selection of meats and vegetables, tofu and noodles. This cuisine is especially good as a cold-weather treat. What could be more romantic than cooking and sharing beef, pork, and lamb, then combining these together with platters of fresh veggies?
Marcel's is another excellent place for romantic dining. Chef Robert Wiedmaier cooks in the French style but with Flemish accents, and offers no set menu, but instead goes with what ingredients are freshest and of highest quality. Stylish ambiance, an extensive wine list, and attentive service add to the romantic dining experience.
One of the top dining spots in the region (nation-wide, really) is Citronelle, inside the Latham Hotel in DC. Chef Michel Richard is the reason to come. Inventive, creative and dynamic, the culinary masterpieces that issue forth from his kitchen are unforgettable. There's no set menu here, either. Dishes come and go at the whim of Chef Richard, and he bases that on the best ingredients available at the time.
Romantic Excursions in the Capital Region
So, now that you're sufficiently stuffed, it's time to hit the town for some fun, romance style! There are quite a few things to do in the Capital region, depending on the season.
Certainly, one of the best ways to enjoy the romantic aspect of this region is by walking around. Georgetown is a bustling college town, but surprisingly sophisticated with its trendy bars and bistros. In DC, strolling by the buildings that are the centers of power for the U.S., is a spectacular scene at night. The White House, Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and, of course, Washington Monument are all dramatically lit up every night. Another great idea for a stroll is to trek the shores of the Potomac, or one of the many lovely parks that dot the area.
Canoeing on the Potomac River is enjoyed from April through late-October and scenic tours are available near the downtown DC area. A six-mile-long tour, which takes boaters through the lush scenery, takes about half a day, and it offers a variety of very romantic settings.
Baltimore's Inner Harbor is a beautiful and serene place to go and rent a boat or take a pleasure cruise. Water taxis also traffic passengers around the harbor, and taking one can be a fun way to appreciate the city's main attraction areas or just get from one side to the other.
If you want to partake of the nightlife in the Capital region, the primary clubbing hotspots are centered in the neighborhoods of Georgetown, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and Capitol Hill. Each area offers a variety of bars and restaurants and caters to different types of crowds every night of the week. While Georgetown and Capitol Hill are geared to an older and slightly more upper-class and laid-back crowd, Adams Morgan is the scene where you can really let loose with your significant other. And when temperatures drop in the winter months, Washington DC's National Gallery has an ice skating rink you can visit to warm up a bit.
I mean, come on people - this is a region where one of the state slogans specifically calls out for romance (“Virginia is for lovers!'), so what are you waiting for? Start smooching! George Washington would have wanted you to - really!
Romantic Vacation Ideas in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland
Romantic-Vacations-Getaways
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