Story by Alex Stoltze
1. Beppe and Gianni’s Trattoria: While walking past the restaurant, if you aren’t encouraged to enter by the smell of homemade pasta and ravioli, then you may just want to sit on the wooden outdoor deck (during the summer) for a glass of wine or a delicious appetizer. Voted Best Italian Restaurant in Eugene for eight years running by Eugene Weekly, it’s no surprise that it makes the best date list. $$
2. Bijou Art Cinemas: Located close to campus on 13th, this quaint and privately owned theater shows beautiful and artistic indie films. There is a small courtyard between the theaters lit with twinkly white lights and featuring a couple small benches. Almost any movie shown at the Bijou is guaranteed to be romantic, either in its content or its cinematography and photography. $
3. Perugino: This coffee shop is a great place to stop before or after seeing a performance at the nearby Hult Center. They serve soups, salads, and sandwiches, as well as amazing coffee and desserts, including cake! $
4. Zany Zoo: Great for the untraditional night on the town (during the day). This petting zoo/pet store is the best place in Eugene to find alligators, pigs, a white skunk, bearded dragons, boa constrictors, opossums, sugar gliders, and porcupines. There are also tons of bunnies and a few dogs to hold and play with. Free
5. Cafe Soriah: This small restaurant, boasting flavors from Cairo to Athens, has been the epicenter for romantic dates in Eugene for almost 20 years. $$
6. First Friday ArtWalk: The perfect free date, or walk with friends, around Eugene’s downtown. Most galleries stay open late and serve drinks and snacks. There’s no need for a map, just walk around and see what’s open. Free
7. Sweet Life Patisserie: I could go on for hours about their desserts. A huge wall of desserts, cakes, cookies, flavors of gelato and coffee great you at the front door. You can purchase a whole cake or just a slice. If you become a regular, check out their seasonal desserts, amazing all year around. Go! Now! $
8. Taste of India: Amazing food served in the weirdest setting. Though the bazaar atmosphere of fake trees appears a bit off-putting, the food is worth the eyesore. Their curries and naan are fabulous. $
9. Rhododendron Garden: The world-renowned garden sits atop Hendricks park and is a short but steep walk from school. During the spring, when the flowers are in bloom and there may be a chance of sitting on dry grass, it provides a perfect spot for a picnic overlooking the city but surrounded by trees. Free
10. The Nude Beach at Glassbar Island: It could be the perfect place for your first date! Get the awkwardness out of the way early on. The beach is hosted by BRING and is locate near the BRING Recycling Center. It is open to people of all ages and orientations. If the beach is too tame for you, might I suggest Eugene’s annual World Naked Bike Ride with the slogan, “Less gas, more ass!” Riders gather in any amount of clothes you want at 11:30pm every June 7 at Monroe Park (10th and Monroe). Free
Top Ten Eugene Dates (Part One)
October 6, 2011
Top Ten Eugene Dates (Part One)
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