Inn at the 5th Staff Picks

Eugene to Bend it’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Eugene to Bend, with several routes to choose from (all scenic). There’s no wrong choice – just check conditions and details in advance of your travels.

Highway 126 along the McKenzie River is the best option for taking in roadside waterfalls like Koosah and Sahalie Falls, which are as impressive in their wintry splendor as their springtime glory. This route also has several romantic covered bridges, including the quintessential Goodpasture Bridge near Vida, which fortunately has survived recent wildfires in the area.

If mountains and lakes are more your scenes, the Highway 97/58 option is for you. Oakridge is a prime spot to stop for mountain biking, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling if you’re looking to stretch your legs. Don’t miss Stewart’s 58 Drive-In for burgers and shakes and Insta-worthy pictures of the classic 1950s building.

Where to Eat/Drink in Bend

Bend has a reputation for being a beer-lover’s paradise with more breweries per capita than any other city in Oregon, so of course, a stop at a local taproom is a must. We recommend Bend Brewing Company both for its scenery on the banks of the Deschutes River (with ample outdoor service as weather allows) and its tasty pub fare. We also love Crux Fermentation Project for its non-traditional brewing methods and off-the-beaten-path location, housed in a former AAMCO Transmission Plant.

There is no shortage of great restaurants in Bend, with something for every taste and comfort level. For a sit-down experience, we head to Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails for Northwestern cuisine with a Southern twist. The restaurant has taken some extraordinary precautions for the safety of their guests and staff, including installing UV and ozone scrubbers on all of their air handling units. Latin-inspired Barrio is another standout, which has ample options for dining in, curbside pickup, or even a food truck on Bend’s Eastside. And speaking of food trucks, Bend has several food cart “pods” for a variety of open-air options suiting any taste. Our picks are The Lot and The Podski. For breakfast or sweet treats, we’re all about the Foxtail Bakeshop & Kitchen – a counter service brunch restaurant that serves coffee from Bend’s own Lone Pine Coffee Roasters.

What to See/Do Near Bend

• Stroll or bike the Deschutes River Trail 

• Rock climb at Smith Rock State Park or just watch the climbers in awe

• Gawk at the Newberry Volcanic Lava Fields 

• Downhill ski/snowboard at Mt. Bachelor

Bend to Boise

From Bend, take Highway 20 to Ontario, Oregon. Note there are long stretches on this highway where gas stations are scarce, so fill up in Burns if you’re running low. In Ontario, you’ll get on Interstate 84 East to quickly head into Boise. It will take you about 5 hours. (And don’t forget, Idaho is in the Mountain Time Zone, so anticipate losing an hour.)

If you have the time and want to explore more, in Burns turn onto 78 and head towards Steens Mountain for off-the-beaten-path recreation, stargazing, and relative solitude. Then, take 95 to the small town of Marsing, where you will follow 55 to Interstate 84/downtown Boise.

Highway 55 cuts through the heart of the Snake River Valley American Viticultural Area and the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, which means ample opportunities for visiting and tasting at Idaho wineries Fujishin Family Cellars focuses on lesser-known varietals, while Scoria Vineyards focuses on high-quality reds. There are dozens to choose from for a visit, but just ensure hours and operations in advance, as many close or reduce hours starting in November. You made it to Boise! Now what? Check out the best of Boise with our suggested activities and attractions.

To help ensure that the wild animals stay wild, the 200-some birds being treated for eventual release are not available for public viewing. However, around 60 birds that would not survive in the wild now call the center home, giving you the chance to observe and learn about these majestic creatures. After a day spent exploring the wonders of the wild, head back to the luxury accommodations of the Inn, just 15 minutes away.

Address: 32275 Fox Hollow Road, Eugene, OR 97405

On Thursday, March 5, at 8 P.M. the Ducks go head-to-head with California at Eugene’s Matthew Knight Arena, followed by another home game against Stanford on March 7 at 8 P.M. After that, the Ducks are off to compete at the Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas March 11 – 14.

The Oregon Ducks women’s basketball team have also played a truly outstanding season, finishing first in their conference for regular-season play and poised for further victories at the Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas March 6 – 8. Over the past few years, the UO Ducks have cemented their reputation as one of the finest women’s college basketball teams in the nation, with star player Satou Sabally now set to depart UO one year early to launch her professional basketball career in the 2020 – 2021 season.

Now in its 35^th year, the highly-anticipated Oregon Asian Celebration is produced by the Asian Council of Eugene and Springfield, and takes place across two spectacular days filled with live performances of Japanese Taiko drumming, Chinese lion dancing, Minidoka swing music, Korean fan dancing, and so much more, representing traditions from across the world’s most vast continent. In addition to the dazzling live entertainment, attendees will also enjoy an array of heritage exhibits, gorgeous artwork, martial arts displays, and interactive exhibits for kids. Savor mouthwatering cuisines in the 80-vendor strong Asian marketplace and Asian Food Court, and learn about distant parts of the world in a fully immersive environment of non-stop family fun. 

Address: 796 W 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402

Later this month, from January 24 to 26, the Oregon Truffle Festival will come to Eugene to celebrate the exquisite variety of truffles cultivated here in Oregon with a series of exciting events that include interactive cooking classes, hunting for truffles, training truffle dogs, and many other fun educational opportunities. Restaurants in and around Eugene will also host lavish truffle breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, and the Fresh Truffle Marketplace will unite the region’s most acclaimed vendors in one place for you to sample and compare products. For full details on all the festival activities, see the official website here.

1. Eugene Community Creche Exhibit. Hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, this family-friendly event showcases more than 1000 nativity scenes of various sizes and materials from all corners of the globe. In addition to the impressive nativity displays themselves, you’ll also enjoy beautiful live music (think choirs, harpists, and other ethereal melody-makers). December 6, 7, 8, at 1155 President St, Eugene 97401.

2. Shelton McMurphey Johnson House. Constructed in 1888, the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House (a.k.a., the Castle on the Hill) is a Victorian house museum. Throughout the year, the museum hosts formal afternoon tea, which takes on a unique holiday flair on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from December 13 – 22. 303 Willamette St, Eugene 97401.

3. The Nutcracker. Each December, the Eugene Ballet delights audiences with their rendition of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic The Nutcracker, a journey into the magical land of Sugar Plum Fairies and the malevolent Mouse King. December 20, 21, 22, at the Hult Center of the Performing Arts, 7th & Willamette St, Eugene 97401.

At the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History, just a quick 10-minute drive from the Inn at the 5^th, you can immerse yourself in thousands of years history with exhibits that reveal the fascinating and complex relationship between humans and their natural environment as it has developed over millennia. As the largest natural history museum in the region, this venerable institution houses over 100,000 fossils and nearly a million archeological and ethnographic artifacts. Even the building’s architecture, which recalls the longhouses of indigenous tribes, testifies to the rich cultural heritage of the Pacific Northwest. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with special extended hours on Thursdays till 8 p.m. General admission costs $6 for adults. Discounts are available for seniors, children and teens, and military personnel.

Address: 1680 E 15^th Ave, Eugene, Oregon 97401

Better still, on Wednesday, October 30, and Thursday, October 31, the adjoining 5^th Street Public Market gets in on the fun with the annual Haunted Market, where revelers will enjoy massive professionally carved pumpkins, music, face painting, and scary stories. If you’ll be staying with us on Saturday, October 19, you can also check out the second annual Eugene Coffin Races, where creative community members race hand-built coffin-themed race cars down Skinner’s Butte located just behind the hotel. Last year’s event featured 40 competitive teams and some 3000 spectators, and we expect this year’s event to be even more popular, with a “Pumpkins & Power Tools” maker station, live music, food carts, and plenty of locally brewed ciders and beers to quench your thirst.

Looking for even more fall adventures in Eugene? Get more seasonal ideas and event listings here. You can also check out these Best Bets for Fall Color Hikes, or consider embarking on a local Farms Tour on the brand new South Willamette Valley Food Trail.  

The arboretum’s 209 acres, which stretch from the Coast Fork of the Willamette River all the way to Mount Pisgah, are home 23 beautiful bridges and seven miles of gorgeous walking paths that run along the river. Explore the tranquil forests, meadows, and water gardens at your own pace, or join one of the many fascinating guided tours. The arboretum’s friendly and informative staff also host regular workshops and other family-friendly activities, so considering calling ahead to see what’s on the schedule before planning your trip. After a fun-filled day of hiking, picnicking, and reveling in the great outdoors, you’ll rest easy in the supreme comfort of your cozy accommodations back at the Inn at the 5^th.

Address: 34901 Frank Parrish Rd, Eugene, OR 97405

King Estate Winery, which encompasses nearly 500 acres of vineyard and gardens, is Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth, one of the USA’s most demanding certifying organizations, and is widely recognized as the gold-standard among Pinot grigio producers in the United States. In addition to Pinot grigio, King Estate is also known for its Pinot noir and Chardonnay. The estate’s tasting room is open seven days a week, and free guided tours of the winery and grounds are offered daily as well. To make a reservation, call King Estate at (541) 685-5189.

Address: 80854 Territorial Hwy, Eugene, OR 97405

Though the birds receiving treatment at the Center’s hospital are not available for viewing, the Center also features some 50 raptors, which cannot be released into the wild, as permanent residents. The Center, which offers both guided and self-guided tours to visitors, is open 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. from April through September and 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. from October through March. To help you plan your visit, see the official Cascades Raptor Center website here.

Address: 32275 Fox Hollow Rd, Eugene, OR 97405

The Hult Center for the Performing Arts, just a short walk from our hotel, invigorates Eugene’s creative spirit year-round with a dazzling range of world-class performances at the state-of-the-art facility. Upcoming events include the Oregon Bach Festival Family: Legends of Coyote, an enchanting journey into Native American legend that uses puppets, masks, and costumes to tell two funny and charming tales of the notorious trickster Coyote (June 29); Party on the Plaza: Jessica Fichot, a border-breaking adventure in song in which multi-ethnic singer-songwriter Fichot, accompanied by her virtuoso band, draws on her own heritage to deliver a dazzling performance that blends French chanson, gypsy swing, multi-national folk, and 1940s Shanghai jazz (July 11); Now You See Them, Soon You Won’t, a madcap evening of laughs in which comedy icons Steve Martin and Martin Short perform new musical sketches and discuss their legendary careers (July 20); and Wicked, the wildly popular Broadway sensation that reveals the unlikely origin of the witches of Oz (July 31 – Aug 11). That’s just a small smattering of what’s in store these coming months. For the full schedule of performances, see the official Hult Center for the Performing Arts calendar here.

Address: 1 Eugene Center, Eugene, OR 97401

Today, visitors can enjoy over 4500 roses comprising more than 400 unique varieties. Take a serene stroll along the paved walkway canopied by rose-bedecked arches. See the nationally acclaimed Oregon Heritage Cherry Tree. Enjoy a picnic lunch with friends or family at one of many picnic tables throughout the garden. If you’re interested in getting a little green on your thumb, you can join the volunteers who meet the second Thursday of each month to tend to the garden. You’ll have the opportunity to learn techniques for planting, pruning, fertilizing, and other fundamental rose care.

Address: 300 N. Jefferson St., Eugene, Oregon 97402

Just last month, in fact, Eugene’s own Marché was named one of just 20 national semifinalists in the Outstanding Restaurant category of the highly coveted James Beard Foundation 2019 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Located at the lively 5^th Street Market, just a three-minute stroll from our hotel, Marché uses only the freshest local ingredients, prepared in traditional French style and served to you in a friendly atmosphere of casual elegance. The exhibition kitchen gives diners a direct view of the culinary artistry at work every day at this gustatory treasure, where you can savor the delectable Pacific Northwest flavors at breakfast, lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, and even late into the night. A spacious outdoor dining area and private dining room are also available.

Address: 296 East Fifth Avenue Eugene, OR 97401 

If you’d like to explore the tremendous range Eugene has to offer a foodie, check out the Taste Eugene Foodie Tour available this month through America’s Hubworld Tours. Departing from the 5^th Street Public Market every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at 1:30 P.M., this three-and-a-half-hour gustatory adventure will introduce you to cuisines spicy and mellow, salty and sweet, with many locally sourced organic ingredients. Make sure you’re thirsty too because regional wines and craft beers will also be on the menu. For more information, including how to make a reservation, see the official Taste Eugene Foodie Tour website here.

At the Oregon Air and Space Museum, housed on the grounds of the Eugene Airport, you too can explore the fascinating progress of aircraft and spacecraft across the decades. In this state-of-the-art 6300-square-foot facility, you’ll get up close and personal with the Nieuport 17, a French sesquiplane fighter from World War I; the Globe Swift, a light two-seat monoplane of the 1940s; the Smith Special, a wooden, homebuilt single-seater of the 1950s; the Grumman A-6E Intruder, a twinjet attack plane used by the US Navy and Marines from the 1960s thorough the 1990s; and many other fascinating aircraft. Fun and informative, this cozy aviation museum is a must-see for anyone who’s ever looked to the sky with a sense of wonder.

Address: 90377 Boeing Dr, Eugene, OR 97402

Today, families travel from across the region to marvel at the cosmos projected in dazzling digital format at the planetarium, which seats up to 70 guests and just received a state-of-the-art projector upgrade in the summer of 2018. The museum’s rotating temporary exhibits, which are aimed at children up to about age 12, give kids the chance to investigate phenomena integral to disciplines as diverse as astronomy, optics, ecology, physics, nanotechnology, and more. In addition, there’s a dedicated “Tot Spot” for kids from birth up to age 5, meaning no child is too small to explore the wonders of the Eugene Science Center.

Address: 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene, OR 97401

We’re particularly fond of the extensive and varied Chinese art collection, among which you’ll discover a nine-foot jade pagoda, ceramic tiles from the roof of the Forbidden City, and one of the most breathtaking assortments of Chinese textiles in the country. The museum’s impressive photography collection also continues to grow, with works by such luminaries as Ruth Bernhard, Imogen Cunningham, and Alfred Stieglitz. Located on the University of Oregon Campus, the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 A.M. – 5 P.M. Every Wednesday from 5 – 8 P.M. is “pay what you wish,” and the first Friday of the month is always free.

Address: 1430 Johnson Lane, Eugene, OR 97403