Eugene is an important university town and in fact the second-largest city in Oregon, located at the southern extreme of the Willamette Valley. The city has long attracted visitors through its dynamic spirit, which derives from a unique blend of intellectuals, artists, bohemian types and outdoor sporting enthusiasts.
The city’s downtown historic district is a great place to visit, especially as Fifth Street Public market can be found at its core. The Park Blocks, just outside the market, provide a link to local government buildings and the commercial area. The neo-hippy Saturday Market is also nearby and is the oldest weekly handicraft market in the US.
Rated in the top ten places for cycling in the US, Eugene offers enthusiasts more than 50 miles of streets with bike lanes, 19 streets designated for bikes only and 25 trails that are off-street. If you prefer walking or jogging, there are plenty of paths for these pursuits as well, including routes through the city’s gardens and parks and along the Willamette River.
Highlights
Fifth Street Public Market: is a centrally-located area boasting some of the finest eateries in the Pacific Northwest, as well as an unusual and interesting variety of boutiques and art galleries.
Saturday Market: is credited with being the longest-running weekly outdoor arts and crafts market in the US. More than 300 vendors offer up an assortment of unusual, high-quality items each week to hippies, students and skateboarders among others.
University of Oregon: draws many visitors largely due to its interesting structures such as the 19th century Deady and Villard halls. The university’s museums of art and natural history are also popular, boasting some of the finest collections to be found in this part of the US.
Rhododendron Garden: specializes in rhododendrons, but also features over 6,000 flowering shrubs such as azaleas, viburnum and magnolias. The garden was established in 1951 and is a colourful and refreshing place to visit at any time of the year.
Oregon Back Festival: don’t miss this cultural event, held annually at the Hult Center, where opera, symphony and ballet are performed year-round.