Things to do and see in Eugene

Spend a day or two extra in the area before or after the Regionals

If you're coming to Eugene, Ore., for the Northwest Control-Line Regionals, you might enjoy spending a little extra time here enjoying some of the local sights and amenities. If you're bringing your family, those who aren't actually flying might enjoy doing a little exploring off the flying site. Here are some tips for things to do and see in Eugene and the Wilamette Valley

• Wine touring: The Willamette Valley has become one of the premier wine growing and producing regions of the country. There are dozens of wineries within a couple of hours' drive of Eugene, including quite a few within only a few miles from the flying field. There are several sites devoted to Oregon wines on the Internet, including maps of the Oregon wine country. Some of the wineries have entertainment and art shows on Memorial Day Weekend.
• Art: The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon in Eugene is a top-notch are museum. There also are numerous commercial and cooperative art galleries in Eugene and Springfield.
• Sightseeing: The McKenzie River, area east of the Eugene-Springfield area, is a popular tourist destination, leading travelers up into the Cascade Mountains via Highway 126. Or, you can go east up Highway 58 toward the Cascades, passing lakes, waterfalls, rivers and many other natural sites. Heading west on 126, you can reach the fabulous Oregon Coast in less than an hour.
• Food and drink: Eugene is noted for having a large number of excellent restaurants, ranging from family fare to upscale fine dining.
• Entertainment: There's an active nightlife scene for all ages, featuring music of all tastes. Major concert venues include the world class Hult Center for the Performing Arts, the McDonald Theatre, the John G. Shedd Institute for the Performing Arts and the Cuthbert Amphitheater. There also are several theater venues, including Willamette Repertory Theater (performing at the Hult Center), Lord Leebrick Theatre, Very Little Theatre, Actors Cabaret of Eugene, Cottage Theatre in Cottage Grove, and others.
• News: The Register-Guard newspaper publishes daily, and includes an arts section on Thursdays and an entertainment section on Fridays.
• Parks: Eugene has many fine parks, which include jogging and bicycle trails, sports fields, swimming facilities and other amenities. Bicycle routes criscrosse the city, including along most of both sides of the Wilamette River as it passes through the city.
• Shopping: There are many retail centers, including major malls Valley River Center, Gateway Mall and Oakway Center. The Saturday Market in downtown Eugene draws thousands weekly for entertainment and a wide range of handcrafted items. For modelers, check out Bi-Mart in many locations, Fred Meyer and, near the flying field, Jerry's, the world's largest independent hardware and building supplies store.
• There are many special events in the area, particularly at the Lane Events Center and fairgrounds. Check the newspaper for what's going on while you're in town.

The Flying Lines editor might be able to answer questions or give directions in regard to area activities and amenities. E-mail for information.

Click here for full story on the Northwest Regionals, Eugene, Ore., May 26-27-28, 2006.

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This page was updated April 13, 2006

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