Eugene Magazine

01/08/2025

When it comes to personal health, we’re often told to focus on a balanced diet, daily fitness and activity, ample sleep, a strong social network — but what about hormone levels? For those with imbalances, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or hormone optimization could prove useful in improving personal health, energy, mental clarity, and overall wellbeing. But what exactly does it entail, and how do you know if it’s the right answer for you? OnePeak Medical Hale Men's Clinic Absolute Health Medical Center

Feeling brain fog? High anxiety? Trouble sleeping? In a chronically stressed society, we get used to living in these states or dismiss them as natural parts of aging. But functional medicine practitioners encourage us to look closer at what deficiencies might be underneath low energy, chronic pain,....

01/03/2025

Welcome to 2025! Foster children in Lane County will benefit from a fun night of competitive bingo at the Twisted Duck Brew Pub, while runners of all abilities can join the Drew Brew Crew for speed workouts followed by socializing at The Bier Stein. Downtown Eugene comes alive with the monthly Lane Arts Council’s First Friday ArtWalk, featuring an Artist Marketplace and performances by indie pop fusion band Amor Fati. There is always live music on Friday nights at Elizabeth's Mediterranean Cuisine and Wine Lounge, and this week the performers are Linda Kanter and Jerry Rempel, or catch the David Morgenroth Trio exploring iconic jazz composers at The Jazz Station. The Museum of Natural and Cultural History opens its doors for free exploration of Oregon's fossils, ecosystems, and tribal cultures on the first Friday of the month, while everyone can sample regional vintages at Sundance Wine Cellars' themed tastings held every Friday and Saturday. The Long Distance Bluegrass Band brings traditional and progressive bluegrass sounds to the Elmira Grange. Curious minds can take a free, behind-the-scenes tour of the Hult Center’s architecture and public art. Admire Adam Grosowsky’s grand-scale oil paintings at the Karin Clarke Gallery through January 25, while fans of the beloved comic strip can view original Calvin and Hobbes artwork at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, ending February 2.

​Welcome to 2025! Fancy going for a run? There are several running groups that meet regularly throughout the week, like the Drew Brew Crew which follows up runs with community building at Bier Stein. Downtown Eugene comes alive with the monthly First Friday ArtWalk, featuring an Artist Marketplace...

01/01/2025

12/31/2024

Who says New Year's has to be at midnight? 'Noon Year' celebrations are perfect for families! And if that's too early for your older kids, celebrate at East Coast time. From DIY balloon drops to pom-pom shooters, kids love these made-for-them festivities. As 8-year-old Amalia says about bubbles: 'Pop pop pop pop!' ✨

For many people, ringing in the new year at midnight is the most common way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. For families, however, staying up that late can be hard for kids. And let’s face it, it can be difficult for the parents, too — they may be tired and want to snuggle up early […]

12/30/2024

Oregon’s Sparkling Evolution: From pinot pioneers to brilliant bubbles! Discover 4 local sparklers perfect for your holiday celebrations. The Willamette Valley’s wine scene keeps fizzing with excitement. Bo from Bo's Wine Depot recommends Capitello’s classic method brut, Eyrie’s game-changing Spark, RainSong’s Sparkling Blanc de Noirs, and Planet Oregon’s Brut Rosé. Between these and others, world-class bubbles can be found right in our backyard 🥂 Link in bio.

The Willamette Valley wine industry certainly has come a long way since its infancy in the mid-1960s. After some initial experimentation, pinot noir was declared the clear winner and focus for our climate and soils. The related pinot gris soon joined pinot noir as the second signature grape. Fast fo...

12/26/2024

This week we celebrate the turning of the year from 2024 to 2025. That means there are a lot of events taking place on December 31. Before then, start with the soulful jazz of the Dorian May Trio at Drop Bear Brewery, then enjoy an unconventional but therapeutic Goat Yoga session at No Regrets Flower Farm & Animal Sanctuary. This week, we also celebrate the gray whale migration along the Oregon coast, and you can venture to whale watching sites up and down the coast to talk with knowledgeable volunteers about how to spot them. Themed wine tastings continue each Friday and Saturday at Sundance Wine Cellars, one of the Willamette Valley's oldest wine retailers. The community comes together for Chanukah Wonderland at Valley River Center, offering crafts and a grand Menorah lighting. If you're a birder, you might choose to participate in the 83rd annual Lane County Christmas Bird Count. There's still a few more chances to see Christmas light displays such as at Glow Eugene, continuing for a few more days at the Lane Events Center, featuring international landmarks and holiday activities, or enjoy the festive Walking in a Winter Wonderland at Cottage Grove Speedway. The Veneta and Fern Ridge Tour of Lights is still going on, transforming neighborhoods into twinkling wonderlands. New Year's Eve brings multiple celebrations across town, from the Satin Love Orchestra's "Back in Black" party at The Graduate to dueling pianos at Olsen Run Comedy Club, and the earlier "Geezers New Year's Eve Party" at Territorial Vineyards and Wine Co. Families can enjoy the Eugene Science Center's "Midnight at Noon" celebration, while the Eugene Symphony partners with Troupe Vertigo for a spectacular cirque performance. The Gordon Tavern rocks with Hot Fuzz Party Band. If you want to start the year out with a run instead of dancing, welcome the new year with a 10K or 5K along the Willamette River.

​Happy New Year! This week we celebrate the turning of the year from 2024 to 2025. That means there are a lot of events taking place on December 31. ​This week, we also celebrate the gray whale migration along the Oregon coast, ​and you can venture to whale watching sites up and down the coast...

12/20/2024

The holiday season in Eugene is bursting with festive activities, starting with a Kwanzaa celebration where families can connect through stories and crafts. Eugene Ballet Company brings their enchanting production of "The Nutcracker" to the Hult Center, featuring live orchestral accompaniment. The intimate Christmas Presence at Richard E. Wildish weaves together holiday stories and songs. Elizabeth's Mediterranean Cuisine and Wine Lounge always has music on Friday nights and this week is no exception, with Jesse Mead. The Oregon Mozart Players offer their holiday candlelit concert Glow at Central Presbyterian Church. Enjoy themed wine tastings at Sundance Wine Cellars on Fridays and Saturdays. The Side Hustle Band spreads holiday cheer at their Christmas show, and the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse transforms for their Victorian Christmas Open House, complete with Santa visits and nighttime lighthouse views. The Shedd Institute presents their festive Jingle All the Way concert. Theater fans can still catch the iconic musical "Cats" at Actors Cabaret, "The 39 Steps" at Cottage Theatre and "Snow Fever" at Oregon Contemporary Theatre. Browse the Holiday Market at Lane Events Center or visit Glow Eugene for a winter wonderland with illuminated international landmarks. The Cottage Grove Speedway and Veneta-Fern Ridge area both sparkle with holiday light displays. This weekend is the last Snow Show for the season at 5th Street Public Market. Snow Shows take place every Friday and Saturday in the Market Core. Get free photos with Santa on the second floor.

It’s the week of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. We wish happiness to everyone who celebrates! The holiday season in Eugene is bursting with festive activities, from a Kwanzaa celebration to the beloved tradition of seeing “The Nutcracker” ballet. This weekend is the last Snow Show for the s...

12/18/2024

Our Winter issue is here! ✨ Discover your perfect holiday gifts with our curated local gift guide featuring Eugene’s finest shops and artisans. This is such a fun time of year to go down to 5th Street Public Market and watch the snow fall, or stroll through the Market Alley (like you see in that fun cover photo!). From stocking stuffers to luxury finds, we’ve got your seasonal shopping covered. Pick up your copy today!

12/16/2024

For many of us, our four-legged friends are valued members of the family, and staying on top of their health is part of that bond. It can be devastating to navigate our pets getting sick or injured alongside hefty vet bills. Pet insurance is one way to prepare for these emergencies ahead of time. But if you opt in to pet insurance, be informed about what your plan does — and doesn’t — cover.

Most pet lovers consider their pets to be part of the family, and that means taking care of their health needs just as you would for yourself or someone you love. Whether you’re hiking the Ridgeline Trail with your dog or cuddling with your cat while watching the rain, knowing you’re prepared fo...

12/12/2024

This week is brimming with festive fun. There’s no shortage of holiday parades this week, in Veneta, Monroe, and Creswell, all featuring holiday cheer, floats, and community spirit. For a more whimsical holiday experience, check out the 28th Annual Victorian Christmas Open House at Heceta Head Lighthouse, where you can enjoy live performances, visit Santa, and take in the lighthouse's magical light show. You can also experience a unique twist on a holiday classic at the Strayhorn & Ellington's Nutcracker Suite at The Jazz Station, a jazzy take on the beloved Nutcracker. The Eugene Symphony presents Rachmaninov's Second Symphony, featuring breathtaking melodies and a special guest pianist. The Eugene Difficult Music Ensemble's Graphic Score Show explores a challenging visual score that transcends typical sheet music. Elizabeth's Mediterranean Cuisine and Wine Lounge offers live music with Olem Alves and special deals on Date Night Wednesdays. Take a stroll through Downtown Springfield during the Springfield Second Friday Art Walk. For an unforgettable night of music and dance, Chamber Music Amici pairs with at the Wildish Community Theater. You can also enjoy the powerful performance of Handel’s Messiah by the Eugene Concert Choir at the Hult Center. Throughout the month, experience the magic of classic holiday performances like “Oliver!” at The Shedd Institute, “Cats” at Actors Cabaret, and "Snow Fever: A Karaoke Christmas" at Oregon Contemporary Theatre. If you're shopping for gifts, don't miss the Holiday Market at Lane Events Center, featuring live music and a wide array of local vendors. Don’t miss the Themed Wine Tastings at Sundance Wine Cellars, where you can explore a variety of wine regions on Fridays, or discover local and regional wineries on Saturdays. “The 39 Steps” at Cottage Theatre is a thrilling, fast-paced spy spoof blending Hitchcock with Monty Python in a delightful whodunit that’s sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. You still have time to take the kids to visit Santa at Valley River Center and capture the magic of the season. The Member Show at The New Zone Gallery is a special exhibition of small but mighty works by New Zone members, each priced under $100. Find your fun!

This is the week for festive fun, starting with parades in Veneta, Monroe​, and Creswell​, all featuring​ holiday cheer, floats, and community spirit. Take a stroll through downtown Springfield during the Springfield Second Friday Art Walk.​ Visit Elizabeth’s Wine Lounge for special deals ...

12/11/2024

Looking for a gift that keeps on giving? Surprise someone special with a subscription to Eugene Magazine! It’s the perfect way to share the best of our vibrant community, local stories, and insider tips, all year long. Give the gift of connection, discovery, and inspiration in every issue! Visit eugenemagazine.com/shop to get your gift subscription and find out why we live here.

12/10/2024

The Winter 2024 digital issue is ready to flip through! Looking for the perfect holiday gifts? Our curated local gift guide featuring Lane County's finest shops and artisans has you covered! Cozy up with stories about Joseph, Oregon (totally worth the drive!), winter performances at the Hult Center and other venues around town, festive party tips for families, and so much more. Plus, meet two-sport Duck athlete Bryce Boettcher and explore the gluten-free menu at Elegant Elephant. Read it all here: 75580743.flowpaper.com/EM24WINDigital

12/06/2024

So much to do this week! Cottage Theatre presents "The 39 Steps," a comedic spy thriller that blends Hitchcock with Monty Python. Lane Arts Council’s First Friday ArtWalk offers a self-guided tour of downtown Eugene's galleries and arts venues starting at the Farmers Market Pavilion. Adam Grosowsky exhibits new works at Karin Clarke Gallery. Linda Kanter and Gerry Rempel perform live music at Elizabeth's Mediterranean Cuisine and Wine Lounge. The Eugene Astronomical Society hosts a stargazing party at Dexter State Park. Sundance Wine Cellars offers free themed wine tastings highlighting various wine regions on Friday and Saturday nights. Cottage Grove Speedway transforms into a winter wonderland with Christmas lights, fire pits, and photos with Santa. The Shedd Institute presents "Oliver!", a musical based on Dickens' classic novel. The Tri-County Holiday Light Parades feature festively decorated floats and vehicles in Junction City, Harrisburg, and Monroe. Downtown Eugene Holiday Night Out fills Kesey Square with snow, hot cocoa, and vendors. The Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade celebrates its 72nd year with the theme "Gingerbread Kisses & Christmas Wishes." The Willamalane Bob Keefer Center hosts a Winter Wonderland Skate Party with a live DJ and festive atmosphere. Florence Holiday Festival celebrates "Winter on the Waterfront" with music, parades, and tree lighting. The Broadway hit "Back to the Future" musical brings time-traveling adventure to the Hult Center. Elizabeth's Wine Lounge offers half-price wine bottles and select cocktails for Wednesday date nights. Actors Cabaret presents an intimate production of the iconic musical "Cats." Oregon Contemporary Theatre presents "Snow Fever: A Karaoke Christmas," a comedic holiday play. Valley River Center offers free visits with Santa and photo packages at Center Court. The Holiday Market features live music, international food, and festive shopping at the Lane Events Center. Glow Eugene transforms the Lane Events Center into an indoor light show featuring international landmarks and holiday activities. What will you do?

So much to do this week! It’s First Friday ArtWalk plus there are plays opening, such as Cottage Theatre’s “The 39 Steps,” a comedic spy thriller that blends Hitchcock with Monty Python. Art show openings include Adam Grosowsky’s exhibit of new works at Karin Clarke Gallery. Plus enjoy sev...

12/04/2024

Living in Eugene today, it is easy to overlook the amount of history that surrounds us. Many of the fundamental organizations of our current city have deep roots from decades past, some from even more than a century ago. As we forge ahead into the future, let’s take a look at the storied history of these enduring community staples and how they continue to thrive today. Photo featured: Rexius’s first office, which was located at what is now 7th and Chambers.

The fertile environment of the Eugene and Springfield area isn’t just great for farming and outdoor recreation. Ever since Eugene Skinner settled near Skinner’s Butte in 1846, our local communities have grown strong institutions too. Throughout our day-to-day comings and goings, these enduring o...

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving! This holiday season kicks off with two Thanksgiving Day runs: the Turkey Trot around the Ruth Bascom Trail network and the Turkey Stuffer neighborhood course, both offering scenic routes for participants of all abilities. The festive spirit continues with Walking in a Winter Wonderland at Cottage Grove Speedway, where families can enjoy Christmas lights, hot cocoa, and photos with Santa throughout early December. Beer enthusiasts can celebrate Black Beer Friday at Beergarden. with dark, barrel-aged pours while enjoying live music. Holiday shoppers can experience the magical Night of a Thousand Stars at 5th Street Public Market, featuring their annual tree lighting and first snow show. Of course, the post-Thanksgiving excitement revolves around Ducks vs Huskies football game at Autzen Stadium on Saturday, preceded by the Rally in the Alley at 5th Street Public Market on Friday. Explore art while walking through historic downtown Cottage Grove at the Cottage Grove Last Friday Art Walk. Ballet Fantastique brings their Emmy-nominated "An American Christmas Carol" to the Hult Center, featuring jazz vocalist Halie Loren. Fermata Ballet Collective presents innovative works at the Very Little Theatre. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy themed tastings at Sundance Wine Cellars every Friday and Saturday. Art galleries throughout the area showcase diverse exhibitions, including Helene Zemer's glass art at The New Zone Gallery and Margaret Coe's nature-inspired paintings at Karin Clarke Gallery. Give yourself a laugh at "Back to the Future" at the Hult Center and enjoy an intimate production of "Cats" at Actors Cabaret. The Eugene Holiday Market brings local artisans, live music, and international food together through December 24.

Happy Thanksgiving! ​This holiday week kicks off with two Thanksgiving Day runs: the Turkey Trot around the Ruth Bascom Trail network and the Turkey Stuffer neighborhood course. Holiday shoppers can experience the magical Night of a Thousand Stars at Fifth Street Public Market. And ​o​f course...

11/26/2024

The Pacific Northwest aesthetic requires a balance between the cozy, rustic charm of a cabin or cottage and the updated, convenient designs we expect in modern homes. As a result, “Northwest Transitional” has emerged as a trend, and it neatly provides both of these elements. But what exactly makes a Northwest Transitional home? Designer Collin Kayser has the answers!

The Pacific Northwest aesthetic of residential construction with wood, rocks, and oversize windows as main elements has always been a popular draw for those looking to savor Oregon beauty. But homeowners also want ease, comfort, convenience, and an updated elegance beyond what a rustic cabin or cott...

11/24/2024

Elk at Haystack Rock after sunset last night. Photos by Sean Thomas