Valentine’s Day is a day typically reserved for roses, chocolate, candlelight and other monetarily supported acts of romance. However, perhaps more traditionally especially for the single, Valentine’s Day involves drinking. Pervasive cynicism and pride in perpetual singlehood, or keeping your relationship lowkey, has led to the proliferation of less conventional Valentine’s Day activities.
Some, who might not be able to stray too far from campus, can find support in the Lewis & Clark Music Department’s annual Anti-Valentine’s Day Concert. Advertised as “An evening for Lovers and Haters,” this tongue-in-cheek event will feature performances by various musical groups on February 8th at 7:30 p.m. in the Evans Auditorium. Admission for students with ID is free.
However, for students who can manage to get off campus, and drink legally, the Portland bar scene might be their emotional refuge from this eminent holiday.
One student, Jennifer Anderson ’19 recommends the perhaps too appropriately named bar, The Liquor Store.
“The name is not what you think,” Anderson said “It’s a very cozy bar, with a creative drink menu and I think they have a place in the back where you can dance. You can enjoy a drink at the bar with no cover charge, plus they have live music on some nights.”
Anderson also recommends the nearby Tryon Creek Bar & Grill, a staple for LC students for any time of the year.
“It’s affordable, close to campus, and they have karaoke. What more can you ask for?” Anderson said.
Anderson offers as a perfect summary of this haven for LC students.
For those students who would be able to travel further off campus, Anderson recommended Noble Rot.
“It is one of my favorite spots in Portland.” Anderson said. “It has a great view of the city, amazing food and drinks. And the best staff team. I work there so I might be a wee-bit biased.”
However, for many, even those in a relationship, Valentine’s Day falling on a weeknight will obstruct many people’s plans. Johnny Richardson ’19 and girlfriend Jayana Alvarez ’19 are currently facing this issue. Passing up their tradition of going to a steakhouse, the couple had to make alternate plans.
“We might stay home to cook,” Alvarez said.
All in all, Valentine’s Day falling on a weeknight might have saved many LC students from feeling the creeping loneliness that is often promised by the holiday. Students, those in a relationship and those not, seem to be treating the holiday this year as a normal Thursday night.
Perhaps as a society and culture we have collectively advanced and in the outdated parlance of 2014, don’t need a man.
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