Things to Do
EUGENE & THE SURROUNDING AREA
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Whether you are an outdoors enthusiast, a shop-a-holic or a culture buff, there’s something for you in this special region. We’ve listed a few suggestions below and provide some links to other web pages where you can find even more information and ideas. Have a blast!
Check out the Eugene, Cascades & Coast website for a full line-up of activities. As the site notes, “The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region is a year-round destination with mild winters and comfortable summers. From Oregon Coast beaches to high country recreation in the Cascade Mountains, Oregon’s great outdoors is an integral part of the local lifestyle. Many visitors come to explore the pristine natural landscapes, partake in popular or unique sports, enjoy the diverse and notable arts scene and savor Oregon’s amazing culinary bounty.”
All Things Water
Whether you enjoy fishing on lakes, a river, or the ocean, you’re partial to whitewater rafting, or even tubing in a wave pool, we’ve got you covered.
Visit Eugene Cascades Coast for a full run-down of all water sports options.
Bikeways – Eugene, Cascades & Coast
Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway
Want to experience the charm of the Willamette Valley by bike? Hop on the 132-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway — the country’s first scenic bikeway. Ride along country roads near the Willamette River and through small towns.
Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway
A 35.9-milie ride along a route with six covered bridges.
Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path
A 12-mile system connecting Eugene’s riverfront parks.
Take it Outdoors
Still looking for something to do outdoors? Check out the many options for:
- hiking
- skiing
- snowboarding
- sandboarding
- birding
- dune buggy tours
- camping
- running
- and more
Be sure to work up a good appetite — and check out some of our area’s exceptional cuisine!
Exceptional Culinary Experiences
What are you in the mood for? Local cuisine? Fine dining? Ethnic fare? Winery or brewery eats? The southern Willamette has a bit of everything. Here are just a few of our favorites.
A confluence of cuisine from countries located along the edge of the Pacific Ocean, Sabai reflects the exotic flavors we’ve come to love. With a focus on fresh ingredients, simply prepared with care, thoughtfulness and culinary precision, the menu is a journey through the flavors of the Pacific Rim with an emphasis on time-honored Thai dishes. Voted Best Overall READERS CHOICE Register Guard 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018.
King Estate Winery
80854 Territorial Hwy, Eugene, OR 97405 View Map
Look across the valley from Rose Hill and you’ll see King Estate. Ranked in the top three area food choices by TripAdvisor, King Estate’s elegant restaurant pairs Northwest wines with regional food products. King Estate’s culinary team uses seasonal organic ingredients whenever possible — mostly sourced from the Estate’s 30+ acres of organic gardens and orchards.
Marché is about celebrating life and the bountiful Pacific Northwest with locally grown food, prepared with care and served in a convivial atmosphere. The menu is based on the foods you would find at a farmers market — fresh, seasonal and regional. Their culinary technique is French-based — intensely flavored and simply but beautifully presented. They also believe in using the highest quality and most healthful ingredients available and to that end, use organic, free-range and chemical-free products.
It began with a pint…Two friends share a pint at a small beer bar in Eugene, Oregon, and begin a conversation that undoubtedly involves the craft they are imbibing. Having brewed the first batch in 2006, fast forward to 2011, and the hard work of both founders landed them the fastest growing craft brewery in the United States with a top selling IPA in Oregon. Fast forward to present day, and Ninkasi ranks the 35th largest craft brewer in the United States (Brewers Association, 2018). Free brewery tours available Monday through Saturday with reservations. They offer a small selection of snacks and host a rotating schedule of local food carts on the patio. Outside food is allowed. Wine and cider are also available for purchase alongside their 10-tap selection.
Creswell Bakery is an honest, from scratch, food destination. Heidi Tunnell, owner and classically trained chef, has made it her mission to craft everything — from their breads, pastry doughs and plate-sized cinnamon rolls, all the way down to their salad dressings and croutons — from scratch using real, local ingredients. They serve made-to-order breakfast and lunch using fresh-baked artisan breads. Their bacon is cured and smoked in-house, and their grass-fed beef is raised on their very own farm just down the road. This honest food experience will have you leaving with a full belly and a smile on your face.
Cultural Enrichment
Arts, music and entertainment light up the region with colorful murals, street performances and engaging entertainment from the local symphony, ballet, opera, choir and theatre companies to the region’s many festivals. Get up-to-the-minute details at the Eugene, Cascades & Coast website. We’ve highlighted just a few examples below to pique your interest.
Walk & Talk at The Museum of Natural and Cultural History
1680 E 15th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403 View Map
Eugene Ballet Company
7th Ave & Willamette St, Eugene, OR 97401 View Map
Built upon an engaging repertoire of full-length classical ballets, contemporary works and accessible family programs, Eugene Ballet continues to collaborate across multiple cultural disciplines to create innovative new pieces, as well as showcase the works of many of the country’s finest choreographers.
Florence Winter Music Festival
Florence Events Center, January 24-26, 2020
715 Quince St, Florence, OR 97439 View Map
Florence Rhododendron Festival
May 14-17, 2020
Bay St, Florence, OR 97439 View Map
www.florencechamber.com/annual-events/rhody-festival-2(541) 997-3128
Shopping Galore!
Eugene Saturday Market
126 E. 8th Avenue, 8th and Oak Avenues, Eugene, OR 97401 View Map
Open every Saturday — rain or shine — from April to November. It’s the perfect place to shop, eat, dance and surround yourself with local color, handcrafted goods and culture. It is the oldest weekly open-air crafts market in the United States. The Lane County Farmers’ Market is just across the street, full of locally grown produce, plant starts and flowers.
Down to Earth Home, Garden and Gift
532 Olive St, Eugene, OR 97401 View Map
Anderson Antique Company
888 Pearl St, Eugene, OR 97401 View Map
Discover a vast inventory of antique items to choose from. This includes vintage jewelry, cut glass and antique furniture — all found in the heart of downtown Eugene near the intersection of Broadway and Pearl streets. Owner Patti Anderson attended a famous school in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to learn hand engraving and has been offering this service since the original store opened more than 25 years ago.
“Rose Hill is the perfect destination for a wine country weekend getaway. It’s a short distance from the best wineries in the region and the view is breathtaking.”
“Hospitality was reflected in every meticulous detail. I was well taken care of from my arrival to my reluctant departure.”