Oregon Hostels

You can't find a bad bottle of Pinot Noir in this little town called Eugene. I will return!

I've been in Eugene since 1994. And, yes, we have hippies, snobs, cliques, crazies, and the pseudo-rich, but it's like Jerry Garcia and John Waters had a love child and named it Eugene. The scenery is magnificent and there are a million amazing hiking trails and swimming spots. Yes, everything closes up early. Yes, you will be panhandled. And, yes, there are some really stinky people here. But it's the same wherever you go. I''m always happy to travel the world and see new things, but I'm always happy to come home to Eugene.

Portland... it isn't a big tourist destination really, but there may be no better example of the ideal small American city. It's a young town and the locals are some of the most genuinely friendly people you'll find anywhere. It has a lively downtown and nightlife. And it's surrounded on all sides by great outdoor hiking areas, including the spectacular Columbia River Gorge. Mt. St. Helens is a short drive away, and if you're into skiing, check out nearby Mt. Hood. It's the only mountain in North America with year-round snow skiing.

Eugene has more nightlife than anyone could possibly need -- the center of gravity for partying on a Friday and Saturday night is the pub district, at the intersection of West Broadway and Olive street, stretching a few blocks in any direction. This is a pedestrian-friendly area with a wide variety of pubs -- from cozy Jamesons' to upscale Davis' and Adam's Place; to belly-dancing at Cafe Moroc and Argentine Tango at The Tango Center (an all-ages place); live music at Cozmic Pizza, McDonald's Theatre, John Henry's, The Hult Center, The Shedd, and The WOW Hall; to DJ music in the underground Diablo's; from card-playing at Full House to pool with a real community feeling at Lucky's. There are a bunch more -- all these places are pleasantly packed. Most have food. Most covers are good value. There's a wide range of ages and types of people, possibly because Oregon's main University is here. It is quite easy to get lost in the friendly nightlife here.

Portland may feel small, which is part of its charm, but it is not a "small American city". The metropolitan area population ranks 22nd in the USA at about 2.2 million people.

I've lived in Eugene for 7 years. It's a fun city, big enough to have lots to do. If you visit, check out the Weekly (www.eugeneweekly.com) to get info on what's happening, because there are lots of clubs and shows all the time. Two of my favorites are Cafe Paradiso and Cozmic Pizza. Both have live music, open mic nights, etc. I am in a group that puts on a belly dance show the third Friday of each month (www.medge.org) at Cozmic Pizza. Also, while you're here you MUST be sure to get to Sweet Life Bakery and/or Metropole at the 5th Street, and from April to November be sure to check out the Saturday Market, outdoors on the Park blocks downtown. Tons of food, entertainment, stuff to buy, and tie-dye underwear.