This morning, while waiting for over an hour in the Woodley Park Metro — after which time, I eventually gave up, went above ground and grabbed a ride with a co-worker into the office — I overhead a woman asking her friend what she and her boyfriend were planning for Valentine’s Day.  The friend replied, “I don’t know… probably go out to eat somewhere.”

Being trapped in the Metro gave me ample to think (despite what each passing conductor claimed, another train was NOT “directly” behind us), and I began mentally jotting down all the fun and romantic things this woman could do with her boyfriend besides going to dinner. Dinner is a Valentine’s Day given. Everyone does dinner. This woman sounded like she needed to jazz things up a bit.

After having lived here for almost a year, I’ve come up with a few ideas. Here they are, in no particular order: 15 Valentine’s Day (or around Valentine’s Day) ideas combining an activity and food.

1. The National Zoo

One of our great local attractions, and it’s free! Take the Metro to Cleveland Park, stop in at Vace, and order a few slices of pizza to go. You can’t go wrong with the white onion or the mushroom. Ask for the slices to be heated — they’ll be presented to you wrapped in tin foil. Stroll down Connecticut Ave. with your pizza and enter the zoo on the left. The zoo’s hilly — you’ll be glad to walk a bit to work off the food.

2. Georgetown’s C&O Canal

M Street in Georgetown is a pedestrian logjam, but surprisingly, that doesn’t extend down to the paths along the C&O Canal, where it’s pleasantly serene. And pretty. Walking along the canal is one of the more unique experiences in the city. Load up on coffee, desserts and chocolate at Baked & Wired or J. Chocolatier. Then take them down to the canal and while away the afternoon.

3. Eastern Market

DC’s oldest public market cannot be beat on a lazy weekend morning. Whether you’re into crafts, art, antiques or food, there’s something for everyone here. Dining options abound inside the market, at an outdoor food stand, or at nearby restaurants.  The produce vendors put out free samples like apple slices, so you can graze and shop to your heart’s content. I’ve noticed the longest line is at the crepe stand; he must be doing something right.

4. Rock Creek Park

This may be more of a warm weather idea, but no reason why you can’t hike and eat during the winter too. Pack a picnic lunch of items from nearby Palena Market in Cleveland Park and get yourself out into nature. You won’t even believe you’re still in the city.

5. Tabard Inn

My friend had dinner there recently and texted me about the fabulousness of the crab cake he was enjoying. (With a vegetable called salsify which I’ve never heard of.) What I love about the place though is the lounge, where dark wood, a fireplace and old-timey furniture come together, creating an intimate space where you feel as though you’d fit in holding a pipe and donning a Hugh Hefner smoking jacket. Have a drink here and kick back in relaxed sophistication.

6. Hillwood Estate

Flying under the radar, the Hillwood Estate is one of the best under-recognized sights in the city. This former estate of the Post cereal heiress includes a mansion filled with spectacular Russian and French art, plus beautiful grounds and gardens. There’s also a nice cafe there. Haven’t eaten there yet, but I’ve checked out the menu and it looks like a cozy spot for lunch or tea.

7. Woodrow Wilson House

Another DC attraction flying under the radar. It was the home of, you guessed it, Woodrow Wilson and his wife after they left the White House. If historic homes are your thing, you’ll really enjoy this place. Many interesting rooms to see here and extremely knowledgeable tour guides. Take the Metro to Dupont Circle, stop in at Dolcezza for a hot chocolate or gelato, then walk along Massachusetts Ave. along Embassy Row until you reach the house. Gelato and history, what could be better?

8. The Gardens at Dumbarton Oaks

My favorite spot in all of Washington, DC. Seriously, this place blows me away.  The gardens resemble something out of a fairytale, and the endless terraces, little nooks and brick pathways make it absolutely ideal for a romantic stroll. The gardens will look even more beautiful during the spring and summer… but, there’s a fee to get in. From now until March 14th, the gardens are free of charge. Take advantage of it! An idea for for the afternoon: have brunch at Open City in Woodley Park, then walk down Shoreham Drive and bear right on the bike path. Jump onto the Normanstone Trail and it’ll wind you over to Dumbarton Oaks. About a half hour walk.

9. U.S. Botanic Garden

Another of my favorite DC spots. Plopped down steps from the Capitol Building, this giant greenhouse is an oasis of green and color in the middle of the city. I dare you to enter the Botanic Garden and not walk out with blood pressure lowered, in a relaxed state of mind. It’s beautiful in there. How about lunch first at the cafe of the National Museum of the American Indian first? The best cafeteria of any DC museum.

10. Old Post Office Tower

The best or second best view in all of Washington, DC. It’s a close call with the National Cathedral. You can take an elevator to the top, and then it’s a 360 degree panoramic view of the city, the Washington Monument and Virginia. A very romantic spot to linger with your significant other. The Old Post Office building does have a food court. Haven’t tried it so I can’t comment, but it’s a food court, so I’m guessing it’s what you’d expect. A better option — stop by at PAUL on Pennsylvania Ave. and pick up a few buttery pastries to go, or dine in for a gooey ham croque-monsieur.

11. National Cathedral

The other stunning view in DC. The cathedral has re-opened after the earthquake, and I’m assuming you can still access the observation deck. Even if you can’t get up there, the cathedral itself is a jaw-dropping example of beautiful architecture and iconography. Explore on your own or join a tour. Stroll the manicured grounds, especially the herb garden, and keep the location in mind for a picnic during the spring or summer. For nearby food, cross Wisconsin Ave. to 2 Amys for pizza, or visit Cafe Deluxe, which I’ve heard does an excellent brunch.

12. E Street Cinema

My favorite movie theater in the area. Easy to get to, with top notch selection of art house and foreign films, in just a very pleasant theater environment. My friend Melissa and I sampled the chocolate-covered pretzel sticks last weekend, and let’s just say those were polished off quickly, like before the previews were over. Yum. I also saw they were selling something called a “crab pretzel.” Anyone tried that? For a date night, I recommend first going to Co Co. Sala on F St. for their addictive chocolate drinks and chocolates, before swinging down to the theater for a flick. That’s a good evening, right there.

13. Old Town, Alexandria

The Georgetown of Alexandria? I don’t know, that statement probably offends Old Town residents. Nevertheless, there are some similarities. The quaint, bricked sidewalks, plus shops, cafes and restaurants. There are numerous places to stop in for a bite, so take your pick. Grab desserts at La Madeleine cafe and window shop up and down King St. Or peruse the Torpedo Factory and then sit outside near the water.

14. Dupont Circle farmers’ market

My Sunday morning activity of choice. Gets a little crowded, but not annoyingly so. There’s great stuff here, and you’re bound to discover something you’ve never tried before, like sunchokes or mizuna. Very upbeat and relaxed atmosphere, conducive to strolling. Be sure to swing by the Bonaparte Breads stand for a baguette or one of their killer croissants.

15. Cooking classes

What better activity to enjoy with your significant other than a cooking class? You’re guaranteed to have fun, you’ll learn useful skills and you get to eat the fruits of your labor. Just don’t criticize your partner if his/her sushi rolling technique isn’t up to par. That’s not cool. CulinAerie in DC offers all types of couples cooking classes. So does L’Academie de Cuisine in Bethesda. Roll up your sleeves and spend a night cooking!