Chamber Staff Summer Picks
This region is jam-packed with different summer activities, everything from live jazz music at Cornbread Cafe, to Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga, to the to the famous Oregon Country Fair. There is a wealth of options when it comes to planning your weekend, and each of us here at the Chamber of Commerce have chosen our favorites to share with you!
For a full list of summer events in the area, check out Eugene Cascades & Coasts Events page HERE.
View all the annual festivals for this year HERE.
Vonnie’s Pick
McKenzie River Lavendar Festival
Friday, July 12 through Sunday, July 14 | 10am-5pm, 50882 McKenzie Hwy, Milepost 15.5
Website: http://www.mckenzieriverlavender.com/the-festival.html
I absolutely adore everything about this event hosted by McKenzie River Lavendar farm – it’s Oregon summer at its best. If you go, expect to find a serene and rejuvenating experience. Take a stroll through aromatic, knee-high lavender fields in full bloom; find enticing locally-made lavender products and other artisan creations; enjoy toe-tapping musical performances and choice food and drink vendors; and of course the sounds, smells, and sights of the natural surroundings above the banks of the iconic McKenzie River.
“Carol and Charles Tannenbaum manage their small lavender farm in the McKenzie River Valley about ten miles east of Springfield, Oregon. Located among the pastoral beauty of hazelnut orchards and pastures of grazing cattle or romping horses, the farm adds bright color and sweet aromas to the summer experience of the Valley.”
From the website:
Oregon has long been a Lavender pioneer, and the variety and breadth of the lavender-based industries – from nurseries to farms to craftsmen – located here reflects that long tradition.
McKenzie River Lavender is pleased to again participate in this farm tour. We invite you to visit our farm and enjoy the surrounding fields while viewing the creations of local artisans as well as many lavender products.
The McKenzie River Lavender Festival is a great time to enjoy a meditative walk through the labyrinth in our field. You’ll become one with lavender’s fresh aroma and humming bees at work in the field.home with some of our wonderful lavender products, experience our country bazaar atmosphere including local craftsmen, relaxing music, and much more.
Paige’s Pick
Fern Ridge Reservoir
We love any summer activity on the water. Fern Ridge is conveniently located just west of Eugene, and is a great place to boat, swim, fish, and bird watch. Our girls particularly enjoy getting out in the canoe and bird watching.
Judy’s Pick
Dining With Friends and Family
Judy’s favorite activity in the summer is paying a visit to her favorite restaurant, Cioppino House, in Pleasant Hill. The small, family-owned restaurant has only eight tables and requires reservations. They’re famous for their namesake cioppino, a classic Italian stew featuring an array of seafood in a zesty broth. Judy says this is a great place to spend the evening with her friends and family; her favorite picks are the shrimp and the halibut.
Elora’s Pick
Wine Tasting
One of the most relaxing summer activities is wine tasting with friends and family at any of the many vineyards that the South Willamette Valley has to offer. I recommend checking out Silvan Ridge in particular if you’re looking to enjoy a serene view while sipping on some refreshing Pinot Gris or a nice Pinot Noir. For a comprehensive list of wineries in the area, check out THIS WEBSITE or Travel Lane County’s list HERE.
Max’s Pick
Biking
When the weather warms up, there’s no better way to explore the area than by bike. There are endless routes around much of the Willamette Valley, but when the weather really gets hot, I enjoy a relaxed ride with my wife, Logan, along the rivers in the metro. Catching the shade on the bike trail from Dorris Ranch to Clearwater Park is a particularly nice way to get outside and stay cool.
Natasha’s Pick
Community Supported Agriculture
Participating in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) supports your local farmer while challenging you to be more creative in the kitchen. I love picking up my box full of tasty surprises each week. If that’s not enough fresh goodness, I can always pop over to the Farmers Market or any of the many local farm stands. Summer is definitely delicious.
