Romantic Washington D.C.

Looking for Valentine’s Day romance in the nation’s capital? How about an evening of casual dining and a romantic stroll? Washington, D.C., may have a reputation for passing bills and balancing budgets, but Washington, D.C., also has a romantic side. Its year-round mild climate is perfect for garden lovers who prefer quiet walks and intimate dining instead of the hustle and bustle of a big city.

The U.S. Botanic Garden on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol is the perfect place to visit for couples who want to experience a quiet, romantic garden stroll. The gardens were established by Congress in 1820. Inside the U.S. Botanic Garden is an indoor living-plant museum filled with hundreds of beautiful but ever-changing plant exhibits. Admission to the U.S. Botanic Garden and its entire grounds is free. Parking is limited. Visitors are advised to take the Washington, D.C., metro. For admission hours, special events and more information visit www.usbg.gov.

The Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden on the edge of Rock Creek Park in downtown Washington, D.C., was created by Majorie Merriweather Post, heiress to the Post Cereal fortune. The Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden is a great place for garden lovers to spend an afternoon touring the estate’s numerous gardens and greenhouse. The Hillwood Museum is host to one of the largest collections of 18th and 19th century Russian Imperial art outside of Russia. The Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden is closed during the month of January. For hours, directions and more information about the Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden please visit www.hillwoodmuseum.org.

Three hours south of Washington, D.C., located in the hills of the Virginia countryside is Monticello, the former home of Thomas Jefferson. The Monticello plantation has beautiful gardens that are home to more than 150 varieties of plants. Visitors may tour the grounds and the plantation itself. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting www.monticello.org.

After a day of touring Washington, D.C., area gardens, visitors may want to complete their day in the nation’s capital with a romantic dinner. Enjoy an evening of fine dining, dancing and entertainment on a Potomac River Dinner Cruise. For more information visit www.odysseycruises.com.

Garden lovers who visit Washington, D.C., for the first time will be amazed at the city’s year-round beauty and romanticism. The city itself and its surrounding area is a garden lover’s paradise. For more information on Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas visit www.washington.org.