Things To Do
Crumbs & Whiskers | Kitten & Cat Cafe.
This was our first valentine's day date spot. Be sure to book online if you want to stop by.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
It's pirate weekend, the weekend of the wedding. Gates open at 10am. It would be a fun place to go during the day on on Saturday though! The tickets often sell out way in advance, we recommend getting a ticket as soon as you think you might go. If you can't go, let Helene know, she can probably find someone to take the ticket off your hands. And if you have any other questions about faire, you can also direct those to Helene, she'll be more than happy to answer.
VÜK Pinball
This is a different location, but the same business without the pizza. But Vuk, which was in Bethesda, was where Josh invited Helene on their first trip together to NYC. Helene loves pinball! That's why MagFest is her favorite DC con.
The Wharf DC
We like to hang out here sometimes. Ask us for parking recommendations, or take the metro. There's a lot of live music venues here, and good restaurants. For valentine's this year, we went to Hell's Kitchen, and yes, it was SO GOOD.
Old Town Alexandria Waterfront
This is one of our favorite places to walk around to catch Pokemon. Also there are lot of really good restaurants and cute shops, as well as another cat cafe.
Nationals Park
Josh loves baseball, and Helene likes going to baseball games. So sometimes we end up here, and yes they are home this weekend, and tickets are reasonable since they aren't such a great team this year.
Sfoglina Van Ness
We love this restaurant, Italian is our favorite food. And Helene gets a kick out of eating at restaurants of Chef's she sees on TV. The Van Ness location is the original one, and the closest to the hotel, a short metro or car ride away.
AMC Wheaton Mall 9
This is Helene's favorite movie theater to pop in and use her A-list at. It's often not too busy except for opening weekends of the blockbusters.
Bethesda Row
The hotel is basically in this neighborhood, there's plenty of shopping, and food, and even a fancy movie theater. There's a free circulator that goes around the neighborhood.
Smithsonian Institution
There is no charge to go to any of the Smithsonian Museums or to the Zoo. Note some places, like the zoo, would like you to pre-book a timed entry pass. And the zoo has parking, if you want that be sure to buy in advance. Or take the metro, just get off at Cleveland Park to walk down the hill to the zoo, and then when you come back walk down to Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan.