There’s something romantic about a quaint, historic river city. Warm street lighting strung over the sidewalks, unique restaurants with flair, an eight-screen multiplex playing the best blockbusters of the week, add in a glass of wine or craft brew and you have yourself a recipe for a perfect date night in the Willamette Valley. Nothing can compare to a date night in the effervescent river city of Independence, Oregon. As you plan your next romantic outing in one of our region’s greatest destinations, check out our vibrant array of amenities that’ll surely help you make some special memories with your loved one.
Dinner
Start your evening with a stop at one of our deliciously diverse restaurant options that provide different trips through our own rendition of flavor town.
Mangiare Italian Restaurant is a staple eatery in Independence.
Mangiare Italian Restaurant is a staple eatery in Independence whose fresh ingredients, welcoming atmosphere, and brilliant menu options will satisfy anyone longing for a romantic evening. Consider trying their in-house pasta, spaghetti, and paninis and pair them with one of their Italian wines—and don’t forget the cannoli! If you’re looking to dine with a view, all of Independence’s options suffice, but for a closer look at the Willamette River, check out Territory Restaurant, the Independence Hotel’s built-in dining option. Enjoy a juicy short rib ragu and drink some local brews as you gaze at the gorgeous views of Independence’s riverfront property.
For a casual, historic, and Western-themed experience, gallop into the Golden Hop Saloon and enjoy their weekly specials and events. From Taco Tuesday to live music, this family-friendly establishment has everything you want in a quintessential community gathering spot. And let’s not fuhgeddaboudit pizza! Stroll into New York Squares located next to Parallel 45 Brewing for an authentic slice of the big apple. With custom and specialty pies including margherita, pizza diavola, and vodka, to regular pepperoni, sausage, and grandma, this new Independence staple will have you saying, “Amuni!”
Wine and Beer
Enjoy some locally-brewed beers at Parallel 45 Brewing, Gilgamesh Brewing: The River, or Brew: Coffee and Taphouse.
Enjoy some locally brewed beers at Parallel 45 Brewing, Gilgamesh Brewing: The River, or Brew: Coffee and Taphouse.
At all these locations, you and your sweetheart can take the edge off the evening and join in on live music, trivia nights, or a simple game of chess. If wine’s more your style, stop into Valkyrie Wine Tavern and Bottle Shop.
They offer a wide selection of wines to choose from and the owner Savannah offers stories to each special bottle. These locations aren’t a bad place to start your date night, too!
Walk and Talk
After you’ve savored all the amazing tastes in our river city, walk and talk it off by strolling along Independence’s Willamette River Trail, a 5k soft-surface trail loop that runs from the Riverview Park Amphitheater to the North Riverfront Ballfield complex and back.
Independence’s Willamette River Trail, a 5k soft-surface trail loop that runs from the Riverview Park Amphitheater to the North Riverfront Ballfield complex and back.
The trail passes in and out of the Willamette River’s riparian zone offering excellent birdwatching and nature viewing opportunities, and also passes the Independence Dog Park.
Primary access for the trail is from the north side of Riverview Park where a pedestrian bridge crosses Ash Creek. Trail access parking is also available at the dog park on Grand Street, and a Boat Ramp.
Sweets
Melting Pot’s high quality chocolate has just the right amount of cocoa butter along with a super refining process to give their chocolates a melt in your mouth richness, not found in store bought chocolate.
Most likely, by now, you’re craving a little happy hour treat. Be sure to also stop at The Melting Pot Candy for some of Bonnie Andrew’s award-winning toffees and fudges. Bonnie re-creates her childhood memories one batch at a time. Her dad had a huge sweet tooth, and as she grew up everyone enjoyed the treats her mom made. That legacy is combined with a laughing confession of her blood type being chocolate.
Ice Age Candy, located right on Main Street, is home to a particularly idiosyncratic fix for your taste buds. Freeze-dried candy, available in a wide assortment of flavors and options, fills the cozy space. Everything from marshmallow twists to gummy apple rings can be found in portable packaged candy.
Painted Pony Coffee and Cream is one of Independence’s newest comfort cuisine on Main Street. Located in the former Independent Ice Cream shop space, Painted Pony continues the tradition of serving hand-crafted ice cream and desserts, while adding the perfect coffee treat to enjoy before, during, or after your date night.
Movie
Enjoy an escape by hopping into the Independence Cinema and catching one of the hottest new movies from Hollywood.
Enjoy an escape by hopping into the Independence Cinema and catching one of the hottest new movies from Hollywood.
A first-run, eight-screen multiplex supplied with a cache of concessions and comfy seats to boot, watching the latest blockbuster never looked better.
$5 Tuesdays make dinner and a movie date night affordable, too!
Stay
Lodging in the Willamette Valley doesn’t get better than the Independence Hotel, our city’s newest addition to a vibrant and thriving downtown. As Oregon’s only boutique hotel on the Willamette River, stay where you can feel the best natural elements of Oregon without leaving your room.
As Oregon’s only boutique hotel on the Willamette River, stay where you can feel the best natural elements of Oregon without leaving your room.
It may be hard to say goodbye to the luxurious bed, captivating art by Willamette Artists, and relaxing river views, but when you do, adventure in the heart of Willamette Valley is waiting.
With all these stops and more, your next date night in Independence is sure to leave your loved one smiling!
Stay tuned for more stories featuring more of people, places, and things that make Independence so special. To subscribe to the city of Independence newsletter, visit: https://www.ci.independence.or.us/community-newsletter/
