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Last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas
This bookstore in Alexandria is all about romance. | Photo by NOVAtoday
At a loss for what to do on Valentine’s Day, or just a procrastinator like me? Here are four ideas on how you can celebrate the occasion, with or without a date.
Watch a rom-com
A rom-com is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Crystal City is showing movies for the occasion, like “13 Going On 30” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.”
Are you a rom-com connoisseur? Don’t miss this trivia event tomorrow, Feb. 12 at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.
Take a cooking class
Cement your love with heart-shaped ravioli. Cookology in Ballston Quarter in Arlington is offering a variety of classes for the occasion.
Get a romance novel
Maybe you aren’t celebrating Valentine’s Day with anyone, but still want to get into the spirit. Head to Friends to Lovers Bookstore in Alexandria to get your next romance novel.
Book a getaway
If you’re planning a grand gesture, consider a romantic getaway — perhaps a secluded cabin near Shenandoah overlooking a serene natural landscape, or a beautifully renovated schoolhouse in Leesburg surrounded by rolling farmland.
What is your best last-minute idea for Valentine’s Day celebrations? Let us know.
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More time for deals? Count us in. Due to the extremely cold weather this past weekend, the Alexandria Warehouse Sale will extend through Presidents’ Day weekend. More than a dozen stores in Alexandria will offer discounts of 60-80%. (ALXnow)
Listen
The beloved Wolf Trap music venue released its summer 2026 concert lineup, and there’s a ton to check out. I’m most excited for The Head and the Heart and Gregory Alan Isakov. Don’t miss the roundup. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Drink
Step back in time at this new Prohibition-era speakeasy on the NOVA Live campus. Repeal opened yesterday, Feb. 10, and is decked out with velvet seating, moody lighting, and a 1920s aesthetic. (Northern Virginia Magazine)
Try This
Arlington’s Ballston neighborhood is home to a new Mexican restaurant. Eat More Taco replaced Grill Kabob near Ballston Quarter. I dare someone to tackle the Machete Taco, a 20-inch taco. (ARLnow)
Biz
Out with the old and in with the new. Velocity Wings and Social House will close on Monday, Feb. 16, to allow renovations to begin for the new Makers Union gastropub and Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen. While an exact opening date has not been announced for these new spots, both are expected to open in early April. (The Burn)
Development
The Fairfax County Planning Commission supports the construction of a 120-unit affordable housing development at the site of the Franconia Governmental Center. The project would be a four-story apartment complex built on about 3 acres. (FFXnow)
Eat
Bobby’s Bagel Cafe plans to open its new Sterling location at the Countryside Marketplace in mid-April. There are already locations in Herndon and Oakton. Soon you’ll be able to enjoy a rainbow bagel. (The Burn)
Number
128,000 sqft. That’s how big the Xavo Motor Club expects to be, which hopes to break ground this summer in Ashburn; however, an exact timeline is unknown. The development would include a motor vehicle showroom, a theater, a restaurant and bar, and other amenities. Stay tuned for updates. (The Burn)
Opening
This is for my bookworms. A new Barnes & Noble is coming to the Shoppes at Foxchase in Alexandria and is set to take over the former Walgreens space by the end of 2026. This will be the company’s second location in Alexandria. (ALXnow)
Older Adults
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Real Estate
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Wellness
Stop guessing what your routine is doing to your body and know.Hume Body Pod shows you fat and muscle tracking in under 90 seconds, so your effort has direction — not just discipline. Shop while the site’s 35% off sale lasts, and get an extra 20% off with code GOAL20.*
Post of the Day
The snow may be miserable, but the cherry blossoms will be worth the wait. | Photo via @cherryblossomwatch
Once thawed, the scenery around Tidal Basin will transform into a cherry blossom wonderland. Check out this account to track the progress of these lovely trees.
Womanizer’s pleasure-packed Valentine’s Day collection. Deepen intimacy through a shared experience with a sex toy that blends sleek design and clinically backed performance for a feel-good upgrade you’ll both be excited to unwrap.
Capture the love at this installation. | Photo via National Landing
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy spot to get a cute photo this Valentine’s Day, stop by this sign in National Landing’s Water Park. Perfect for your social media feed.
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