Last-minute local ideas for Valentine’s Day

From flowers to happy hours to meteor showers, we’ve got ideas to make your Valentine’s Day special.

Buckets of cut flowers sit on shelves on a sidewalk outside of a brick shop.

Our city is teeming with romantic potential.

Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday

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There’s no dodging Cupid’s arrow — Valentine’s Day is here. Whether you’re celebrating your friendships or sugaring up your sweetheart, we’ve got last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas that will have you loving love.

🌵 Get fantastical with botanicals

If you’re quick, you might have your pick of bouquets using same-day flower delivery. (We’re eyeing those locally designed arrangements.)

Or, get creative and nab a potted plant from these plant spots. Nothing says forever like a hardy succulent.

🥂 Keep spirits up

If you didn’t score reservations, don’t overthink… grab a drink. The following spots have weekday happy hours:

  • Bhuna | Daily, 4-6 p.m. | This Indian soul food restaurant has happy hour specials to comfort the soul, with $6 pav sliders and $1 off snacks and skewers.
  • The Observatory | Daily, 3-5 p.m. | Share small plates like blackened fish or BBQ pulled pork tacos for $6, prosciutto-wrapped chicken liver mousse for $5, and grilled chicken wings glazed in a sesame sweet chili sauce for $5 — with a $5 daily special cocktail.
  • Lil’ Shalom | Daily, 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Don’t mind us as we devour a pita sandwich and wash it down with a mug of beer, all for $15.

For more options, check out our happy hour guide.

🌟 Go stargazing

It doesn’t get much more idyllic than bundling up and looking at the stars. Grab some blankets (and maybe a hot drink) and head to one of these spots away from man-made light to take in the sky.

  • Mt. Tabor Park | Southeast 60th Avenue + Southeast Salmon Street
  • Rooster Rock State Park | 24 miles east in Corbett
  • Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint | 24 miles southwest in Hillsboro
  • Vista House | 40700 Historic Columbia River Hwy., Corbett
  • L.L. Stub Stewart State Park | 33 miles northwest in Buxton
  • Larch Mountain | 38 miles east near Bridal Veil

Check out more of our local date ideas — there’s something for everyone.

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