There are endless experiences to be had in the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region of Oregon. In the Eugene-Springfield metro area, we have everything from award-winning wineries to educational museums and hiking trails. Consider these exciting experiences next time your group meets here. Many can be done in just a few hours.
Day One: City Tours
Eugene Mural Tour
Eugene is a rich and vibrant cultural center that features spectacular artwork from local and international artists. One of the most unique parts of Eugene’s art scene are the murals that can be found throughout the city. If your group is interested in public art, the 20x21 Mural Project is a great way to see and learn about some of the most beautiful and significant art the city has to offer. Before embarking on your mural tour, be sure to grab a cup of delicious cup of coffee from Magpie in the 5th Street Public Market. After leaving Magpie, one of the first murals you will see is a tall, colorful display by the Japanese-American artist AIKO. This mural features a color reverse image of a Maiko, an apprentice geisha training to be a dancer. Created by 15 hand-cut stencils, this mural expresses day and night at once.
Just a couple hundred feet away is Matt Small’s portrait of African-American track and field legend Jesse Owens. This piece is made up of recycled materials from Bring Recycling and dismantled pieces from University of Oregon's historic Hayward Field. This artwork pays homage to TrackTown USA’s legendary track and field community and the sustainable lifestyle that is deeply integrated into Eugene and the Pacific Northwest.
Local Eugene artist Bayne Gardner has several pieces that can be seen throughout Eugene. One of the most popular murals in the city is his ibis and salmon mural. Inspired by motion and nature, this incredible mural is hard to miss. The mural originally included a pastry favorite from Homer Simpson, which can now be found as a bonus mural down the street.
One of the most powerful murals in the city was created by Afghanistan’s first female artist Shamsia Hassani. This towering image depicts a female musician who lacks a mouth and is holding a large keytar. The instrument serves as a voice for the woman and is an incredibly moving piece of art that makes one stop and reflect.
There are over 20 murals on this tour and all are unique in their own way. There are also dozens of other public art pieces that are not officially part of the 20x21 mural tour.
After the mural tour, fuel up with some delicious food from Provisions Market Hall. Enjoy an artisan pizza or deli sandwich on homemade bread before embarking on the next tour of the day.
Strides for Social Justice Tour
The Strides for Social Justice Tour is a program intended to engage and educate people on landmarks demonstrating the history, contributions, achievements and milestones of Black residents while also promoting health and wellness in the community. There are seven Strides for Social Justice tours in Eugene, all of which highlight different areas and stories.
After leaving Provisions Market Hall, your group can make the short walk to Alton Baker Park, where Lane County’s first African-American community once stood. From there, there are several stops in the city which include the historic Mim’s house and the Rosa Parks statue at the downtown bus station. The Historic Mim’s house is one of the oldest houses in Eugene and is on the local and National Historic Registry. Purchased by C.B and Annie Mims in 1948, this house served as a safe haven for African American travelers from 1948-1966 while there was race separation in Eugene.
Just a short walk away, your group will find the Rosa Parks statue at the Rosa Parks Plaza at the downtown bus station. This statue is a tribute to the heroic civil rights activist and symbolizes her famous act of civil disobedience.
After stopping by the Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza, the group will end at the Eugene Depot which was Eugene’s railway system that launched in 1911 and provided opportunity for racial minorities. This tour describes what it was like for a Black person to live and work in Eugene in the early 1900s when Oregon exclusion laws prohibited Black people from living in the state. This tour is powerful and emotional but also shares a remarkable and inspiring side of the story of those who stayed.
To finish up the day, make the short drive over to Springfield and enjoy a delicious meal at Plank Town Brewing Company. Along the way, you will see more public art displays including some famous Simpons murals.
Day Two: Hike, Birds, Bakery, Spirits
Ridgeline Trail and Cascades Raptor Center
The Eugene, Cascades and Coast region has a rich indigenous culture that still lives on today. Hiking part of the Ridgeline Trail and summiting at Spencer Butte, the city’s highest point, is a great way to reflect on the history of this land. After descending the east side of the butte, stop at the Cascades Raptor Center to learn about the fascinating birds of prey and the relationship between the local tribes and the birds. The Cascades Raptor Center is home to nearly 40 resident birds, chosen to live there as ambassadors for their species. Touring the center is a fun and educational experience that is incredibly unique to this area.
Hideaway Bakery
After leaving the Cascades Raptor Center, stop by Hideaway Bakery for artisan bread, delicious breakfast sandwiches, wood-fired pizza and more. This bakery is all about community, sourcing local and creating the best product possible. During the growing season (spring through fall), all of the bakery's fruit and seasonal vegetables come from a local Eugene farm. Hideaway Bakery is the perfect place to get a sense for Eugene's tight-knit community and local artisan goods.
Thinking Tree Spirits
The final stop of day two concludes at Thinking Tree Spirits. Thinking Tree is a craft distillery in the heart of the Whiteaker Neighborhood that specializes in vodka, gin, rum and brandy. What makes Thinking Tree unique is that they handmade their stills and get some of their grain from Camas Mill. They have a fantastic menu featuring seasonal and signature cocktails as well as beer, cider and wine. For dinner, enjoy one of the delicious food trucks in the parking lot.
Day Three: Museum, Wine, Food
Museum of Natural and Cultural History
The third and final day starts out with a tour of the Museum of Natural and Cultural History on the University of Oregon campus. The museum is a place to celebrate culture and join together to create a just and sustainable world. You don’t want to miss out on one of their impressive geology collections or one of their incredible exhibits.
Wine and Food Pairing
Once the group has finished up at the museum, it’s time to head back to downtown Eugene for a food and wine tour. The first stop of the tour is at Oregon Wine LAB for a delicious glass of wine and a bite to eat at the local food truck that they are partnering with. After a tasting at Oregon Wine LAB, more wine and bites will be ready to be explored at Capitello Wines. They have a strong collection of both local Willamette Valley wines and winemaker Ray’s native New Zealand wine. Try their artisan cheese and meat board or hummus and pita board to pair with the glass of wine.
To finish up the tour, head towards the 5th Street Public Market for some tastings at J. Scott Cellars on 5th. They have a delectable collection of wine and a tasty food menu that features flatbreads, personal quiche, charcuterie and more. No food and wine tour is complete without chocolate so be sure to stop by Euphoria Chocolates in the 5th Street Market Alley. Euphoria Chocolates is known for their award-winning classic truffles that are hand crafted and made with fresh ingredients. They also have an extensive chocolate menu with items ranging from chocolate sauces and bulk cocoa to assorted gift boxes and chocolate bars.
To end the day, drive out to King Estate Winery for award-winning wine and unmatched views of the valley. King Estate is the largest Biodynamic certified winery in North America and is proud to have a longstanding commitment to sustainable agriculture. No trip to King Estate is complete without a glass of wine and a tasting of their mouthwatering cheese and charcuterie board.
Consider These Experiences
A rich culture, a unique food and beverage scene and vast educational opportunities are just some of the things that make the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region of Oregon so special. Consider some of these day long experiences while you are here for your next meeting. Our professional services team can help put together an itinerary your attendees will always remember.
