Although getting away may be a challenge, finding time to plan a date night in Portland is as important as it is fun
The month of love is here. You’ve been parenting like a hero all year, and now it’s time to celebrate the love you have for your family and your partner. After you’ve hit the local candy shops and found your little sweets some sweets, it’s time to book a babysitter and some romantic time with your bae. After all, taking time to nurture your relationship is an important part of good parenting. If you are ready for a real date night (or day, or overnight) but aren’t sure what to do, we’ve put together a list of romantic spots for you to go. Whether you are dying for an afternoon out or a reason to get dressed up for an evening out, we’ve got some great date-night ideas for you.
Date night restaurants in Portland you won’t want to miss
Dine on a Heated Patio
While the weather may be getting colder, you and your partner can stay warm and safe, dining on one of Portland Restaurants many heated patios. If there is one wonderful thing that has come out of COVID, it is that local restaurants rose to the occasion and created gorgeous, date-worthy outdoor seating that includes an element of warmth. One of our favorite date spots is Produce Row, which features a giant outdoor patio area that stays toasty warm during the cold months. There's also plenty of indoor seating as well. Check out more heated patio dining options here.
Produce Row
204 SE Oak St
Online: producerowcafe.com
Enjoy Safe Indoor Dining
Many Portland restaurants have gone the extra mile to keep their patrons safe. You can expect properly spaced seating and responsible mask requirements at all of these locations. Many of them require a vaccination card or proof of a negative COVID test as well. There's no better way to celebrate you love and the return of indoor seating by supporting local restaurants this Valentine's Day. From casual spots that serve up a slice of pie to classy joints that offer farm-to-table meal, you have you pick of places to eat. And you can return to all of them later this year, even with kids in tow. Check them out here.
Hit the Zoo
Think a day at the zoo is just for kids? Think again! Taking a stroll together through the Oregon Zoo can be a great way to reconnect with your special someone. The zoo has reopened and you can now reserve timed-entry tickets 10 days in advance. There are guidelines in place to reduce crowds and ensure social distancing, so be sure to review the guidelines before making your reservation. Then, get ready for some outdoor fun with all the animals!
Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon Rd.
Portland, OR
503-226-1561
Adult: $17.95
Daily 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Online: oregonzoo.org
Date night ideas Portland parents can agree on
Scope the Art at Alberta Street Gallery
Do you and your partner love art? Visit this artist collective featuring work from local artists. With and open and airy gallery, you can safely spend an afternoon perusing their current showings. Commemorate the romantic experience by purchasing a special piece of art to enjoy at home! When you are done looking at art, checkout the neighborhood. Alberta is a beloved area of town that is full of places to bring the kiddos when date night is done.
Alberta Street Gallery
1829 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR
503-954-3314
11-7 p. daily
Online: albertastreetgallery.com
Wander Through The Portland Art Museum
What is more romantic than an afternoon wandering through halls filled with breathtaking art. Portland Art Museum has an astounding array of art exhibits to peruse year-round, and even boasts family-friendly days. But, this Valentine's Day take some kid-free time to check out their current exhibits and their impressive collection of art. You can easily spend hours checking out the museum's 50,000 objects, displayed in 112,000 square feet of galleries. When you are done, you can wander through downtown and grab a meal at one of the downtown eateries.
1219 SW Park Avenue
Portland, OR
503-226-2811
Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
$25/person
Online: portlandartmuseum.org
Drive-in and Wine-Down Movies
Head out to the Dalles for a slight twist on the drive-in experience. The winery at the Sunshine Mill now offers drive-up movie nights! Enjoy classic concession stand goodies, or choose from a selection of appetizers and wine from the winery, while watching a film broadcast on the side of the building. Get cozy with your beloved and watch a feel-good or seasonal movie. You can even book a private screening if you you want to go big!
The Sunshine Mill
901 East 2nd St.
The Dalles, OR
541-298-8900
Tasting room open daily 12-6 p.m.; until 6 p.m. prior to movie nights
Drive-up Movies offered Thurs.-Sat. after Sunset
$20/car
Online: sunshinemill.com/drive-up-movies
Get Away
Got a little more time (and childcare) and want to get away? Consider one of these options for extended day time adventures, full day trips, and quick overnights that are (relatively) safe during the pandemic.
Head to Hood River
Hood River offers families breathtaking views of the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains. You have hiking trails, fascinating museums, and wine country surrounding you. Book your love nest at the Hood River Hampton Inn & Suites right off I-84, in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This hotel is just five minutes from central Hood River and within a mile of waterfront restaurants, bars and parks. You can spend your whole day, overnight, or weekend away strolling around the waterfront enjoying great bites and views, or you can head in town and do some shopping. For more ideas on what to do and where to go when you are in Hood River, read more here.
Visit Astoria
Enjoy an overnight or weekend filled with adventure, art, museums, and maritime fun in Astoria. Located right on the river, The Bowline Hotel may very well be the most romantic spot to stay on the Oregon Coast. Don't let the industrial aesthetic fool you. This gorgeous spot is a sardine cannery that has been turned into a lux hotel that is home to 40 rooms that feature plush king beds, luxury linens, flickering fireplaces, tubs and French press coffee to start your mornings with. It's also home to a romantic bar and eatery called The Knot. The Knot Bar offers guests locally sourced menu items that are Scandinavian-inspired and pay homage to Astoria's seafood history. When you aren't snuggling in your plush room or enjoying next-level bites and sips, you can stroll through the town and enjoy shopping in one of the many eclectic shops. Or check out a museum or the Astoria column. To fill your romantic getaway itinerary, read more here.
Stay in a Tiny House with Getaway
Book a cabin for two in Mt. Adams with this new tiny-home vacation rental company. With hot showers, bathroom, heat and AC, a stove, and a comfy bed, it's the perfect mix of camping and comfort. The collection of 30 cabins (built on a shipping container base) is nestled in a quiet 80-acre park near trails in Glenwood, Washington, about a two-hour drive from Portland. Safety measures are in place to make your stay a healthy one.
Getaway Portland Outpost
From $119/night
Online: getaway.house/portland
—Annette Benedetti
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