by Sandy Rosenblatt

While in recent winters past the Washington DC area has been blessed with pure white blankets of snow, this year we have not even accumulated an inch.  For those of you that were ready to break out your ski jackets, boots, mittens and hats, I can offer you some solace.

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink is just a short metro ride away. Weather permitting, the outdoor ice rink is open from mid November to mid March. Enjoy the outdoor surroundings and take in the spectacular sculptures encircling the rink. Listen to the music playing over the speakers while holding onto the hand of your date.

Reminisce on your childhood: take a moment to show off that you can skate backwards; skate real fast around the bends and whip your date around them and let go. Yes my date did take the opportunity to try that trick on me. I would like to say I was able to stay on my feet; however I would be lying. Not only did I fall flat on my backside but went down laughing hysterically. Don’t fret, my prince charming was there to quickly pick me back up and place me on my feet. That was followed by some nice gentle skating with warm hand holding.

Worked up an appetite after a fun day of ice skating? Just a few short steps away is the Pavillion Cafe. In the restaurant you can cozy up with a warm cup of hot chocolate, indulge in a beer and enjoy gourmet pizza, sandwiches or wraps. Chat away in comfort until you are ready to go back out to the rink or take a stroll, sans skates, through the maze of sculptures. 

For more Information on the National Gallery Sculpture Garden Ice Rink go to:
http://www.nga.gov/ginfo/skating.htm