FROM LEFT: CITY OF EUGENE; FISHERMAN’S MARKET EUGENE 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. Anchored by the performingarts centers of the Hult Center for Performing Arts, John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts and the WOW Hall, this arts district 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.” Kesey Square, named for the region’s celebrated author Ken Kesey, is home to food carts and occasional performances. Start your morning off right with breakfast pastries at Noisette Pastry Kitchen. At lunch indulge in a glass of bubbles at Lion & Owl, have a Vietnamese-style sandwich at Bon Mi or enjoy an authentic Liège waffle from Off the Waffle. In the evenings, downtown Eugene buzzes. Enjoy live performances at The Jazz Station or Mac’s Restaurant 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. For a craft-beer crawl, head to Hop Valley Brewing Co. to enjoy a pint and a soft pretzel before stopping for a flight at Oakshire Brewing. Fans of spirits should stop by Thinking Tree Spirits or the tasting room at Wolf Spirit Distillery. For lunch try Indian/ Latin fusion naan tacos at the 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 indulging in Japanese comfort food or rare bourbons at Izakaya Meiji Company. Finish the day at The Wheel Apizza Pub, which serves New Havenstyle apizza alongside brews made with Oregon-grown hops. Fiesta Cultural at Farmers Market Pavilion Fisherman’s Market Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center | 754 Olive St, Eugene 40
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