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Eugene is sophisticated yet down to earth. Walk around downtown to enjoy the city’s many art, music, theater and shopping venues, or stroll through one of the lovely woodland gardens just steps away. This university town has great sports all year round, whether you’re a spectator or a participant. For music, it has everything from opera to jazz to rock, and in addition to its excellent home-grown performing groups, Eugene has become a destination for top musicians. Its historic neighborhoods showcase beautifully restored and maintained Victorian homes in the Queen Anne style, and its downtown streets sport an eclectic mix of architectural styles.
You’re not far from wine country here. In fact, the Willamette Valley produces some of the finest wines in the world, particularly pinot noirs. Take a driving tour of nearby wineries and vineyards to see how these wines are produced, from grape to glass. Many offer public tours and tastings, and the proprietors enjoy sharing both their stories and their vintages with visitors.
Eugene is also ideally situated for outdoor activities. Its many parks offer walking and hiking paths, and for bicyclists this is one of the top ten bike-friendly cities in the nation. The Willamette River winds right through town, bringing placid river trails, boating and fishing into the heart of this busy city. The nearby McKenzie River offers a faster pace with terrific whitewater rapids. The Cascade Mountains harbor endless opportunities for those seeking thrills on the ski slopes or solitude in the deep forest. Just over the beautiful Coast Range is the mighty Pacific Ocean. And if you’ve worked up an appetite, come back to town for a meal to remember, whether it’s at a fish house with paper-covered tables or at a stylish bistro with fine linens and elegant four-course dinners.
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