Half a century ago, Stevenson was renowned as the Northwest’s elopement capital. With liberal policy waiving the standard three-day waiting period, few questions asked about actual age, and close to Portland, couples flocked to this little Columbia riverside town to get hitched. Typically, a couple picked up a license at the Skamania County Court House, asking for a waiting period waver from Clerk Ray Wright. A few minutes later, license in hand, hand-in-hand, they walked across the street to the barbershop. Don Neidert, the town’s barber, also served as the county judge. Between cuts, he’d perform the wedding, often using those in the chair or casual passer-bys as witnesses. Small town romance at it’s best.

Then off to Betty’s Silver Spoon or the Spar Tree for a celebratory wedding dinner for happy couple. Later, maybe a walk out on the Sternwheeler dock to watch the river.

In Stevenson today, waiving the waiting period is a little more difficult, and Betty’s, the Spar Tree and the barbering judge are long gone. Still, some things don’t change. Couples wander Stevenson’s streets hand-in-hand enjoying the romance of a small riverside town in the Columbia River Gorge. Fine restaurants, an award winning brewpub, antique and other shops line the streets. Proving romance still lives in the locals too, Stevenson, a town of only 1200, boasts two florists. Nothing says love like a bouquet of fresh flowers.

This Valentine’s Day, romance in Stevenson comes in a variety of packages. Perched on a hill with an expansive view up the Columbia, Skamania Lodge offers a host of special Valentine’s Day packages from dinner and a riverside room to a full rejuvenating spa treatment for two. (www.skamania.com) For the simple romantic, the Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge (www.riversidelodge.com) situated on the Columbia River’s bank offers themed rooms with hot tubs overlooking the river. For those on a budget, the Econo Lodge (www.econolodge.com) provides simple clean rooms in the heart of town.

This Valentine’s Day, track romance in a town with a history of romance.

For a wedding license call 509-427-9420 8:30 to 5:00 weekdays)

For small town romance on Valentine’s Day try these Stevenson events.

Skamania Lodge—Several romantic packages at the premier Gorge Lodge
Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge—An intimate 8-room lodge on the Columbia River
Econo Lodge—Quality, economical lodging in Stevenson
Bahma Coffee Bar—For lovers, a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit
BloomsburyFlowers—Home and Garden. Special Valentine’s Day flowers
Petal Pushers—Flowers for the love of your life
Impulsive Behaviors Spa—20% off all massages for Feb
Big River Grill—Red table cloths, a special menu for a special night

For more information:

www.cityofstevenson.com/valentine

1-800-989-9178

509-427-8911

info@cityofstevenson.com

For Photos: www.cityofstevenson/valentine
Please credit photographer if used.

Other Links:

www.ciyofstevenson.com
www.skamania.com
www.cgriversidelodge.com
www.econolodge.com
www.skamania.org