If you are also looking to defrost, there are spots in the DMV that will help you stay warm year-round. These are places sure to raise your core temperature, whether through athletic endeavors or pure relaxation.
There’s no one way to beat the cold. But here are five good ones, to see you through the last brutal gusts of winter.
Botanical garden
The U.S. Botanic Garden is the perfect location for any occasion. Date? Breakup? Dad in town? Mom’s friend’s daughter whom you’ve never met is in D.C. to tour colleges? All situations can be saved by the temperate magic of the botanical garden.
The indoor conservatory, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., typically boasts around a dozen exhibits. In the winter months, you miss out on the children’s garden and southern exposure but get to experience the joy of stepping from freezing temperatures into the tropics.
The two-story tropics exhibit feels like being plunged into Costa Rica without the pesky airline costs. The lush landscape, misting waterfalls and vibrant plants provide the perfect oasis. Be warned: The second level can get quite toasty, with thick mist, but provides beautiful views of the enclosure’s 1933 architecture.
If a dry heat is what you’re seeking, check out the world deserts exhibit. It features kooky-looking cactuses and the feeling of a dry sauna.
Insider tip: Check the calendar for any special exhibits or flowers in bloom (looking at you, corpse flower) around the time you want to visit.
U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory, open daily. 100 Maryland Ave. SW, usbg.gov.
Laser tag
There is nothing more humbling than being absolutely destroyed by a group of 4-foot-tall 7-year-olds in laser tag. The experience of being chased down by the pack, their giggles echoing through the neon atmosphere as they snuff out the light on your vest once again, changes you as a person. It also warms you up.
The laser tag arena at Ultrazone Baileys Crossroads is packed with hiding places, ramps and obstacles — making it a pleasure getting turned around in this nuclear waste comic fever dream that is exploding with neon murals and lights.
The process to actually play is a little confusing: First, walk up to the main desk, located next to the front door, and purchase your laser tag experience. A single game is $11.99, and a triple play card is $24.99. I recommend opting for the triple play — you need at least one game to get the hang of it. Then sign the waiver. (A parent or guardian will need to sign for anyone under 18.) An employee will then give you a separate card that you need to bring to the laser tag operator. Enjoy your approximately 15 minutes of fun, then return to the front desk to get your punch card stamped and receive a new play card.
Recover for a few minutes, then go show those 7-year-olds what’s up.
Insider tip: Bring water with you or have $1 bills prepped for the vending machine. You will need it.
Ultrazone Baileys Crossroads, open Thursday through Sunday. 3447 Carlin Springs Rd., Baileys Crossroads, Va., ultrazonebaileys.com.
Roller skating/pickleball
Where else but Kraken on Bryant Street NE can you find pickleball, roller skating, table tennis, cornhole and darts in the same location? It’s a smorgasbord of activities right off the Red Line that’s fun for the whole family — except after 9 p.m., when it’s 21-plus.
The warehouse-style space near Brentwood has a sea of pickleball courts, hosting matches ranging from the intense to those played between beers. You can rent everything you need to play on-site, plus buy the accompanying beers and other alcoholic beverages.
Over in the roller rink, skating sessions cost $8 to $12 depending on the time of day; cabanas can be rented for an additional fee; and if you really want to ball out, you can rent the whole rink. Kraken also rents out skates and offers lessons if you’re just starting your skate journey. Beware that some spots on the modest skate rink have chips, particularly by the entrance, so do your best to avoid them.
All that activity works up an appetite, but the Bryant Street location does not have food; they can, however, order you pizza and wings from a nearby restaurant. An employee suggested I just run down to Bryant Street Market (a five-minute walk) if I wanted something quicker. The food hall is right past Alamo Drafthouse and has a flurry of incredible options. I highly recommend Bold Dumpling, which sells handmade dumplings that will warm you from the inside out.
Insider tip: Book your pickleball courts online in advance if you want a shot at scoring court time on busy days.
Kraken Bryant Street, open daily. 514 Rhode Island Ave. NE, experiencekraken.com.
Spa World
I brought my boyfriend to this storied Korean oasis, on a date, not fully grasping the level of gender segregation. We had an incredibly relaxing time, but far less romantic than I pictured. Take heed — they will section you off based on the gender stated on your government-issued ID.
After paying the $40-per-person entrance fee (prices differ for military and based on age), I was given a unisex uniform to be worn in the all-gender areas and directed to a locker room. Here, I changed into my bathing suit, something most of the other patrons did not do — nudity is the norm.
I started at the hydrotherapy bade pool and did not know, until I was immersed, that this was exactly what I needed. I floated; I got my neck massaged by water; and I experienced the bench, hydro, wave, esthe and bubble jets. Time melted away as the tension in my body released. There are also dry and humid saunas in this part of the spa, allowing patrons to let their whole body take in the heat.
After donning my unisex fit, I checked out the rest of the facility. Surrounding a relaxing area for people to hang out, eat food or grab a smoothie are seven poultice rooms — including a salt room, ice room and red clay room — all meant to bring different benefits to the body. If you want to sweat in a different way, just head to the fitness center.
Insider tip: Bring your own water bottle, and book your massage early. They have free water filling stations but charge for bottled water, and the treatments book up quickly.
Spa World, open daily. 13830 Braddock Rd. A10, Centreville, Va., spaworldusa.com.
Hot pot
A food that’s so hot, it’s in the name: hot pot.
Typically, you cook the meat, seafood or veggies yourself, but Dumpling Hot Pot Beyond cooks it for you and provides you with a steaming chalice of flavor.
The quaint restaurant on H Street has comfortable booths and a plethora of tables. The ordering style is perfect for the person who wants to look at pictures of the food — they bring you a tablet with the menu that allows you to order tableside. Dumpling Hot Pot Beyond beautifully combines dim sum classics like bao and sesame balls with the warmth and comfort of hot pot.
Each hot pot serves two to three people, with options of brothless hot pot and traditional hot pot. I opted for a full-broth hot pot, as I enjoy a soupy consistency. From there, you choose your spice level (slightly, medium or extremely spicy) and your mains. The options are beef, beef/lamb/seafood, lamb, fried tofu or seafood. If you’re feeling particularly hungry, combine two for an overflowing pot.
Insider tip: Come for the hot pot, but don’t ignore the soup dumplings or custard bao; the rest of the menu is just as flavorful.
Dumpling Hot Pot Beyond, open daily. 1216 H St. NE, dumplinghotpotbeyond.com.
