February is a superb time to be in Washington, D.C., particularly when there’s a dip within the crowds between the vacations and the beginning of Cherry Blossom season in March, and climate is crisp however beautiful—particularly in the event you pack the appropriate coat. Town’s ice skating rinks are nonetheless open, most operating by means of the top of the month and into March, and new bars, eating places, and points of interest are opening forward of the spring and summer time rush.

Even in the event you don’t dwell within the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) space, D.C. is well reachable by air, practice, bus or automobile from most U.S. locales and makes an awesome day journey from nearer cities like Baltimore, Annapolis and Harpers Ferry. Right here’s a take a look at some issues to do in the event you plan to go to this month.

Take pleasure in D.C.’s Out of doors Ice Skating Rinks

In case you’re a fan of outside ice skating—otherwise you’re searching for a enjoyable Valentine’s Day exercise—head to considered one of D.C.’s seasonal rinks, which usually open round Thanksgiving and run by means of February or early March.

For the possibility to ice skate over the Potomac River out of your perch on the Transit Pier, attempt The Wharf Ice Rink, which is open to the general public Wednesday to Sunday by means of Feb. 28, 2023. Verify the web site for the official schedule, because the rink is used for curling and different occasions on sure days. Admission is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors over 65 and army with a legitimate I.D. and $10 for kids ages 12 and below. Skate rental is $7.

On the Capitol Riverfront facet of city, Canal Park is providing public ice skating by means of Feb. 28, 2023. Go to Sunday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday from 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. or Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. to take pleasure in a two-hour lengthy skating session within the coronary heart of the Navy Yard neighborhood. Reserve your spot forward of time on-line, as costs for walk-ins are barely larger than the web charges listed under—and primarily based on availability. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for kids ages 12 and below, seniors over 60, college students and army members. Skate rental is $5.

For a the last word only-in-D.C. ice skating expertise, go to the Ice Rink on the Sculpture Backyard, situated subsequent to the Nationwide Gallery of Artwork alongside the Nationwide Mall, by means of Mar. 5, 2023. It’s open Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and your admission consists of two consecutive 45-minute ice skating classes. Admission is $12 for adults; $9 for kids 12 and below, seniors over 60, and army members and college students with a legitimate I.D. Skate rental is $6.

Nearer to Georgetown, the Washington Harbour Ice Rink is open by means of March 12, 2023, working Sunday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to eight:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Your ticket consists of entry to 90-minute skating classes (there’s a 30-minute break between them to scrub the ice), and spectacular views of the Potomac River. Admission is $10 for adults, and $9 for kids ages 12 and below, seniors and army members. Skate rental is $7.

Go to Union Market’s Latest Brewery

With two areas in Sterling and Leesburg, Virginia, Crooked Run Fermentation opened its first outpost in late-January, turning into Union Market’s first taproom and restaurant. Sip the brewery’s greatest beers, seltzers, ciders, and pure wines, and nosh on sandwiches and pizza supplied by Pizza Serrata and Michelin Star chef, Anthony Falco.

Undecided the place to begin? Attempt the Italian-style pilsner, Alora, earlier than shifting on to artistic craft brews like Sticky Rice—made with Berliner Weisse, mango, coconut and rice milk—or Raspberry Empress, a bitter IPA made with raspberries. In case you’re hungry, the Unicorn pan pizza is an actual deal with, that includes sourdough bread, tomato, ricotta, roasted mushrooms, mozzarella, onions, honey and pickled cherry peppers.

Geek Out at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Forest

Calling all Harry Potter followers, whether or not you grew up studying the books or watching the movies. There are nonetheless just a few nights left to take pleasure in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Forest, a whimsical walk-through expertise happening by means of Saturday, Feb. 11 at Morven Park, situated in Leesburg, Virginia, about an hour’s drive from downtown D.C.

Followers of all ages can geek out over interactive moments from the flicks. You’ll have the possibility to bow to Buckbeak the Hippogriff, see what your Patronus is with the wave of a wand, problem your pals to an epic forest wand battle a la Harry vs. You-Know-Who and step into Aragog’s spidery lair—to not fear, there’s an possibility for these with arachnophobia to skip this a part of the path if they should.

Gown heat, as you’ll be exterior for 60–90 minutes relying on how lots of the interactive actions you select to participate in. In case you’re working up an urge for food, British-style meals (suppose pasties, sausage rolls and fish and chips) and drinks can be found for buy close to the center of the path, although you can too seize a snack or a drink—scorching cocoa or non-alcoholic butterbeer, amongst different choices—close to the beginning.