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.

Instagram-worthy Spots in Eugene

There is much to love about Eugene, so capture these iconic destinations whether you are just visiting or living here. From beautiful wild places to exhilarating sports venues where you can take a selfie with Olympians, Eugene has a lot of great places to create content for your feed. Skinner…

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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 dips into the Willamette River. The…

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2024 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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Guide to Hot Springs in the Cascades

Oregon's Terwilliger Hot Springs may be a natural draw with its pristine beauty and maintained facilities, but there are several more nearby mountain hot springs to discover – each offering a unique experience that shouldn't be missed. If you are planning a dip into nature's warm waters just outside…

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A Runner's Guide to Eugene

If you are here to run — this is the right place! Eugene, Oregon is celebrated as TrackTown USA, and runners enjoy getting their miles in while exploring our running heritage. Festivals and events frequently have a 5K component, and on a daily basis —in all weather— you'll spot runners out on the…

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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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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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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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Best Eugene Coffee Shops by Neighborhood

No matter where you are in Eugene, you are never far from a delicious, Instagram-worthy latté. That is why we asked @EugeneCascadesCoast Instagram followers to choose their favorite coffee shop in each of Eugene's neighborhoods. Add these locations to your Eugene bucket list and discover what makes…

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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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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…