Vacation Rentals in Eugene

About 110 miles south of Portland is Oregon's second-largest city, Eugene, a hippie mecca of sorts thanks to its association with the Grateful Dead. They even have a festival dedicated to the hippies of yore! The cultural hub of the Pacific Northwest is peppered with theaters, art galleries, and locally-owned restaurants. But there's more! Lush green forests replete with trailheads have earned Eugene another deserving nickname, The Emerald City. Come discover it with family and friends with a cozy vacation rental as your base.

Holidu vacation rentals in Eugene often come with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, parking, and fully-equipped kitchens. Some are pet-friendly so get the entire family along! Downtown Eugene is bang in the middle of where the action is. Restaurants, galleries, and attractions such as the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, and Saturday Market are all reachable on foot. West Eugene meanwhile makes for an excellent base if you enjoy theater and dance recitals - the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, and McDonald Theatre are right here. Fans of Bart Simpson should consider staying in the neighboring community of Springfield. The Simpsons family "lived" in Springfield, and you can even embark on an unofficial Simpsons city tour.

Eugene's passion for the arts is palpable, and it's certainly hard to miss the 100 odd colorful murals that brighten up the city's walls. More art waits at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum opened in 1933 - the Asian and Pacific Northwest artworks are stunning, as is the Moorish façade and iron grill work. The Lane County Historical Museum is an eye-opening lesson on pioneer history, and exhibits to watch out for include an antique vehicle, and an old staircase. Located on the grounds of the University of Oregon, the Museum of Natural and Cultural History showcases at least 14,000 years of the region's history through fantastic exhibits. The science-themed Eugene Science Center has tons of interactive displays along with an exciting laser show at their planetarium.

There's much to do once dusk descends in Eugene, and a good idea is to catch a concert at the city's only outdoor venue, the Cuthbert Amphitheater at Alton Baker Park. The gigantic indoor Matthew Knight Arena can hold a whopping 12,000 spectators, and the acoustics are mind-blowing. At Wildcraft Cider Works, you can choose from 13 cider taps as local bands play alongside. Close to the University of Oregon is the Cooler Restaurant & Bar, an institution of sorts since 1968. Watch a football game or indulge in karaoke kitsch at this local favorite. Infuse elegance into your Eugene sojourn with ballet, opera, or symphony at the city's performing arts venues - Hult Center for the Performing Arts is a standout venue!

Recreational opportunities here are a momentary escapade for the body and soul. Rent a bicycle from Downtown Eugene and cruise along the Willamette River. En route, make sure to stop and photograph the fantastical old-growth forests, waterfalls, and bright blue pools. For something more adventurous, the trails at Oakridge, "the Northwest's mountain biking capital" won't disappoint. For more fun, scale the summit of Spencer Butte whose trail weaves through pretty meadows and forests. On your way up, look out for the fairy-tale-like Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson Residence that is open to visitors. Finally, enjoy heart-stopping whitewater rafting action at the thrashing McKenzie River. There are plenty of fly-fishing and hiking opportunities in the vicinity.

The year kicks off with the Oregon Truffle Festival where attendees can participate in truffle hunts, truffle lunches, and even listen to truffle lectures. February's Oregon Asia Celebration features food and exhibits from China, Pakistan, Korea, and even Hawaii, so do try the vegetable samosas and tea-stewed eggs, and learn origami too. Summer features the Oregon Bach Festival where renowned classical musicians from over the world arrive in Eugene. July 4th celebrations are taken seriously and the town erupts in colorful fireworks displays and endless parties. July also features the Oregon Country Fair that takes place in Veneta, 13 miles outside Eugene. It's essentially a "party in the woods" that brings together hippies from the 60s and today's New Age hipsters.

A fixture since 1970, Eugene's Saturday Market is said to be America's oldest open-air market. Over 150 sellers set up their stalls and call out to passersby to buy their fresh produce, arts, and crafts. There are live music concerts, strolling performers, and a food court offering cuisines as diverse as Thai, Afghani, Mexican, and Indian.

A short drive south of Eugene, this wonderful bird sanctuary rehabilitates raptors that are native to the Pacific Northwest. There are falcons, hawks, vultures, and other species too. It is a treat to watch the staff interact with and feed the birds, and children, in particular, will enjoy the visit.

At this market, you'll find everything from unique toys to woolen handicrafts, and haute couture design. Second-hand stores will fetch you great bargains. After all that shopping, tease your taste buds at 5th Street's restaurants that serve delicacies from the world over - French, Japanese, Thai, Greek, and more.

There's so much to do at this relaxed little town from browsing through bric-a-brac at specialty shops to devouring Oregon's legendary seafood chowder. Kayaks and fishing boats sailing down the Siuslaw River make for a pretty sight.

Highway 101 will get you in no time to the wind-swept Heceta Head Lighthouse, one of Oregon's most photographed landmarks. From here, head to the beautifully maintained Sea Lion Caves to catch these friendly guys in action along the rocks. They're known to crack up visitors with their antics.