Explore Eugene on Marathon Weekend

A lot of out of towners will be coming in for the Eugene half and full marathon. I thought it would be fun to put together a little "Best of Eugene" together for the runners. One of my favorite things to do when traveling for a marathon is to explore the city I'm in. Who needs fresh legs anyway?

If I were hired to be your personal tour guide for Eugene Marathon weekend, this is what I would suggest you see, eat, drink and do.
 
SIGHTS TO SEE
Pre's rock - run UP the hill to get there and you'll feel a bit more accomplished
Autzen Stadium - The Oregon Ducks are kind of a big deal on the college football scene. Saturday, April 28 is the Spring Game (scrimmage among the team) so you even have a chance to see inside the stadium.
University of Oregon campus - Sure you'll see Hayward Field at the start and finish of the race, but you won't get to walk around campus. Take the short 10 min stroll down 13th ave, which is closed to traffic and see a bit more of the UO.

PLACES TO RUN

Pre's Trail - beautiful flat bark trail along the river
Amazon Trail - flat, relaxing bark trail
Ridgeline - hike or run any part of the 13 mile trail system
Dorris Ranch - there are a few short loops among the orchards and along the river and is a really relaxing place to walk or run. Run to Dorris Ranch and you'll get the extra challenge of the hill.

PLACES TO EAT
Bakery - Eugene City Bakery is a French bakery with some amazing scones, soup and bread. Check out Sweet Life Patisserie for a decadent dessert, including vegan and gf options. Oh and of course you can't visit Eugene (or Portland) without seeing the bacon, Captain Crunch and Oreo topped donuts at VooDoo.

Breakfast - Brails is good food, quick service and diner style whereas Midtown Marketplace has more gourmet options, sit where you want atmosphere and a great coffee bar

Thai - Sabai has unique options and a trendy atmosphere, while Ta Ra Rin is great food in an old diner

Italian - Beppe and Gianni's is hands down the best in town and how can you resist eating dinner in a cute old house near campus?

Pub/Bar & Grill - Wild Duck, McMenamins North Bank or Steelhead are all great picks

Pizza - La Perla is amazing thin crust, authentic Italian pizza and Pegasus Pizza is perfect for a no joke delicious slice of whatever strikes your fancy.

PLACES TO DRINK


Coffee - Vero is located in an adorable little Victorian house with great pastries, bagel sandwiches, waffles, etc and amazing coffee/tea options

Casual eve - Sam Bond's is great if you're looking for a laid back, funky, fun, people watching experience while throwing back a beer or two. A $5 cover charge is likely if there's a bluegrass type band on deck for the night.

Keeping it Classy - Le Bar is the place to go for a nice drink, to feel fancy and pretend you're in a big city. Le Bar is cozy and part of the Marche restaurant in 5th Street Market.

Wine all the way - King Estate winery While it is about a 30 min drive out of town, the views, experience and wine are totally worth it. Want to stay in town? Check out The Broadway.

UNIQUELY EUGENE
Saturday Market fills three blocks with booths of crafts, pre-made food and fresh fruits and veggies. This is where you'll see classic Eugene hippies, hemp goods and lots of good people watching.
Cafe Yumm is now a franchise, but started in Eugene and is known for its healthy rice and bean bowl with yumm sauce and all the toppings.

PLACES TO SHOP
5th St Market is full of classy and casual eats, boutique shops, a kitchen store and more
Oakway Center has everything from the Nike Store to Pegasus Pizza to Starbucks, Trader Joe's and the Eugene Running Company
Market of Choice is our gourmet grocery store chain, kind of like Whole Foods

Travel Lane County also provides a wealth of resources about Lane County and events and activities to do during your visit. If you have any questions, feel free to let me know via the comments or on twitter (@laurenpeters). 

I'm more than ready to get this marathon underway. Now the only thing I have to figure out is what neon piece of clothing I'll be wearing...


Happy Marathon Friday!

Edited to add: My bib is lucky #1204. On Sunday, you'll be able to track runners via the Eugene Marathon website if you're so inclined. :)

Comments

missris said…
Ok I'm convinced--I want to come visit Eugene now!
Unknown said…
I'm from the Eugene area (but now live in Portland) and it is fun to be reminded of all of these places! :)
Leigh said…
Good luck this weekend Lauren!
What a great post. It makes me want to come to Eugene. Oh well, maybe for next year's marathon! OR maybe this summer! This is a fun list! And I LOVE to eat. And run!
This is such a great post! I would love to come out to Eugene for a visit so you can show me these places!

I'll be thinking of you this weekend - and will be tracking you as well (assuming that is possible, I'll hav to peruse the race website). Best of luck - you can do it! Run like the wind!
Ricole Runs said…
Good luck good luck good luck!!! You're going to rock it! I so wish I was coming to spectate. Wish it was just a tad closer.
Run Jess Run said…
I love Market of Choice! There's one in Ashland where I go for grad school and it's usually one of the first places I go for healthy study food.

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