If you definitely want your special date to be romantic and memorable, then you owe it to the both of you to meet at a place that is just as unforgettable as each of you is to the other. As you walk through the Smithsonian American Art Museum, you'll be amazed at the extensive collection of iconic creations that adorn these meticulously arranged galleries. If either of you have a question about a particular piece, the staff prides itself in helping to answer your questions so that your time at the Smithsonian is as educational as it is entertaining.
At the end of the evening, why end it? The DC9 is the perfect place to listen to the resident DJ spin tunes until the wee hours. Or, if you prefer something a little earlier, the club is also a great place to begin your DC nightlife experience, as the venue is perfect for convening with friends and hanging out for awhile after work. In the middle of the evening, the energy level rises thanks to the excellent live bands that frequently plug in and play. So, clearly, at whatever point you are in your evening out, DC9 has you covered.
The Washington and Old Dominion Trail (W&OD or "Wad") is an excellent recreation trail that runs through the Northern Virginia counties. The 45-mile trail is completely paved with nine foot wide asphalt and has a yellow painted center line. To run the whole trail and back means you're looking at a 90-mile trek, but it can be done over the course of two days thanks to the hotels and bed and breakfasts along the trail. The only real complaint from bikers is that there's much traffic most of the time due to the Wad's immense popularity.
The National Archives is the ultimate historical storage unit. Every significant document and tangible piece of history is cataloged and stored here. The site houses everything from the Declaration of Independence, to the Louisiana Purchase, to the Watergate tapes. When you walk in, you'll be struck by the fortuitous, 75-foot rotunda where the most treasured documents are on display. Maps, movies, photographs, texts and more are all here, and you can delve into your own research if you are looking for something in particular.