When finger-freezing temperatures come to town, it’s a struggle to will ourselves out into the wintery mix (especially when you have to wrestle the youngest members of your family in and out of puffy coats). Fortunately, these cozy gems offer an inviting space to warm up your digits and enjoy some family time fireside.
Photo: Pentagon Row
Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating Plaza
When the temperature drops, you can still enjoy outdoor activities (like skating on Northern Virginia’s largest outdoor skating rink) when you have the promise of flickering flames to warm up to; the outdoor lounge features a dual-sided stone fireplace for toasty skating brakes!
1201 S Joyce St., Arlington, VA
703-418-6666
Online: pentagonrowskating.com
Ritz-Carlton Georgetown
If the wood-burning fireplace in the Ritz-Carlton brings on a hankering for s’mores, you’re in luck! Every evening from 6:30 pm to 7 pm the hotel offers complimentary chocolate smothered marshmallows sandwiched in a graham cracker. Mmmm!
3100 South St., NW, Georgetown
202-912-4100
Online: ritzcarlton.com
Redstone American Grill
After a long day at National Harbor–riding the carousel, building sand castles, or paddleboating on the Potomac–gather your crew around one of the year-round firepits at this rugged restaurant. From flatbreads and burgers to steak and soup, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s tastebuds.
155 National Plaza, National Harbor
301-839-3330
Online: redstonegrill.com
Hotel Tabard Inn
On Saturdays and Sundays this Dupont Circle hotel serves some of the best donuts D.C. has to offer. Enjoy your fried doughnut by the roaring fire in the English-inspired lounge. The Inn does not have a children’s menu per say, but this family-friendly establishment will create pint-sized portions for smaller guests.
1739 N St., NW, Dupont Circle
202-785-1277
Online: tabardinn.com
Praline Bakery and Bistro
Flakey croissants and gooey tarts taste better when they are enjoyed by the warmth of a fire! This Bethesda-based bakery offers authentic French cuisine and sweets (and if you’re lucky, you can nab a table by their fireplace).
4611 Sangamore Rd., Bethesda, MD
301-229-8180
Online: praline-bakery.com
Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm
Historic barns and stone buildings lend a ski lodge-like atmosphere to this American restaurant. The expansive property boasts seven fireplaces–one in each of its dining rooms–for a guaranteed fireside meal.
42920 Broadlands Blvd. (Broadlands, Va)
571-209-1200
Online: clydes.com/willow
Barrel Oak Winery
This kid-friendly winery welcomes families to enjoy a board game or a good book by their fire. Every Friday night they feature family-friendly movies (with free popcorn) in the loft. Un-”wined” while the kids enjoy a flick!
3623 Grove Ln., Delaplane, VA
540-364-6402
Online: barreloak.com
Do you have a favorite fireplace spot? Tell us where we can find it in the comments below.
–Ayren Jackson-Cannady and Meghan Meyers
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