Well, winter is well underway and we have managed to dodge the major snow storm that hit our neighbors to the north. Here is hoping we dodge the next one on the horizon. I wonder if the winter weather had any bearing on proclaiming Valentine’s Day to be on the 14^th back in the day! February is a good month to “warm up” your loved ones at any rate.

Probably the most romantic place in the Harbor is the Old Hickory Steakhouse in the Gaylord. Their executive chefs continue to dazzle guests this February with romantic dining experiences on more than just Valentine’s Day. Couples can celebrate romance at the hotel’s signature restaurant on February 6th, 7th, 13th and the 14th. The award-winning steakhouse is offering a pre-fixe dinner menu featuring their signature beef as well as house favorites including crab cakes, lamb, and romantic desserts in honor of Valentine’s Day. Named one of the most romantic restaurants in the capital region, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Potomac River as they dine. The dinner costs $139 per couple (does not include tax and gratuity) and reservations are encouraged. I was lucky enough to take part in this dinner special last year and it was a very memorable occasion. Maybe I will get lucky again this year.

Public House Restaurant on Fleet Street is bringing back their “Crazy. Stupid. Love.” Valentine’s special. This is a great place to take that date who is a sports lover as well as a romantic. If you are of the female persuasion it might just be the perfect place to take your sports crazy guy friend and visa versa! You will both enjoy yourselves either way. See their ad in this section for details.

Harrington’s Pub and Kitchen is celebrating their third year of “Cupid’s Revenge”. This is billed as the ultimate anti-Valentine’s Day party! Harrington’s is a good place to gather with a group and what better reason than putting together your own Cupid’s Revenge party. No pressure at a gathering of this sort. Their ad in this section has details as well.

If you haven’t been to the Harbor and taken a spin on the Capitol Wheel, Valentine’s Day/week may just be the time to take that leap. A romantic dinner and a romantic spin for the love birds out there. A fun ride with a group of unattached pals (the gondola’s hold up to 6 people) while making snide comments about said “love birds”. It really does give you a great view of the Potomac and the monuments and memorials!

Couples interested in experiencing a harmonious journey through relaxation can select a “Side by Side Harmony Massage” in Relâche Spa’s signature couple’s suite. Relâche comes from the French to “let go” or “take a breather” and is located in the Gaylord Resort Hotel. Guests can choose the massage of their choice while enjoying panoramic views of the Potomac River, followed by time in the spa’s coed River View Relaxation Lounge. A 50-minute massage costs $300 on Mondays through Thursdays and $320 on Fridays through Sundays. An 80-minute massage costs $430 on Mondays through Thursdays and $450 on Fridays through Sundays. The spa also offers complimentary amenities including use of the steam room, sauna and free parking for up to three hours. All of these services are subject to a standard 20 percent service fee. See their ad in this section for information about their other services and contact information so you can schedule your escape today!

There are several other restaurants and retailers in the Harbor that are offering Valentine’s specials so be sure to check them out while you are here in the harbor. You can find them listed on the Harbor’s website at nationalharbor.com.

Don’t forget about Ground Hog Day and President’s Day – we all have to celebrate Punxsutawney Phil on the 2^nd and George and Abe on the 16^th. Be sure to catch “the largest parade celebrating Washington’s birthday in the USA” in Old Town Alexandria on the 16^th. The parade runs from 1-3 p.m in the heart of Old Town. For exact parade routes, parking information, etc. log on to washingtonbirthday.net.

Coming Up Next Month!
Like our counterparts across the river in Old Town did last month, National Harbor will be featuring their Restaurant Week March 2^nd through the 8^th. Participating Restaurants are:

Bond 45

Thai Pavilion
Harrington’s Pub and Kitchen
McLoone’s Pier House
Public House
Redstone American Grill
Grace’s Mandarin
McCormick & Schmick’s
Elevation Burger
Rosa Mexicano
Sauciety in the Westin Hotel

Additional Promos: Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar will be offering free admission with a same-day receipt showing that you have dined at a participating restaurant and The Capital Wheel is offering a $12 ticket (plus tax) with a same-day receipt showing that you dined at a participating restaurant.

Watch this section for details in the March issue.

Written by: Lani Gering