Ten Romantic Things to Do In February

1. Learn Ballroom Dance Steps Together

Vault Dance Studio in mid-town Eugene offers a variety of ballroom dancing sessions, including group or private lessons. Drop-in for one class or purchase a package together. Perfect for polishing your wedding dance, or just enjoying being in each other's arms as you glide across the ballroom floor. There will be a ball on Valentine's Day... can you think of anything more romantic?

2. Explore Covered Bridges in Wine County

Winter has its own unique and cozy charms. Take your Valentine on a mystery tour road trip at the height of cellar season. While wine tasting room hours are more limited, the opportunities for intimate tasting experiences increases, with the winemaker also inside, swirling a glass of the latest vintage and planning for spring. The picturesque Willamette Valley is also dotted with outstanding bakeries, many rolling out dough made with local grains and organic ingredients. Between bakery and winery stops, detour to look at the region's historic covered bridges. A few you can still drive through, others are preserved as a delightful stop to get out and stretch your legs as you explore the bridge.

3. Soak in the Hot Springs

Plan a day of rejuvenation and adventure! Pack along warm tea in a thermos, some big fluffy towels and head up into the mountains to soak in the hot springs. How blissful to slip into the warm waters, immersed in nature's beauty.

Depending on February's weather and road conditions, some hot springs may be inaccessible due to snow or ice. Roads to the springs are not maintained in winter and high winter water volumes and strong currents may obscure the pools. Please use good judgement and have an alternative activity plan if conditions are not safe.

Your best bet is the hot spring-fed swimming pool at Belknap Hot Springs because they offer easy accessibility, a locker room and overnight lodging. Before soaking, take a stroll with your loved one to the "Secret Garden" with its moss-covered waterways and paths. Stay overnight for a charming lodge experience.

4. Hike to a Winter Waterfall

Immerse yourself in wintery nature on a trail hike to a splendid winter waterfall. Marvel at icy cascades and mossy cliffs. From close-to-town hikes on the Ridgeline trails to jaunts up into the Cascades, there are plenty of paths to explore. Local tour guides can also take you on a snowy adventure. And Provisions offers to-go lunches that you can pack — for a snowy picnic!

For die-hard romantics, Willamalane offers a guided moonlight snowshoeing excursion to Gold Lake in January. Imagine the moon sparkling on the crisp white snow and lake... In February, there are some daytime trips to Clear Lake and Salt Creek which are also spectacular destinations. 

5. Pour a Cup of Tea for Two

The Shelton McMurphey Johnson House offers a "Sweetheart Tea" before Valentine's Day. Enjoy a selection of house-made pastries and fine teas served in the historic home. But reserve early, as these teas fill up.

LoveJoy's in Florence serves a wide selection of fine teas, complete with finger sandwiches and traditional pastries! Pull up a chair in their cozy tea room in Old Town Florence, or if you'd rather have tea at home, shop their extensive bulk teas for take-home.

You can also set your own tea table at home with selections from Mountain Rose Herbs and a local bakery (serving all those goodies you picked up along the bakery tour!).

6. Browse Boutique Book Stores

Surprise your partner with a rainy afternoon of bookstore browsing -- if they love reading, this is the perfect gift! Daffodil Romantasty Books and Gifts in downtown Eugene sets up a cozy, charming atmosphere with candles, chandeliers, gorgeous bookshelves, rugs and armchairs. Smith Family Bookstore is a classic new and used bookstore where you can get lost amongst the stacks of books and Tsunami Books in South Eugene also offers both new and used books, along with being a frequent venue for local artistic talent ranging from poetry readings and musical groups to lectures and discussion meet-ups.

Cottage Grove has a cluster of great bookstores in historic downtown, including the fantastic bookstore Kalapuya Books. In Historic Old Town Florence, find a sweet, welcoming atmosphere at Books 'n' Bears. 

7. Take a Mural Walk

Discover the many mural walls throughout downtown Eugene, downtown Cottage Grove, Historic Old Town Florence and downtown Springfield. For this February 14, join in Springfield's Friday Art Walk in and around the historic Main Street area. Art galleries host artist receptions, new exhibits and live music; plus pick up a map from the Emerald Art Center and take a self-guided tour of surprise Simpson's murals. "The Simpsons" TV family has mural tributes throughout the downtown area.

8. Listen to Jazz

Take your date to a music hot spot! The Jazz Station is a collective, creative venue for jazz musicians to jam and perform. This is THE place to soak up the local vibe of Eugene's authentic jazz scene in an intimate setting. If you want to glam up the evening, head over to Jazzy Ladies restaurant for great dining, beautiful drinks and fun jazz themed events. 

9. Give Your Sweetheart Chocolate, Flowers or Jewelry

It's okay to stick with traditional Valentine's Day favorites, but put a local twist on it! Euphoria Chocolate is a high-end Eugene chocolate company that makes beautiful truffles and lovely foil wrapped heart chocolates. Buy bunches of flowers from Rhythm and Blooms at 5th Street Public Market or find stunning jewelry at Skeie's Jewelers in Oakway Center. Make a lasting impressions with a nice wallet or handbag from Will Leather Goods. Or find warm, woolly mittens or new cookware at Down to Earth Home, Garden & Gift. 

10. Try a New Adventure Together

Take the lead from dating television shows that challenge couples with adventurous dates — often something outside their comfort zone like bungee jumping or rock climbing. Bond with your partner by sharing new experiences in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region! Sign up to drive ATVs over 500-foot sand dunes, book a winter boat trip on the Willamette River or take a horseback ride on the beach.