Keeping Winter Cozy: Outdoor Hot Spots

For those who love the this winter air, the après-ski lifestyle, or simply warming up in a charming outdoor setting, the DC Area has no shortage of cozy retreats. From fire-lit patios and festive igloos to alpine-inspired chalets, there are plenty of ways to embrace the season in style. Find us sipping mulled wine by that crackling fire while wrapped up in a blanket at any of these winter wonderlands below: 

La Vie: Take in the views of the city with igloos on top of La Vie. La Vie offers unique and exclusive outdoor/heated dining experience Igloos with a View, located at the Penthouse level overlooking the Wharf and beyond. Enjoy brunch or dinner in the igloos. More info here.

The Wharf: Enjoy a campfire over at the wharf.  Outfitted with a cozy wood-burning fire, the vintage Airstream trailer offers all the essentials for the perfect s’more—marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers and roasting sticks. Info here.

Limani: Experience an unforgettable dining escape over the water in Limani's custom-built, crystal-clear, frameless igloos. Each luxurious igloo sits atop a bespoke platform, fully insulated for warmth and comfort and heated to ensure a cozy atmosphere, plus a Bose sound system, and charging station. With a spacious and elegant interior, each igloo accommodates 4-8 guests. Reserve here.

Firepits & S’more at Rooftop Kitchen: Rooftop dining is a rare treat in the Capitol, and Rooftop Kitchen has you covered this winter. Featuring an expansive patio complete with large outdoor fire pits, patio heaters, and cozy blankets, it’s the ultimate spot to snuggle up, enjoy incredible city views, and indulge in delicious drinks and bites. Sip on signature cocktails like the smoky Wahakan Hat Trick, a Rooftop Old Fashioned made with Russell’s Reserve 10-Year, an Espresso Martini crafted with Hanson of Sonoma Espresso Vodka, or a classic Negroni with Ford’s Gin. For something sweet, enjoy dessert wines like Taylor Fladgate 10-Year Port, offering spicy, woody complexity with rich cherry fruit notes. More info here.

Tabletop Firepit Experience at Calico: Calico is partnering with WhistlePig Whiskey and Solo Stove to offer a tabletop firepit experience this Fall and Winter. The firepit experience includes campfire inspired cocktails and smores kits on their heated patio. The experience is available every Thursday - Sunday for $25 per person. To make a reservation, click here.

Mercy Me’s Winter El Chalet: For the second year, Mercy Me has been transformed into a charming winter chalet in partnership with IHG. Filled with snow-covered pine, ambient lighting, wood textures, and fireplaces throughout, Mercy Me’s El Chalet brings together a warm ambiance, hearty cuisine, festive cocktails, and the spirit of Patagonian winter celebrations to create an ideal seasonal escape. The chalet patio will open on December 3rd, welcoming guests from Tuesdays through Saturdays and offering Seasonal Sips and Festive Fare. For more information, click here.

Snow Globe Pop Up at Hi-Lawn: Hi-Lawn has unveiled “The Dome” – a spherical, immersive “gastro-gallery under the stars” experience. Snowglow at The Dome is embracing European-inspired comfort foods, with an a la carte menu of shareable small plates from esteemed chef Nathan Beauchamp. Find comfort in dishes such as fondue raclette, luxe lobster bisque, and seasonal smørrebrød, plus a filet-for-two. For more information, click here.

A Toast to Staying Toasty at Park Hyatt: Park Hyatt has debuted its Fire Garden. The newly created outdoor oasis is reflective of a sunken garden with this Zen-like space which is ideal for unwinding with family and friends to enjoy the crisp temperatures offset by the working firepits and cozy blankets provided on the terrace. The Fire Garden is open seven days a week, from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. (weather permitting). Seating is available on a first come, first serve basis. o keep one’s spirits warm, guests can savor handcrafted winter cocktails that will be available exclusively at the Fire Garden. Choices include the Gingerbread Martini with vanilla vodka, Irish cream and ginger; Chai White Russian with chair spiced cream, spiced rum and cinnamon, and Hot Toddy with cognac, rooftop honey, lemon and cloves. For more information, click here.