Date ideas in Portland plus must-see events with your special someone this February
There is no better way to strengthen your relationship than by making time together. But it’s all too easy to fall into a rut and let date night turn into another chore on your list of responsibilities.
While candle-lit dinners at a fancy restaurant and Chinese take-out with a bottle of wine are a classic nice, spice things up this Love Month and bring in your A game.
Portland is full of great restaurants, bars, breweries, and lots of fun date ideas for couples looking to do something different on Valentine’s Day.
We’ve rounded up some of the best date ideas in Portland so that you can relax and enjoy yourself instead of worrying about making plans. Just take your pick!
Get your geek on at Guardian Games
One of the best things about falling in love is discovering your partner’s quirks and knowing you’re pretty much the same people. If you and your partner are fond of table-top games like Catan and Dungeons and Dragons, then look no further than Guardian Games.
They offer a large gaming area with several tables where couples can pick from a wide selection of games to spend a few hours immersing in another world. Gaming brings out a different side to people and exploring a usually hidden side of your partner can bring about another reason to love them even more.
Their staff is also very knowledgeable and more than happy to assist in having you enjoy your experience in the store.
Go on a boozy journey with a Distillery Row Passport
Romantic things to do in Portland don’t stop at just steak and wine, as most residents and frequent tourists can attest. Lovingly called “Beervana”, the city is one of the pioneers of the craft brewing movement, and has long been known for its many distilleries and breweries.
For those with a hankering for whiskey though, a Distillery Row Passport is definitely something to grab. This allows clients to tour some of the city’s top distilleries like New Deal, Wild Roots Spirits, Freeland Spirits, and others. The entire tour includes maps, gift cards, and of course, tastings. So, ditch the beer for now and remember to pace yourselves!
Have a taste of history at Huber’s Cafe
Although Valentine’s Day in Portland is most likely one of, if not the busiest day for this restaurant, going the extra mile to reserve a table for you and your special someone is going to set their heart ablaze.
Established in 1879, Huber’s is Portland’s oldest cafe. Although their specialty is a world-famous turkey dinner, they also serve many other options. Their Spanish Coffee served with a spectacular fire dance performance from the bartender, is also a must-try.
The bar is usually packed, but the service is always great and they provide a level of customer care that will ensure you’ll be back again.
Some Events To Look Forward To During Love Month
When we said Valentines Day in Portland was something to look forward to, we weren’t kidding. Here are just some of the events in Portland to take note of this upcoming February.
Cascade Festival of African Films
Known as the longest-running nonprofit film festival focusing on Africa in the US, the Cascade Festival is something both locals and tourists look forward to every year. Since 1991, it has celebrated both achievements and history of the African-American community.
This year’s event will be a mix of in-person and virtual viewing, and it starts on the 4th of February, and will go on until the 5th of March.
March on to Mississippi Avenue on February 21, 2023 at 7pm to enjoy Portland’s very own version of Mardi Gras. This is a friendly and fun event for everyone, and is free of charge to join. Members of the organizing group, lovingly known as the Krewe (Mysti Krewe of Nimbus), throw out signature mini-umbrellas for lucky members of the crowd to take home. The parade starts at Victoria Bar and then goes down Mississippi Avenue and then on to Cook Street close to Ecliptic Brewing.
Portland Jazz Festival
The Portland Jazz Festival organized by PDX Jazz celebrates Black History Month with multiple performances and events over a two-week period every February. This year, it will go from February 16 to 25, and will feature concerts from some of the genre’s greatest artists and rising stars.
The event is held in order to honor and preserve one of America’s most prolific indigenous art forms, and is definitely one of the sexiest date ideas in Portland.
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With so much going on in Portland this February, you might want to getaway from the craziness of it all while still being close so you can deep in and out whenever.
Stay at Ponderosa Inn in Gresham, Oregon when visiting Portland and enjoy the tranquility of this charming suburb just minutes away from all of these fun date ideas in Portland. We offer cozy and comfortable accommodations for everyone at great prices with great amenities including hot tubs, vending machines, a pool, and more. Our coffee bar is a nice place to relax and enjoy comfortable conversations with your partner, and we also offer complimentary parking.
So what are you waiting for? Don’t delay—make your reservations right away by calling 971-220-1002, or book directly below. We look forward to seeing you soon!
