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.

Oregon Road Trip Playlist

Hit Play and Hit the Road The Eugene, Cascades & Coast region is full of beautiful back roads and designated scenic byways, making it the perfect road trip destination. From Eugene, you can day trip past Americana-style red barns on the gently winding roads of wine country. If clear, rushing rivers…

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A Runner's Guide to Eugene

If you’ve been hearing about TrackTown USA lately, it’s for good reason. Eugene has long been an international destination for runners and fans of the sport, but there's a new energy in the air that extends from the reimagined Hayward Field at the University of Oregon throughout Eugene and…

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Guide to Eugene Food Truck Pods

From street tacos to vegan wraps, Eugene's food trucks and food carts offer casual culinary excellence.These small, mobile vendors are often homegrown start-ups that develop popular followings. Food cart owners tend to source local, fresh ingredients daily. Ordering from a food cart is a great way to enjoy Eugene's local food scene…

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Spectacular Summer Waterfalls

Summer brings the promise of endless days spent in some of the most beautiful outdoor places in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region of Oregon. Waterfall hikes are one of our favorite ways to celebrate the return of summer! Here’s our list of the best waterfalls for road trippers, history enthusiasts…

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Best Sunset Spots in Eugene

When your perfect day in Eugene just can't end yet, head to one of these top sunset spots and watch the colors change and the stars come out. Bring a picnic and a flashlight and enjoy the show. Ferry Street Bridge This is a convenient spot to watch as the sun appears to dip into the Willamette…

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A Florence Retreat

This is the perfect time to head to the Oregon Coast and breathe the fresh air. Here are a few places for an unforgettable vacation in Florence, — "Oregon's Coastal Playground". Driftwood Shores Resort The best escape is one with a view. Driftwood Shores Resort offers beachfront access and…

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Top Hotel Swimming Pools

Every trip, vacation and staycation is made better by a dip in a swimming pool! In fact, the pool is often central to your vacation plans. Get the kids splashing and squealing, or enjoy a relaxing float by yourself at one of these great hotel pools. From indoor facilities with heated water…

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Best Vegan / Vegetarian Dining

If you check HappyCow before traveling anywhere, this blog is for you. If you have no idea what that is but you have vegan guests coming to Eugene, this is also for you! Here is a list of the best plant-based options in the city, written by a picky herbivore. Some of these restaurants are entirely…

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Unique Lodging in Oregon

If you're looking to step outside of the ordinary and try something new, you need a getaway to one of these unique lodging options in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region. This list of unusual and wonderful places to stay is sure to make you rethink what a hotel can be. The Eugene Dome Eugene…

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2023 Eugene Summer Concert Guide

Eugene may be a small city compared to Portland but it holds its own in the live music scene. Some of Oregon's favorite music venues are in Eugene and those concert halls host some pretty big headliners. Plenty of Eugene music lovers have stories of the time they saw an unexpected band play a cozy…

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Whale Watching at Sea Lion Caves
: Melanie Ryan Griffin