FROM FAR LEFT: TTURELL GROUP; SPRINGFED MEDIA CRESWELL South of Eugene and north of Cottage Grove, the quiet town of Creswell evokes nostalgia for bygone days. The Creswell Historical Museum tells the story of the area’s native Kalapuya people, early American settlers and pioneer times. Golf enthusiasts tee off at Emerald Valley Golf Club’s lush greens set on the Coast Fork of the Willamette River. The club offers lessons and weekly specials. Don’t miss Creswell Bakery, the small town’s big contribution to the regional farm-to-table movement. You’ll find made-from-scratch breads, rolls and sweets as well as a robust menu of salads, sandwiches and savory hand pies. Browse the bakery’s wine shop and take a picnic to go. The family-owned Saginaw Vineyard tasting room, housed in a historic red barn, offers classic wines like Pinot Noir and Syrah, as well as raspberry and blackberry dessert wines. In summer the winery offers berries for sale from its bountiful gardens. Creswell’s Hobby Field Airport is one of Oregon’s busiest general-aviation airports. LOWELL & PLEASANT HILL Tucked into the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the little town of Lowell is a gateway to spectacular outdoor activities. Dexter State Recreation Site provides ample boating, swimming and hiking, and has an 18-hole disc-golf course. Nearby Elijah Bristow State Park is a great place for an easy stroll on foot or on horseback. Overnight visitors can choose picturesque campsites offering lake views and tranquil spots to sleep under the stars. Nearby, the challenging Hardesty Trail climbs 3,323 feet (1 km) of elevation in 5 miles (8 km) to the summit of Hardesty Mountain. Lookout Point Lake draws outdoor enthusiasts for picnicking, boating and wildlifewatching. Lowell is also home to five of the region’s enchanting covered bridges — Parvin, Cannon Street, Unity, Pengra and Lowell. The Lowell Covered Bridge at Dexter Reservoir, which distinguishes itself as the widest at 24 feet (7.3 m), spans the Dexter Reservoir and serves as an interpretive center for the other bridges with photos and historic narratives. The nearby community of Pleasant Hill draws hungry sightseers to Cioppino House for its mix of classic and innovative Italian dishes paired with a nice selection of fine Oregon wines. The Dueling Spoons restaurant in Fall Creek serves elevated family favorites like mushrooms in puff pastry and Irish potato soup, lovingly crafted by French-trained chef Billy Reid. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are recommended. Dexter Reservoir Creswell Bakery Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center | 754 Olive St, Eugene 48 EUGENE & WILLAMETTE VALLEY
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