EUGENE & WILLAMETTE VALLEY VENETA & FERN RIDGE Just west of Eugene, the town of Veneta perches on the edge of 9,000-acre (3,642-ha) Fern Ridge Reservoir — the South Willamette Valley’s largest reservoir and a gateway for outdoor recreation. From summer thermal winds that provide reliable sailing conditions to welcoming community regattas where newcomers can join experienced crews, the reservoir has become a premier sailing destination that draws enthusiasts from across the region. Paddlers and anglers enjoy the serene waters as well. The Fern Ridge Path offers birders the chance to spot nesting shorebirds in the lake’s marshlands. Campers and RV-ers relax on the north end of the lake at family-friendly Richardson Park Campground. From May to October, taste the bounty at Veneta’s Downtown Farmers’ Market. Visit nearby Sarver Winery and LaVelle Vineyards to sample Veneta’s contribution to the South Willamette Valley’s exceptional winemaking tradition. Our Daily Bread Restaurant, a family-owned restaurant and bakery, is known for its baked goods, signature sandwiches and delicious breakfasts. In July Veneta is home to the annual Oregon Country Fair — a spirited community festival of music, food, arts and crafts. FROM TOP: TURELL GROUP; ROBBIE MCCLARAN Fern Ridge Reservoir Oregon Country Fair Travel Lane County | EugeneCascadesCoast.org | 541.484.5307 51
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