14 things to do for Valentine’s Day in Portland

What you need to know

FOR LOVERS
Hotel Fifty | A swanky Valentine’s Day to Remember!

Two hearts, one love. Where better to celebrate this Valentine’s Day weekend than Portland’s favorite boutique waterfront hotel – Hotel Fifty? Start with free covered parking. Linger over Executive Chef Nick Yanes’ specially prepared four-course dinner…including a champagne toast. Hide under the covers of an uber-comfortable “Beverly Hills” bed. And sleep in…they promise not to disturb you until 2 p.m. the next day! You can even bring your dog!

Location: 50 Southwest Morrison Street • Portland, OR 97204-3390
Details here: Hotel Fifty


FOR THOSE WHO NEED AN EXCUSE FOR BODY HEAT
Worst Day of the Year Ride 2011

Get ready to ride with 4,000 other fun-loving people for the Worst Day of the Year Ride, an 18-mile odyssey around downtown Portland that has quickly become Portland’s favorite wintertime bike ride. Keep you warm and cozy at every turn with belly-nourishing treats including hot cocoa, doughnuts, fruit, spicy chai tea, soups, bagels, hot cider and a huge finish line lunch (all included). Join hundreds of other hardy souls as we laugh at the elements and gather for a delicious finish line party catered by Laughing Planet Cafe at the Southeast Lucky Labrador brew pub.

The ride is capped at 4,000 riders. Register early so you don’t miss out on the 10th anniversary ride. The Worst Day of the Year Ride is a benefit for the Community Cycling Center.

Location: Lucky Labrador Brew Pub • SE 915 S.E. Hawthorne
Time: February 13 • 10am
Contact: Worst Day Ride
Admission: $10-$35

FOR THOSE WHO LONG FOR THE DAYS PAST
Valentine’s Day with Johnny Mathis

The legendary crooner of love songs has performed with at the Schnitz twice before — and swept the audience off its feet both times. So he’s back once more, backed by full orchestra, and this time he’ll be here on the most romantic night of the year: Valentine’s Day!

Location: Portland Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA) • Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall • 1037 SW Broadway
Time: February 14, 2011 • 7:30pm
Tickets: Oregon Symphony


FOR THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW START
Celebrate the Chinese New Year

Yup, it’s the year of the Rabbit. An annual festival for families and children this celebration includes lion dances, puppet shows, martial arts and demonstrations sharing the rich culture and history of Chinese New Year. This two-week celebration culminates with traditional lantern viewing on February 28th. Throughout the festival, all visitors receive a red envelope, symbolizing good luck for the coming year. All events (except for the Lantern Viewing on February 17) are free with admission to Lan Su.

Location: Lan Su Chinese Garden
Time: February 3-17 2010
Contact: 503.228.8131 0r


FOR THOSE WHO UNDERSTAND THEIR MAN
Monster Jam® at the Rose Garden

Valentine’s Day is for him too and attending this event will mean a lasting memory (good or bad, you decide). Monster Jam, the world’s premier monster truck series, will come to the Rose Garden in Portland, OR on Saturday and Sunday, February 13th and 14th. Monster Jam will feature Grave Digger, Donkey Kong, Blue Thunder, Iron Man, The Patriot, Tropical Thunder, Obsession and Captain USA. This show will also feature Quad Wars!

Location: The Rose Garden
Time: February 12-13 2010 • 2pm and 7:30pm
Contact: 877.789.ROSE (7673) or their website.
Admission Tickets: $40, $30, and $20.

FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO GET IN “THE (Portland) SPIRIT”
Valentine’s Weekend of Love Cruises

This Valentine’s Day love isn’t in the air, it’s on the river. You’ll enjoy spectacular river views with famous Portland landmarks, wonderful menus and music for dancing.

• 2.5 hour romantic cruise on the Willamette River
• 4 course dinner prepared freshly on board
• Champagne or Sparkling Cider Toast
• Portland Spirit Souvenir Champagne Souvenir Flutes
• Coffee and Hot Tea Service
• Complimentary Boarding Photo
• Live Entertainment
• Service Gratuity

Location: Salmon Street Springs Fountain
Time: February 14 • Boarding 6:30pm • Cruising 7:00pm-9:30pm
Contact: 503.224.3900
Tickets: $99 pp

More info


FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE GREEN IS THE COLOR OF A VALENTINE
Friends of Trees | Green Gifts for Valentine’s Day

This year, love each other and the Earth by giving Friends of Trees Gift Trees for Valentine’s Day. For a donation of just $35, Friends of Trees will plant a young native tree in honor of a loved one and send a gift acknowledgment card in their name. It’s a great cause and a fun, green alternative to the standard Valentine’s Day fare. One single tree costs $35, and a grove of six young native trees costs $100.

Gift Trees are planted in the Collins Sanctuary in Forest Park during one of two annual Gift Trees plantings. All who give or receive Gift Trees for Valentine’s Day this year will be invited to plant their trees at the planting on March 28. Because nothing says I love you quite like getting your hands dirty with your sweetheart!

More info


FOR THOSE WHO NEED SOME LOVIN’
99 ways to F*** a Swan | by Kimberly Rosenstock

A long, long time ago, Leda makes love to a swan. 3,000 years later, Michelangelo paints a picture. 350 years later, Rudolph impulsively buys it. 128 years later, Dave and Fiona stand in a museum, gazing at what is left. Set in a world of bizarre romantic obsessions and everyday ineptitude, 99 Ways to Fuck a Swan explores the dark corners of desire and the eternal mysteries of love. Most recently presented (and adored) at Portland Center Stage’s 2009 JAW Festival, Vertigo will present the world premiere of this hysterical, weird, and epic production.

Location: Theatre Vertigo • 3430 SE Belmont, Portland OR • (503) 306-0870
Time: HURRY! February 12this last day!
Tickets: $15

FOR THE TRADITIONAL ROMANTIC DINNER
Valentine’s Dinner at Andina | Lover’s Menu

Toast to amor at Andina. For you and yours, we will serve a three-course prix fixe dinner with half a bottle of wine per person. Price begins at $75 per person (plus gratuity) and depends on choice of wine. Seatings from 5 pm to 10:30 pm. Live music all evening from the Pete Krebs Trio and Danny Romero. For information and reservations, call 503.228.9535 or book through Open Table.

Location: Andina • 1314 NW Glisan
Time: February 14th
Cost: $75+ pp

FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO POP THE QUESTION
Hike Bridal Veil Falls

Have a little something to ask someone special? She’ll never guess! Beautiful Bridal Veil Falls is an elegant and graceful lady that can be fully appreciated from the deck of a viewing platform rebuilt in 1996. The creek hustles down from the top of nearby Larch Mountain, tumbles over the cliff and eventually flows into the mighty Columbia River. No visit to the Columbia Gorge should be considered complete without a tour of the area of Bridal Veil and a visit to Bridal Veil Falls State Park.
Visit Beautiful Bridal Veil Falls


FOR THOSE WHO LOVE FARM-FRESH FOOD
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Meriwether’s

Opened in 2004, Meriwether’s Restaurant is located in the historic 2601 NW Vaughn building, on the site of the famous 1905 World’s Fair. With our unique garden dining, warm hospitality and remarkable food, Meriwether’s is a renewal of the classic country inn; perfect for the romantic Valentine’s Day dinner.  Chef Earl Hook’s food reflects a farm to table approach with a Pacific Northwest menu, including fresh produce from our own Meriwether’s Skyline Farm.

Location: 2601 N.W. Vaughn Street • Portland
Contact: 503.228.1250 or website

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE A GLASS OF RED (or white)
Valentine’s Weekend in Wine Country

Experience Wine Tasting in the Valley! Winter brings both a unique beauty and intimate wine tasting experience to the Willamette Valley. Rain, snow or shine… gorgeous scenery and fantastic wines await.  Part of Willamette Valley By The Glass. Enjoy special releases, reserve tastings, food pairings, live music, seminars to build your palate and more!

The Willamette Valley is the Heart of Oregon Wine Country. As Oregon’s leading wine region, the Valley has two-thirds of the state’s wineries and vineyards and is home to more than 200 wineries and tasting rooms. It has been recognized as one of the premier Pinot noir producing areas in the world.

It’s the perfect time to go wine tasting in the Valley! Explore the exciting wines of the Willamette Valley.

A listing of all wineries and events

FOR THOSE IN NEED OF TRADITION WITH A LITTLE FROSTING
Cupcake Jones Special Valentine’s Day Selections

No matter your budget, Cupcake Jones has got you covered. From $8 to $48, there’s something for everyone.

Top of the line: Their most popular cupcake, Red Velvet, is combined with a gorgeous bouquet of locally grown red parrot tulips. This pairing is available by pre-ordering through Quince Events here, or for you last minute shoppers, a limited number of these will be available at Cupcake Jones beginning February 12 (while supplies last).

Location: 307 NW 10th Ave • Portland
Contact: 503.222.4404

Cupcake Jones website


FOR THOSE WHO NEED A REMINDER OF PORTLAND
Remind them of their love of PDX

Yes, a shameless self-promotion. So many of our tees leave Oregon. Students who are studying out of state, people who have moved for jobs and people who are trying to lure others to come spend time with them in Portland. At $18 shipped right to you, it’ll act as a reminder of your love every time they slip it on.

Shop Little Bay Root


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