Laura’s Weekend Tips: Spring-Like Weather!

From Laura Herman. You can follow Laura on Twitter @Lmhhabs.

First and foremost: Spend time outside this weekend! If possible, take the day off on Friday to enjoy the delightful spring-like weather that we have in store. With a high of 70 degrees, I know that I’ll be making a beeline for an outdoor happy hour spot right after work. My favorite outdoor happy hour in the neighborhood? We’ll save a full roundup for when it’s actually spring, but Mandu’s front patio and Local 16’s rooftop make my late-winter cut.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, Thursday night calls for grabbing someone special (perhaps you botched Valentine’s Day? This is your opportunity to redeem yourself) and heading over to the Corcoran Gallery for their Thursday Date Night promo, which runs every Thursday throughout the month of February. You’ll be able to snag two-for-one admission (it’s usually $10 per person) and you can also check out the “Champagne & Kisses” special available at the Corcoran Café, which includes two glasses of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries or a cheese and fruit plate ($15).

Speaking of spring, it’s almost time to put the sweaters away and update your wardrobe. Head over to American Ice Co. (if you haven’t been yet, read my review here) on Saturday afternoon and check out the Butler+Claypool line preview party from 11 am to 3:30 pm. Think of this as your own little nod to NYC Fashion Week, as you browse a sampling of vintage men and women’s clothing, accessories, jewelry, art, and housewares. Tunes will be spinning and the bar will be open. ProTip: If you plan to shop and not just “touch merchandise” as I often say, be forewarned that items will be available for purchase with cash or PayPay only (they’ll have laptops on hand for PayPal payments), as credit cards will not be accepted.

After a little shopping and day drinking, you may want to stay in the area to check out DC’s own Tennis System, playing Velvet Lounge on Saturday night. Their shows have a reputation for great visual effects and lotsssss of amp (read: visual, auditory sensory overload), so it promises to be a good, head-bangin’ time. Doors open at 9, tickets are $8, and the show is 21+.

Spend part of  Sunday in bed, read  Ghostface Killah’s twitter page to catch up on your interwebs memes, and then stop by the Dupont Circle Farmers Market — it’s still bustling this time of year. If you’re mourning our dearly-departed football season, grab a ball or a frisbee and go  enjoy Meridan Hill Park, which I firmly believe is best-kept secret in and around Borderstan. Happy Weekend and, as always, please tell me what I missed–email me at [email protected] or contact me via Twitter @Lmhhabs.