The research is in. Experiences make you happier than things. So this Valentine’s Day, plan to do something for or with your sweetie. Here are some ideas right here in Lake Oswego.

●Valentine Poetry Slam for Teens. Whether you’re in love or thwarted by love, the Lake Oswego Library is your place to put your feelings into words. Original poems are welcome, but if you draw inspiration from Shakespeare or Taylor Swift, share that as well. February 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 706 Fourth Street. 503.697.6580.

●Holiday Lunch at the Adult Community Center. Enjoy a special valentine feast culminating in Red Velvet Lava Cake. It’s a cheap date! $4/ages 60+; $5/others. 505 G Avenue. Reservations: 503.635.3758. February 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

●Valentine Cookie Decorating for Teens in grades 6 and up. Eat your heart out while listening to sappy love songs and decorating sweet treats that you can shower on your special someone. February 13 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library. 706 Fourth Street. 503.697.6580.

●Art Throb. Step it up a notch and take your sweetheart out for a gala affair that benefits the Arts Council of Lake Oswego and all their fabulous programs including the Gallery Without Walls, Art Literacy programs in our schools and activities at their ARTspace. Dance to live music, enjoy dinner and a silent and live auction. Saturday, February 13 at 5:00 p.m. in the Hawthorn Room at Marylhurst University. Tickets are $125/person and available online. 17600 Pacific Highway.

●Dinner. Dining out was how 42% of last year’s Zagat’s Valentine’s Day Survey respondents said they were going to celebrate the occasion. And of those, 43% planned to try someplace new. Local restaurants like Clarke’s, Riccardo’s and La Provence are ready for you with special menus in place. With dining out such a popular option, though, best to reserve as early as you can.

●Movie. Before or after dinner, catch a movie at the Lake Theater and Café. Too soon to tell what will be showing but two things are for sure—it’s convenient and you’ll be paying less than at the Cineplex. And if you really want to make it easy, you can eat there too! 106 N. State Street.

●Theater. Valentine’s Day is your last chance to see the Lakewood Theatre Company’s production of Golden Boy. Tickets are $32/Adult; $30/Senior 65 and over; $20 Student 25 and under. Friday and Saturday, February 12-13 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 14 at 2:00 p.m. 368 S. State Street. 503. 635.3901.

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