Rufus is a small rural town in the state of Oregon, located north of the city of The Dalles and east of eastern Portland. It is located at an altitude of 850 ft (259m) above sea level, and is surrounded by rolling hills, farmlands, and two rivers, the Cowlitz River and the White Salmon River.
1. Rufus Parks and Places for a Walk on a First Date
If one is looking for a more relaxed outing that allows couples to get to know each other better, Rufus' outdoors offers plenty of trails and parks for a leisurely first date. The Rufus Recreation Area boasts over 1,200 acres of wildlife and wildlife-watching activities, waterfalls, and the White Salmon River. Nearby the aptly-named Rufus Woods Park is situated on the banks of the Cowlitz River, and offers fishing, picnicking, and camping. Park trails offer plenty of pathways for couples to wander through and share intimate, uninterrupted conversations.
2. Places for a Coffee Date in Rufus
Coffee dates are a safe and comfortable way to get to know someone better, and Rufus has plenty of cafés and coffeehouses that offer couples a chance to start the conversation. The aptly-named Coffee Depot is a local favorite, known for its signature drinks, fresh-baked goods, and cozy atmosphere. For more unusual drinks, couples can try the Specialty Coffee Hearth Café, which serves homemade espresso drinks, toasted sandwiches, and delectable desserts. Not to be outdone, the Babbling Brook Café offers an expansive tea and coffee menu, as well as an outdoor patio for couples to relax and chat over a cup of coffee or tea.
3. Rufus Galleries, Museums and Exhibitions to Visit on a Date
For the culturally-inclined couple, Rufus has plenty of galleries, museums, and exhibitions to visit on a date. The Rufus Historical Museum provides visitors with a glimpse into the history and culture of the area, showcasing artifacts and documents that tell the story of the town. Art-lovers are sure to appreciate the Fine Art Gallery, which showcases the work of local artists, while the Pacific Northwest Artist’s Gallery offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate more contemporary pieces. For the couple looking to explore the outdoors, they can embark on a journey up the Columbia River Gorge to the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center where they can explore the wonders of the Columbia Gorge, its cultural and historical importance, and get an up-close view of Mount Hood.
4. Live Music and Entertainment to Invite Your Date to in Rufus
Rufus also offers plenty of live music and entertainment to invite your date to. The Rufus Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of different performances from local, regional, and international acts. For a more intimate show, couples can pay a visit to the Black Cat Theater, located at the edge of town. There, audiences can enjoy live music from local bands, watch stand-up comedy or improv comedy shows, or take in an evening of jazz or blues.
5. Rufus Pubs, Bars or Restaurants for a First Date Drink or Food
Rufus’ pubs, bars, restaurants also offer plenty of options for a first date drink or food. For a more casual atmosphere, couples can head to the Copper Keg Pub and Grill, located in the downtown area. Here, they can enjoy a variety of pub fare and drinks while listening to bluegrass or country music. For those more inclined to a more intimate setting, the Rufus Rose restaurant offers a romantic setting and a menu of exquisite dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and a wine list to pair with a meal.
6. Other Date Ideas to Try in Rufus
For a more active outing, Rufus offers plenty of date ideas to try. Couples can treat themselves to a therapeutic massage at one of the area’s spa centers, or take a relaxing stroll along the Cowlitz Riverfront Trail. The river provides a scenic backdrop for a romantic boat ride, or for a couple with a competitive streak, they can challenge each other to a game of mini-golf at the nearby Pineview Course. Those looking for a more educational experience can peruse the collection of local shops and bookstores, or learn more about the area’s history and culture at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Overall, Rufus offers a
