Eugene, Oregon - "Leave it to Beaver" Redux

There's something of an urban legend that says, at the northern and southern borders of Oregon there are signs that say "Next Stop California" and "Next Stop Washington" respectively. Many on the west coast view Oregonians as not too friendly to strangers. Well, I can't speak for the rest of the state, but there's at least one city where this is definitely not the case.

Located at the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers, Eugene is the second largest city in Oregon and to the first time visitor is like being transported back in time to the age of "Leave it to Beaver" or "Father Knows Best." With an official 2010 population of 156,185, this home to the University of Oregon has big city convenience, but the feel of a small town.

A Few of the Things to Do in Eugene

Eugene is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Jogging, biking and hiking trails are numerous, and the city itself is friendly to those who like to walk. Like other cities of the Pacific Northwest, it also has a large number of coffee shops and micro-breweries. A great Sunday morning pastime, popular with the college crowd, is trying a sampling of the various local brews just before having a sumptuous northwest Sunday brunch.

One of the things I like most to do in Eugene, aside from working my way through the menu at the micro-brewery near my hotel, is just walking the streets. It's easy to forget you're in a 21^st century city - neatly mown lawns, white picket fences, wash drying in the Sun, and people smiling and speaking as you approach them. Not your modern day big city at all. Once when I was in the city on a speaking engagement, during one of my walks I got turned around and couldn't remember the way back to my hotel. I stopped a young lady and asked directions, and, not only did she tell me how to get there, but walked with me until it was in sight to make sure I didn't get lost again. Talk about being in a time warp, this simple act of random kindness, though, is typical of the reception you get from the residents of Eugene.

In the interest of fairness and full disclosure, though, I have to admit that there might be a bit to the urban legend of unfriendly Oregonians. My hosts warned me not to stray too far from the city limits into the hills to the east, because the militia groups that hang about in the forested hills don't take too kindly to strangers. Well, even Eden had its snake, so I guess Oregon has to have at least one negative aspect, right?

Where to Stay

Being a university town, Eugene has a number of good hotels at reasonable prices. The best place to stay in the downtown area, though, is the Hilton Eugene and Conference Center.

Hilton Eugene & Conference Center

66 E 6th Ave

Eugene, OR 97401

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-372338-hilton_eugene_conference_center-i;_ylt=ArVq8zyYRQxWw8_ugvyz0aPiphQB

References:

http://www.eugene-or.gov/portal/server.pt

http://www.city-data.com/city/Eugene-Oregon.html