As sparkling Pacific coastal waters wave us to the west, and the adventurous Cascade Mountain range piques our curiosity just east, Eugene and Springfield are nestled in between, patiently waiting to welcome you, confidently ready to prove their own allure.
Eugene and Springfield are so much more than just a home base for exploring the diverse landscapes throughout the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region; these lesser-known cities can absolutely serve up main destination fun. As I close in on my 50th country traveled, I easily place Eugene and Springfield high up on my list of cities I’d return to in a heartbeat. As a full-time wheelchair user, I am especially impressed by this region’s commitment to ensuring inclusive public spaces and the ease with which I was able to freely roam about.
Guarantee yourself a beautiful morning by starting out at Owen Rose Garden. Rain or shine, it’s impossible to not feel joyful surrounded by the beauty of over 4000 roses including more than 400 varieties! The gardens were easy to explore with accessible parking and smooth, flat pathways and benches scattered throughout. I enjoyed a leisurely roll, giggling at names of roses I never knew existed and deciding which one to declare my favorite, (it’s still up for debate). I also stopped to marvel at the towering heritage cherry tree that has existed on the property since 1847!
Connected to the garden path is the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path, which runs alongside the Willamette River. Large overhanging trees provide pockets of shade and create enchanting beams of sunlight streaming in between branches and leaves. The trail remained flat and very wheelable when we followed it along for about 10-15 minutes, watching a family of ducks climb their way up onto the grass, before we decided to turn around and continue on to our next stop.
Before starting a glorious afternoon in the vineyards, we popped into 5th Street Public Market. Expecting to quickly grab snacks to go at Provisions Market Hall, I was instead drawn in to the large open maze of aisles carrying local goods, home décor, unique pantry items and other fun finds. The 5th Street Public Market is made up of multiple levels, each with elevator access, numerous shops and eateries and a delightful courtyard for relaxing. When I was finally able to pull myself away, we left with a DIY picnic basket, perfect to pair with our upcoming wine tasting!
Just 30 minutes from downtown Eugene, we pulled up at Sweet Cheeks Winery. Not even out of the car yet I knew we were in for a treat as I caught a glimpse of the Willamette Valley below. The parking lot is flush with the outdoor terrace and there were plenty of seating options available to me, all with outstanding vineyard views that, in my opinion, can compete with experiences I’ve had in Porto, Portugal and even Tuscany, Italy. We took our time sharing a tasting flight while learning about the distinctive flavor notes cultivated in this region.
Just across the road we found Silvan Ridge Winery, slightly smaller but equally as beautiful. As the sun just started to lower in the sky, the rolling hills glistened in a gold hue as we sipped samples of autumn white wines, a reminder that the lush green surroundings would soon turn to shades of yellow and orange.
The staff at both Sweet Cheeks and Silvan Ridge were so kind, and worry not wheelchair using friends – yes, both wineries had step-free access to a large, private washroom. Huge win!
Not ready to call it a day yet, we headed to Oregon Axe Throwing. As a first-time axe-thrower I was proud to have this experience in Springfield. The staff left me with no doubt that this was something I could do and were quick to suggest modifications to make my throw easier from a seated position. I was pleased to see that their website also makes it known that all abilities are welcome. My husband and I enjoyed an hour of friendly competition with a local couple.
During my stay in Eugene and Springfield, I have three dinnertime recommendations that I really loved equally – Lion & Owl, George + Violet’s and Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge. All provide step-free access, low top tables, ample space to maneuver between tables and of course, incredible food and friendly service.
Our trip to Eugene and Springfield left our camera rolls as full as our bellies and gave us memories we’ll forever be grateful for!
Kristin is a passionate disability advocate, world traveler and Speech-Language Pathologist. When not working, Kristin is off exploring the globe and as a full time wheelchair-user has made tracks in 50 countries and six continents. Kristin uses her social media platform to share tips and itineraries for travelers with and without disabilities. She aims to help connect all people, regardless of ability, to our earth’s natural beauty and wonders. Kristin enjoys collaborating with the travel and tourism industry to improve accessibility and inclusion. Kristin was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, where she currently lives with her husband and their cat.
