Guidebook for Eugene
Food Scene
This bistro has full menu and stays open later in the evening. Outdoor seating and fire pits. Very close by.
62 locals recommend
Agate Alley Bistro
Agate AlleyThis bistro has full menu and stays open later in the evening. Outdoor seating and fire pits. Very close by.
Small neighborhood location (new) of beloved Eugene institution. Cafe with outdoor seating. Famous desserts - for people with a real sweet tooth! Very close by.
58 locals recommend
Sweet Life Petite
1609 E 19th AveSmall neighborhood location (new) of beloved Eugene institution. Cafe with outdoor seating. Famous desserts - for people with a real sweet tooth! Very close by.
Eugene favorite, line out the door on hot days. Outdoor seating. Around the corner from a playground where children of all ages can play until the sugar rush fades. Obama's favorite flavors are marked from his campaign trail stop. Very close by.
136 locals recommend
Prince Pucklers Ice Cream
1605 E 19th AveEugene favorite, line out the door on hot days. Outdoor seating. Around the corner from a playground where children of all ages can play until the sugar rush fades. Obama's favorite flavors are marked from his campaign trail stop. Very close by.
This is the main location for J-Tea with info. on what they offer. They just opened a tea shop next to Sweet Life Patisserie at 19th and Agate Streets - very close by.
15 locals recommend
J-TEA
2778 Friendly StThis is the main location for J-Tea with info. on what they offer. They just opened a tea shop next to Sweet Life Patisserie at 19th and Agate Streets - very close by.
Delicious coffee shop on the other side of campus. Not far. Nice walk from house across campus to this E. 13th cluster of restaurants and stores.
6 locals recommend
Espresso Roma
825 E 13th AveDelicious coffee shop on the other side of campus. Not far. Nice walk from house across campus to this E. 13th cluster of restaurants and stores.
Cozy breakfast place. Not far. Nice walk from house across campus to this cluster of restaurants and shops at E. 13th. Good place to go with children - food you can see before you order and if you chose slices in the case, food that arrives quickly.
50 locals recommend
Glenwood
2588 Willamette StCozy breakfast place. Not far. Nice walk from house across campus to this cluster of restaurants and shops at E. 13th. Good place to go with children - food you can see before you order and if you chose slices in the case, food that arrives quickly.
Delicious pizza and fresh salads. Slices of several different kinds ready to bake when you order, or order a pizza you design. Good place to go with children. This is the downtown Eugene location. Fun to go there on the fast EMX bus (get off at High Street and walk one block to the pizzeria on Pearl), or bike there on the bike path.
46 locals recommend
Mezza Luna Pizzeria
115 S 5th StDelicious pizza and fresh salads. Slices of several different kinds ready to bake when you order, or order a pizza you design. Good place to go with children. This is the downtown Eugene location. Fun to go there on the fast EMX bus (get off at High Street and walk one block to the pizzeria on Pearl), or bike there on the bike path.
Same delicious pizza and fresh salads. Slices of several different kinds ready to bake when you order, or order a pizza you design. Good place to go with children - food you can see before you order and if you chose slices in the case, food that arrives quickly. This is the downtown Springfield location. Fun to go there on the fast EMX bus, or bike there on the bike path.
46 locals recommend
Mezza Luna Pizzeria
115 S 5th StSame delicious pizza and fresh salads. Slices of several different kinds ready to bake when you order, or order a pizza you design. Good place to go with children - food you can see before you order and if you chose slices in the case, food that arrives quickly. This is the downtown Springfield location. Fun to go there on the fast EMX bus, or bike there on the bike path.
Local brewery with full menu - higher quality food for a brew pub. Outdoor seating.
60 locals recommend
Plank Town Brewing Company
346 Main StLocal brewery with full menu - higher quality food for a brew pub. Outdoor seating.
Sushi Station Japanese Restaurant
199 E 5th AveVery fresh! Sushi bar and tables.
Healthy, fresh and delicious, favorite especially with vegetarians and vegans. Good place to go with children. Quick.
10 locals recommend
Cafe Yumm! - On Broadway
860 East 13th AvenueHealthy, fresh and delicious, favorite especially with vegetarians and vegans. Good place to go with children. Quick.
Another nearby location: Healthy, fresh and delicious, favorite especially with vegetarians and vegans. Good place to go with children. Quick.
37 locals recommend
Cafe Yumm! | The Meridian
1801 Willamette StAnother nearby location: Healthy, fresh and delicious, favorite especially with vegetarians and vegans. Good place to go with children. Quick.
Lovely places to sit inside and out! Great place to go with small children - there is a small sandbox for play with parent seating along side. Weekly farmer's market day in parking lot in summer. Good coffee and tea, fresh bread, baked goods, desserts. Not too far away. Located across the Amazon Parkway from wood chip running trails and near bike trails.
144 locals recommend
Hideaway Bakery
3377 E Amazon DrLovely places to sit inside and out! Great place to go with small children - there is a small sandbox for play with parent seating along side. Weekly farmer's market day in parking lot in summer. Good coffee and tea, fresh bread, baked goods, desserts. Not too far away. Located across the Amazon Parkway from wood chip running trails and near bike trails.
This open air market is so very Eugene! Food booths, live music, local produce for sale, and lots of locally-made craft booths - the whole local scene. Located downtown. Great place to go with children. Fun to ride there on the fast EMX bus (get off at Eugene station and walk about 3 blocks over) or bike there.
202 locals recommend
Eugene Saturday Market Stage
101 S Park StThis open air market is so very Eugene! Food booths, live music, local produce for sale, and lots of locally-made craft booths - the whole local scene. Located downtown. Great place to go with children. Fun to ride there on the fast EMX bus (get off at Eugene station and walk about 3 blocks over) or bike there.
Ta Ra RinThai Cuisine-Eugene
1200 Oak StThai food near the downtown.
Thai food a little further away (other side of the downtown) near the Whitaker neighborhood.
23 locals recommend
Chao Pra Ya Thai Cuisine
580 Adams StThai food a little further away (other side of the downtown) near the Whitaker neighborhood.
Voodoo Doughnut - Eugene
20 E BroadwayPortland's famous doughnuts - here in Eugene. Downtown.
Fantastic Oregon teahouse with a wide selection of teas (including medicinal), also bubble tea and kombuchas. Nice place to sit. Downtown. Next to a movie theatre and near places to eat and drink and close to the Voodoo doughnut shop.
19 locals recommend
Brew Dr. Teahouse - Eugene
41 W BroadwayFantastic Oregon teahouse with a wide selection of teas (including medicinal), also bubble tea and kombuchas. Nice place to sit. Downtown. Next to a movie theatre and near places to eat and drink and close to the Voodoo doughnut shop.
Eugene favorite vegetarian place. Dinosaurs on the tables very popular with children. Some outdoor seating. This is nearer location, there is another one on the other side of the downtown.
104 locals recommend
Laughing Planet
760 Blair BlvdEugene favorite vegetarian place. Dinosaurs on the tables very popular with children. Some outdoor seating. This is nearer location, there is another one on the other side of the downtown.
Not far away - easy walk. Many vegetarians really appreciate this place. They also have a buffet option.
21 locals recommend
Evergreen Indian Cuisine
906 W 7th AveNot far away - easy walk. Many vegetarians really appreciate this place. They also have a buffet option.
This a wide selection of fresh bagels, other baked goods, fresh cream cheese, lox... It won't measure up to a NY bagel, but it's pretty good for Oregon and beats mass-produced supermarket bagels by a wide margin.
14 locals recommend
Humble Bagel Company
2435 Hilyard StThis a wide selection of fresh bagels, other baked goods, fresh cream cheese, lox... It won't measure up to a NY bagel, but it's pretty good for Oregon and beats mass-produced supermarket bagels by a wide margin.
Good coffee and desserts, fresh bread, also soups and sandwiches. Can be long lines at peak times. Not too far.
28 locals recommend
Metropol Bakery
2538 Willamette StGood coffee and desserts, fresh bread, also soups and sandwiches. Can be long lines at peak times. Not too far.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is the neighborhood location of a well-known and popular Oregon brewery. Outdoor seating. Full menu. Pool tables. Very close by.
70 locals recommend
McMenamins East 19th Street Café
1485 E 19th AveThis is the neighborhood location of a well-known and popular Oregon brewery. Outdoor seating. Full menu. Pool tables. Very close by.
The Barn Light
924 Willamette StThey have a shuffle board table!
Silver Screen Video
2390 Agate StClose by! Good place to rent DVD's.
Parks & Nature
Our favorite woods trails for trail running and walking. Very close by and you quickly forget you are in a city. Native plant and formal rhododendron garden.
196 locals recommend
Hendricks Park
Skyline BoulevardOur favorite woods trails for trail running and walking. Very close by and you quickly forget you are in a city. Native plant and formal rhododendron garden.
There are many trail heads for the Ridgeline trail system. Extensive dirt trails wind through the woods and connect two small peaks with nice views. Great for trail running and hiking. A few limited sections can be mountain biked.
30 locals recommend
Ridgeline Trail - Fox Hollow Trailhead
85528 Christensen RdThere are many trail heads for the Ridgeline trail system. Extensive dirt trails wind through the woods and connect two small peaks with nice views. Great for trail running and hiking. A few limited sections can be mountain biked.
Eugene has a 15 mile bike/running/walking trail along the Willamette River on public park land named after Ruth Bascom, the city leader who made it happen. There are two entrances close to our house. You can go west to reach downtown Eugene, the Valley River Mall, and points further west, or take it east to the Springfield downtown or in the direction of the Gateway Mall. Going west you can go on either side of the river.
12 locals recommend
Bike Path
Bike PathEugene has a 15 mile bike/running/walking trail along the Willamette River on public park land named after Ruth Bascom, the city leader who made it happen. There are two entrances close to our house. You can go west to reach downtown Eugene, the Valley River Mall, and points further west, or take it east to the Springfield downtown or in the direction of the Gateway Mall. Going west you can go on either side of the river.
Relatively short hike with 360 degree views at the summit of the butte (small peak).
52 locals recommend
Spencer Butte (Cham-o-tee)
85385 S Willamette StRelatively short hike with 360 degree views at the summit of the butte (small peak).
Mount Baldy (the mountain not the lane) offers a short and sweet hiking or running trail with beautiful views both west and east at the summit. Two trails reach the summit - one from the neighborhood off Spring Blvd. on the north, one from south side reached by taking Amazon Parkway to Dillard Road.
Mount Baldy Lane
Mount Baldy LaneMount Baldy (the mountain not the lane) offers a short and sweet hiking or running trail with beautiful views both west and east at the summit. Two trails reach the summit - one from the neighborhood off Spring Blvd. on the north, one from south side reached by taking Amazon Parkway to Dillard Road.
Many trails for hiking, walking and running on dirt and gravel paths through woods, down to the river, and to small mountain summit with 360 degree view. Oak savannah and native meadow restoration areas. Wildflowers in season.
251 locals recommend
Mount Pisgah
Many trails for hiking, walking and running on dirt and gravel paths through woods, down to the river, and to small mountain summit with 360 degree view. Oak savannah and native meadow restoration areas. Wildflowers in season.
Trail to small peak very close to downtown. Trailhead near river bike path.
123 locals recommend
Skinner Butte Park
248 Cheshire AveTrail to small peak very close to downtown. Trailhead near river bike path.
Local park along Willamette River with places to picnic, play in the grass, barbecue shelters, also a frisbee golf course. The bike path goes through it. Pond at center with ducks and sometimes nutria (small furry animals with weird orange teeth). Bridges that cross the river.
139 locals recommend
Alton Baker Park
200 Day Island RdLocal park along Willamette River with places to picnic, play in the grass, barbecue shelters, also a frisbee golf course. The bike path goes through it. Pond at center with ducks and sometimes nutria (small furry animals with weird orange teeth). Bridges that cross the river.
7.2 mile bike path from Eugene west into lovely big open wetland. "The Fern Ridge Path winds through western Eugene along Amazon Creek for most of its length. The western portion of the trail offers native prairie, wetlands and wildlife viewing, while the eastern half has a more urban feel with connections to businesses and city parks." Children like to stop at the Euphoria Chocolate Factory (serves ice cream too) - check days/times open.
7 locals recommend
Fern Ridge Trail
Fern Ridge Trail7.2 mile bike path from Eugene west into lovely big open wetland. "The Fern Ridge Path winds through western Eugene along Amazon Creek for most of its length. The western portion of the trail offers native prairie, wetlands and wildlife viewing, while the eastern half has a more urban feel with connections to businesses and city parks." Children like to stop at the Euphoria Chocolate Factory (serves ice cream too) - check days/times open.
Shopping
New and used books in the E. 13th cluster of restaurants and shops, a nice walk from house across campus.
13 locals recommend
Smith Family Bookstore
525 Willamette StNew and used books in the E. 13th cluster of restaurants and shops, a nice walk from house across campus.
Full grocery store with organic, local and conventional foods, a deli, sushi bar, bakery, bulk goods, selection of cheeses, meats, beer and wine.
63 locals recommend
Market of Choice - Franklin - Eugene, OR
1960 Franklin BlvdFull grocery store with organic, local and conventional foods, a deli, sushi bar, bakery, bulk goods, selection of cheeses, meats, beer and wine.
Pharmacy plus dry goods/novelty store crammed with all kinds of things including gifts and party supplies.
25 locals recommend
Hirons Drug
1950 Franklin BlvdPharmacy plus dry goods/novelty store crammed with all kinds of things including gifts and party supplies.
This is a non-profit second-hand store with many locations in the area. They are also the largest used bookseller and have a well-organized wide selection (my favorites are this store and the Seneca store) with very low prices.
St. Vincent De Paul - High Street Boutique Store (temporarily closed)
555 High StThis is a non-profit second-hand store with many locations in the area. They are also the largest used bookseller and have a well-organized wide selection (my favorites are this store and the Seneca store) with very low prices.
This is our favorite nearby grocery for organic food, produce, bulk dry goods, spices/herbs and carefully sourced, high qualify meat and fish. It is smaller and more manageable for us for regular shopping than Market of Choice (although the local Franklin Blvd. MOC is very convenient for many purchases).
65 locals recommend
Capella Market
2489 Willamette StThis is our favorite nearby grocery for organic food, produce, bulk dry goods, spices/herbs and carefully sourced, high qualify meat and fish. It is smaller and more manageable for us for regular shopping than Market of Choice (although the local Franklin Blvd. MOC is very convenient for many purchases).
This is a sweet and tiny natural foods store. Good produce and bulk dry goods selection. Focused on organics. Not far away.
98 locals recommend
Sundance Natural Foods
748 E 24th AveThis is a sweet and tiny natural foods store. Good produce and bulk dry goods selection. Focused on organics. Not far away.
Entertainment & Activities
Summer outdoor public swimming pool complex with slides, wading pools and a variety of water features with grass beach for family fun. Also lap swims etc.
Amazon Community Center
2700 Hilyard StSummer outdoor public swimming pool complex with slides, wading pools and a variety of water features with grass beach for family fun. Also lap swims etc.
Great place to go with children especially when the weather isn't perfect.
8 locals recommend
Bounce Gymnastics & Circus Arts Center
329 W 3rd AveGreat place to go with children especially when the weather isn't perfect.
Indoor water park for family fun in the next town over. Wave pool. Big slides. Loud happy noisy.
17 locals recommend
Splash! at Lively Park
6100 Thurston RdIndoor water park for family fun in the next town over. Wave pool. Big slides. Loud happy noisy.
Our grandchildren love this place! It has an old-time carousel, mini-golf, pizza and outdoor seating with a view of the river, also arcade games. Not very far away (take EMX fast bus to the east or drive).
11 locals recommend
Roaring Rapids Pizza Company
4006 Franklin BlvdOur grandchildren love this place! It has an old-time carousel, mini-golf, pizza and outdoor seating with a view of the river, also arcade games. Not very far away (take EMX fast bus to the east or drive).
Indoor rock-climbing gym with special times, programs and arrangements for children who want to climb. This was my son's favorite place to go when he was young. Great place to go in wet or gloomy weather.
11 locals recommend
Crux Rock Climbing Gym
401 W 3rd AveIndoor rock-climbing gym with special times, programs and arrangements for children who want to climb. This was my son's favorite place to go when he was young. Great place to go in wet or gloomy weather.
This is a wonderful playground in the park along the river. Reachable by bike path or by car (not far from downtown). My grandchildren love this place and they find kindred spirits to play with there. Small sprinkler/water feature in summer.
10 locals recommend
RiverPlay Discovery Village Playground
Bike PathThis is a wonderful playground in the park along the river. Reachable by bike path or by car (not far from downtown). My grandchildren love this place and they find kindred spirits to play with there. Small sprinkler/water feature in summer.
On the river plaza along the north side of the EWEB (local utility) headquarters (along the bike path), there is a fountain in summer that children can play in.
Eugene Water & Electric Board
500 E 4th AveOn the river plaza along the north side of the EWEB (local utility) headquarters (along the bike path), there is a fountain in summer that children can play in.
Small theatres with quirky movies, good beverages and snacks. Downtown. Good place to ride the fast EMX bus (get off at Eugene station and walk over a few blocks) or to reach by bike. Near many restaurants and bars, next to a great teahouse and near the Voodoo donut shop.
55 locals recommend
Broadway Metro
888 Willamette StSmall theatres with quirky movies, good beverages and snacks. Downtown. Good place to ride the fast EMX bus (get off at Eugene station and walk over a few blocks) or to reach by bike. Near many restaurants and bars, next to a great teahouse and near the Voodoo donut shop.
Place to observe big, fascinating birds who are being rehabilitated. Located across the street from one of the parking lot/trail junctions for the Ridgeline Trail, including one of our favorite loops for a gentle trail run (Fox Hollow towards Dillard and back to Fox Hollow), or the start of the trail to Spencer Butte, or the trail down to Amazon park.
75 locals recommend
Cascades Raptor Center
32275 Fox Hollow RdPlace to observe big, fascinating birds who are being rehabilitated. Located across the street from one of the parking lot/trail junctions for the Ridgeline Trail, including one of our favorite loops for a gentle trail run (Fox Hollow towards Dillard and back to Fox Hollow), or the start of the trail to Spencer Butte, or the trail down to Amazon park.
This is a very large local annual festival in a rural setting in the next town over (Veneta), with lots of live music performances, funny and wild vaudeville shows (juggling and acrobatics galore), crafter booths with hand-made goods, a wide variety of food booths and info. booths on alternative energy, green living, peace and community building. It's a unique immersion experience in Oregon's alternative/hippy culture (as they say, "if it can't happen in Eugene, it can't happen!). You have to buy your tickets in advance. Ride the convenient fair shuttle bus to/from the event (maybe required these days). If you are going for one day, I strongly recommend Friday (calmer, slightly less crowded). Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. It can be very hot (shade not always available). Make sure to bring water bottles, sun hats, sun screen and if you like, a cloth to sit on the grass/dirt during shows.
28 locals recommend
Oregon Country Fair
24550 Chickadee LaneThis is a very large local annual festival in a rural setting in the next town over (Veneta), with lots of live music performances, funny and wild vaudeville shows (juggling and acrobatics galore), crafter booths with hand-made goods, a wide variety of food booths and info. booths on alternative energy, green living, peace and community building. It's a unique immersion experience in Oregon's alternative/hippy culture (as they say, "if it can't happen in Eugene, it can't happen!). You have to buy your tickets in advance. Ride the convenient fair shuttle bus to/from the event (maybe required these days). If you are going for one day, I strongly recommend Friday (calmer, slightly less crowded). Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. It can be very hot (shade not always available). Make sure to bring water bottles, sun hats, sun screen and if you like, a cloth to sit on the grass/dirt during shows.
Arts & Culture
Terrific place to see an outdoor concert. Bring a blanket to stake your space if you get grass seating. Or, skip the ticket, and picnic on the grass outside the ampitheater where you can hear (but not see) the concert. Easy bike ride from the house using bike path.
48 locals recommend
The Cuthbert Amphitheater
2300 Leo Harris PkwyTerrific place to see an outdoor concert. Bring a blanket to stake your space if you get grass seating. Or, skip the ticket, and picnic on the grass outside the ampitheater where you can hear (but not see) the concert. Easy bike ride from the house using bike path.
Small theatre. We have seen several great plays here in the last few years.
20 locals recommend
Oregon Contemporary Theatre
194 W BroadwaySmall theatre. We have seen several great plays here in the last few years.
Community theatre not far away. We've seen some good plays here, especially enjoying their comedies.
8 locals recommend
Very Little Theatre
2350 Hilyard StCommunity theatre not far away. We've seen some good plays here, especially enjoying their comedies.
This is the museum of art on the university campus, with an especially good Asian art and cultural artifact collection. Nice museum cafe. Let me know if you would like guest passes!
115 locals recommend
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
1430 Johnson LaneThis is the museum of art on the university campus, with an especially good Asian art and cultural artifact collection. Nice museum cafe. Let me know if you would like guest passes!
Children's museum! Not far away. Easy to reach by bike through bike path.
31 locals recommend
Eugene Science Center
2300 Leo Harris PkwyChildren's museum! Not far away. Easy to reach by bike through bike path.
Small natural history museum with interesting exhibits (see prehistoric running shoes found in Oregon!). Very close by - nice walk from house to near spot on campus. Small native plant demonstration garden outside the museum.
74 locals recommend
Museum of Natural and Cultural History
1680 E 15th AveSmall natural history museum with interesting exhibits (see prehistoric running shoes found in Oregon!). Very close by - nice walk from house to near spot on campus. Small native plant demonstration garden outside the museum.
This is the UO theatre with 5 shows a season. Easy walk onto and across campus. You can get tickets online (no assigned seating).
Hope Theatre
This is the UO theatre with 5 shows a season. Easy walk onto and across campus. You can get tickets online (no assigned seating).
The Shedd Institute
868 High StNice small music venue in the downtown in an historic hall.
Everything Else
This is our favorite local person for massage. She is very experienced and knowledgable, whether you want a massage to relax or for medical care. Her current office is at 700 Country Club Road in Eugene, not far from Valley River Mall (this web info. is outdated).
Cindy Rice, LMT
This is our favorite local person for massage. She is very experienced and knowledgable, whether you want a massage to relax or for medical care. Her current office is at 700 Country Club Road in Eugene, not far from Valley River Mall (this web info. is outdated).