There’s plenty of interesting things to do in Eugene, but until you do these, you’re not really a resident of the Emerald City.
1. The walk to Autzen Stadium
If Zeus lived on Earth, his palace would’ve been a replica of Autzen Stadium. But it’s not just the eardrum-ringing decibels, zealous fans and grand structure of Autzen Stadium that make it one of the most prestigious in the nation. Even if you are unable to attend a game, the walk to Autzen Stadium is satisfying enough. During game day, herds of fans will walk and chant across the bridge over the Willamette River.  The view is picturesque with the Willamette flowing underfoot, the sun shining (on some days) and green vegetation projecting from both sides of the riverbank.  You will not make the walk without shouting out a few “Go Ducks!” or raising your hands to create the mighty “O” symbol while the walkers convey pure pride and excitement for their Ducks. Fans then enter a green forest area for a few minutes before emerging in front of the sough gate of Autzen stadium where the giant “O” is stamped. Football games are a signature of Eugene, but they would not be complete without the communal walk to them.
2. Hendricks Park
Hendricks Park is located blocks from campus and is home to Pre’s Rock — a memorial site where famous Oregon runner Steve Prefontaine lost his life in a car accident. Despite the loss of a Eugene icon, Hendricks Park continues to be one of the most beautiful parks in Eugene. At the top of the hill, you must adventure on a twisty, inclined road that tends to be a steering wheel-clutching experience for drivers and a hike for people on foot. But once you reach the top, pastel flowers and giant trees dot the area. Hendricks Park also offers panorama views of the Eugene area and various gardens to discover. Whether you need a place to clear your head, somewhere to appreciate nature or a pleasant drive, Hendricks Park should not go unnoticed as a highlight of Eugene.
3. There’s no place like Dough Co., Sweet Life or Cheba Hut
To become a true Eugene resident, you must dine like one. Eugene has some specific locations that are common language to all University students, such as fleeing to Eugene’s counter-culture sub shop Cheba Hut. Cheba Hut’s sub sandwiches’ sizes are called nugs, pinners and blunts, and the variety of sandwiches are sure to cure any kind of munchies you may have.
Of course, there are always those late-night cravings. Fortunately, Dough Co. tends to be Eugene’s best late-hunger cure. Located on Hilyard Street, only a few blocks from campus, Dough Co.’s delicious calzones are what keeps it open daily until 3 a.m. With pickups and deliveries, it seems every University student has tasted one of their calzones at least once. It is a tremendous step in your transformation to becoming a true Eugenean.
Nestled in the Whiteaker Neighborhood of Eugene is a bakery that cavities fear and taste buds crave. Sweet Life serves up some of the most delectable and satiable treats in the region. Off of Monroe Street, the little yellow building with purple trimming is hard to miss. With cakes, tarts, cookies, gelato and so much more, Sweet Life will remind you of what it means to be a kid in a candy store.

4. Buy a joke book
Ever walk down East 13th Avenue and run into man with a stack of colored paperbacks, goggles and a rubber chicken asking if you are interested in hearing some of the world’s funniest jokes? If you haven’t, you won’t go long without seeing him. Frog is a character native to the Eugene community. Keeping his books in an old newspaper dispenser, Frog mans his area in search of people wanting to hear some of his funniest jokes.  Recognizing him from a distance won’t complete your experience unless you take the time to hear some jokes and consider adding one or a few of his joke books to your bookshelf.
5.  Know the streets without needing a street sign
Kincaid, Alder, Hilyard, Patterson, Ferry and Mill. It is a memorized combination. And, for a true Eugenean, you don’t need a street sign to find where you are; mostly because you learn to navigate without them since few signs still exist.  It is a popular accomplishment to swipe one of these infamous signs to add to your living room or bedroom decor. This is why memorization is key. Without knowledge of what street comes after the next, you might not end up where you intended to go. But if you start seeing street signs, you know you’ve gone too far.
6. Drink a brew
Rennie’s Landing and Taylor’s are nearby hot spots for college students to enjoy happy hours and weekend nights. But Eugene is also home to local breweries well known to community members.  For example, Oakshire Brewing began only five years ago, but their brews are continually an asset to Eugene with quality year-round and seasonal beers including India pale ales, ambers and an espresso stout.
Steelhead Brewing Co. is another local brewery know for its tasty beer. With seasonal and year-round beers as well, Steelhead opened its first store in 1991 in Eugene. It now has two other locations in Burlingame and Irvine, Calif. With tongue rolling names such as the Hairy Weasel Hefeweizen and the Raging Rhino Red, Steelhead should be a part of your quest in becoming a true citizen of Eugene.
7. Spencer Butte
Located outside of the city, Spencer Butte overlooks the southern Willamette Valley. Climbing a steep trail through a wooded area will take you to the top of the butte where many Eugeneans go for exercise, or for the pure sake of being able to claim that they have visited and conquered the butte. Some students are known to hike Spencer Butte right before sunset in order to enjoy the jaw-dropping view as the sun’s rays touch the valley.
8. Eugene’s Saturday Market
A Saturday in Eugene would not be complete without a trip to the Saturday Market. Local artists, farmers, musicians and culinary groups gather on a four-block radius between East 8th Avenue and Oak Street every Saturday from April to mid-November. The sound of music, cooking and chatter sift through the area as you travel through each block. One block contains artists with crafts ranging from yarn creations, jewelry and paintings. The block adjacent presents fresh, local fruits, vegetables, herbs and much more. The other two blocks contain live music, dozens of food vendors and more artists. Rain or shine, the Saturday Market works through the weather to continually make it a prominent Eugene attraction.
9. Discover the river paths
If you think the walk to Autzen Stadium is spectacular, it is only a snippet of what the Ruth Bascom River Paths have to offer. Miles and miles of concrete and bark trails run beside the Willamette River and in the wooded area nearby. Multiple bridges are available to connect you to the other side. One path could take you from Springfield to Skinner Butte Park, located on the opposite end of town.  Runners and walkers enjoy various parks and communities where residents spend time engaging in outdoor activities. It is also home to legendary Steve Prefontaine’s trail, coined Pre’s Trail. The scenery will not only keep you engaged, but it will show you a view of Eugene you couldn’t experience in a car and immerse you in the city’s running culture.
10. Trade in your sandals for rain boots
Although cute and comfy, sandals are not practical in Eugene for any season besides summer. Get ready to stuff your feet in a pair of rain boots on a frequent basis if you expect to survive the weather of the Pacific Northwest. You may also consider adding other amenities such as a raincoat and umbrella to your wardrobe. You also will find yourself trying to coordinate your outfits around your rain gear more and more, but that’s just one adjustment you make when you choose to reside in Eugene.