Here at Guaranty RV we know Valentine’s Day planning can be stressful. What to buy? Where to eat? Trying to remember if you ate at that restaurant last year. Why not plan a surprise trip? It’s the best thing about RV life: the ability to get up and go. Spur of the moment can be surprising and romantic, but for an epic Valentine’s Day a little planning is needed. We’ve scoured Oregon for some of the coolest and most romantic adventures we could find. From bonfires in the mountains to cooking classes at the beach we’ve got you covered. No RV? No problem, Guaranty RV is here to help with RV Rentals! And with gas prices on the decline this is the best year for a Valentine’s Day weekend trip.
Romancing Bend, Oregon
If the pass is open, one of the most romantic places to visit is Bend, Oregon. Whether you take the time to sip a nice local brew by the fire, stroll through the small shops that make up the downtown core, or explore the nearby mountains, Bend is chock-full of romance in February.
This year, right in time for Valentine’s Day, is Oregon WinterFest a celebration of all things winter. You can watch ice carvers create sculptures, view the most creative fire pits, or listen to some local music. Romance isn’t always candle lit. It’s about spending time and creating memories. Oregon WInterfest is about just that—celebrating snow and winter and all things cold and crisp. Tickets are $6 for three days of events and fun.
If you want something a bit more adventurous for Valentine’s Day night, Wanderlust Tours is hosting Bonfire on The Snow. Snowshoe in with the group and light a bonfire on the snow! For $85 a person, Wanderlust Tours provides headlamps, snowshoes, hot cocoa & desserts, transportation and a narrated guide through the wilderness! A great excuse to cuddle up in front of the fire and the stars. How much more romantic can you get?
Looking for a place to park your RV? Try Crown Villa or Scandia RV. Both are close to town and offer great amenities. And since you’ll be there off season, cheaper rent.
Romancing the Oregon Coast
So the passes aren’t open? Or you’re more of a beach bum than a mountain man? We’ve got you covered. Fort George Brewery in Astoria, Oregon is hosting its annual Festival of the Dark Arts. Don’t let the name fool you: it’s a festival celebrating stout beers—those delicious complex, dark, frothy delights. There you can get your tarot cards read or take a tintype photograph. There will be a blacksmith and glass blowers, tattoo artists and fire dancers. Tickets are $30 if you’re drinking and $10 if you aren’t. Near by Astoria is the Lewis and Clark RV Resort. They have a golf course there as well for a quick nine holes Sunday morning.
If that doesn’t sound like quite your speed, head south to Cannon Beach. This charming, artsy village is full of great galleries, restaurants, and a cliff side view of the Pacific ocean that can’t be beat. EVOO is offering a Valentine’s Day dinner show for $149; you sit back and watch a master chef cook your meal for you. Even better, they show you how to cook it yourself so that later on you can impress your special someone with a surprise dinner. It’s learning and eating! All dinners come with food, wine and a lesson. Stay at Cannon Beach RV Resort and in the morning drive the 10 miles to Seaside for some skee ball at the arcade.
Further south lies the tiny town of Pacific City. Here a local arts nonprofit is hosting its winter fundraising event Your Hearts Desire. They are raising money for arts literacy in Nestucca Valley Elementary and Garibaldi Grade Schools. Here you can bid on works of art from local artists while sampling appetizers, chocolate and wine. There is also a student art gallery as well. Tickets go for $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Spend the night at Cape Kiwanda Resort and in the morning climb the sand dunes and explore the tidal pools.
Romancing Willamette Valley Wine Country
Here in the Willamette Valley we have some of the best vineyards in the world. Why not plan a weekend exploring a few?
Sweet Cheeks Winery is hosting “Romancing the Vineyard” with live music provided by Pruitt and the Prouds, pastries by Elegant Elephant, also Sporks A La Cart will be there! Drive the 14 minutes to Noble Estate Winery for their “Noble Night of Passion” celebrating their Passion rosé. There will be chocolate by Brutto Ma Buono Cioccolato LLC, and The Sassy Cupcake will be making some passion-filled desserts. To entice you even more, there is Latin music by Llorona. Stay overnight at nearby Deerwood RV Park.
To top off your romantic weekend take a Sunday morning drive to Silver Falls State Park, which you can make your home base for the night. Go for a quick hike before heading off on the hour drive to Cristom Vineyards for a tasting of their famous Pinot noir. Head on over to Namaste Vineyards in Dallas to sample a variety of wines from their six estate vineyards. Before heading home Monday morning make sure to drop in on Crescent Cafe in McMinnville for breakfast. Trust us, get the coffee cake. It’s fresh baked everyday. While you’re there, walk around McMinnville; the downtown is charming classic small town America.
Now is the perfect time to make reservations for your Valentine’s Day trip. Remember that Guaranty RV is conveniently located just off the I-5 corridor in Junction City. Stop by our Travel Center before you hit the road. Here, you can buy snacks for the trip while you fill up on propane. On the way home you can empty your tanks and do a quick load of laundry too! If you need your RV serviced before you go, download our RV Owner App to keep track of your maintenance and to schedule a service appointment. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Happy Valentine’s Day and have fun on the open road!
Photo: Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
