Things to Do

We are so excited to welcome friends and family to the city and state we love! From the coast to the mountains to the high desert, Oregon is full of waterfalls, wine tasting, whale watching, fossil hunting, fern-filled forests, and more. Eugene, home to the University of Oregon, is a cultural and recreational center that bridges endless cultural offerings with a laid back vibe and a rich lesbian history. Here are some of our favorite highlights, but please reach out for more ideas and recommendations across the state.

We're still working on building out this section, so check back soon for more details!

Food and Drinks

Arekie: Mexican-Indian fusion food truck with locations at Oakshire (local brewery) and Friendly Garden (food truck pod). We almost had them cater the celebration, just so you all could try the Mango Habanero Paneer Crunch Wrap. Wednesday-Sunday, see website for specific hours.
Cafe Soriah: Long-standing Mediterranean fine dining with a gorgeous back patio. Fun fact: The owner catered a party at Shelly’s parents’ house in the 80s. Tuesday-Saturday 4pm-11pm.
Hideaway Bakery: One of our favorite spots for pastries and breads, and a delightful spot to enjoy a morning coffee. Excellent scones and breakfast sandwiches. Daily 7am-5pm.
Izakaya Meiji: Japanese small plates and whisky bar where we love to celebrate anniversaries, accomplishments, and random Tuesdays. Your trip to Eugene is not complete without trying their miso butter shiitake mushrooms. Daily 4pm-12am.
Morning Glory Cafe: Our favorite breakfast/brunch spot and Eugene’s oldest vegetarian restaurant. Come for the omelettes and french toast, stay for the adorable raccoon-themed art. Daily 7:30am-3:30pm.
Prince Puckler's: Eugene classic for delicious, local ice cream, once visited by Barack Obama. Excellent for a stroll through nearby Hendrick’s park and rhododendron garden. Daily 12pm-11pm.
Sweet Life Patisserie: Amazing, artfully crafted desserts and a lovely late-night alternative to bars. Our favorites include tiramisu and key lime tart, but we’ve never disliked anything we’ve gotten. Daily 8am-10pm.
Yardy Rum Bar: Caribbean food using locally sourced ingredients with a James Beard semi-finalist chef. Jerk chicken, green pea fritters, and rum cocktails. Wednesday-Sunday 5pm-9pm.

In Eugene

Hayward Field: Birthplace of Nike and home to running legend Steve Prefontaine, Eugene is a track and field hotspot. The University of Oregon’s Hayward field has been home to Olympic trials, USATF championships, NCAA championships, and the 2022 World Athletic Championships. Open for visits through Hayward Hall Tuesday-Thursday 10am-4pm and Friday 10am-6pm.
Owen Rose Garden and Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path: Stunning flower gardens, secluded benches, picnic tables, and a lawn make for a beautiful picnic spot and wonderful access point to the many miles of paved trail along the Willamette River for walks, runs, or bike rides. Dawn to dusk daily.
Museum of Natural and Cultural History: Learn the history of Oregon, from a billion years ago through the present, and meet a giant sloth friend. Shelly volunteers here! Wednesday-Sunday 10am-5pm, open until 8pm Thursdays.
Saturday Market: A weekly market of arts and crafts, fresh local produce, food, music, palm reading, aging hippies, and people watching. Downtown. Saturdays 10am-4pm.
Spencer's Butte and Ridgeline Trail: From the main trailhead 15 minutes out of town, a 2-mile round-trip hike through forests and ferns brings you to gorgeous vistas of the city and the coastal range. The peak is part of the 12+ mile Ridgeline trail system with entry points across South Eugene, which allow for longer hikes or trail runs. Dawn to dusk daily.
Wine Tasting: Eugene is in the middle of Oregon Wine Country, with soil and climate perfect for Pinot Noir and Gris. Our favorites include Sarver, minutes from Shelly’s Mom’s house and host of live music on Fridays, Iris, which our friends’ dog is named after and has a convenient Springfield tasting room, and lakeside Chateau Lorane, where Shelly’s high school prom was held. If you’re really into wine, consider checking out the Umpqua Valley, where Niki works, for smaller and more laid back vineyards.

Across the State

Central Oregon Coast:
Goat Yoga:
McKenzie River:
Painted Hills and John Day Fossil Beds:
Rogue River Trail:
Silver Falls State Park: