Ten Romantic Things to Do In February

1. Take a Drive in the Country

Winter has its own unique and cozy charms. Take your Valentine on a mystery tour road trip from sweet treat to sweet treat! The picturesque Willamette Valley is dotted with outstanding bakeries, many rolling out dough made with local grains and organic ingredients. Many local wineries are also open, pouring flights of wine by the glass — but call ahead to confirm. Between bakery and winery stops, detour to look at the region's historic covered bridges.

2. 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.

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!).

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. Your best bet is the hot spring-fed pool at Belknap Hot Springs because they offer easy accessibility, a locker room and overnight lodging. 

Depending on February's weather and road conditions, you may enjoy taking a dip in the natural, roadside McCredie Hot Springs in Oakridge. Please do not attempt to ford or cross winter creeks as water temperatures and currents can pose a hazard. The popular Terwilliger Hot Springs near the McKenzie River area may be inaccessible due to snow or ice. Please note that the Aufderhide is not maintained in winter, and has a section closed for maintenance between Highway 126 and the hot springs.

4. Book a Spa Treatment for Your Partner

Gift your sweetheart with a little nurturing and pampering — after all, once again it's been quite a year! From massages to pedicures, find the perfect body care package to restore wellness and brighten their sparkle.

5. 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. Provisions always has great picnic-style lunches that you can take to go.

For die-hard romantics, Willamalane offers a guided moonlight snowshoeing excursion to Gold Lake. Imagine the moon sparkling on the crisp white snow and lake...

6. Gift Flowers, Chocolate or Jewelry

Shop for a special gift and support a local business at the same time! Traditional favorites include chocolates from Euphoria Chocolate or a nice wallet or handbag from Will Leather Goods. Or find warm, woolly mittens at Mosaic Fair Trade. 

7. Plan a cozy movie night

Pop the popcorn or order a pizza and get out the throw blankets and slippers. Sometimes it's romantic to cuddle at home, but sometimes you want to go out... so check out one of the local theaters that show indie films in a more intimate environment. We recommend the Metro in downtown Eugene or City Lights Cinemas in Florence.

8. Paint a Picture

Nothing says "I love you" like a work of art you make yourself. Schedule a painting session with a local artist for step-by-step guidance to create a masterpiece. BreatheAndPaint offers painting workshops and Art with Alejandro offers special Valentine's sip and paint events in February.

And for those that are crafty, and want to include the children, there are many places that typically offer Valentines making events. Order a DIY at home craft kits from the Children's Adventure! Museum, explore MECCA (Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts), check with the Eugene Public Library or see Willamalane's calendar.