Romance led the making of your beloved family, and romance is what keeps the spark alive in your relationship. But, sneaking off for a romantic night out with your partner can be downright difficult with kiddos to chase, jobs get to and house chores needed to be done. Dont let love fall by the wayside, prioritize date night and hire a sitter. Weve put together a list of date ideas that are well worth paying to have the babes watched. Read on to find out more.
photo: courtesy of The Benson Hotel
Escape Overnight
The Benson Hotel
If you are in desperate need of a dash of class with a whole lot of romance, The Benson Hotel in downtown Portland has it all. Recently renovated, the accommodations feature a swanky lobby, stunning multi-level chandelier, and rooms with well-appointed furnishings and luscious bedding.
The Palm Court, Bensons restaurant, is a perfect spot to grab a bite any time of the day. Their all-day menu features crab cakes, an array of classic sandwiches and ribeye steak.
The restaurant and hotel upscale your experience withl ive jazz entertainment by local musicians every Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30-11:39 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from8:30-12:30 p.m..
309 SW Broadway
503-228-2000
online:coasthotels.com/hotels/oregon/portland/the-benson-hotel/
Kennedy School
A classic McMenamins establishment, the campus is a historic elementary school-turned-hotel. With multiple bars to choose from and a cozy theaters, this is a perfect dinner and movie option, but the fun doesnt have to stop there. The beautiful and private outdoor soaking pool is a perfect romantic setting for after the show ends. Bring your drink from any of the small bars around the schooljust ask for a plastic cup when you order!
The Kennedy School is also a hotel with rustic rooms that help you unplug from the world and focus on one and other. Book ahead of time and enjoy a mini staycation.
Soaking is $5/hour/per person, bring your own towel
Soaking pool is open until 8 p.m. for general public.
5736 NE 33rd Ave
503-249-3983
Online: mcmenamins.com
Doug Fir Lounge
Spend an evening out listening to music and sipping cocktails, or steal away for an overnight staycation. You can catch some of the best music that comes through Portland at this world-renowned music venue featuring a futuristic log cabin vibe. Making a whole night of itdinner, drinks, a show, and an overnight stayis super easy when you book your stay at the ultra-cool Jupiter Hotel next door. The food is local, comfy, served in a dining room with an echo of Twin Peaks. Andthe music downstairs offers a show almost every night of the week, an eclectic mix of tunes sure to please.
830 E Burnside St
503.231.9663
Online: dougfirlounge.com
photo: Hubers Cafevia yelp
Drinks on the Town
Spanish Coffee at Hubers
Ask any Portlander for suggestions on top spots to go on a date and this locale is likely to come up. Grab a Spanish coffee, the drink they might be best known for as they claim to have inventedthough in reality the drink was probably borrowed from other bars. Reguardless, they make sure you get more that a coffee with a kick when they ignite rum and triple sec in a sugar-rimmed class that is then covered in Kahlua, coffee, and topped with fresh whipped cream.
411 SW 3rd Ave.
503-228-5686
Online: hubers.com
The Sapphire Hotel
This sexy little cocktail lounge is located right on the historic Hawthorne Ave. in the SE. Dimly lit with comfortable and plush seating, the atmosphere is designed for sipping and kissing. Try The Most Popular Drink, made with Vodka, lime, coconut, orgeat, Shirley Temple Soda and Pop Rocks. Or sip on the Point of No Return: the perfect mix of bourbon, rye syrup, Amaro Cio Ciaro and tiki bitters. Whichever drink you choose, you are sure to end the night with that spark relit and burning bright.
50008SE Hawthorne Blvd
503-232-6333
Online: thesapphirehotel.com
photo: Pexels
Dinner and a Show
Hollywood Theater
Head to Hollywood Theater for a change of pace from the regular movie routine. Not only do they show the usual new releases, they have a rotating selection of Signature Film Series that add up tp serious fun, like Kung Fu Theater or Queer Horror. Join in on the fun with their B- Movie Bingo (just what it sounds like) or test your knowledge with their monthly Movie Quiz. With local beer flowing, pizza, and the usual concessions, its a movie date night to remember!
4122 NE Sandy Blvd
Portland, OR
503-493-1128
Online: hollywoodtheatre.org
Dinner and a Show at the Schintz
Go classy with a show at Portlands renowned theater. Start out the night down the street at Higgins, offering classic Pacific Northwest local and sustainable fare, expertly paired with beer and wine. Then head to your seats at the Schnitzer for a show. Upcoming options include symphonies like Ghost Busters in Concert and Samantha Power along with comedians Teo Gonzalez.
Higgins Restaurant
1239 SW Broadway
503-222-9070
Online: higginsportland.com
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
1037 SW Broadway
Online: portland5.com
photo: stumptown dance via yelp
For Fun
OMSI After Dark
Its Night at the Museum for the 21 and over crowd, filled with drinks, water rockets, experiments, and fun! This monthly event offers a themed night out at Portlands favorite science museum, open late from 6-10 p.m. Food vendors, drinks, science demonstrations, and even performances all center around a theme like the upcoming Good Vibrations, Brewfest, Spirits, and Mysteries of Egypt. Its a popular event, so grab tickets online before you go!
$15/adults
1945 SE Water Ave
Online: omsi.edu
Ground Kontrol Arcade
Go back to your childhood with Ground Kontrols classic arcade games! Leave the kids at home and head to this downtown hot spot, which becomes a kid-free, bar-open zone at 5pm each night. For a quarter per play, you can try your hand at over 60 arcade games and 27 pinball machines. Add a live DJ and a full-service bar and its a date night chock full of fun. They also have regular events like comedy shows, trivia nights and game tournaments.
115 NW 5th Ave.
Portland OR
503-796-9364
Online: groundkontrol.com
Get Your Dance On
Oregons largest weekly swing dance is a rolicking good time! Beginners are more than welcome to this social dance, which pulls partners together in a happy jazzy beat. Come early for the weekly beginner lessons, then dance your socks off the rest of the night. Many people return for more lessons: its a fun, affordable way to learn and try out your moves. And when you master the beginning steps, you can move on to the rotating Intermediate lessons, teaching tricky turns and special moves from the Charleston!
$10 cover
Norse Hall 111 NE 11th
Portland, OR
Online: stumptowndance.com
Annette Benedetti
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