Photo by María Helena Carey
Let’s face it: when the snow totals rival those of upstate New York and make history, you are bound to develop an extreme case of cabin fever. Plus, Valentine’s Day is this weekend so you can either make a date with your sweetie or gather together with a bunch of friends to celebrate ironically. It’s okay– we won’t judge you: we’re here to help.
On Thursday the 11th, why not move a little? Yes, I know you’re sore from so much shoveling and groveling, but a ballroom dance lesson at Ebenezers Coffeehouse, 201 F Street, NE, should at least make you more graceful while you’re doing winter’s penance. The class happens every Thursday, 7 to 9 pm, but you might want to call ahead, just in case — (202)-558-6900. After dancing, go grab some dinner. I don’t know what it is about freak snow that reminds me of seafood (possibly the part where I wish I were on a sunny beach); but if you’re anything like me, you should go indulge that craving at Granville Moore’s, 1238 H. Street, NE, and get a dollar off Chimay Red, White and Blue.
Friday the 12th is the official kick-off of WinterCity Weekend: February Winter of Love on Barracks Row– an activity-packed, super-fun weekend with great things for everyone. Take the wee ones to the Southeast Library for storytime at 10 am; go to an art show at The Fridge, from noon until 8 pm; and celebrate the return of Capitol Hill Bikes in its new location, 718 8th Street, SE, with an open house from 6 pm to 9 pm. If you cannot make it on Friday, make sure you stop by anytime this weekend and get a free Capitol Hill Bikes water bottle with a $50 purchase. Afterward, catch The Fabulettes at The Corner Store, 900 South Carolina Ave, SE, and dance the night away! $30 worthwhile donation will get you a good time, from 8 pm onward.
On Saturday the 13th, make sure you return to Barracks Row, as WinterCity Weekend continues, with plenty of art exhibits throughout the day; desserts at Sweet Magnolia, 703 8th Street, SE, from 6-9 pm; and tarot readings for lovers at Groovy DC . You can get the whole list of events at Barracks Row’s Facebook page, under the “Events” tab. Become a fan of Barracks Row on Facebook, too! Are you still looking for a perfect present for a sweetheart or a good friend? What about a knitting class? You can even whisk her or him today, for Five Ways to Cast On at Stitch DC, 731 8th Street, SE, from 11:15 to 12:15 pm, or check their class schedule in the store. And speaking of caring about the important things, you need to go help The Pug, 1234 H Street, SE, celebrate its third anniversary and drink for a good cause: they will be taking donations for the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer (Via Frozen Tropics). Or you could take advantage of a special snowed-in discount and catch “Nobody’s Perfect”, a musical based on Marlee Matlin’s children’s book, at the Atlas Performing Center, 1333 H Street, SE,– order your tickets by clicking here and enter the code “blizzard”, and you only play $7.50 per ticket!
Sunday is Valentine’s day! There are many things to see and do, whether you have a Valentine or not. First off, remember that it’s WinterCity Weekend at Barracks Row and go enjoy jazz with brunch or lunch at Matchbox DC. Also, please check the rest of things to do at WinterCity Weekend by checking Barracks Row’s Facebook page. If you don’t want to do anything for Valentine’s day, why not celebrate Frederick Douglas’s 192nd birthday, from noon to 4:30 pm at the the auditorium of the Park Police building at National Capital Parks East headquarters, 1900 Anacostia Drive, SE. Or you can stop by Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh Street, SE, to see a wonderful no-theme, all-media show of original art work.
Whatever you do (or don’t do) this weekend, please be safe out there and call ahead of time to make sure that the events are still on. And brace up for Monday, wheren more snow is on its way!