Whether you've been together for eight weeks or eight years, date night is always a fun way to spark fun and spontaneity in a relationship. But, what happens when the same dinner-and-a-movie date starts to get a little... routine? You think outside the box, and do something new! Luckily, Fairfax County has many unique places to visit with your better half. Give one of these ideas a try on your couples getaway, staycation, or next time "date night" pops up on your calendar.
Light Up Their Life
Candles and cocktails, anyone? Take your special someone to Paddywax Candle Bar in Reston to create your own personalized candles from start to finish. Choose your favorite "vessel" and fragrance, and you'll be led through the candle-pouring process. You can even bring your own wine! It'll be a scentsational time!
Hot tip: Make your candles for each other, and do a sweet gift swap after the workshop!
Unleash the Artistic Side
Ditch the brushes and easels for a new kind of masterpiece. Like these date ideas, it's time to get unconventional with some art supplies as you step into the Rec Room at iCreate Tysons. You and your partner can use your hands or even water guns to paint any part of the room you like. Or shoot your shot during the Shoot & Spin room as couples target balloons filled with paint to create an art piece you can take home to help you remember this iconic date.
Take Your Relationship to New Heights
Dates don't always have to consist of dressing up and being fancy! It can also be fun to learn a new skill and get active. Challenge and encourage each other to learn a new skill by heading to an indoor rock climbing class at The St. James in Springfield! They offer 1-hour introductory classes and private lessons with personal instruction for all ages and skill levels. (Closer to Tysons area? Check out Vertical Rock Bouldering & Fitness Center for a non-ropes climbing experience.) You'll feel a sense of accomplishment for both yourself and your partner as you work together to learn something new. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants in the area.
Incoming: Keep an eye out for the 2025 opening of a new climbing spot in Fairfax called Movement.
Escape the Joker's Trap
OR save the White House! OR time travel to find the cure to a disease! OR catch the ghost of a little girl! Put your problem-solving skills to work at one of the many adventures inside of Bond's Escape Room in Fairfax, the largest escape room venue on the East Coast. See if you can work together to solve the mystery within the time frame you're given. Bonus points for escaping with time to spare!
You can also find escape room experiences in Herndon, Falls Church, and at Fairfax Corner.
DIY Your Own Sweet Treats
Indulge in something just as sweet as your love: chocolate! At River-Sea Chocolate Factory, you can enjoy multiple chocolate-related experiences (just be sure to book in advance!). Here are just some of the experiences they have available now:
Tasting Flight and Tour: Explore the world of craft chocolate and try a selection of chocolates made at River-Sea! One of their Chocolate Jedi Knights will guide you through the tasting notes of five bars made at their factory. This flight includes five pieces of chocolates per person. Then you'll get walked to observe the production, where you can see the different machines and learn about what each one does to make delicious small-batch bean-to-bar chocolate!
Chocolate Bar Making: For a limited time, River-Sea is bringing back this popular experience so everyone can create their own personalized chocolate bar. With an array of toppings provided by River-Sea, you can craft a bar that's beautiful and tasty. Choose from rose petals, Himalayan salt, coconut flakes, or cherries to create a treat your partner will love.
Wine and Chocolate Tasting: You've been to a winery wine tasting, but, have you been to a chocolate factory wine tasting? See how chocolate is made while sipping on perfectly paired wine. River-Sea selects wine from vineyards and wineries located abroad that follow sustainable growing practices. You'll learn about "bean-to-bar" and the exquisite flavor of freshly roasted cacao ground into chocolate here at River-Sea. In this guided experience, you will be sampling five chocolate bars and three wines. Then you'll get walked to observe the production, where you can see the different machines and learn about what each one does to make delicious small-batch bean-to-bar chocolate!
See the Latest Production at a Professional Theatre
There's a myriad of professional theatres here in Fairfax County - and behind them, the busloads of talented actors, writers, set designers, lighting professionals, and more that make each production memorable. From intimate black box theatres to larger-scale productions, here's our guide for where to see professional theatre productions in Fairfax County.
With all of these ideas, there's no excuse for a dull date night! What are some places you've visited for an unconventional date night? Don't forget to use #FXVA for a chance to be featured - we can't wait to see your photos!