17 Awesome Places to Escape the University of Oregon Campus

By Natalie Wheeler

Between the brightly colored yellow Nike Runners and the bustle of coffee drinkers, Eugene can feel like a total college town. Believe it or not there is a world beyond the campus bubble. Eugene has a variety of places to experience the fresh organic setting and it is also full of a rich night life. So burst out of that bubble, grab a friend, or fly solo whichever you please, and embrace the culture for everything that this unique town has to offer. Check out these 17 Awesome places to Escape the University of Oregon Campus (in no particular order).

1. The Burmuda Triangle-Sick of all the frat boys and sorority girls packed in Taylor’s Bar & Grill and Webfoot? Downtown is usually cracking on a Friday or Saturday, and it’s only a ten minute walk away from the University.
Cowfish, Starlight, and Jameson’s are always a great time to mingle especially with the singles. Play some pool just don’t get too rowdy, you are around grown folk now!

2. Cozmic Pizza: A sustainable pizza parlor/coffee joint/venue!!! It’s a triple threat, and they’re is almost always live entertainment.

3. Saturday Market. What better way to soak up some culture then among local handmade crafts from Oregonians? It’s like that campus market that comes to the University every year, but on a massive scale with way more awesome goods and activities (including but not limited to henna, hair wraps, tapestries, glass, and tye dye, lots of tye dye…)

4. Farmers Market. Just because your a college student, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables! Step away from the trap of the convenient stores and indulge on these organic healthy treats.

5. The 5th Street Market. This one’s great for the individual looking for a dignified setting. The 5th Street market is full of upscale boutiques and some of the best food in town. They have an exquisite salon, and great cutlery as well.

6. Take a hike. Mount Pisgah and Spencer Butte are legendary for their views of the entire city. Don’t forget to throw up the O and take a photo!

7. Run, bike, blade, or whichever way you glide make sure you check out the streets of Eugene. Alton Baker park has wonderful trails, and a WJ has redefined the skate boarding scene in Eugene.

8. Look beyond the spendy Oregon gear and go vintage clothing shopping. You’re a college student now, it’s okay to save money on clothes. Buffalo Exchange, Deluxe, and Nobody’s Baby are all classic go-to spots for thrift appeal.

9. Sick of green and yellow? Soak up some navy blue at an Em’s game.

10. Attention all animal lovers! The Cascade Raptor Center has bald eagles, talking crows, vultures, and so much more. The center serves as a shelter for endangered birds.

11. The Hult Center for Fine Arts is one of the classiest places in Eugene. From the Nutcracker to Jerry Seinfeld, The Hult Center is known for booking top notch shows.

13. Grab a date, and take a stroll through the euphoric setting at the Eugene Rose Garden.

14. Too cold outside? Check out the Lane County Ice rink for some rad hockey games, or bring a friend ice skating!

15. Too hot outside? Grab your floaties and take a ride down Willamette River. Just beware of white water especially on windy days.

16. For the antique geek, the Shelton Mcmurphey Johnson House welcomes visitors. It has been a landmark since it was built in 1888.

17. Drop those video game controllers, and head on to the LevelUp. The Barcade has a blacklight theme and plenty of fun to go around.

SCO DUCKS!!!

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