MELANIE GRIFFIN (3) SOUTH EUGENE To see the quiet side of town, drive into the green hills of South Eugene, anchored by beautiful Spencer Butte. Here you can take a breathtaking hike on the Ridgeline Trail or a jog on the wood-chip paths of Amazon Trail. Kids and adults alike can learn about nearly 40 birds of prey at the Cascades Raptor Center. Dining options abound in South Eugene. Try pastries at Metropol Bakery or Hideaway Bakery — great in winter with two fireplaces — for breakfast. The Garden on Friendly food-cart pod offers meals for a range of tastes, from Japanese street food to pizza. Enjoy classic and seasonal brews at Drop Bear Brewery or Latine-owned Xicha Brewing. Take a picnic to Wayne Morse Family Farm, now a city park. NORTH EUGENE & OAKWAY CENTER Another quiet neighborhood where residents dine and play, North Eugene is well worth a stop during your stay. Oakway Center, anchored by the Hyatt Eugene, has shops, markets and restaurants. Find shoes and local trail tips at Eugene Running Company. Enjoy colorful Thai dishes at Sabai and healthy food options at locally owned Cafe Yumm!. Farther afield, try a farm-to-table meal at Northwest-themed North Fork Tavern, a glass of Pinot at b2 Bar + Grill or a pastry at Southpine Bakery. Valley River Center has even more shops and nearby attractions to explore. Venture onto the bike path running along the north bank of the Willamette River, or take in a movie at Regal Valley River Center. For a classic diner experience, order a cheeseburger and a milkshake at retro DickieJo’s Burgers. Pre’s Rock Ridgeline Trail UNIVERSITY OF OREGON A vibrant home to athletes and scholars, the University of Oregon campus offers museums and a 295-acre (119-ha) arboretum with more than 4,000 trees. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and the Museum of Natural and Cultural History offer continually changing exhibits, as does the nearby Maude Kerns Art Center. This is the center of TrackTown USA and the Oregon Ducks, so sports fans shouldn’t miss Hayward Field, Autzen Stadium and Matthew Knight Arena. Stock up on Ducks apparel for the whole family at The Duck Store. After cheering on the Ducks in your favorite sport, join friends for burgers at McMenamins East 19th Cafe, classic Italian dishes at Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria or a pie at Hey, Neighbor! Pizza House. The Franklin area is home to casual eateries including Taste of India and Wild Duck Cafe. Vero Espresso House and Tailored Coffee Roasters are great places to hang out, even if you don’t need to study. If you’re craving dessert, you can’t go wrong with any of the cakes, pies and pastries at Sweet Life Petite. Explore the paths at Hendricks Park among thousands of rhododendrons and azaleas that flower around May. Nearby is Pre’s Rock, a memorial for Steve Prefontaine, where runners often leave tokens to his memory like race bibs, medals and running shoes. Salt & Straw at the Oakway Center Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center | 754 Olive St, Eugene 42
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