Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Visit Alton Baker Park in Eugene, Oregon

It was a no-brainer to squeeze two nights in Eugene before the conference I was to attend in Salem. I flew out of San Francisco on United direct to the Emerald City and was ready for a flurry of activities.  After picking up my rental car I drove to Valley River Inn, situated on the banks of the Williamette River. Memories of inner tube float trips on the lazy river, by way of Alton Baker Park, came to mind. The fact that our hands and feet were blue and numb from the mountain chill of the water were now a hazy detail in my memory bank.

Sip a glass of wine at King Estate, Eugene, Oregon

This trip, I approached Eugene as an adult of legal drinking age and headed to King Estate Winery for a gourmet lunch in their upscale restaurant, followed with a tour of the property.  It was a drizzly day as I approached the winery, but as is typical of Eugene, the rain cleared, followed with a hint of sunshine. The sheep munching grass between rows of grape vines added to the country feel.

That evening I dined at Marche, located in the 5th Street Public Market building. In true Eugene fashion, Founding Chef/Owner Stephanie Pearl Kimmel and Executive Chef Rocky Maselli utilize organically grown, local produce, as well as working with environmentally conscious farmers, ranchers and foragers. 

I didn’t get a chance to walk around the 5th Street Public Market in the day time, however, I’d recommend this place to circle back on a rainy day. Fortunately for me, the Saturday Market was in full glory with its tie dye booths, only-in-Eugene outfits, free musical entertainment, accompanied with an awesome variety of food booth selections. I looked at the long line in front of Bangkok Grill and joined the in-the-know locals for some excellent Pad Thai with homemade peanut sauce.

Visit the Saturday Market in Eugene, Oregon

If you do find yourself in Eugene during a stormy day, an hour or two at Pearl Day Spa is sure to leave you relaxed and re-charged. The converted house on Pearl Street features two sky chairs suspended from the ceiling in the waiting area. As I carry my laptop with me, my shoulders appreciated the one hour massage. 

You scream, I scream, Barack Obama stops for ice cream in Eugene. Prince Pucklers ice cream shop is a favorite hang out for college students and locals, alike. While the owners are the first to admit that they are technologically-challenged, they did point out that an admirer launched a Fans of Prince Pucklers Facebook page. And by the way, Obama’s flavor of choice at Prince Pucklers; mint chip.

Least you think that I simply ate and drank my way through Eugene in the past 48 hours, I did stay over night at the Augusta House, an all suite Bed & Breakfast tucked in the hills of Eugene. I’ll save my review of Beppe & Gianni’s Trattoria for the Uptake.com Restaurants Blog.

 What are some of your favorite things to see and do in Eugene, Oregon? Please add them to the comments section. Look out Eugene, I’ll be back.

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Things to See and Do in Eugene, Oregon

Photo Alton Baker Park by Vern Rogers

Tags: 5th street market, alton baker park, augusta house, barack obama, ducks, Eugene, king estate winery, marche, nancy d. brown, Oregon, prince pucklers, saturday market, things to do, university of oregon, valley river inn, williamette river