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Eugene Oregon

Home of the University of Oregon? and 150,000 people, the city is the biggest in the Willamette Valley, with its population exceeding that of neighbor Springfield?, Corvallis?, or state capital Salem. Eugene is one of Oregon's biggest cultural centers and also one of its most lovable black sheep.

HISTORY

Eugene was founded by a man unsurprisingly named Eugene in 1862. Ten years later the town raised funds to start Oregon's first public university, the University of Oregon in order to become a center of learning.

CULTURE

Eugene is most notable for several cultural contributions to the United States and the world. Looming largest is footwear and sportswear giant Nike, which was founded at the University of Oregon by Phil Knight and track coach Bill Bowerman. You can see Knight's influence on campus in the immense scoreboard at famous Hayward Field, the state-of-the-art Autzen Stadium, or on the names of buildings such as the Knight Library or the Knight Law Library. Another notable contribution by Eugene is the cult of Steve Prefontaine, the University of Oregon's beloved long-distance runner who died in a car accident much too young and later had two movies made about him and released nearly simultaneously. The final is Ken Kesey and the hippies who followed him north from San Francisco and decided to never leave. It seems like Eugene has the most health food stores and pairs of Crocs per-capita in the entire United States thanks to these folks.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Eugene is pretty temperate, but if you come during the winter, fall, or spring, it's very likely that you'll experience some rainfall. Just bring an umbrella (or a tough rain jacket if you want to fit in with the locals) and you'll be fine. The summers are beautiful and sunny.

Eugene is a great city for walking, biking, or driving. Its bus system is huge, and gives service to neighboring Springfield as well. The bus fares are free to University of Oregon students and a small price to others. If you're biking in Eugene, either stow your bicycle inside or buy a Kryptonite lock. It's a guarantee in this city that your bike will be stolen if you lock it up outside with a bike chain.

THINGS TO DO Don't let Eugene's small size trick you into thinking that the city has nothing going on. That couldn't be farther from the case.

Skinner's Butte - Named for city founder Eugene Skinner, this butte is just north of downtown Eugene and overlooks the entire city. A good spot to begin or end a night. Just watch out for the teenagers and frisbees.

Spencer's Butte - To the south of the city is one of its most renowned hikes. With trails going upwards of 3 miles, it's a great way to spend a day. However, you should watch out for the rattlesnakes and poison oak.

University of Oregon Athletics - The Ducks are the only show in town, and to truly get a feeling for Eugene, you need to experience what its most proud of. A football or basketball game is an exercise in fanaticism, and be prepared to pay over double the price for a ticket from a scalper. The renovated Hayward Field is where Eugene got the name Track Town USA, and is the best place in the country to take in a meet. Check out the annual Prefontaine Classic, or come in 2012 for the Track Trials.

The Willamette River - The waterfront on both sides of this river have been cordoned off for only public use, which leads to a feeling of being in the nature, even as you're in a large city. Both sides are outfitted with numerous bike lanes and plenty of paths for walking. On a hot summer day, there's nothing like taking an inner tube ride downstream.

NIGHTLIFE

Due to it being a college town and a hippie magnet, Eugene has a happening night scene at all times of year. Expect to pay about 4 dollars for a pint of local brewer Ninkasi beer, and about 2 for a Pabst Blue Ribbon.

BARS

Taylor's - The end-all be-all of Greek system bars. This is the origin and ending point, the alpha and omega of any night out for the Greek system. It's situated on 13th and Kincaid, right on campus. To be avoided if allergic to Axe Body Spray or popped collars.

Rennie's Landing - A bar and grill serving the same crowd as Taylors, but with better food and less of a club vibe. Located on 12th and Kincaid, across the street from the campus.

Max's - You might recognize the inside of this bar from the longest running sitcom of all time. Max's was Matt Groening's basis for Moe's Tavern on The Simpsons. There are plenty of beers on tap, and the place is almost always packed on the weekends with students and locals hanging out and eating free popcorn. Don't look here for mixed drinks, though. Tuesdays are most packed due to Trivia Night. On 13th and Patterson.

The Indigo District - The closest club to campus in Eugene. Before, it was a hipster bar, but it has since expanded its space, and has started attracting people looking to hook up more than have a good time. It represents a great cross-section of Eugene, although that's not necessarily a good thing. On 13th and Oak.

John Henry's - A music venue and bar, this night-spot is most famous for its 80s Night every Thursday. It's the biggest dance party each week in Eugene, and it's the place to go if you're looking to pick up someone who's dressed a little too much like Judd Nelson in the Breakfast Club. Broadway and Olive.

The Horse Head - A staple of the Eugene bar scene, it has the best pub food in the city. Broadway and Olive.

Jameson's - It calls itself an Irish pub, but there's no goofy memorabilia on the wall. This is the prime hangout for Eugene's hipster population, so it's best to remember your tight jeans before going. Broadway and Olive.

Sam Bond's Garage - Rated as one of the best bars in America by Esquire, Sam Bond's easily ranks as Eugene's best. The log cabin interior makes for a great atmosphere and the beer selection is incredible. Located in the Whiteaker neighborhood, it also gives a true feeling for the area, as it is removed from the hustle and bustle of campus. You'll see eco-terrorists sitting next to aging hippies sitting next to loggers. Every Monday is bingo night. On 3rd and Blair.

VENUES

The WOW Hall - Eugene's prime venue for up-and-coming talent. It normally doesn't get much in the way in giant performers, but it does get plenty of artists on their way up or on their way down. Easily the best place to see a rising star in Eugene.

McDonald Theater - A converted movie house that has since turned into Eugene's high-end venue. This is the place to find your more established acts in the city.

The Hult Center - This is Eugene's cultural center, so expect to see acts like the Eugene Philharmonic or traveling speakers or big-name comedians like Bill Cosby, Jerry Seinfeld, or David Sedaris perform here.

Sam Bond's Garage - Yeah, it's also one of Eugene's top venues.

RESTAURANTS

Beppe and Gianni's Trattoria - Widely known as Eugene's best Italian restaurant. A bit pricy, but the food is exquisite. A must if you love Italian food. 19th and Agate.

Caspian's - A campus area Mediterranean greasy spoon. Come here for the cheap hummus or the amazing double cheeseburger deal that will put you into a sodium coma for the next four hours. 13th between Alder and Kincaid.

Sakura - The campus sushi spot. It's relatively cheap, and the boxed deals are to die for. The hidden gem here is the happy hour deal for cheap pitchers of beer. 13th between Alder and Kincaid.

Cafe Siena - The top breakfast spot on 13th, it makes both great breakfasts and great burritos for lunch. 13th between Alder and Kincaid.

La Perla Pizzeria - Beppe and Gianni's little brother. Run by the same guys, this gives you a less formal environment and real, wood-stove fired, Italian pizza. One pizza a person is more than enough. 13th and Pearl.

Cafe Yumm - A local health food chain. You'll find these places dotted all over the city. You must try the Yumm Bowl to get a true taste of Eugene. Everywhere. Flagship at Franklin and Hilyard.

The Dough Co - Cheap calzones served until 3 AM. Every student in Eugene has this place saved on their cell phone. 13th and Hilyard.

Perugino - A panini spot downtown, its laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to waste an afternoon studying or simply relaxing. 7th and Willamette.

Sweet Life Patisserie - The place to get desert in Eugene. They have an absurd selection of pastries and gelatti, guaranteeing you'll find something that interests you. 8th and Blair.

Papa's Soul Food Kitchen and Blues Joint - The place to get your jerk chicken in Eugene. 4th and Blair.

LODGING

It is extremely easy to find lodging in Eugene, as the city is flush with hotels and motels due to needing to accommodate the influx of visitors for parent visits to the University and for the US Track and Field Trials.

The Hilton - The biggest and nicest hotel in Eugene, if you prefer to live the high life during your visit.

The Eugene International Hostel - It's a good spot for a cheap bed, and located in the center of the city. Standard hostel.

The Whiteaker Hostel - Another good hostel for those traveling on a budget. Located in the historic Whiteaker neighborhood.

GETTING THERE

Eugene is served by a train station, a Greyhound station, and Eugene Airport (EUG) in western Eugene. It's located a few miles off of Interstate 5.