1. Café Comfort
Having a formal wedding? Set the rehearsal dinner apart with a relaxed gathering by the bay. Karie Lewicki of Bella Amore Events recommends Boatyard Bar & Grill, a Key West-inspired spot situated in the middle of Annapolis City Marina. The menu: Key West shrimp, jerk chicken, conch fritters, and specialty rum drinks.
GREEN NOTE: This restaurant donates one percent of its sales to conservation through OnePercentforthePlanet.org (410) 216-6206
2. Vineyard Style
Wine lovers? Then gather your guests at Chrysalis Vineyards in Middleburg, VA. Sarah Stanley of Simple Solutions led us to this estate winery where you can host an intimate sit-down dinner in the Tasting Room, or outdoors surrounded by grapevines. (540) 687-8222
3. Organic Outpost
Set the tone for organic style with a rehearsal dinner at Asia Nora. This DC establishment specializes in seasonal organic cuisine that tastes as good as it looks. There is even a wine list that features wines made with certified organically grown or biodynamic grapes. (202) 797-4860
4. Sunset Cruise
Take to the seas aboard the Odyssey III. Lewicki suggests a sunset cruise on this contemporary cruising vessel, where you and your guests can feast on a four-course meal while sailing past the national monuments along the Potomac River. (888) 741-0281
5. Water World
At Blue Sea Grill in Baltimore, you can dive into an ocean of seafood without ever having to step foot near the water. In a serene blue-hued dining room painted to feel like an aquarium, 20-240 guests can sip fine wines as they toast your upcoming nuptials. (410) 837-7300
6. Culture Club
Modern couples with an appreciation for fine contemporary art (and their own caterer) may want to consider the Fraser Gallery. Located in Bethesda (with a satellite gallery in Georgetown), this space can accommodate 80 guests for a seated rehearsal dinner surrounded by works of local, national, and international artists. (301) 718-9651
7. Foodie Find
If to you, the rehearsal dinner is really about the dinner, check out 2941 Restaurant in Falls Church, VA. In a private room overlooking rushing waterfalls or more tranquil waterside views, 40-66 guests can feast on award-winning modern French-American cuisine. Oenophiles will enjoy the extensive wine list. (703) 270-1500
Photo: Courtesy of Boatyard Bar & Grill
-- Christa Vagnozzi
See More: Rehearsal Dinner , Rehearsals + Brunches
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