Keeping the Romance Alive

6 Fun Date Night Ideas for Married Couples

Just because you are married, doesn't mean your life has be boring or you become that dreaded married couple!  To set the stage, send the kids away for a night or two to your parents’ place (or hire a babysitter!), while you and your sweetheart gear up for a romantic night out.   For military families, it may be hard to send your children away to your parents, but ask the friends or neighbors you trust to watch your children over night.

No clue where to go and what to do on the pending date? Don’t you worry, for I’ve got a couple of fun date night ideas just for you! 

1.  For Couples Who Love a Good Adventure:  Escape Room
Are you and your sweetie thrill seekers? Then a fun date night in an escape room where you try to solve your way out to freedom would be more than perfect! This date night idea is perfect for couples who want to do something different than the regular wine and dine.  Thankfully in Northern Virginia, we have several different locations to select.

The clock is ticking, so you better get moving!

2.  Revive the Romance over Some New Furniture: Ikea
Yes, you heard me correctly!  Ikea.

This one is perfect for couples who do not have a lot of time to spare on their hands, so they want to combine running errands and find time for their loved one together. The best part is when you are done shopping for stuff, you can head over to Ikea’s very own restaurant for a scrumptious meal.  It's also a great place to dream.  One of the best parts of being married is having shared goals and dreaming about how you see your family's future. 

3.  Skate Your Way to Your Loved Ones Heart:  Ice Skating Rink
Is going to the movies very clichéd for you? Would you prefer something with a lot more action and fun?

Like ice skating, for example.

It does not matter if you already know how to skate or not, this activity is super fun either way. Get ready for some graceful moves and maybe even some hilarious falls!  We are blessed in Northern Virginia,  regardless of the time of year, there's a rink open and available.  There are several different open and outdoor ice skating rinks in the area; there are several in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.  If you are reading this blog outside of the winter months there is an Ice Skating Rink in Dale City that is open year round--Prince William Ice Center. 

Fennel Sausage Pizza from Fiorella Italian Kitchen

4.  Romance Under the Stars:  National Harbor
Do you want to spend some time with your beloved, surrounded by breathtaking waterfront views and feeling incredibly lucky to have such an amazing partner?

Then an evening out at the National Harbor is ideal for you.

What makes National Harbor even more perfect for your upcoming date is how the place is usually hosting some fun event or the other. Make sure to check their official website to have a look at their event calendar; you could plan your date night according to their schedule.  Even if you would like to make a date regardless of the schedule, the National Harbor is great!  There is a Ferris wheel on the property.  The National Harbor is also a great place to take a stroll.  There are several sites, smells, and sounds.  

A great place to eat is Fiorella's Italian Kitchen. When I visited the location, my husband and I dined on two different pizzas--Margherita and the Fennel Sausage; both were delicious.  Not to mention, while you're waiting for your pizza, they bring a fresh loaf of bread with Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil.  It is a place I look forward to going again.

Speaking of events, another option for you to consider is the Manassas Airport! The air show which they are famous for can also work as an amazing date idea.

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5.  A Classic Dinner Date
Dinner dates are considered a classic for a reason. The trick is to find the right place to eat out at!
What would be a more perfect dinner place than The Vermilion? From the ambience to the food, everything is ideal for a romantic dinner date for two. You may want to reserve a table in advance, though.  Or if you would like to avoid the crowds, I suggest having a date lunch.  We decided to visit Vermilion for lunch on Monday.  If you've ever visited Old Town Alexandria, you quickly realize the location is entrancing.  The host walked us to a table near the window and told us the specials for the day.  We quickly became interested in the Vermilion Burger and the Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich.  I'm a fanatic about melted cheese and I was interested to taste the cheese (raclette) on this burger.  If you're interested in Vermilion, I highly recommend making a reservation, unless going during lunch.  To schedule reservations, visit http://vermilionrestaurant.com/reservations.

Vermilion is also the location President Obama and Mrs. Michelle Obama would visit every year on Valentine's for their date night.

Vermilion

Vermilion Burger

Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich

Another great option for date night is Teddy & The Bully Bar in Washington D.C.  This location fascinated us because they serve Risotto.  Yes Risotto, it's a Northern Italian rice dished cooked until a creamy consistency.  Again, we visited during the lunch hour and were glad we did.  To our surprise they have a Fall Power Lunch menu.  The menu includes three courses for $24.99. 

Teddy & The Bully Bar

Teddy's Power Lunch Menu

We came to Teddy's for the Risotto.  It was a matter of elimination, because Teddy's has two Risotto options on their lunch menu--Cauliflower and Butternut Squash.  We selected the Butternut Squash Risotto and it was creamy and delicious.  Literally, I could just sit there and eat risotto for the rest of the day it was that good!

Butternut Squash Risotto

We also had the Meat & Cheese Tray from the Power Lunch menu.

The second course we selected from the Power Lunch menu was the Grass Fed NY Strip.  The steak has a nice sear on the outside of the meat, yet was still silky.  I'm a fan of spinach, potatoes and the steak cut fries that were served were outstanding. 

Grass Fed NY Strip

To finish the lunch, we had a Flourless Chocolate Cake.  Oh, my goodness, it also had Coffee Ice Cream...I want another one just thinking about it.  Can you image all of this (without the Risotto) was $24.99?  Teddy's also changes the menu based on the season, so you know you're getting the freshest products and foods available during that time of year.

Flourless Chocolate Cake

6.  Couple Portrait Session
When was the last time you had your photo taken with just you and your spouse outside of your wedding day and not including your children?  Just a portrait session where you are the center of attention.  For many, it is our wedding day.  This is a sad thing!  You and your spouse are the center of the family, because even when the children are grown and have left the nest; it will be you and your spouse that remains.

A couple portrait session could consist of you holding hands along the National Harbor or going to your favorite park.  Just capturing the love that brought you together in the beginning is special and romantic. 

Being in Northern Virginia and the Washington D.C. area, we have so many possibilities for date night ideas.  These are a few more ideas:

• Bowling
• Dinner and a movie
• Laser Tag
• Walking in your neighborhood
• Home Depot or Lowes
• Touring Model Homes
• Playing card or board games
• Concert
• Washington Wizards Basketball or Washington Redskins Football game
  
• Watch a Hallmark movie
• Ride Bikes

Regardless what you choose to do, doing it with the person you love is most important.  I hope you have lots of fun and make many memories on your next date night. 

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Tamieka Smith is a family and military photographer in Northern Virginia.  She may be contacted via telephone at (571) 250-5073 or email at [email protected].  If you're looking for fun family friendly activities to do this fall in Northern Virginia, visit here.