Summer Guide 2014

Let’s face it — we had a rough winter. OK, so maybe we didn’t weather the so-called “polar vortex,” but with two snowstorms, an ice storm of epic proportions and temperatures plummeting to below 7 degrees in December, there were plenty of “what the hell?!” moments.  Continue reading 

Food Coma

Serving up morsels of Eugene food and drink news

The fourth annual Eugene Beer Week kicks off Monday, June 2, and this year’s lineup of events is full of flavor, fun and education. Find the full schedule at eugenebeerweek.org. Here’s our recommendation of how to celebrate each day: Monday, June 2: Beer Family Feud, 7 pm at the Bier Stein Tuesday, June 3: Bend Invades Eugene, on tap all day at the Bier Stein Wednesday, June 4: Cider is the New Beer Fest, 5 pm to 10 pm at 16 Tons Taphouse Thursday, June 5: In-House Cask Ale Fest, all day at Plank Town Continue reading 

Places and Spaces

Showing out-of-towners unique Eugene

Eugene Weekly asked geographer Al Urquhart to let us in on some of his favorite spaces and places in Eugene. What would he show summer visitors from larger Western cities — Portland, Seattle? We don’t want sites simply of local interest. With these places and spaces Urquhart said he is trying to show the unique character of Eugene and Springfield. Urquhart taught cultural geography at the UO for about 30 years and has been keenly interested in the unfolding of this area. Let us know what you would add or subtract from this list.   Continue reading 

Down by the Seashore

Try a sand castle contest for that sand-between-your-toes vacation feeling

After an Alaskan earthquake sent a tidal wave crashing down on the Oregon coast in 1964, Cannon Beach residents decided they needed a fun event to raise spirits and bring people back to the beach. Thus, the Cannon Beach Sand Castle Contest began, and 50 years later it has grown into a weekend-long, award-winning event that draws thousands out to enjoy the sun, the sea and — of course — the sand. Continue reading 

Finish bike month with a ride

If you've missed out on Bike Month thus far, there are still chances to celebrate before May runs out. Friday, May 30, celebrate Breakfast at the Bridges from 7 to 9 am at Blue Heron Bridge, behind Cesar Chavez  School on the Fern Ridge path. Saturday, May 31, roll with the Eugene Circus Bike Ride beginning in Monroe Park at noon and ending at Island Park in Springfield. After the ride is a barbecue picnic potluck and free circus show. More info at wkly.ws/1rj. Continue reading 

The Local Spin

A roundup of area disc golf happenings

The city of Eugene opened its first 18-hole disc golf course at Alton Baker Park just over a year ago and there has been a steady stream of nubby rubber discs flying ever since. Andrew Rich, the course’s operator, says that on a rainy day the course will see about 50 rounds of play, and on a sunny day those numbers shoot upward of 250. Adding Alton Baker to Westmoreland, Dexter and Cottage Grove, there are now four courses in a 25-mile radius around Eugene. Continue reading