Trip Ideas

Melanie Ryan Griffin - Art Director
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.

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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Rainy Day Things to Do

Eugene doesn't slow down in the rain. That's what keeps our hiking trails green and our rivers flowing. We know all you need is rain boots and a hood and you can still do everything you would do on a sunny day. But when you are ready to be inside and out of the weather, try this list of favorite…

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Best Brunches & Breakfasts in Eugene

Start your morning at one of these destination-worthy breakfast spots from sumptuous brunches to line-out-the-door diners. Whether you've just rolled out of bed for a quick bite or want the perfect place to entertain guests or celebrate a big day, these top brunch and breakfast restaurants will get…

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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 52 great 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. 3…

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5 Places to Visit This Winter

Whether you're looking to get cozy beside a fire or brave the winter weather in search of stunning landscapes, this list of top places to visit has what you are looking for. Or maybe you check all five off of your winter list because you're not trying to hibernate…

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Oregon Mushroom Foraging

Adventure awaits in the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest. A mild climate and abundant rainfall make the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region a perfect place for hunting for impressive varieties from the iconic chanterelle to the elusive morel. Mushrooming is an experience that connects you with…

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Guide to Downtown Eugene's Nightlife

Downtown Eugene and the nearby Whiteaker neighborhood's nightlife scene is a buzz of music venues, craft breweries and distilleries, great dining and excellent performing arts. Here's our starter guide for exploring a fun night out on the town! Live Music WOW Hall - A volunteer-powered music hall…

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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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Explore Our Communities

Two people look out toward the ocean from a high point with railing.
: Melanie Ryan Griffin

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…