Eugene

Eugene [1] (pop. ~140,000) is a city in Oregon at the southern end of the Willamette Valley that is best known for being the home of the University of Oregon.

Understand

Citizens of Eugene are environmentally aware people who love their coffee as well as their microbrew. Residents range from arch-conservative republicans to militant anarchists who were responsible for the WTO riots in Seattle. However, overall the population is typical Pacific Northwest, i.e., leaning toward a greater degree of social responsibility, respect for nature, and diminished consumerism. Eugene is home to the University of Oregon, aka "The Fighting Ducks." Eugene was the second home to the rock'n'roll band The Grateful Dead, thus the reason some people see this place as a "hippie Mecca." Saturday Market [2] has been continuously in operation since 1970, rain or shine and claims to be the oldest open-air market of its type in the US.

Get in

By air

Eugene Airport (EUG), also known as Mahlon Sweet Field, handles flights from Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. Major carriers include United Express, America West Express, Horizon Air and Skywest. It's a few miles out of town, and the public bus does not service it, so you'll have to hire a cab, shuttle, or rent a car.

By train

Amtrak serves Eugene with the Cascade service and operate daily between Eugene, Portland, Seattle and Vancouver B.C. These Euro-style cars are unique to the pacific northwest rail corridor. The Coast Startlight services Eugene and other West Coast cities on its route from Southern California to Seattle. Both trains accommodate wheelchairs and bicycles. Trains originating from California are notoriously unreliable, commonly several hours late. There is a northbound train that originates in Eugene, the "Cascades" train that is typically much more reliable.

By car

Eugene is a bit over 1 hour from Florence, the closest point on the Pacific Coast. It is a two-hour drive south from Portland, and approximately a 5-hour drive south from Seattle. Traveling north from the California Bay Area takes about nine hours.

By Bus

Greyhound has a fully staffed bus station downtown, close to the Train station and to the LTD (Lane Transit District) local buses. Buses run north/south along I-5, and east.

Get around

• Bike - Eugene has an excellent system of bike routes [3], bike rentals are available only a few blocks from both the Greyhound and the Amtrak. Eugene is known nationwide for its bike friendly streets, and its bike paths that allow you to ride along rivers, mountain trails and through covered bridges.

• Take the Lane Transit District [4] (LTD) bus, $1.25 one-way or $2.50 for an all-day pass. Buses tend to run every half-hour. Extended LTD bus routes run east and west into more rural sections of Lane County.

See

• Walk along 13th Street to the University.
• Go to the 5th Street Public Market.
• Go to the Saturday Market [5] and Farmers Market: 8th and Oak every Saturday April 2 through Nov. 12, rain or shine, 10 am - 5 pm
• Go on the First [6] or Last Friday Artwalk [7].
• See a show at the WOW Hall, ask about work trade opportunities between 3:00 and 6:00 PM Monday through Friday--maybe you'll get to see the show for free!
• Go to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art [8] at the University of Oregon.
• Go to the Museum of Natural and Cultural History [9].

Do

• Climb Spencer's Butte (the long way).
• Climb or drive up Skinner's Butte. If the weather is nice go rock climbing at the basalt columns on the butte (or at the climbing gym nearby).
• Rent bikes and bike the entire river trail. Swim and picnic down by the Autzen foot bridge.
• Oregon Country Fair [10] (always the second weekend in July) is the biggest "hippie" gathering. Tons of great food, great hand made products to buy, "great" music and a lot of "fun".
• The Eugene Celebration (2nd weekend in September)
• Eugene offers many events for the sports fan, including University of Oregon sports and Eugene emeralds baseball.
• Visit local area wineries and tasting rooms.
• See the Oregon Bach Festival [11], held late June through mid-July.
• Eugene Area Parks [12] Guide to Eugene and Springfield Area parks features all the best parks in the area with descriptions, interactive maps, lots of images and 360 degree panoramas.
• Check out a show at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts [13]
• Become an hero.
• Listen to the oldest public radio station on the West Coast. KRVM 91.9 Real Variety in Music.

Learn

File:UniversityofOregon.jpg

University of Oregon

• University of Oregon, [14]
• Lane Community College, [15]
• Eugene Glass School, [16]
• Lost Valley Educational Center, [17]
• Wellsprings Friends School

Buy

• Valley River Center, 293 Valley River Center, [18]. It is the biggest shopping center in the Eugene area with 2 main department stores, Macy's and JC Penny. Also, a Gottschalks and a Regal Cinemas are currently being built. The mall also has many smaller stores with apparel, sporting goods, books, electronics, food and accessories.

• Gateway Mall, 3000 Gateway Street, Springfield, [19]. Although Gateway Mall is located in Springfield, it is very close to a lot of Eugene's student housing. This mall has not only a Sears, a Target, Kohl's, and two movie theaters. The Cinemark 17 theater shows newer movies at regular price and the Movies 12 theater shows a little older movies for only $1.50. This is a great/inexpensive date idea if you live in the area. There are also a few smaller stores and beauty salons located within the mall.

Eat

• <eat name="Bruno's Chef's Kitchen" alt="" address="3443 Hilyard St." directions="Hidden behind the Dairy Mart" phone="541-687-2433" url="http://www.brunoschefskitchen.com/" hours="" price="$25-$30 main course" lat="" long="">A small, personal restaurant; Bruno changes the menu weekly, featuring local & seasonal ingredients.</eat>
• <eat name="Papa's Soul Food Kitchen BBQ" alt="" address="400 Blair Blvd" directions="" phone="541-342-7500" url="http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=32746594" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Eugene's soul food restaurant, sometimes offering live music.</eat>
• <eat name="Prince Pücklers Ice Cream" alt="" address="1605 East 19th Ave" directions="near University of Oregon campus" phone="541-344-4418" url="http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=22011597" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Wide variety of homemade ice cream</eat>
• Eat at the Zenon Cafe 898 Pearl St (541-343-3005)
• World-class desserts at Sweet Life 755 Monroe St (541-683-5696)
• Real NY Style Pizza at Mezza Luna Pizzeria 933 Pearl Street (541-684-8900)
• Innovative gourmet vegetarian/vegan pizza available at the Pizza Research Institute 1328 Lawrence Street (541-343-1307)
• Fresh and local breakfast, lunch and dinner at Eugene landmark Cornucopia 295 W 17th Ave (541 485-2300)
• Lunch or dinner at Marche Restaurant in the 5th Street Public Market (296 E 5th, 541-342-3612)
• Have breakfast at the Keystone Cafe (395 W 5th Ave, 342-2075) or Morning Glory (450 Willamette St, 541-687-0709)
• Have lunch at one of seven Burrito Amigos locations. Inexpensive, locally owned, the best burrito and taco chain in the city. [20].

Drink

• Drink beer at the High Street Brewery & Cafe, 1243 High St, 345-4905.
• Drink coffee at Allann Brothers The one by Humble Bagel or by The Jail.
• Drink 40s in Bethel
• Drink martinis or single-malt Scotch at Adam’s Place (30 E Broadway, 541-344-6948)

Wineries

The wineries of the Willamette Valley pride themselves in offering a relaxing and inviting experience for guests from downtown Eugene tasting rooms to vast countryside vineyards.

• Iris Vineyard: Specializes in producing small quantities of quality, hand-crafted Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Iris Hill has been dedicated to growing high quality fruit through sustainable viticultural practices.
• King Estate: The 1,033 acre certified organic Estate includes 250 acres of certified vineyards, grapevine grafting and propogation, nursery, orchards and garden. A visitor center and market place are open to the public.
• The Oregon Wine Warehouse: Tour Oregon's wine country in Downtown Eugene. Offering wine from over 150 Oregon wineries, wine tasting flights, food and more. Shipping is available nationwide.

For more information, check out the area's <listing name="Winery and Vineyard Guide" url="http://www.visitlanecounty.org/listings/index.cfm?action=showSub&catID=21&subcatID=158&startrange=All&endrange=All&substart=M&subend=S&notify=1" ></listing>

Sleep

• <sleep name="Downtown Motel" alt="" address="361 West 7th Avenue" directions="" phone="" url="http://downtownmotel.com/" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">inexpensive, clean motel in the middle of downtown. </sleep>
• <sleep name="University Inn & Suites - Eugene, OR" alt="" address="1857 Franklin Blvd," directions="Eugene, OR 97403" phone="(541) 342-4804" url="http://www.eugeneuniversityinn.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">At University Inn & Suites Eugene, you’ll sleep in the heart of University of Oregon Fighting Duck country—where we’re legendary for our hospitality, contemporary rooms, complete array of amenities, and very fine service.

The University Inn & Suites Eugene is located near University of Oregon (Fighting Duck country). Local attractions include the Autzen Stadium, Lane County Fair,Hayward Field, and downtown Eugene. </sleep>

• Best Western Greentree Inn, 1759 Franklin Boulevard, +1 541 485-2727, Fax: +1 541 686-2094, [21].

• Best Western New Oregon Motel, 1655 Franklin Boulevard, +1 541 683-3669, Fax: +1 541 484-5556, [22].

• Courtesy Inn Eugene, 345 West 6th Ave, +1 888 259-8481, Fax: +1 541 342-6507, [23].

• EconoLodge - Eugene, Oregon, 1190 W 6th Ave, +1 541 342-7273, Fax: +1 541 743-2312, [24].

• The Eugene Hotel, whose large sign is a prominent feature of Eugene's skyline, is actually a retirement community. If you try to get a room there they will just laugh at you.

• Eugene International Hostel, 2352 Willamette Street, +1 541 349-0589, [25]. Vegetarian kitchen, seasonal organic garden, dormitory style rooms, free Internet and guest phone.

• Eugene Whiteaker Hostel, 970 West Third Avenue, +1 541 343-3335, [26].

• Motel 6 Eugene South - Springfield, 3690 Glenwood Drive, +1 541 687-2395, Fax: +1 541 687-6828, [27].

• Phoenix Inn Suites, 850 Franklin Blvd, Tel: +1 541 344-0001. [28]. All suite accommodations with complimentary breakfast buffet, high speed internet, and 24 hr. business center

• Residence Inn Eugene Springfield, 25 Club Road, +1 541 342-7171, Fax: +1 541 342-7175, [29].

• Valley River Inn, 1000 Valley River Way, Reservations: +1 800 543-8266, Phone" +1 541 743-1000, [30]. A unique resort-style hotel and conference center, located along the quiet banks of the Willamette River. Experience the comfortable retreat that has set the standard for Eugene hotels since 1973. Convenient to downtown and the University of Oregon.

• Walnut Street Co-Op, 1680 Walnut Street, +1 541 484-1156, [www.icetree.com/walnut] Walnut St. Co-Op is a social change oriented cooperative household. The house is a century-old duplex in the "Craftsmen" style. In addition to the nine bedrooms, there are two kitchens, two living rooms, 4+ bathrooms, and a sunny shared office space. One garage is for bicycles and garden storage; the other is a workshop and foosball arena.
• <sleep name="Comfort Suites - Eugene" alt="" address="3060 Brackenfern Rd." directions="Eugene, Oregon " phone="541-343-7000" url="http://www.eugeneuniversityhotel.com" checkin="" checkout="" price="" lat="" long="">The Eugene Comfort Suites is a hotel with numerous business and leisure amenities. This Eugene hotel is conveniently located by the University of Oregon.</sleep>

Get out

Eugene is two hours from the Cascade Mountains (good skiing at Mt. Bachelor), and a little over an hour from some of the most beautiful coastline on the Pacific shore.

• Day trip to the coast. Eat at Mo's in Florence, take a hike en route at Kentucky Falls and hit the Hobbit trail just north of Florence.
• The McKenzie River corridor (fly fishing, rafting)
• Hendricks Park Rhododendron Garden
• Mt. Pisgah Arboretum
• Bike paths along the Willamette River [31].
• Cape Perpetua Interpretive Nature Center (on coast north of Yachats)
• McCredie Hot Springs on the right just past mile-marker 45 on highway 58.
• Blair Lake and Meditation Pool (Wall Creek), take highway 58 to Oakridge, left on Union St, right on 1st, ten miles or so to a left turn on Forest Service Road 1934. Meditation Pool is on your left after about 3/4 mile (trailhead, about 1/3 mile walk to the pool), Blair lake is all the way at the top. Be sure to detour near the top when you see a road going off to the left marked by a trail marker (picture of two people hiking) for a spectacular view. Blair lake has campsites and hiking, Meditation Pool is a warm spring.

Outline