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Eugene, Oregon,is well-known for its quality of life. It is the hub of year-round activities in Lane County, whose Visitor's Center's tag line is "See all of Oregon in Lane County." Eugene (population 148,000) and neighboring Springfield (population 56,000) comprise the second largest population center in the state.
Eugene and Springfield are nestled in the Willamette Valley between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains. The cities host numerous cultural, social and educations experiences, and the area's scenic mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and coastline offer many opportunities for outdoor adventures -- or for just sitting back and enjoying the view.
Bike Magazine rated Eugene one of "America's Five Best Mountain Biking Towns." In 2003, Eugene was ranked as one of the top 10 college music towns in America by Rolling Stone. In 2005, Eugene made the list of the “10 Best U.S. Walking Cities.”
Whether you are intrigued by music, arts, athletics, wineries, cultural history, fine hand-crafting, organic foods, or other ecclectic tastes, you will likely find a niche in Eugene. We have provided a few links so you may enjoy exploring our wonderful area online. Most feature on-going activities, some are annual events, and a few are one-time experiences.
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The Covered Bridge Regatta: Racing events for juniors, masters and collegiate rowers are held one weekend in mid-April each year on beautiful Dexter Lake in Lowell State Park, just 15 miles southeast of Eugene/Springfield. |
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Track Town U.S. A. — Run in the footsteps of Legends!
The Eugene Marathon boasts a fast, flat, scenic course along the Willamette River. May 4, 2008 |
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Eugene is proud to host the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Track & Field, June 27 - July 6, 2008. Held at University of Oregon's Hayward Field. |
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In conjunction with the Olympic Trials, the University of Oregon's Museum of Natural & Cultural History has an exhibit entitled "Walk a Mile in These Shoes." Wednesdays are free at the Museum! |
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The Emerald Valley Alpaca Association's annual Fleece Show & Marketplace is held at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene, same dates and venue as Black Sheep: June 20-22, 2008. Alapcas will be there, as well as yarn, roving and clothing made from their luxurious fleece. Many of the farms will host Open Farm Day on the following Saturday, June 28, 2008. |
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Fondly referred to as "the Woodstock for Spinners," Black Sheep Gathering began with a group of fiber enthusiasts in 1985. Held at the Lane County Fairgrounds in Eugene, usually the 3rd wkend in June, the event includes a large trade show of sheep and fiber supplies, several educational talks and demonstrations, a wool competition and sale with over 500 quality handspinning fleeces, and breeder displays of their fiber animals (sheep, goats, and rabbits).
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The acclaimed Oregon Bach Festival covers two weeks of choral-orchestral concerts centering on the music and wide-ranging influence of Johann Sebastian Bach. The festival also includes chamber music, family events, and educational programs. It is held at the University of Oregon's Beall Concert Hall and downtown at the Hult Center, June 27 - July 13, 2008. |
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The Hult Center is a "magical facility for the arts" built by the citizens of Eugene in 1982. The Hult encourages arts educational activities and opportunites for children and adults. Its unique, assymetrical architecture weaves together a concert hall, an intimate theater, and an art gallery. |
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The Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House has been a landmark in Eugene for more than a century. Known in its day as the "Castle on the Hill," the house stands as a classic example of Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion of the late 19th century. Guided tours are available on weekends and special tours by special appointment. |
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Dorris Ranch Living History Filbert Farm is a 250-acre farm tucked into the south of Springfield. Part of the Willamalane Park & Recreation District, it is open to the public each day from 6 a.m. for self-guided tours, or go on a scheduled educational tour.Visit the heirloom garden, the filbert orchard and the homestead cabin. |
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Mt Pisgah Arboretum, a 209-acre living tree museum with miles of trails along the Willamette River, up the slopes of Mt Pisgah, through meadows and savannas, provides fascilities for public enjoyment and educational programs for all ages. |
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The Eugene Science Factory Children's Museum and Planetarium provides hands-on exhibits and activities for children to use mind and body to explore science, technology and humanity in a safe environment. |
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By strengthening the regional museum community, MUSE supports and promotes Springfield and Eugene's diverse and vibrant culture, resources, and history. Check the MUSE website for more listings of area museums. |
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Eugene's Saturday Market is the oldest weekly open-air crafts market in the U.S. Every Saturday, rain or shine, between April and Thanksgiving, approximately 150 vendors display their handmade or home-grown products in a downtown park. |
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Buying local: the very best organic food is what's grown closest to you. From the Local Harvest home page, type in Eugene, Oregon in the "Where?" box to locate a multitude of farms in the Eugene area that offer vegetables, fruits, meat, fiber, eggs, herbs, nuts, and more! |
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Visit Lane County's wineries for superb wine-tasting adventures. Many notable and small, boutique vineyards populate the Lorane Valley, west of Eugene. |
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Oregon Crafted is a non-profit cultural tourism and economic development program, designed to increase the stability and prosperity of Oregon’s artists and handcrafters, particularly those in rural areas, through education and related resources. The goal of these programs is to positively impact local economies and increase exposure of Oregon artists to Oregonians and visitors. |
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A community guide to Lane county and beyond, Planet Eugene is a resource for local activities, restaurants, accommodations, shopping, health care, and much more. |
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The University of Oregon is a world-class teaching and research university in Eugene, offering a broad spectrum of opportunities for learning in the liberal arts and professional programs in architecture, arts, business, education, journalism, law, and music and dance. |
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Lane Community College provides affordable, quality, lifelong educational opportunities. As a comprehensive community college, it has earned a national reputation for sound planning and responsible budgeting, while at the same keeping a focus on innovation. |
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Centrally located on Oregon's coast along U.S. Highway 101, Florence is surrounded by some of the world’s largest dunes, 15 freshwater lakes, the Siuslaw River and one of America’s most dramatic coastlines. Enjoy a bowl of clam chowder! |
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Oakridge serves as portal to numerous campgrounds and trailheads throughout the Willamette National Forest. There are trails for every kind of outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, cross-county skiing, and equestrian activities, as well as motorcycle and snowmobile trails. Some of the best trout fishing can be found on the Middle Fork of the Willamette River. |
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Creswell is a small, robust community just 10 miles south of Eugene and 5 miles south of our farm, right on I-5. Their website is impressively vibrant and up-to-date with lots of useful, local info, and the citizens are friendly and helpful. |
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Two-time winner of the All American City Award, Cottage Grove is known as "the covered bridge capital of Oregon." Many of its quaint downtown buildings are deocorated with stunning murals. A scene from the original "Animal House" movie was filmed here, as well as Buster Keaton's "The General." |
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The dedicated staff of Territorial Seed Company takes pride in improving people's self-sufficiency and independence by enabling gardeners to produce an abundance of good tasting fresh-from-the-garden food, twelve months a year. They are passionate about gardening! |
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Located in western Oregon at the southern end of the Willamette Valley, Dorena Lake is just a 30 minute drive from Eugene and is easily accessible via I-5. Enjoy bike trails along the Row River and Dorena Lake, or drive the Covered Bridge tour of 7 of the 20 historic bridges in Lane County. |
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With 20 covered bridges, Lane County has the distinction of possessing more covered bridges than any other county west of the Mississippi. Seventeen of these bridges are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. |
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