Near the southern end of the Willamette Valley, the Eugene and Springfield metro area brims with energy. The area is defined by its University of Oregon campus culture, lively arts scene, world-famous athletics and innovative cuisine. It’s also surrounded by outdoor adventure and ringed with a verdant landscape of rolling hills, winding rivers and fertile farmlands. Here’s how to spend three days taking advantage of everything the region has to offer.
Day 1: Brunch Bliss, Browsing & Art
Kick off the day with brunch at Lovely in Springfield. Husband-and-wife owners Josh Matthews and Sarah Adler are committed to serving nourishing and flavorful juices, bowls, sandwiches and more for kids and adults alike, with ingredients sourced from sustainable farms and local purveyors.
After breakfast, stroll through town to browse a plethora of shops and galleries. Take a moment to snag a selfie with the Ken Kesey mural on the side of Plank Town Brewing Company or “The Simpsons” TV show-themed mural on the side of the Emerald Art Center.
Then stop in at Springfield’s first and only wine tasting room, Iris Vineyards Wine Bar, which is just across the street from Lovely. Sit near the bar inside or soak up the sun outside in the courtyard, and enjoy a wine flight or wine-based cocktail (for instance, your “bourbon” in an Old Fashioned will be infused and aged wine) along with a cheese and charcuterie snack. Be sure to try one of the stellar pinot noirs.
After your fortification, head to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art on the University of Oregon campus. Known for its permanent collections of Russian icons and Chinese, Japanese and Korean art, the museum also rotates pieces borrowed from other galleries, so there’s always something new.
Then head to Eugene to check in for the night’s lodging. If you want a quiet night near Skinner Butte, the Willamette River and the 8.5-acre Owen Rose Garden, then The Campbell House is a great choice. Drive up to the small parking lot at the top of Skinner Butte for incredible valley views. For city nightlife, The Gordon Hotel puts you right in the middle of downtown Eugene’s lively scene. Head to dinner at Bar Purlieu, a tiny but beautiful French-inspired restaurant where you can try a creative cocktail with your garlicky escargot, duck confit or mushroom tart. After dinner catch a show at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. This state-of-the-art venue hosts touring Broadway shows, musical acts and more.
If you’re staying at the Gordon, you’re in place for a nightcap at the hidden, unmarked 86 Speakeasy. Make a reservation ahead of time, because you’ll need the day’s password to access the room’s swanky 1920s vibe.
Day 2: Mocktail Magic & Farm-Fresh Fun
Start your morning at the eclectic Eugene Saturday Market, which fills the streets around Eugene’s Downtown Park Blocks with local art, food vendors and musicians every weekend from April through November. It’s the perfect spot to shop for Oregon-made souvenirs and snack your way through an array of cuisines — and it’s a six-minute walk from the Gordon or 15 minutes from the Campbell House.
Afterward, check out the Karin Clarke Gallery. Owned by the daughter of two prominent Northwest artists, Margaret Coe and Mark Clarke, the gallery represents modern Northwest artists working in a variety of styles. Enjoy lunch at the nearby Jazzy Ladies Cafe & Club. Although everything is gluten-free, you wouldn’t know if no one told you!
Plan for an afternoon visit to High Street Tonics, the city’s first nonalcoholic bar serving up sophisticated mocktails alongside stocked coolers filled with ready-to-drink elixirs and zero-proof wine, spirits and mixers to make your own creations.
Next make the 25-mile drive south to Cottage Grove, and check in at the Sweet Springs Family Farm Bed & Breakfast, a beautifully renovated cottage offering cozy accommodations on 9 acres of farmland. For dinner head to Coast Fork Brewing in Cottage Grove’s charming downtown. This family-friendly brewpub crafts small-batch ales on-site and serves tasty pub grub like a signature chicken pot pie.
Day 3: Country Comfort & Covered-Bridge Charm
Cozy up for a hearty brunch at Cottage Grove’s Jack Sprats, where you’ll feel right at home among the exposed brick and wood accents. The hardest part will be choosing which menu item to savor, with house favorites including smothered chicken and waffles, stuffed poblano breakfast and loaded hashbrowns piled high with toppings.
With full bellies, spend the last few hours checking out some of Cottage Grove’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. The city’s six historic covered bridges are picture-perfect relics of the community’s past. Mosby Creek Bridge is adjacent to the 14-mile Row River Trail, which winds past Dorena Lake. Schwarz Park and Campground is a gem located right on the Row River (pronounced like “cow”), complete with picnic areas and river access. Dip your toes in the water and depart refreshed.
