Inn at the 5th Staff Picks
Discover exciting area attractions and outdoor excursions, explore Eugene’s sports, arts and music scene, or plan ahead for upcoming cultural events. Our Staff Picks blog will help you make the most of your stay in Eugene, Oregon.
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Fish on the McKenzie River
May 01
Fishing on the McKenzie River is a glorious experience. Known for its cold, crystal clear waters, the Class II-III McKenzie River hosts whitewater thrill seekers, world class anglers, and nature lovers. Running about 90 miles long and including a South Fork, more than 12 miles of the upper part of the river are designated as "wild and scenic, and beckon travelors like you to visit, especially if you like to fish.
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Explore Eugene on Two Wheels!
April 14
April is warm and dry enough to explore Eugene and beautiful Lane County Oregon on a bike. Whether you’re staying at the Inn at the 5th one night or 10, we suggest hopping on a bicycle to see it. Bike Month isn’t until May, so you have time to make plans! Arriving sooner? No problem! Strap on your helmet to get a head start! But there are a calendar full of community rides, self-guided tours, talks, and classes coming up, so there’s bound to be something that’ll spin your wheels.
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Spring is for Rhododendrons
March 21
Make plans now to reserve your stay at the Inn at the 5th to roam the 10-acre rhododendron garden in Hendricks Park at the height of the season. Stroll with awe in the company of admirers who travel from the around the world to see the blooming spectacle between April and May. Nature’s exhibition has a long and beautiful history that’s led to an unforgettable display of towering rhododendron plants surrounded by walls of Douglas-fir trees showing off dazzling displays of color in the springtime sun.
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Celebrate Winter’s Last Hurrah!
February 07
According to the Gregorian calendar, about a month of winter remains, so don’t let it pass without raising a toast to its mysterious and oft underappreciated beauty. To help you do just that, we thought we’d suggest five of our favorite spots to take it all in. Whether you're looking to get cozy beside a fire or brave the coastal gales in search of stunning landscapes, this list delivers. Late winter is a great time to explore; just dress in comfy layers to stay dry and warm and have your favorite playlist ready for listening.
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Discover the Magic of the Oregon Coast
January 04
It’s often said that the Oregon Coast is a magical place in the winter. Storms along the coast make for a dramatic show of high crashing waves electrified with bolts of lightening. Watch them from beside a warm fire with a glass of wine. At the same time, an otherwise temperate climate can create the perfect conditions for tranquil walks through coastal forest, whale watching, or antique shopping in Old Town Florence. Ultimately, regardless of the activity, it’s safe to say the Oregon Coast can be a great place to escape when it’s drizzly or cold inland. Here are a few things you shouldn't miss.
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Where to Watch the Snow Fly this Winter
December 09
From the snowy Cascades to storm-swept coastal beaches, winter brings a new twist on fun things to do across the Eugene, Cascades & Coastal region. If you’re keen to keep outdoor recreation as your natural, regional focal point, there are plenty of accessible adventures. Winter in Oregon is a fantastic time of year to explore Oregon’s dramatic coastline, tuck into our cozy marketplaces, and explore less crowded trails and parks across the Willamette Valley.
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‘Tis the Season to Shop in Downtown Eugene
November 30
Shop early and shop local! We know it can be hard to resist the ease of online shopping, especially when many of us spend our days in front of a computer. But downtown Eugene, neighboring Springfield, and the entire region offers some delightful shopping destinations that make getting about town more joyful than stressful. It doesn’t hurt that most of our top picks are just minutes from Inn at the 5th and are easily accessible by Eugene's network of bike paths and public transportation. So whoever is on your list this year, we’ve got just the answer. Whether you explore the artisan Saturday Market for crafted treasures and the Farmers' markets and wineries for gourmet gifts or head to the mall, you’ll shop with success.
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Get Festive in the Pumpkin Patch
October 20
Make the most of your stay at the Inna at the 5th, and get into the Halloween spirit. A visit to Eugene simply wouldn’t be complete were you not to venture into the fields of corn and pumpkins that surround our lovely city. Sure, a pumpkin may not be the most convenient souvenir to pick, but whoever said the best memories fit in our pockets? When you visit Eugene in October, you must include plans to stop at our favorite pumpkin patches. So much more than picking and hauling your favorite gourd (step aside Charlie Brown!), visiting one or two of these farmsteads will fill you with fresh air, endless photo opportunities, delicious eats, and fun activities for the whole family.
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Exploring Eugene on Borrowed Wheels
September 30
Whether you’ve flown in for the night or ridden the train for the weekend, you can enjoy your stay at the Inn at the 5th without renting a car. The best of Eugene is practically on our doorstep after all– from fresh food markets and cafes to art galleries and boutiques, everything you might need is just a walk away. But even if you want to explore a bit more of the city’s downtown, like that tucked-away bakery or park, you can get there, too, when you borrow a set of wheels.
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Taste the Fruits of the Willamette Valley
August 23
There are some who might say a trip to Oregon wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Willamette Valley. Regarded as the state’s leading wine region, Willamette Valley is recognized as one of the top Pinot Noir producers in the world and is home to more than 500 wineries. So come and taste it! To help plan your trip later this summer or fall, we’ve put together a short list of the vineyards and tasting rooms you’ve just got to try.
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Honor the Regions Indigenous Peoples
July 29
This summer, get yourself to Oregon’s scenic coast to walk in the footsteps of history. Hike the Amanda Trail and learn the history of the area’s Indigenous People. It’s one of countless ways to explore our beautiful coastline, but we believe it’s a valuable way to learn about the people who called it home first.
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Watch the World’s Best Runners in Eugene!
June 24
Come see history in the making as the best track and field athletes in the world come together in Eugene in a celebration of diversity, human potential, and athletic achievement. The World Athletics Championships is an extraordinary showcase taking center stage in the Inn at the 5th’s back yard, and you’ve got to be here to see it.
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Discover Eugene on a Bike!
May 25
May is bike month in Eugene and beautiful Lane County Oregon, so whether you’re staying with us one night or 10, we suggest hopping on a bike to see it. With a calendar full of community rides, self-guided tours, talks, and classes, there’s bound to be something that’ll spin your wheels.
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See Murals, Read Our Story
April 22
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then a mural must tell an entire story. And if that’s true, then you have only to walk the colorful streets of Eugene to “read” its story and discover its secrets hiding in plain sight.
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Get Out and Enjoy the Rain
March 30
Early spring can be wet in Eugene and much of the Oregon Coast, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. Eugene is a great place to explore as you hop between the raindrops. Let us tell you why, and where you might go to make the most of your visit.
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Celebrate by Staying In with Us
February 23
Who doesn’t love spending a cozy evening indoors after a long day of work or play? This Valentine’s Day, with its luxurious guest rooms and spacious suites brimming with contemporary decor, local artwork, and spa-inspired amenities, Inn at the 5th invites you to unwind with your sweetheart.
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Top Three Holiday Lights Displays
December 27
As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, Eugene answers by turning on the lights. So this December, follow the light and see some of our city’s brightest holiday displays guaranteed to set your holiday aglow.
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Go Back to School and Get a History Lesson in Art
November 19
School isn’t just for kids, you know. The University of Oregon invites curious minds of every age to visit and take advantage of its unique collections and resources. This month, why not get out of the rain and visit the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art?
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Tricks & Treats on the Farms of Eugene
October 14
A pumpkin may not be the most convenient souvenir, but whoever said the best memories include experiences that fit in our pockets?
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Discover Your Place in Nature
September 03
Just 15 minutes away from the Inn at the 5th, Mount Pisgah Arboretum stretches its branches to welcome your deep breaths in its green getaway.
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The Marvelous Varietals of King Estate Winery
August 16
Just a short half-hour’s drive from our hotel, the King Estate Winery is one of the most celebrated vineyards and winemakers in the Pacific Northwest.
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A Day Trip to the Willamette Valley
July 05
A trip to Oregon isn’t complete without a visit to the Willamette Valley. Serving as the state’s leading wine region, Willamette Valley is recognized as one of the top Pinot Noir producers in the world and is home to more than 500 wineries. To help plan your trip, we’ve put together a shortlist of the must-see and must-taste stops along the way.
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How to Have a European Experience in Eugene this Summer
June 16
Dreaming of Europe? Eating chocolate that’s as much a feast for the eyes as the tastebuds. Smelling the scent of French baguettes wafting through the air. Gathering in plazas at café tables – sipping vino and letting a lazy afternoon slip into a summer night…
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Marché Restaurant: Eugene’s Gustatory Gem
June 07
For a long while, it seemed as though the food scene in Eugene would never quite catch up to the culinary powerhouse of Portland. In recent years, however, Eugene has continually proven its fine-dining bona fides as more and more of our restaurants garner praise for their superior service and world-class cuisines.
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Condé Nast Traveler’s 12 Best Places to Travel in June
May 17
Celebrate the return of summer road trips and safe air travel by planning a much-needed vacation to Eugene, Oregon, touted by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the 12 Best Places to Travel in June.
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Let Your Taste Buds Take Flight at Alesong on 5th
April 06
Kick-back with a flight of seasonally released, barrel-aged beers at Alesong Brewing & Blending, home to some of Oregon’s most beloved and award-winning artisan ales.
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A Cozy Evening Indoors
March 01
Who doesn’t love spending a cozy evening indoors after a long day of work or play? With luxurious guest rooms and spacious suites brimming with contemporary decor, local artwork, and spa-inspired amenities, Inn at the 5th makes it easy to unwind.
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Birds of a Feather
July 06
Have you ever seen a raptor in the wild? And no, we’re not talking about those sneaky dinosaurs from the Jurassic Park movies. If not, you’re in for a real treat because Eugene is home to the Cascades Raptor Center, a thriving wildlife hospital and permanent habitat for eagles, owls, hawks, and other raptors, or birds of prey.
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University of Oregon Basketball: Go Ducks!
March 02
After a thrilling season of NCAA men’s basketball in which the University of Oregon Ducks have won all 15 home games, including a surprise victory over Oregon State in the last week of February, the Ducks are now tied with the UCLA Bruins for the top spot in the Pac-12 Conference.
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The Oregon Asian Celebration
February 03
One of the most exciting and dynamic festivals in the Pacific Northwest, the Oregon Asian Celebration is a breathtaking tribute to Asian and Asian-American cultures right here in Eugene.
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The Oregon Truffle Festival
January 06
Savored the world over as a culinary delicacy, truffles are a type of mushroom that grows underground and is most often associated with Europe. But did you know that the American Pacific Northwest is also widely acclaimed for the abundance and quality of its truffle production?
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Celebrate the Holidays in Eugene
December 02
Throughout the month of December, there are plenty of events and activities in and around Eugene to get you in the holiday spirit. Here are a few of our favorites:
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The Fascinating Natural History of the Pacific Northwest
November 04
A region of extraordinary rustic beauty, the Pacific Northwest has long been a refuge for those who seek a deep connection to nature.
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Exploring the Mount Pisgah Arboretum
September 02
Just a quick 15-minute drive from the Inn at the 5th, Mount Pisgah Arboretum has provided us city dwellers with a grand sanctuary of natural splendor for over four decades.
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The Extraordinary Pinot Grigio of King Estate Winery
August 05
Are you a fan of Pinot Grigio (a.k.a., Pinot Gris)? If you enjoy the white wine variant of Pinot noir as much as we do—or you’ve not yet had the pleasure of imbibing this sumptuous palate pleaser—we highly recommend a trip to the King Estate Winery, located a scenic half-hour’s drive from our hotel.
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Into the Wild at the Cascades Raptor Center
July 01
Majestic, beautiful, and graceful creatures of the air, raptors are birds of prey such as eagles, falcons, hawks, kites, ospreys, and owls. At the Cascades Raptor Center, located just 15 minutes by car from our hotel, you can observe these astonishing animals up close in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most comprehensive collections of indigenous raptor species.
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The Hult Center for the Performing Arts: Bringing the World's Best to the Pacific Northwest
June 03
Eugene’s greatest asset is its vibrant artistic sensibility. Whatever your true love may be—whether folk music, landscape painting, aerial circus, poetry, or modern dance—you’re almost guaranteed to find a community of like-minded enthusiasts in our dynamic city.
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Discover the City’s Most Delicious Eats on the Taste Eugene Foodie Tour
March 04
With its reputation as Oregon’s hippest up-and-coming city (sorry, Portland), Eugene is fast becoming one of the Pacific Northwest’s great centers of culture. That’s true not only of the arts community, but also the vibrant and varied food scene, which covers the gamut from trendy food trucks, to mom-and-pop cafés, to delicious gourmet dining.
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Let Your Imagination Soar at the Oregon Air and Space Museum
February 04
In December 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made history when they took to the air for a sustained flight just a few miles south of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Now, little more than a century later, air and space travel
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The Eugene Science Center: A Place for Kids and Families
January 07
The Eugene Science Center, formerly known as The Science Factory, has changed names and locations quite a few times during its nearly six-decade existence. Since its inception, however, the center has been animated by the drive to teach kids about the thrilling world of science in a fun, interactive environment.
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The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
December 03
Read MoreBuilt in 1933 to showcase the Murray Warner Collection of Oriental Art, which numbered around 3700 unique pieces, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is now home to over 13,000 works from Japan, China, Korea, South & Southeast Asia, Europe, Russia, the Islamic World, and North & South America. -
Soar to New Heights at the Oregon Air and Space Museum
January 13
Start the New Year in the clouds by visiting Oregon’s spectacular Air and Space Museum. Be inspired by the history commemorated in its halls and the courage of those intrepid stargazers who reached for the heavens and built wings that forever changed the way we move.
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Bring Your Love to Eugene
February 08
February is the month of love, and what better way to celebrate your loved one than with a trip to Eugene. There is nothing more romantic than a vacation to Pacific Northwest, tailor-made for two.
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Eugene to Boise
September 21
Did you know Boise, Idaho was just a 7.5-hour drive from Eugene? We’ve been embracing road trips lately and exploring a lot of places that can easily allow for social distancing and outdoor recreation.
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Eugene's Spookiest October Celebrations
October 07
Ask anyone who’s visited the Inn at the 5th during Octobers past, and they’ll tell you that we take our Halloween fun seriously. From the spooky decorations, to the costumed staff, to the in-house trick-or-treating for kids, there’s no better spot in all of Eugene for travelers with little ones in tow.
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The Owen Rose Garden
May 06
One of the great botanical treasures of Oregon, Eugene’s Owen Rose Garden encompasses eight-and-a-half breathtaking acres along the Willamette River. Shortly after the land was donated to the city in 1951, the Eugene Rose Society provided the original 750 rose bushes.
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