FROM LEFT: CITY OF EUGENE CULTURAL SERVICES; JONI KABANA MEET EUGENE’S NEIGHBORHOODS In Eugene the best of the Willamette Valley shows its true colors. It has the lively diversity of a college town with professional athletics, creative restaurants and food carts, a vibrant craft beer scene and urban wine trail, a network of biking and walking paths for car-free travel, and a community of artists and makers. Over the past few years, more than 20 large-scale public murals have been installed around town by international and local street artists — keep your eyes peeled for these stunning works of art. DOWNTOWN EUGENE As the heart at the center of the city, downtown Eugene offers an exciting mix of experiences: art studios, live music, food and drink, and nightlife alongside the area’s cutting-edge tech companies and creative agencies. This is where the city’s creators and entrepreneurs come to work and play, ensuring there is always something new to discover around the corner. The iconic Saturday Market and Farmers Market are the place to be on weekends, a home base for locally grown produce, handmade clothing and unique gifts like “fresh-picked rainbows.” Ken Kesey Square, named for the region’s celebrated author, is home to food carts and occasional performances. Shop for teas and treasures at places like Mosaic Fair Trade Collection. Start your morning off right with a latte and both savory and sweet treats from Noisette Pastry Kitchen. For brunch order a breakfast sandwich at Bagel Sphere, indulge in a leisurely brunch with bubbles at Lion & Owl, have a Vietnamese-style sandwich at Bon Mi, or enjoy a fabulous drag brunch at Spectrum. In the evenings, downtown Eugene buzzes with energy as students and locals flock to bars, theaters and clubs. Enjoy live performances at the Jazz Station all year-round. WHITEAKER Home to craft breweries, distilleries, bars and restaurants, the Whiteaker neighborhood — known as the Whit to locals — is the epicenter of Eugene’s beverage scene. Among the neighborhood’s colorfully painted houses, the Whit’s watering holes often host weekend brunches and concerts. The Whit is the ideal place for a craft-beer crawl. Head to Hop Valley Brewing Co. for a flight of ales and a soft pretzel before stouts or sours at Oakshire Brewing. Fans of spirits should stop by Thinking Tree Spirits or the tasting room at Wolf Spirit Distillery. End the day at The Wheel Apizza Pub, which serves New Haven-style apizza alongside brews made with Oregon-grown hops. Ready for adventure? Grab a smoothie at the Red Barn Natural Grocery before skateboarding at the WJ Skatepark, or zoom around in one of Arcimoto’s electric Fun Utility Vehicles. For lunch try vegan Indian street food at Arekie food truck, or stop by Fisherman’s Market for Oregon Dungeness crab or salmon tacos. Hit up the pinball machines at Blairally Vintage Arcade before trying Japanese comfort food or rare bourbons at Izakaya Meiji Company. Finish the day with live music at Sam Bond’s Garage. Asian Night Market Red Barn Natural Grocery Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center | 754 Olive St, Eugene 40 EUGENE & WILLAMETTE VALLEY
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