Just a few of the many things to do in and around Eugene:

Take a drive to the Coast
The beach is just an hour from town. Get on highway 126 and drive over to enjoy the chowder, the beaches and get a breath of coastal air. 

Catch the Sights and Eats at the Saturday Market
Eugene's Saturday Market has been a weekly tradition since 1970. Vendors and artisans sell everything from jewelry to pad thai in an outdoor market setting. Enjoy live music and an incredible array of local organic produce all summer long.

Run the River
You have your pick. The McKenzie and Willamette run right through town. Or you can drive south to the Umpqua or north to the Columbia - and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Take your kayak, raft, or fly rod. There's plenty to run and explore.

Take Fido to the Dog Park
Eugene has several dog parks created just for you and your four-legged pal. Take them out to meet other dogs and dog owners. Fun will be had by all.

Do a Day Hike
You can hike up to the top of Spencer's Butte and get a panoramic view of Eugene. It's a bit of a grind, so remember your water bottle and a light snack. Or, if you're in the mood for an easier hike, tromp along the Pacific Crest Trail. Mt. Pisgah is also a favorite day hike for many.

Take a Stroll Along the River
Take a picnic and feed the ducks, or just enjoy watching the wildlife and your fellow walkers. Take a spin on the bike path and stop to smell the flowers at the city's rose garden. Ride to the top of Skinner's Butte and get a view of the city.

Do Some Physical Outdoor Recreating
See the Outdoor Recreation page for other ideas.

Play a Pick-Up Game at the Rec
Grab a buddy and Run over to the Rec Center for a quick game of basketball, soccer or raquet ball - and break from the lab.

Enjoy Delicious Bread and Pastries at the Local Bakeries
We have several and they're all good! Relax and kick back with a latte and a scone.

Do Some Mountain Biking
You'll find single-track and gravel roads just outside the city limits. Drive a little further and the possibilities are endless.

Take a Bike Ride in the Country
Ride along the many country roads just outside town. The rides are only as limited as your lung capacity and imagination. Contact Lynde if you're stumped on where to head first: lynde@uoregon.edu

Kick Back with a Pint of Local Brew
Eugene has several brew pubs serving local and regional brews.

Go Wine Tasting
Lane County is home to at least ten wineries and vineyards and there are couple hundred more in the valley as a whole. Spend an afternoon taking the tour and see the countryside as well.

Catch a Live Show
See the Arts & Music page for ideas and venues.

Cheer for the Home Team at a Track Meet
Join the rest of the city in cheering for some of the world's finest at the Prefontaine Classic or any of the other exciting meets. Or don running shoes yourself and participate in the UO's all-comer's meet.

Catch a Football Game
The ducks are popular, so arrive early to avoid the traffic.

Sip a Cappuccino at One of the Many Coffee Houses
Good coffee is in abundant supply in Eugene, so try them all and pick a favorite.

Join a First Friday Art Walk
The first Friday of each month you can travel by foot from gallery to gallery downtown and see what local and regional artists are showing - and meet other art fans. Check out the Lane Arts Council for info. And pull up the Eugene Weekly for other music and arts events.

Take a Dive at the Pool
Eugene's Amazon pool is a great place to get wet during the summer months. In addition to a high dive and slide for the big kids, Amazon offers a shallow pool for the wee ones - as well as a sand box and interactive water features.

Watch a Baseball Game
The Eugene Emeralds play at PK Park, the new baseball stadium right next to the UO's football center and Autzen Stadium. Grab a hotdog  or veggie dog and cheer with everyone else.

Listen to the Symphony
Or catch an opera or play. See the arts and music page for venues.

Have other ideas or suggestions? Drop me a line: lynde@uoregon.edu