When I went to school in Eugene, the university didn't quite dominate like it does now but, with it's growth downtown Eugene has also been able to develop, grow and flourish.
We spent 3 days in Eugene, 2 of which were simply wandering downtown with friends and exploring all the thrift shops, eateries and bars.
Day 1: Oregon Ducks vs. ASUI personally love football and particularly Duck football so I am a bit biased, yet I believe there is an aura around Autzen Stadium that is not something to be missed. Typically, I park on the opposite side of the river and take the pilgrimage with thousands others across the Willamette River, down a bike trail, in the trees until the stadium comes out of nowhere and presents itself with glory.
The seating is steep allowing any seat in the stadium to have a good view. If you don't particularly care about the game but want to go watch football, look on craigslist the day of the game and it should be no problem finding tickets under $30 dollars.
Be aware you can only buy and drink alcohol in one portion of the stadium (because it's college football I guess? I'm not sure why on this one.) So, if you want to drink and not pay a whole lot ($12 beers) it is no problem sneaking in a flask or two.
Day 2
Downtown:
Downtown Eugene has really flourished in the past 4 years. Prior to 2012, a square block in the middle of downtown was a giant pit. The city sold the space to Lane Community College for a downtown campus and I believe that was the best thing that's happened to Eugene in the past decade. After the campus came to life, new and trendy businesses filled the spaces that had sat vacant for years. During the day you can get kombucha on tap at Townsend Teas, have beers and beer cheese soup and the Beir Stein and as the sun goes down the multiple bars that make up the Barmuda Triangle fill with people from all walks of life. When the night is winding down grab some drunchies from voodoo doughnuts or other food carts that are conveniently parked outside.
Day 3:
SpencersButte:
A local favorite hike. It is just outside of town, has a wide path, is a little over a mile, and gives some of the best views of the Willamette valley. On a nice spring day the trail will be packed with people old and young but during the dreary fall months sometimes you are the only one up there. It's a great hike to get the blood pumping but doesn't take up your whole day.
Day 4:
Whitaker:
The Whit is a neighborhood NW of downtown. Traditionally filled with counter culture, art-forward individuals it has begun to be gentrified. The houses are mixed with well manicured craftsman homes and homely overgrown multi-color with interpretive art on the porches.
The Whit is a popular area to eat some of the best food found in Eugene. Three of my personal favorites is Papa's Soul Food, Falling Sky, and Tacovore.
Papa's Soul food is no frills BBQ with a small indoor and mostly outdoor patio seating. Sometimes they have live music and always have good food.
Falling Sky opened around 2012, although their food is a bit pricey I like it because its thoughtful. They locally source most of their ingredients and come up with some really unique and delicious food items, not to mention their beer is awesome.
Tacovore is awesome. you can buy plates or single tacos. I love the carnitas but be warned they are spicy.
Don't forget to drop by Ninkasi. Their poor room is mostly outside under tarps with heat lamps.
No comments:
Post a Comment