Hello my love,

If you’ve been swiping, DMing, or even saying “I give up” (again), this one’s for you. Because we deserve soft dates, safe spaces, and intentional energy without it always being dinner, a movie, or a forced “just come over” situation.

Whether you’re healing, flirting, or looking to build something solid, the DMV has so many lowkey gems for Black singles who want to explore connection in fresh, non-traditional ways.

Let’s build your “This ain’t no regular date” moodboard:

🎨 Creative & Chill Vibes

1. Cake & Sip Classes

Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Think “Paint & Sip” energy, but with cake. Pull up to Cakes x Co. in Columbia, MD, and decorate sweet treats while you flirt over frosting. Bonus: You leave with dessert and a potential situationship.

2. Trap Paint Nights

If you like your dates with a little more beat drop, Trap Paint Nights are a whole experience. Paint, laugh, vibe to 90s hip-hop or new-school trap, and let your inner artist shine.

3. Pottery & Chill at The ClayGround (Ellicott City)

Y’all remember Ghost? Yup. This is your modern-day “hands-on” moment. Whether you’re trying the wheel for the first time or just bonding through clay, it’s surprisingly intimate and a little messy in the best way.

🌿 Outside, But Make It Intentional

4. Sunrise Hike at Lake Elkhorn (Columbia)

Nothing says “I like you for real” like waking up early for a sunrise hike. Pack fruit, Liquid IV, a playlist, and walk the peaceful trail at Lake Elkhorn. Bonus if y’all stretch together first… I heard yoga mats in the grass hit different.

5. Guided Sound Bath & Nature Walk

Tap into your inner peace together. Look for pop-up sound baths on Eventbrite or find Black-led wellness experiences in PG or Howard County. You’ll leave grounded, glowy, and maybe even in love.

6. Fishing at Quiet Waters Park (Annapolis)

This one’s a whole-day vibe. Grab your rods, snacks, spirits, and pull up to the water. It’s quiet, scenic, and low-pressure, perfect for uninterrupted convo and that “soft life” feeling we crave.

🍷 Cultured & Curated

7. Black-Owned Winery Tour – Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards (Brandywine)

The vines, the views, the vibe. Sip, talk, and walk through this Black-owned winery with acres of beauty and wine flights that make you forget you’re still in Maryland.

8. Museum & Mimosas

Start at the National Museum of African American History & Culture and end at brunch. Whether it’s Creole on 14th, Succotash, KitchenCray, or a hidden gem in Shaw, this is the perfect “get deep but still turn up” kind of date.

9. Jazz Nights at JoJo’s or Mr. Henry’s

Live jazz, low lights, cocktails, and conversations that stretch into the night? Yes please. This one’s ideal for the ones who crave old-school romance with a little rhythm and soul.

10. Black Bookstore Crawl

Hit MahoganyBooks (Anacostia) then Loyalty Bookstore (Silver Spring). Pick out a book for each other, grab coffee nearby, and talk about more than just your zodiac signs.

🌌 Soft, Quirky & Intentional

11. Stargazing at Howard County Conservancy

Pack a blanket, snacks, and your favorite playlist. Let the stars do the flirting while y’all talk dreams, boundaries, and everything in between. It’s giving “we might write poetry about this night.”

12. Indoor Rock Climbing – Movement Gym (Columbia)

Playful, adrenaline-pumping, and surprisingly cute. Trust-building is built in… literally, you’ll have to belay each other. Perfect for active first dates or fun second-round energy.

14. Cooking Class – Cookology (Arlington)

Try something cultural like a Caribbean or soul food class and work together to make a meal. Bonus points if you recreate the recipe for a second date.

🥂 Soft Flexes + Fly Dates

15. Black-Owned Luxury Picnic Setups – Picnic & Chill DMV

Want to go full soft-life? Book a curated luxury picnic with rugs, florals, charcuterie, and vibes. Or DIY it with your own set up at the National Arboretum or Centennial Park.

16. Farmers Market + Dinner Challenge

Shop together at one of the Columbia, Laurel, Upper Marlboro or Silver Spring Amish Markets, grab a few ingredients, and head home to cook something with what you found. It’s giving Food Network meets flirtationship.

17. Rooftop Date @ Takoda DC

Dress up, hit the rooftop, sip cocktails, and watch the city glow. Perfect for a late-night date when y’all want to keep it luxe, lowkey, and locked in.

18. Mini Baltimore Getaway – Black Arts + Oysters

Spend the day exploring The Black Arts District, hop over to the B&O Museum, and end the evening with oysters and champagne at Thames Street Oyster House. It’s the kind of date that starts with “Let’s go to Bmore” and ends with “We should do this again… like next weekend.”

Dating in the DMV doesn’t have to be basic or boring. Whether you’re newly single, out here dating with intention, or just looking for ways to connect on a deeper level, these experiences were made to help you tap in without losing your softness or standards.

You’re not asking for too much friend, you’re just waiting for the right energy.

Ready to go on a date that actually feels like something? I dare you to send this list to your crush 😌.

Xoxo,

Drea