February in DC can be a gloomy time of year, but Valentine’s Day can add a little bit of cheer to the cold, gray days. Lots of couples plan fun date nights or weekend getaways to celebrate their relationship. Luckily, you don’t need an official holiday to plan a romantic evening out. Park Van Ness residents have the whole city at their fingertips for an evening out, but there are plenty of great winter date options right in the Van Ness neighborhood!

Catch a Flick!

The Uptown movie theater is a beloved local cinema house that shows feature films in a large one room theater. This historic building is home to the largest commercial movie screen in the DMV (aside from that at the Smithsonian) and has been a DC institution since it first opened in 1936. Known for their tasty popcorn and vintage charm, seeing a movie at The Uptown classes up the typical movie date and feels like a trip back in time.

Plan Date Night at Sfoglina

The elegant Italian restaurant, Sfoglina, is a fixture of the neighborhood and located on the ground floor of the Park Van Ness property. This makes it an easy spot for our residents to enjoy date night. The innovative appetizers, handmade pastas, and classic desserts are worth every penny! While the outdoor patio is a great spot on balmy summer nights, the cozy interior is decked out in reds and pinks giving the whole space a warm, comforting vibe.

Take in the Art at the Phillips Museum

Just a few stops away on the red line, The Phillips museum is a wonderful date spot for art-loving Washingtonians. On the first Thursday of every month, the museum offers their popular “Phillips After Five” event; A lively mix of art, entertainment, and live music. Snacks and beverages are also available. Busy couples can pop over to the centrally-located spot after work or on the weekends to peruse the current art exhibits. Stop by Teaism just up the street for a hot tea or soup to warm up if it’s especially chilly outside.

Park Van Ness residents have easy access to all of DC thanks to the UDC/Van Ness Metro stop located just steps from the entrance. Of course, the city of Washington has numerous options for dates all winter long — there’s ice skating in the sculpture garden, interactive exhibits at City Center, performances at the National Cathedral, and the Kennedy Center’s free shows each night at Millenium Stage. For those who want to stick closer to Park Van Ness apartments, however, try the three date suggestions listed above!