CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COLIN MORTON; MELANIE GRIFFIN; TERI REIFER 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. The entire family will love learning 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. 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 neighborhood where residents dine and play, North Eugene is worth a stop during your stay. Oakway Center, anchored by the Hyatt Eugene, has shops, restaurants and live music in the summer. Find gear 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. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art The Garden on Friendly UNIVERSITY OF OREGON A vibrant home to athletes and scholars, the University of Oregon campus offers museums and a 295-acre (119ha) 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. Stock up on team apparel at The Duck Store. After cheering on the Ducks, join friends for classic Italian dishes at Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria or a pie at Hey, Neighbor! Pizza House. Many hotels are conveniently located near the action for Oregon Duck fans and TrackTown enthusiasts, like University Inn & Suites and Holiday Inn Express & Suites. The Franklin area is home to casual eateries including Track Town Pizza 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. Sweet tooth? Enjoy a slice of cake at Sweet Life Petite or a sundae at Prince Pückler’s Ice Cream. 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 running shoes. Salt & Straw at the Oakway Center Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center | 550 Pearl St, Eugene 40
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