June is finally here. The weather has shifted, campus is emptying and you’re in Eugene for the long haul.
Graduation has passed, freshmen have moved out of the dorms and here you are sitting in your half-empty apartment wondering what you’re going to do this summer.
This can be a dreadful realization. Your friends are going home to live rent-free for three months, they’re vacationing in Europe or they’re camping somewhere interesting and you’re here — alone in Eugene.
Kick that initial shock and despair out of your mind. Eugene is an awesome place to spend the summer.
While all of your friends are in California pretending the 100-degree weather is enjoyable, you’ll be coasting in some comfortable 80 to 90 degree weather with virtually no complaints.
There are a ton of watering holes and rivers right at our fingertips. Dexter Lake is a 20-minute drive and the Willamette River is right by campus. Even if it breaks 100, you can immediately immerse yourself in some cool Oregon water.
Let’s not forget about the Whiteaker Block Party. There will be a lot of local beer and food in one of Eugene’s coolest neighborhoods. The event kicks off on Aug. 1, so you’ve got some time to prep your taste buds.
Now is also the time to try all of the cool places to eat or drink in Eugene without large crowds. Take the drive up to the Eugene wineries and get some of the best views you’ve ever seen — not to mention the really great wine.
And with most of the college students leaving for the summer, we can say goodbye to lines. No lines at Taylor’s, Webfoot, Rennie’s, Fathom’s or Max’s. No lines equals no cover charges. Win.
Do you miss camping at Sasquatch? Look forward to the The Oregon Country Fair, July 10–12. Camping is allowed on the actual fairgrounds, but you can set up your tent a few miles away in the psychedelic forests of Eugene. There will be live music, face painting and awesome fair food.
For those who don’t know, we actually have a minor league baseball team right here in Eugene. They play at PK Park all summer. Major league players get their start on these teams sometimes, so keep your eyes open. Beer and baseball are basically summer essentials.
It’s also the time to finally get to all of those books you’ve been waiting to read. Hillary Clinton’s Hard Choices deserves the time and attention you can finally give it.
Summer in Eugene might sound like a drag, but mix these cool activities and some optimism with the world’s best weather (and worst place for allergies), and you’ll have an summer that will not disappoint. Your friends might be crisping in Cabo, but you could meet your next favorite team, bar or hike without leaving the 541.