It is a bright, crisp morning and I’m in a positive mood. Eugene’s fall season is so beautiful, sometimes I feel as high on life as the Korean lady at Brails. Eugene can really make you feel quite jubilant in the right state of mind. Unless you’re like the average conservative hate monger. Then it’s deeply flawed place.
My suggestion to them: Breed your repugnant opinion in a more relevant space, like your local Oil Industry think tank. I don’t think anyone needs to leave this city to find happiness. Eugene has everything you need to live a peaceful and happy life, as long as you know where to look for it. Even the close-minded and ignorant person will find something to enjoy by exploring the corners of Eugene.
To the west in the summertime, Eugene hosts its largest celebration: The Oregon Country Fair is a world-renowned event for counterculture. The three-day festival features the spontaneous parading of quirky folks in costumes playing music and dancing, among a range of other funky stimulation. No mater your inkling, there is an area in which you can participate at the fair. If you have a craft, set up shop. If you are an artist you can perform or join the drum circles. If you are a collector, you will find something interesting to take home. No matter who you are, it’s a unique and mind-opening experience. Look out for it early in the summer.
Also in the summer, going north on River Road will lead you to the Harwood Farm, one of the best places around to buy all kinds of fresh produce. I love to pick berries, and last year I licked my fingers for three days after picking ten pounds of giant Triple Crown blackberries.
There’s even more to be done year-round.
Just west of campus is the Saturday market. It is one of the original Saturday markets on the West Coast. Eugene’s most flavorful characters spend a few hours perusing the rows of venders. The local farms bring their products. Thinking about all the fresh produce I’ve eaten this year makes me nostalgic. Right next to the market, at the Wayne Morse Center, the stage is cleared for a microphone that lets Eugeneans can exercise their free-speech rights. You might catch me there speaking against the war or just free-styling on the mic as I groove to a smooth drum roll.
A good date spot is Skinner Butte on the north side of downtown. But remember, security will kick you out at 11:30 p.m., so time your moves accordingly. The top gives you a good view of the city; “Hey, I can see my house from here.”
To the south, I frequent the water holes in Cottage Grove when the heat gets unbearable in the summer days. But watch out which one you pick, sometimes you might chance across one of the nude beaches.
Load up a car full of friends and head south on Willamette to Spencer Butte. It’s not too far for a bike ride or long walk. A trip to butte can be fun if you bring the proper supplies: water, food and other entertaining items for a hike. Watch your step though, it’s a challenging scramble to the top.
To the east the there are tons of fun outdoor activities.
The Outdoor Program will take you on a number of trips around the McKenzie River area. White water rafting on the McKenzie is my favorite, but you can choose a number of other trips. If you like hiking, you can organize an overnight trip to the South Sister. On a sunny day you can see for miles and at the top you can have a snowball fight or just act like a penguin. Try hiking or biking the McKenzie River Trail to Blue Pools, or farther north to the waterfalls. These are all serene settings undisturbed by our local timber industry.
If you’re into Frisbee golfing or “Frolffing,” head south east to Dexter Park. This is one of the best Frisbee golf parks in the world. You will be impressed by its maintenance, layout and challenging holes. Phillies and cold beers can make the experience more enjoyable for some, but just remember to pick up your trash.
There are some things in Eugene that will amuse you at worst and at best they will keep you here for life. Eugene has a ton to offer, if you just keep an open mind and a good sense of humor. This is a vibrant, creative city. The art scene has a precisely homegrown quality. Anyone can explore the art scene when you visit one of the numerous galleries every month at the free “First Fridays Art Walks” downtown.
So, next time you are sitting at your window in the rain, sulking, while conjuring up every depressive thought that has plagued your life in Eugene, try to shift your thinking to the positive aspects. If you haven’t had any positive experiences in Eugene yet, I’m sure you will find one activity in the words above. They are an alternative to the sinister outlook previously published by one of my co-columnists in the Oregon Daily Emerald. A place is what you make of it, no matter where you are.
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