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It鈥檚 time to debunk the myth that D.C. is a difficult city for dating and finding one鈥檚 true love. That鈥檚 the mission of Michelle Jacoby, the founder, owner and CEO of , a boutique matchmaking and dating coaching company based in the D.C. area. She is also the author of the book, published in April 2021.
According to Jacoby, there鈥檚 a lot to offer in the District.
鈥淲e have the most phenomenal demographic of singles here. We have highly educated, very healthy, well-traveled, interesting, passionate, amazing people here in D.C., and it鈥檚 a phenomenal place to date,鈥� she said.
Of course, dating isn鈥檛 easy, but 鈥渄ating is just hard wherever you are,鈥� she said. 鈥淒ating is a skill, and not everyone is skillful at it.鈥� That鈥檚 where Jacoby comes in.
She spoke to 草莓传媒 about her recommendations on where to go for a fun time.
It鈥檚 easy to default to Netflixing at home or going to dinner at a 鈥渦sual鈥� place, but Jacoby recommended adding a little variety to date nights to spice up one鈥檚 relationship. 鈥淚t makes a relationship fun,鈥� she said.
Here are some easy and creative ideas for locals and visitors in the D.C. area for a first date or a date with a longtime significant other.
D.C. date ideas
For those dating on a budget, consider going to the Kennedy Center鈥檚 Millennium Stage for free, daily events. The stage includes film screenings, live performances, standup comedy, as well as opera and orchestral performances.
If you’re interested in musical performances that are lesser-known, use that Jacoby described as 鈥渢he speakeasy of small, live music.鈥� This website lists 鈥渟ecret concerts鈥� in intimate venues with the addresses not revealed until a few days before events.
Those ready for an adventure can check out , which allows couples and groups to be able to turn their favorite neighborhood into a scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunts can be done in several areas of the District, including the American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery, the National Zoo and Union Station.
Jacoby recommended activities like paddle boats at the Tidal Basin, the 鈥渉igh-end putt-putt/mini golf experience鈥� known as and also games and brews at neighborhood. Other fun events can be found at , where they host the Musical Mondays open mic along with several other events.
Jacoby also suggested NoMa鈥檚 outdoor beer garden, , adding that they can offer 鈥渞eally neat events there that are not just about beer.鈥�
When it came to what to nosh on, Jacoby recommended , vegan restaurant and also pizza restaurant .
Maryland date ideas
Further out from D.C. proper, locals and visitors looking to date in Maryland can head to which includes dancing classes, art exhibitions and more.
In particular, Jacoby recommends the for swing dancing, square dancing, folk dancing and even tango and milonga dancing.
For a more relaxing date, visit in Bethesda for afternoon tea with local musicians filling the air with music. Be sure to check out the venue鈥檚 for more events.
Virginia date ideas
Get physical by playing pickleball. Jacoby said it鈥檚 鈥渁 great thing to do with a partner 鈥� and friends鈥� and a great way to meet people too. There are several pickleball courts in Arlington to consider.
Afterwards, head to for a ghost tour pub crawl for public tours and private tours year-round with a costumed guide who will traverse through dark alleyways and ghostly taverns.
Not far, in Alexandria can also be found for more musical entertainment.
