If you’re trying to date in Portland, you need to think outside the box. A dinner date can quickly turn into a pseudo-interview, while a movie date is boring and doesn’t allow you to connect with your partner.
Try a local craft brewery tour or spend the day exploring Portland’s Saturday Market. The city’s residents love to keep it weird, so you’ll be right at home.
The Best Places to Meet Singles in Portland
There is no doubt that the city of Portland has a lot to offer its singles. While it isn’t the easiest place to meet a significant other, with the right mindset and some effort, dating in Portland can be a success for all types of people.
One way to meet people who share your interests is to go to a comedy show. Comedy clubs tend to be filled with social butterflies who are open to talking to new people. You can try Helium Comedy Club or Curious Comedy Theatre. Both of them have a great vibe and are packed on weekends. They also have throwback jams that bring in the older crowd. This is a perfect place to meet someone who is not only compatible with your interests but may have a similar lifestyle!
International Rose Test Garden
Portland might be famous for beards and booze, but it’s also home to some amazing gardens. Whether you want to grab a scoop of unique ice cream at Salt and Straw, hike around the Portland Japanese Garden or pack a picnic for a relaxing walk in Oaks Park, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful city.
The sprawling International Rose Test Garden is a must-see for any Portlander. This botanical garden began as a safe haven for hybrid roses grown in Europe during World War I. Rose hobbyist Jesse Currey lobbied city officials to create the test garden. The park bureau green-lighted the idea in 1917 and rose hybridizers started sending plants the following year. Located in Washington Park, the garden contains over 10,000 rose bushes from about 650 varieties and blooms April through October with its peak around June.
Portland Art Museum
Portland’s art museum looms large in our city’s cultural history. Founded in 1892, the museum first opened its doors as the Portland Art Association, and moved into its primary building on Southwest Park Avenue in 1932.
The museum houses an enormous collection of prints and drawings, including works from the Old Masters, Asian art, and Native American art. It also has an impressive collection of modern art, built primarily through the acquisitions of Gordon Gilkey and New York art critic Clement Greenberg.
One of the highlights is a tondo (round painting) of Sandro Botticelli’s Madonna of the Magnificat, which is on loan from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. It is a rare treat to see this piece up close in person. Also, don’t miss Claude Monet’s Waterlilies and River at Lavacourt.
Salt & Straw Ice Cream
Whether you want to head to Salt and Straw for an inventive scoop, go on a walk around the Portland Japanese Garden or pack a picnic and watch the sunset at Oaks Park, there’s plenty to do in this unique city. But don’t get caught up on its reputation for beards, booze and weirdness – there’s much more to love about this place.
Kim Malek co-founded the ice cream shop with her business-savvy cousin in 2011. Their shops are known for their zany flavors, which include options like Black Olive Brittle and Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese. The company also offers more traditional choices, such as Honey Lavender and Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper.
Oaks Park
Portland is known for its unique, some would say quirky, culture. The city is a place where the weird is celebrated, as demonstrated by popular shows like Portlandia. It is also a very active and creative community, which can make it fun for singles to meet.
Noreen Rochester, a matchmaker who helps singles find love in Portland, says she often has new people reaching out to her after the pandemic. She recommends avoiding traditional dinner dates, and instead choosing a fun activity that is mutually interesting.
For example, a picnic at Oaks Park is a great way to get to know someone while enjoying the beautiful scenery and fresh air. Or, try taking a class together at one of the many local makerspaces. These are all great ways to meet new people and hopefully, find your next date!
