Pairing Food & Adventure in Eugene, Cascades & Coast

What is hearty enough to satisfy after a day on the beach? Clam chowder! What do you eat at the baseball game? Peanuts and a hot dog! Food really does make an adventure memorable. So when you plan, don't forget to include the food.

Here are some of our favorite adventures across the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region, paired with the best culinary complements to make the experience absolutely perfect.

A girl at a picnic table smiles with her pink lemonade. — Fresh Squeezed Strawberry Lemonade at Hentze Family Farm in the Summer

Wine + Beach S'mores

The coastal town of Florence is a perfect place to relax and unwind. Visit Bodega Wine Parlour in Historic Old Town to find the perfect bottle of wine to enjoy in the warmth of your room at Driftwood Shores. As the sun begins to set, roast your marshmallows at your beach bonfire. Even on a chilly, winter evening, this is a splendid way to spend time with a loved one — even if the loved one is you!

North Jetty Beach Bonfire — Beach Bonfire on the North Jetty

Mandy's + Oregon Movies

Some amazing movies were filmed in Oregon. With glorious wilderness, rugged coastline and charming small towns, this state makes for the perfect setting. When it's too wet and cold to explore, enjoy the landscape and thrilling adventures with movies like "Stand By Me", "Animal House", "The Goonies", "Without Limits" or "Free Willy". You can rent a classic or watch something new at Broadway Metro theater in downtown.

The onscreen magic pairs perfectly with a classic burger, fries and milkshake take-out from Mandy's. Keeping with the theme, the restaurant also features a mural outside which will remind you of concessions for a drive-in movie.

Building with mural of dancing foods painted on it.

Cocktails + The Performing Arts

Puttin' on the Ritz means fancy drinks downtown and a show in a grand performance hall. The Hult Center for the Performing Arts presents everything from the symphony to comedy. Or catch jazz at The Jazz Station or a musical at The John G. Shedd Institute for the Performing Arts. Thinking Tree Spirits mixes up some elegant drinks, use a secret password to enter the 86 speakeasy at The Gordon Hotel or enjoy your dessert while you sip with spirits paired with fine chocolates at rye.

A pink drink in a short glass and a yellow cocktail in a coupe cocktail glass.

Comfort Food + Cozy Cabins

Take a weekend getaway on the frosty banks of the McKenzie River this winter and stay in a cozy cabin. Eat a hot and hearty meal from Takoda's — a local favorite. Order your soul-warming take-out to be enjoyed in your private cabin overlooking the water and watch for jumping fish and large birds of prey.

Coffee + Road Trip

Sometimes all you need is a good playlist, a scenic drive and a hot cup of coffee. For a road trip designed around hitting all the best coffee shops and patisseries in the region, try the bakery road trip. Or pick from any of our popular road trips and pair it with one of the local coffee and confectionery shops such as Main Street Sweets, Noisette Pastry Kitchen or Creswell Bakery to fuel your adventure.

Remember to check the weather and current road conditions before heading out on your journey.

Creswell Bakery by Eugene, Cascades & Coast

Date Night Dinner + Game

Toy stores aren't just for kids. Pick up a puzzle or a board game for date night with your partner or fun with the roomies. Make it special with an extraordinary meal from Marché or Beppe & Gianni's. And don't forget to order dessert. Don't have space for games at your home or hotel? Places like Blairally, Level Up, Round One and Play are arcades where the whole crew can have fun and try something they love like vintage games or immersive world games.

Brunch + Butte Hikes

Hit the trail early in the morning for rewarding views and fewer crowds. After an exhilarating, winter hike of Spencer Butte or another section of the Ridgeline Trail, you can be warming your toes in time for a brunch that'll hit the spot. Order a decadent mid-morning meal from Lion & Owl that you won't forget. Or stop by Jazzy Ladies for a latte and an Elvis waffle or eggs benedict.

Hot Wings + Icy Waterfalls

Another hiking option is to head out to one of the many waterfalls in the region. Winter may be the best time to see the waterfalls since they flow stronger and fewer visitors means more solitude. Some of the waterfall canyons fill with glittering icicles as the water slowly freezes which makes for stunning photos. After such a chilly adventure, you'll need some serious heat. Pair your outing with some hot wings from Hot Mama's Wings! Pick your heat level and flavor. My favorites are the chile lime cilantro and the raspberry habanero but you can't go wrong with classic buffalo. These wings are gluten-free. If you don't eat meat, their organic tempeh wings are also great!