Welcome freshmen. Because this section of the paper is generally about arts and entertainment and many of you are new to Eugene, let me take this opportunity to introduce you to some of what goes on here in town.
First off, we have the University’s Cultural Forum, which will provide you with an endless stream of boring second-run movies and not a hell of a lot else. Get used to finding interesting things to do on your own.
You might want to check out:
Flicks & Pics: Located on 29th Avenue and Friendly Street, this is the best video store in Eugene based on the overall quality of its selection. Rare items, obscure films and all kinds other high-quality cinema are available here. If Flicks & Picks doesn’t have what you are looking for, I suggest trying my former employer, the Seventh Street Hollywood Video, which has the largest selection in town.
The WOW Hall: Located on Eighth Avenue and Lincoln Street, it is one of Eugene’s best concert venues. It is a great supporter of local music and puts on oodles of events. Keep an eye out; some of the best shows you will ever see happen here.
DIVA: The Downtown Initiative for the Visual Arts is located on Broadway and Olive Street and is an excellent art gallery. Not only that, it also supports local films and is slowly helping to build a film community here in Eugene. Check out the Odd Sunday Film Seminar every first and third Sunday of the month for a view and discussion of bizarre, offbeat films.
The Museum of Unfine Art and Record Store: One of Eugene’s great little oddities, it is the best spot to find obscure and avant-garde music, not to mention vintage clothing, smokes, local art and theremins (yep, theremins). It’s on Willamette Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues.
The Bijou Art Cinemas: Currently the only art house theater in Eugene, it is the place to see the film you won’t find in the multiplexes. Its 13th Avenue and Ferry Street location also makes it the closest theater to campus.
For those of you looking for good eats, avoid much of what is close to campus, but do give Pegasus Pizza, Taste of India, Mekala’s and Burrito Boy a shot. If you are looking to go a little farther afield, Laughing Planet on Blair Boulevard has the best burritos in town. Hole in the Wall on West 11th Avenue by Seneca Road has the best barbecue, and Joe Federico’s on Fifth Avenue next to the Fifth Street Public Market has the best pasta (but save that last one for the serious dates because it will take a bite out of your wallet).
If you are like me and can’t pass a bookstore without hemorrhaging money, skip the big box stores and try either of the Smith Family Bookstore locations (13th Avenue next to campus and Fifth Avenue and Willamette Street downtown). For music shoppers, House of Records on 13th Avenue is the one-stop shop for quality goods, while CD/Game Exchange on 11th Avenue near the bus station is best for used stuff (great if you want to fill out your collection of 1990s radio hits).
There is lot more in this town if you want to look for it. Good luck and enjoy your college experience.
Cheers from the Great White North,

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