Spend your Valentine’s Day getaway with a stunning backdrop composed of Oregon’s forests, rivers, mountains, and seacoasts. Whether you prefer the cosmopolitan ambiance of a large city, or the intimacy of a small town surrounded by pristine wilderness, Oregon offers the perfect spot for your romantic escape. When you stay at one of many cozy Oregon vacation rentals, you can easily take intimate walks in breathtaking locales like the beach and woodlands. Also, look forward to enjoying scenic excursions by kayak, boat, or train; touring expansive wineries; and experiencing fine dining in atmospheric restaurants. Here are the top places for Valentine’s Day getaways in Oregon.
1. Portland
Portland, Oregon’s largest city, provides an eclectic abundance of Valentine’s Day activities. Where to go in Portland begins with its magnificent parks, where couples can enjoy romantic walks amidst flamboyant natural settings. Forest Park offers long walking trails through emerald woodlands, and just down the hill is Bethany Shopping Plaza, where you can browse for special gifts for your beloved. The nearby neighborhoods of Forest Park and Nob Hill have numerous well-renowned restaurants for an intimate meal. The paths in the Japanese Garden are surrounded by wondrous landscaping and offer beautiful views of the city. The Chinese Garden in downtown Portland makes you feel as if you are transported to a fantasy wonderland. Other highlights on Valentine’s Day in Portland are special concerts by world-famous performers. For a unique romantic experience, take a cruise on the Portland Spirit riverboat down the Willamette River and enjoy live entertainment while you feast on a four-course meal.
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2. Salem
Ensconced in the midst of Willamette Valley wine country, the city of Salem offers delightful romantic Valentine’s Day excursions to the area wineries. Events at Arcane Cellars combine live entertainment with truffle and wine tastings, while Willamette Valley Vineyards offers a choice of wine and chocolate or a four-course dinner with wine. Illahe Vineyards serves up fondue with its wine, and Eola Hills Wine Cellar provides prime rib and a pasta bar with their liquid refreshment. For a romantic feast in town, head for Bentley’s Grill. Be sure to treat yourself to a sensuous experience at the Simply Blissed Spa. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime thrill, take the Valentine’s Day Brunch Cruise on the Willamette Queen riverboat.
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3. Albany
A great idea of where to go in Albany on Valentine’s Day is the Dave Clark riverfront path. This romantic trail runs along the Willamette River and passes downtown shops where you can browse for gifts for each other. Nearby cultural attractions you can stop in at include the Albany Regional Museum, the Gallery Calapooia, and the Historic Carousel and Museum. Hold hands while you watch a movie at the historic Pix Theater, which serves wine, beer and chocolate as special Valentine’s Day treats. For a special Valentine’s meal, try Bo-Mack’s BBQ, which has a holiday meal called Sweethearts Dinner featuring rack of ribs. For something more casual, Pizza King celebrates the Taste of Italy Valentine Feast with heart shaped pizzas.
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4. Eugene
A wonderful place for a romantic walk near your Eugene vacation rental is Hendricks Park near the University of Oregon campus, which features a lovely rhododendron garden. For your special Valentine’s Day dinner, Eugene offers an eclectic mix of offerings from various cultures. The Izakaya Meijii Company offers you delicious Japanese cuisine in a homey atmosphere, while the Belly Taqueria has Mexican food in a colorful Latin setting. For a menu listing both Greek and Indian food, check out Poppi’s Anatolia, and for American food and a full bar with exotic drink items, head for the Davis Restaurant and Bar.
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5. Bend
If you enjoy partying and plenty of lively activities on Valentine’s Day, head for the Oregon Winterfest in Bend. This annual event features food, drink, live entertainment, and lots to do. The Winterfest Wine Walk takes you through the Old Mill District to sample wine at various local businesses. When you’re hungry, check out the Marketplace, where vendors display delicious fresh meals and snacks. Admire works of art made from 600-pound blocks of ice at the ice sculptors’ display. If you’re feeling energetic, join in on the Royal Run, an obstacle course through the Old Mill District and along the Deschutes River. To get away from the crowd for a quiet romantic dinner, head for Greg’s Grill, a restaurant with soft lighting, large windows, and a beautiful view of the Deschutes River.
6. Hood River
Hood River is a town in north central Oregon on the Columbia River in the midst of the Columbia River wine country. Every year, the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers Association hosts the Columbia Gorge Wine and Chocolate Valentine’s Weekend. More than 20 wineries on both the Washington and Oregon sides of the Columbia River participate in pairing gourmet wines and truffles in their tasting rooms. The Oregon tastings comprise numerous wineries between Hood River and a town called The Dalles. For more holiday romance and adventure, take a ride on the historic Mount Hood Railroad, which makes a round trip through spectacular scenery from its Hood River depot.
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7. Lincoln City
Lincoln City lies southeast of Portland on a magnificently scenic stretch of the Pacific Coast. Every year in winter for the Finders Keepers program, the city’s famed glass blowers create colorful glass floats that city employees known as Float Fairies hide along the seashore. Exploring the beach to find these floats is a fun romantic activity, and if you find one and register it at the Visitor Center, you receive a certificate of authenticity and a biography of the artist who crafted it. Lincoln City is renowned for its antique shops, and over the week of Valentine’s Day, the city hosts Antique Week, when the city shops offer discounts and specials. If you enjoy classical and jazz music, head to the south end of town for the Siletz Bay Music Festival.
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