Eugene’s next-door neighbor, the semi-mythical Springfield, has its fair share of unlucky stereotypes — most of which are indeed based in fact and which can be bottled up into the nickname “Springtucky.” But while this nickname has shreds of truth, it doesn’t tell the whole story; for most of us here over in Eugene, all Springfield will ever be is stereotype in our imaginations because we never leave our cozy little haven of faux bohemia. Springfield actually has many places and attractions worth a visit — and this is true in the arena of nightlife, too. If you ever do manage to cross over Interstate-5 and enter the wild lands, there’s a few places worth a visit:
Planktown Brewing
When you step into the welcoming confines of Planktown Brewing, it’ll feel like you never left Eugene: A host of eclectic craft beers on tap, the aromas of hearty pub food, the soft strings and quavering voices of a live band and a general hum of activity as people kick back after a long Saturday in the sun. Although it is relatively young, Planktown has already established itself as small brewery in the same vein of quality and passion as its Eugenean neighbors like Oakshire and Ninkasi. It has some mighty fine beers for everyone like the award-winning Riptooth IPA, the flavorful Li’l Red Ryder red ale, the Odd Fellow Wit and a selection of traditional cask ales. And to top it off, it’s located at 4th & Main St. in downtown, which is a stones throw from the EMX LTD Springfield Station, making it an ideal locale for drinking a couple beers and leaving the car or bike at home. If you love Eugene because of it’s beer culture, it’d be a shame to ignore Planktown just because it’s in Springfield.
Whiskey River Ranch
The Whiskey River Ranch is exactly the kind of place one would think exists in Springtucky, and that makes it all the more worth a visit if you’re in the area. From the outside it looks like it auditioned for the Patrick Swayze movie Roadhouse; from the inside it looks like a bar wrenched from the very annals of country-western history. Everything is made of polished wood that gleams as the dim lights dance off it. The regal heads of antlered animal long gone from this world hang everywhere. The drinks and food are pretty standard fair — but one doesn’t visit Whiskey River for that. The ambiance is what makes this place stand out, and it’s usually augmented with live music, frequently from Lane County harmonica virtuoso Hank Shreve and his band of local all-star blues and rock musicians; it also pulls in travelling acts too like this past fall when Sir-Mix-A–Lot dropped in to play a show. In short, it’s a quintessential country bar in a town known for rural stereotypes, and it’s an experience everyone should have at least once.
Hop Valley
Like Planktown, Hop Valley is another craft beer haven located in Springfield that rivals its Eugene counterparts. Though there’s a tasting room in Eugene at 990 W. 1st St., the original Hop Valley is to the east at 980 Kruse Way. Situated in an imposing brick building reminiscent of the Steelhead Brewery on 5th St. in Eugene, Hop Valley is a bustling brewpub featuring a wide variety of food and their signature craft beers like 541 Lager, the vanilla infused porter, the Bubblestash and their Imperial Red Ale. And there’s a happy hour Sunday through Thursday from 2-6 p.m., which, combined with its location relative to the McKenzie River, makes it an ideal spot to grab a beer after a day floating the river or hiking in the Cascades. Or, if urban pursuits are more your jam, the Gateway Mall is a few blocks away. For beer, food and conversation lovers, the original Hop Valley should meet all your needs.