Eugene, Oregon is home to the University of Oregon and located in the South Willamette Valley. Attending sporting events is a great experience, but there are plenty of other things to do in Eugene! This is my full weekend (or weekday!) guide to Eugene. You will find a two-day itinerary, and at the bottom of this post are my lodging recommendations.
Day One
Start your day with a late breakfast and coffee at Coffee Plant Roaster - everything is delicious, but the avocado toast is highly recommended! Next, adventure to a second-generation family owned local winery, Sweet Cheeks Winery. Reservations are not required, but recommended, especially on weekends or surrounding popular Eugene weeks (like UO graduation!). The winemaker, Leo, was the first employee hired by the founder. Originally from the Philippines, Leo learned the art of winemaking through hands-on experience. Enjoy a table side experience, the beautiful view, and the wines! If you want to continue your wine experience, visit neighboring winery, Silvan Ridge. If you want to be closer to town, visit Capitello. Winemaker, Ray Walsh is from New Zealand and makes wine both in Eugene and New Zealand. At the tasting room, you can taste both the Willamette Valley wines and New Zealand wines! All of these wineries are family friendly, and dogs are allowed at Sweet Cheeks Winery. After your wine experiences, either take a break (or a nap!) or go shopping at The Fifth Street Public Market. For dinner, stay at the market and choose between, Marché, The Gordon Tavern, or Carlitas. Notes : If you are traveling with kids, The Gordon Tavern is the best option. Carlitas is 21+ and doesn't take reservations. The view at Carlitas is stunning, but with no reservation option it does fill up quickly! Either get there early, or put your name on the list and go to The Gordon Tavern or Le Bar for happy hour. During the summer and early fall, you can sit outside with your dog at Marché.
Photo Credits : Coffee Plant Roaster, Sweet Cheeks Winery, Fifth Street Public Market, Marche, Gordon Tavern, Carlitas
Day Two
Find your way to the Lane County Farmers Market - open on Saturdays every month, except January, and Tuesday mid-May through mid-October. The booths are full of local items, all beautiful and lively. Some of my favorite vendors :
Creswell Bakery : sesame baguette, cardamom buns, hazelnut sticky buns, cookies
Deck Family Farm : honey, eggs, meat
Willow & Oak Farm : fresh and/or dried flowers
Enjoy a bakery item, or an empanada from Dominican Delights, while strolling through the market. Note: Dogs cannot come in the market. After a small bite, make your way to Spencers Butte. This is a very popular hike! The hike from parking to summit is 1.7 miles, and has steep switchbacks through forest, meadows, and a rocky summit. If it's been a while with exercise, just take your time and enjoy the scenery with regular breaks. Once you get to the top, take in the view! This is the highest elevation in Eugene. Be sure to not leave any valuables in the car, or have anything seeming valuable in sight. Refuel from your hike at Coldfire Brewing, home to some of Eugene's best food trucks. We like to order little bites from each! Between, Stretched Noodles, Yardy, Yabai Nikkei, Paper Plate BBQ, or Pizza DOP - you really can't go wrong.
Next, make your way to the University of Oregon campus. Even if you aren't a sports fan, the architecture of Hayward Field and Matthew Knight Arena is a sight. If you are a track or running fan, Pre's Rock is not far from campus and is worth the drive-by. Campus is a mix of historic and modern buildings. After exploring campus, grab a drink at JungleFowl before having dinner at Placido's Pasta Shop. Note : make reservations for Placido's, it is very small and popular! Traveling with kids? Consider Tacovore. If your kids like pasta, don't skip Placido's!
Photo Credit: Lane County Farmer's Market, Coldfire Brewing, University of Oregon, Junglefowl, Placido's Pasta Shop
Top Lodging Recommendations :
Located on the edge of the University of Oregon campus
Showcases and supports local breweries, wineries, and coffee companies
Family Friendly
Dog Friendly
Photos by Maverick Hotel
Centrally located : drive/uber to campus, walk to the 5th Street Public Market, walk to the Lane County Farmers Market (seasonal, Tuesdays/Saturdays).
Check out the Top Golf Suite! This is fun for adults and children.
Very unique decor and atmosphere.
Photos by Graduate Eugene
Inn at the 5th is on the more expensive side, but it is stunning. Bringing your dog? They charge an additional fee, but it comes with a welcome treat! The Gordon allows dogs as well, and charges a fee, but doesn't note any special amenities.
Both are located at The Fifth Street Public Market you will have plenty of dining and shopping outside your hotel doors.
Looking for a spa during your visit? Gervais is right next door to Inn at the 5th.
Top : Photos by Inn at the 5th Bottom : Photos by The Gordon Hotel
Looking for a home or unique accommodation experience?
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb
North Gilham | flat, great for walking/running, you will need a car or uber
University/South Eugene | unless you are visiting during the summer, look for something up in the hills. During the school year, close to campus can be noisy!
Enjoy exploring Eugene! Have other suggestions or favorites? Leave a comment below!
Cheers.
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