EXPERIENCE LANE COUNTY Meeting the Neighborhoods

BY MELANIE GRIFFIN

ISIT ALL THE NEIGHBORHOODS that comprise the Eugene-Springfield area. Each V community has its own personality expressed through unique shopping, dining, things to do and atmosphere. Take your family exploring!

As the cultural and creative heart at the center of the city, downtown Eugene offers an exciting mix of experiences for families: colorful murals, festive markets, cultural and performing arts showcases, the Eugene Public Library, and plenty of family-friendly dining. The iconic Saturday Market and Farmers Market are the place to be on weekends, a home base for locally grown produce, handmade clothing and unique gifts like “fresh picked rainbows.” Ken Kesey Square, named for the region’s celebrated author, sits at the core of downtown as a home to stellar food carts and occasional street performers.

Anchored by the multilevel 5th Street Public Market and the adjacent Market Alley, Eugene’s Market District is a fun maze of kid-favorite shops featuring toys, candy and casual eateries. Eugene’s all-ages brewpubs, like Steelhead Brewing Co. and Northwest Burgers, serve stellar burgers. After lunch, check out the museum of history inside the ornate Shelton McMurphey Johnson House. To the north, the sprawling Skinner Butte Park encompasses a children’s playground, gardens and miles of smooth, flat bike paths along the river. A short but steep hike takes you to panoramic views of the city from the top of the butte.

The Whiteaker neighborhood is the epicenter of artisan collectives, inventive foods and craft beverages. Among the neighborhood’s colorfully painted houses, the Whit’s watering holes often serve as community hubs, hosting weekend brunch and local musicians. The Wheel Apizza Pub serves New Haven-style apizza alongside inventive beers made with Oregon-grown hops. And there is plenty to do in the Whit: Try a smoothie and a bagel at the Red Barn Natural Grocery before watching skateboarders at the WJ Skatepark, or zoom around in one of Arcimoto’s one-of-a-kind, electric Fun Utility Vehicles (FUVs). For lunch, stop by Fisherman’s Market for Oregon Dungeness crab or wild-salmon tacos, or opt for Thai noodles and curries at Chao Pra Ya. Hit up Bricks & Minifigs for hard to find Lego pieces and finish the day with the pinball machines at Blairally Vintage Arcade.

Oakway Center is its own ecosystem in the city’s core, with shops, markets and restaurants anchored by the Hyatt Eugene. It’s home to both local favorites and national standbys, from Eugene Running Company to Lululemon. Health is the theme here, with fitness studios, juice bars and healthy eateries like locally owned Cafe Yumm and Nektar juice bar. Treat the kids to wild ice cream flavors at the popular Portland-based Salt & Straw. Then meander the bike and walking paths at Alton Baker Park, home to public art installations, disc golf and duck ponds. For dinner, enjoy the Oregon-owned Pastini for responsibly sourced Italian food, or order tacos on the patio at Chapala overlooking the courtyard.

Charming downtown Springfield is home to unique shops and boutiques, fantastic eateries, and a variety of Simpsons-themed murals — a nod to show creator Matt Groening’s Oregon roots. A day’s stroll down Main Street could involve an afternoon of art at Tronson Gallery and the Emerald Art Center, or an educational excursion to the Springfield History Museum. And in the evening, challenge the family to an immersive puzzle at Escape the Room Oregon or catch a show at The Wildish. You certainly won’t go hungry: The neighborhood is stocked with bakeries, cafes, food carts and a number of exceptional restaurants. PublicHouse food hall is home to a beer taproom and multiple food vendors, serving everything from Indian-Latin American fusion to fresh fish and chips. For classic American fare, Cornucopia Main Street is a local favorite. Or grab picnic fixings at the Main Street Market to take to the riverside Island Park. ✦

DELENE & CO / EUGENECASCADESCOAST.ORG

COLIN MORTON / EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST