To find out what activities are taking place when
you’re planning a visit, register to receive our quarterly
newsletter featuring information on special events and festivals taking
place in the Willamette Valley.
Located in Lane County, Eugene, Ore. is the self-proclaimed “World’s
Greatest City of the Arts & Outdoors ®” for its abundance
of arts and culture and its passion for recreation. Situated on
the banks of the Willamette River, the city boasts world-class wineries,
eclectic year-round events for the entire family and more than 100 parks.
Eugene is a juxtaposition within itself. It is one of the largest
metropolitan areas in the state and is at the same time consistently ranked
highly for its bike and pedestrian friendliness - providing miles of riverside
paths and more ways to cross the Willamette River by bike than by car. Opportunities
for outdoor adventure abound, including rafting on the McKenzie River,
mountain biking in nearby Oakridge and hiking Spencer’s Butte.
Good Eats
If you’re looking for a true taste of the Pacific Northwest, you’ll
find it in Eugene. Marché,
one of the city’s most popular restaurants, has an evolving menu
full of French-inspired local cuisine, made with fresh-from-the-farm ingredients. If
it’s a feeling of the past you want, have a bite at the Oregon
Electric Station, a national historic landmark housed in the original
train depot built in 1912. The restaurant features antique railroad
cars for dining and is known for its mouth-watering prime rib.
Unique Shopping
To get a feel for the city’s local goods, stop by Eugene’s
Saturday Market, located in the heart of downtown. Now in its
38th year, the market features more than 300 local artisans selling fine
handcrafted goods, 17 food booths offering international fare, and live
music all day. Across the street you’ll find the Lane
County Farmer’s Market, stocked with locally grown products
that are a testament to the Willamette Valley’s fertile farms.
Wine Tasting
Plan a trip for Memorial Day Weekend, when the area’s top wineries
hold open houses offering much more than typical tastings. For a quick
trip, stop by Territorial
Vineyards, which offers light hors d’oeuvres to complement their
wines, or Benton-Lane Winery -
home to two of the Top 100 Wines of the World – according to Wine
Spectator and Wine & Spirits magazine – for a taste of award-winning
Pinot noir. If you can make a day of it, visit Pfeiffer
Winery and enjoy one of their highly-regarded dinners known as “Villa
Evenings at Pfeiffer Vineyards,” or stop by Secret
House Winery, kicking off the summer season with gourmet food, garden
tours and the opportunity for bird-watching enthusiasts to catch a glimpse
of their spring visitors.
Arts and Culture
Visit Eugene in July for the southern Willamette Valley’s premier
art and wine festival, Art & the
Vineyard, July 6-8. Held in Alton Baker Park, this event is
the principal fundraiser for the Maude Kerns Art Center and prides itself
on having a multi-generational appeal. The festival features live
entertainment, an artists’ market with 150 artists offering everything
from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and wearable art, and a wine
area where connoisseurs and novices alike sample the Willamette Valley’s
best. Kids will be entertained for hours at the Youth-Art Arena,
offering art-making activities, displays and a variety of performances
throughout each day.
To experience art year-round in Eugene, visit the Jordan
Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University
of Oregon. The recently redesigned facility has expanded dramatically
and includes galleries featuring American, European, Korean, Chinese,
and Japanese art that are enhanced with a series of special exhibitions
and programs. If it’s a live show you’re after, the Hult
Center for the Performing Arts boasts stunning architectural and
acoustical features, providing an ideal setting for musicals, concerts,
plays and more.
Whatever you’re in the mood for – from beautiful wineries
and superb meals, to outdoor adventure and indoor masterpieces – you’ll
find it all on your next trip to Eugene, Oregon. Don’t miss
it!
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Memorial Day Weekend
in Oregon Wine Country
Willamette Valley
May 26-28
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Many wineries not typically accessible to the public
open their doors, welcoming visitors for exclusive tastings and
behind-the-scenes tours. Taste a unique blend or take home a keepsake
wine glass as you enjoy the beauty of the region. To learn what
your favorite Willamette Valley winery has planned this weekend
visit:
explorer.oregonwine.org/wineries.php |
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Salem World Beat Festival
Waterfront Park
Salem, OR
June 30 - July 1
Held in Salem's beautiful Riverfront Park on the banks of
the Willamette River, the Salem World Beat Festival is a two-day,
non-stop program of international music, dance, food, folklore
and hands-on crafts. In addition to cultural exhibits, clothing
and gift items, each of the festival's five World Villages includes
a children's area with free activities.
The World Beat Festival is a renowned event celebrating the
people and traditions of every continent.
www.WorldBeatFestival.org |
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Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo
Molalla Buckeroo Grounds
815 Shirley Street
Molalla, OR
July 1 – 4
Times vary
Looking for some excitement this Fourth of July? Come out
to the Molalla Buckeroo Rodeo. Now in its 84th year, the
rodeo offers a taste of the cowboy way, complete with bronc
and bull riding, calf roping and synchronized riding. Enjoy
authentic barbecue while taking in the coronation of the royal
court, the Giant Street parade, fireworks and other wild-west
fun!
www.molallabuckeroo.com
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24th Annual Art & the
Vineyard
Alton Baker Park
Eugene, OR
July 6 – July 8
11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Art & the Vineyard is the premier art and wine festival
in the southern Willamette Valley. Enjoy entertainment and witness
the artistic talent of more than 150 artists in the Artists'
Marketplace and Art for Your Garden display.
www.artandthevineyard.org
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47th Annual Turkey Rama
McMinnville, OR
July 12-14
Times vary
The 47th Annual Turkey Rama celebration observes the historical
importance of the once thriving turkey business in Yamhill County.
The three-day dawn to dusk celebration features products and
entertainment from over 130 local merchants, regional crafters
and a variety of commercial vendors, offering something for
everyone.
Visitors will enjoy live music on the entertainment stage as
well as delicious food court offerings. The young at heart
can enjoy a full carnival located at Third and Galloway. For
those seeking out "turkey," the Famous Turkey BBQ is
held in Wortman Park on Saturday from 11a.m. to 4 p.m., or until
sold out! End the festival by dancing the night away at the Turkey
2 Step, an outdoor community dance.
www.mcminnville.org/turkeyrama |
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da Vinci Days
Corvallis, OR
July 20 – 22
Join us for a da Vinci-style weekend at the crossroads of
art, science, and technology. This unique annual festival features
music, entertainment, creative contests, exhibits and hands-on
activities for all ages.
/www.davinci-days.org
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30th Annual Summer Tour
of Historic Homes
Historic Downtown Albany
July 28
11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Albany hosts the Historic Homes Interior Tour on the last
Saturday of July. This great event allows folks a sneak peek
inside beautiful vintage homes and the chance to enjoy refreshments
along the way. Relax during a ride between homes thanks to a
horse drawn wagon or trolley. Tickets are $8 and include transportation
(senior and group discounts are available).
http://www.albanyhistorictours.zoomshare.com/ |
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Newsletter Archive:
Antiques, Architecture and Activities - April 2007
Spotlight on Salem -
March 2007
Oregon Wine Country Winds Up for Fall
- November 2006
Beat the Heat with a Glass of Oregon Pinot - Summer 2006
