We all know what Valentine’s Day means. You shower your loved one with candy, and cards, flowers and cute gifts. You go out to a formal dinner and maybe a movie afterwards. That’s all very romantic, but it can get boring and cliche if you’ve been in a relationship for a long time. If you want to shake things up, then follow these ideas for a Valentine’s Day without cliches.
Brunch and a Museum
The “dinner and a movie” date is so overrated. Instead, grab some Sunday brunch at one of Eugene’s amazing breakfast places and take a walk through the university’s own Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. Studio One Cafe (1473 E 19th Ave – they have the best Eggs Benedict), but Vero Espresso (205 E 14th Ave) and Barry’s (12th and Alder) are just as good if you want something more simple. If you want pancakes then you have to go to the Original Pancake House (782 E Broadway). After you enjoy your delicious food – and maybe a few mimosas – take your date to the campus’s museum, the Jordan Schnitzer, for a relaxing and quiet stroll through fine art. Witness the powerful portraiture of the late Brian Lanker, whose works include photos of Rosa Parks and David Bowie. Other exhibits feature Korean landscape paintings of Korean landscapes; “Strike a Pose” – a series of U.S. dancers, from the ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s, including African, Indian, jazz, modern, and ballet styles of dance; the images capture a variety of styles of dance, including African, Indian, jazz, modern, and ballet; and “Shaping the Collection,” an installation of unique Pacific Northwest sculptures.
Take A Hike
Get in shape as a couple and explore the best of what this beautiful state has to offer: the outdoors. Take your date on a challenging hike (or just a relaxing walk) to bond over the tall green trees, bright open skies and twisting trails. Check out local areas like Spencer Butte, Mt. Pisgah Arboretum or Hendricks Park. If you and your valentine are feeling really adventurous, then get outside of Eugene and explore the 26-mile McKenzie River trail or the Tamolitch Blue Pool, both located roughly 50 miles east of Eugene.
Go Record Shopping
There’s no way to get a better sense of your valentine’s musical taste than to take them to a record store. Walk through the aisles and shelves, picking out albums you think they’ll enjoy or have them surprise you with something completely random. Even if you don’t have a record player, most record stores also have CDs, cassettes, movies and posters, so there’s plenty to buy as a gift for your loved one. Check out House of Records (258 E 13th Ave) or make the trek out west for Skip’s Records & CD World (3215 W 11th Ave).
Get Air
If you haven’t been to Get Air yet, then you’re really missing out. Eugene’s own indoor trampoline park, located at 4211 West 11th Ave., is the perfect way to tire yourself out and have fun at the same time with your special someone. If you’re short on time this Sunday, jumping on trampolines for an hour or two with your valentine is the perfect way to waste some time. It’s also not very expensive and Four Plus 3 – a great Korean BBQ place – is nearby, if you really want to show off.
Have a Movie Marathon
If you don’t feel like going outside or spending too much money (or if the weather is just plain dreadful), then snuggle up with your boo and pick a series of movies to watch in bed all day. Watch all of Quentin Tarantino’s movies in chronological order. Relive your childhood with all eight Harry Potter movies. Not yet suffering from Star Wars fatigue? Watch them all while you cuddle up. Or if you want to get to know each other better, each of you should pick some of your favorite movies, and interchangeably watch one of your followed by theirs to get a better appreciation for their taste. Remember to brew some coffee because you’ll be staying up for a while.
