Curious about romantic things to do this weekend in Portland? Check back every Thursday to read about a romantic event happening this weekend in the City of Roses. If you know of an event you feel should be featured on PDX Romantic, send an email to events@pdxromantic.com with the details of the event.

One of my earliest romantic memories was going to the amusement park with a girlfriend in elementary school. (I already told you I was doomed from the start.) We would go to each of the rides and hold hands as we entered the caves where the robots would wave in perfect timing with the theme song. Ah, those were the good times.

I also remember buying food for that same girlfriend. I usually went with elephant ears even though I wanted some yummy delicious barbecue. For some reason, getting barbecue sauce all over your school uniform isn’t the most romantic thing to do (so I’m told).

Fortunately, this week’s Romantic Thing To Do allows you to both go on rollercoaster rides AND eat barbecue, two of my favorite things to do. It’s so ingenious I wish they had thought of it long ago.

Here are the details:

• Event: Rose Festival Waterfront Village
• Dates: Now – Sunday June 13, 2010
• Time: Opens at 11:00am
• Location: Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park
• Cost: $5
• More Info: Rose Festival: Waterfront Village

Here’s the best part about going to the Waterfront Village. There’s more than just fun rides and barbecue. Follow my plan below on how to experience all that is the Waterfront Village.

Start by visiting the Handmade NW Artisans Pavilion and took at all of the artwork and crafts that are handmade by local artists. After you’ve decided on that one piece of artwork you just HAVE to have, buy it and a handmade beer koozie to match.

As you keep your beer cold with your new found koozie friend, listen to music, watch dancing, and marvel at cool yo-yo tricks. (Who doesn’t like the yo-yo?) These performances take place at one of the two stages: Fountain Stage and World Rhythms Stage.

After you’ve had your fill of world music, head over to the Big Sling where you can ride the human catapult and experience over 3Gs of gravitational force. (Good thing you had time to digest your beer, eh?) I’m excited to hear my partner scream as she rides it. Know of any good ways to convince her to take a ride?

Finish off the event with a visit to the exotic animals exhibit. There you’ll be able to see lions, tigers, and reptiles (oh my!) as well as other exotic animals ready to show off their uniqueness. And if you are an animal lover, you can also ride some ponies at the petting zoo.

All-in-all, there is TONS to do at the Waterfront Village. Spend the day with your sweetie and just have fun. And don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone you enjoyed the pony ride as much as I do.

Stay Romantic.

I’m serious about needing help convincing my partner to ride the Big Sling. If you have any suggestions, let me know in the comments below.

Related posts:

1. Rose Festival Fireworks
2. Dragon Boat Romance