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 the Creative 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.

Top Celiac-Friendly Restaurants in Eugene

Living with celiac disease means you’re always on the hunt for spots that take gluten-free dining seriously and understand things like cross-contact. As a celiac, I know the struggle. Eugene, Oregon is a hidden gem for incredible, celiac-friendly eats. From killer cafes to inventive kitchens, these…

Read More

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 Butte…

Read More

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 camping season…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Explore Our Communities

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