Trip Ideas

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Author
Melanie Ryan Griffin

Melanie is a University of Oregon graduate who studied Cultural Anthropology. After finishing school, she worked as a touring photojournalist writing concert and album reviews for online publications. Melanie is now the Art Director for Travel Lane County. She has lived in Eugene for more than a decade and spends nearly every weekend searching for new favorite places in the county. She has also lived in California, New Mexico, Florida, Spain and Slovakia but loves Oregon the most.

Melanie enjoys exploring the vibrant arts and culture scene in Eugene.  She also loves painting, cooking for friends, dancing, hiking and learning new things.

Guide to the Oregon Coast in Any Weather

The Oregon Coast is beautiful in all weather. Hike seaside cliff trails with far-reaching views on sunny days. Watch the light from the brightest lighthouse on the Oregon Coast penetrate banks of rolling fog. Experience the drama of a coastal storm from the comfort of a cozy restaurant. Historic Old…

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Guide to Eugene's Irish Pubs

Whether it is Saint Patrick's Day or just another afternoon that calls for a pint of Guinness, these Irish pubs are the answer. Find your favorite place to grab a whiskey or take home some corned beef. McMenamins A regional craft brewery with three Eugene locations honors St. Patrick's day with…

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Best Spring Camping

As the days get longer and the nights get warmer, we start daydreaming a little more about sleeping under the stars and sharing stories around a campfire. Luckily, you don't need to wait for summer to relish getting cozy in a sleeping bag and enjoying the Oregon outdoors. Start your season of…

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Eugene's Best Margaritas

The margarita is said to be the most-ordered cocktail in the United States. Eugene is no exception. We love dressing up a shot of tequila as much as the next city and our fine restaurants and cantinas do this with extra flair. Here’s a list of some of the best margaritas in Eugene. Tacovore Tacovore…

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Eugene's Largest Concert Venues

Eugenians love live music. The many concert venues of Eugene bring in performances from all genres. Each venue has qualities that make it special and make your dream show even more memorable. Here is a list of Eugene's top concert halls frequently booking headliners from across the country…

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Top Hotel Picks for Valentine's Day

Our chefs, winemakers, and chocolatiers are spicing it up this week in preparation for Valentine’s Day. February 14th is also Oregon's birthday, so raise a glass to our beautiful state while you are celebrating with your sweetheart. Here is a guide to our favorite places to spend the most romantic…

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52 Adventures to Try This Year

A new year is a new opportunity to live life like you mean it. We've collected the 52 best adventures in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region — one for every week of the year. Many of these are low cost and easy to access. 1. Snowshoe to an icy winter waterfall. 2. Soak in a mineral-rich hot spring…

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Cozy Cellar Season Tasting Rooms

Cellar season may be the best time to visit your favorite wineries and tasting rooms in the Willamette Valley. Head out into Oregon's wine country for an intimate experience at one of these locations. Each one has something special to love and unique varietals to taste and take home. Bennett…

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Eugene's Best Special Occasion Restaurants

An important night out deserves a dining experience beyond the typical. The restaurants on this list, with their exceptional food and elevated atmosphere, are perfect for date night or a memorable celebration. What makes Eugene's food scene so wonderful is that you can feast on creations from…

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Explore Our Communities

Visit the Eugene, Cascades & Coast Visitor Center in downtown Eugene. Find information on things to do and see in Lane County, purchase park passes and locally-made gifts and souvenirs, and…