Oregon spring weather brings warmth and sunshine, but it also brings surprisingly cold days and rain showers. It all depends on the day, or even time of day. Rain or shine, soaking in a hot spring can turn any spring day into an adventure. These three hot springs can all be a day trip from Eugene, providing a unique experience at each spot.

Terwilliger
Also known as Cougar Hot Springs, the Terwilliger pools are located in the Willamette National Forest, roughly an hour and a half away from Eugene. When arriving, make sure that you come early and bring cash. A small parking lot often fills up on lovely days and there is a $10 fee for parking and entrance to the springs. There is a short 0.25-mile walk through the woods before reaching the hot springs, so pack comfortable shoes. The pools cascade down a hillside, varying in size and depth. There are five different pools.

The hottest pool is the top pool, which is around 112 degrees. The pools gradually get cooler, with the bottom pool at around 85 degrees. Stone walls surround each pool and offer a private and unique soaking experience. The water is clean, and the pools are deep enough to submerge yourself and relax in nature. Clothing is optional at Terwilliger and tends to be a common practice here, so be sure you are comfortable with nudity before picking which spring to visit. Terwilliger is the quintessential Oregon hot springs experience and a must-visit experience.

Belknap
The Belknap resort and hot spring are 60 miles east of Eugene, on the McKenzie River. If you’re looking for cleanliness and small crowds, Belknap could be for you! Whereas the other two hot springs on this list are inside the natural spring, Belknap pumps the natural hot spring water into a swimming pool next to the spring.

Belknap is a full-service resort offering lodges, cabins and camping areas with riverfront views and walking trails through the woods. Belknap offers day soaking passes for $10 per person, which include access to the soaking pool, locker room, bathrooms and food truck.

The water is about 100-104 degrees 24/7. Take in the beauty of the McKenzie River and lush green forest while you swim around and soak. Belknap is the most manicured and easily accessible spring, making it an ideal family location for someone who may not be looking for an adventure as much as relaxation.

Umpqua
The Umpqua hot springs are nestled in the Umpqua forest, about three and a half hours south of Eugene. Of this list, Umpqua is the most difficult to get to and the furthest away, but it has the most dramatic scenery and hottest tubs. Upon arrival, you will drive down a gravel road (be careful of potholes). You will then hike up a steep 0.3-mile hike along the river before reaching the pools. Please be advised that although the path is short, it is very steep and may be difficult for some.

These springs are steeply tiered and built into the side of a cliff that overlooks the rushing Umpqua River below. The top pool is the hottest at around 110 degrees, but all of the pools here are hot, even if you’re at the lowest pool. The pools themselves resemble natural bathtubs; they are deep and allow you to submerge your body and relax fully. The water is not “dirty,” but the pools naturally have algae so that the water won’t be as clear as other pools.

Umpqua is a great hot spring for some adventure and excitement. If you’re looking for easy access points and minimal effort, this may not be the stop for you, but if you’re looking for excitement and an authentic Oregon experience, go to Umpqua! It can’t get crowded on weekends, so arrive early.

This spring, don’t let the unpredictable weather deter you from taking a dip! These three hot springs offer a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all who want to bask in the beauty of Oregon.

The post Hot spring hot spots: Oregon’s best natural pools appeared first on Daily Emerald.

Finding what to pair with your favorite wines can be difficult. There are so many different options, and many of the options are expensive. This spring, try out these delicious yet straightforward wine and chip pairings! From pinot to rosé, there is a pairing for you.

Rosé with BBQ chips
At first glance, this might sound like an odd combination, but if you try, you might taste something you weren’t expecting: the taste of summer! The acidic, fruity and bright rose flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweet, smoky tang of the barbecue chip. The rosé highlights the sweet and savory quality of the chips and is reminiscent of a summer picnic. Any BBQ chip brand will suffice, but I recommend the smokier the better to experience the flavor profile.

Classic sea salt kettle chips with Champagne
The flavors here are simple but bold and delicious nonetheless. The classic crunchy kettle chip brings a salty punch that is then tamed by the acidity and bubbles of the champagne. If the chip is particularly oily, the champagne will lessen its greasiness and let the salt flavor shine. Not to mention, there is just something special about pairing something as fancy as champagne with a classic like an original set salt chip. If you enjoy a simple pleasure, this combination is for you.

Sour cream and onion with chardonnay
Fruity and aged in oak, chardonnay brings a buttery, fruity and lemony flavor that makes for a delicious bite when paired with the creaminess of a sour cream and onion chip. The wine’s acidity will bring out the chip’s onion flavor, and the chardonnay’s buttery element will complement the creaminess of the sour cream. Be sure to get a Ruffles sour cream and onion chip to ensure maximum sour cream flavor nestled in the chip grooves.

Sweet potato chips with pinot noir
Being in the Willamette Valley, pinot noir grapes thrive in the cool climate and the volcanic Jory soil, so we can’t complete this list without including a pinot noir. Sweet potato and pinot noir go hand in hand. The earthy and rustic flavor of the root vegetable is the ideal pairing for this medium-bodied red wine, with its bright acidic flavors and ripe cherry flavor. A Willamette Valley Pinot is great for this combo. The herbaceous and almost forest-like nature of the wine goes hand in hand with sweet potato flavor if you’re looking for a snack that brings an umami-rich flavor.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just trying to get your foot in the door, these pairings are for you. You can go as fancy or informal as you like when choosing which wine and chip brands to use. Have fun with it and make your pairings your own this spring.

The post Chips and sips: Elevate your snacking with these wine pairings! appeared first on Daily Emerald.

As Eugene’s wildflowers are shaking off their frost and blooming, Eugene is left with countless beautiful locations to experience these blooms. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and the abundance of flowers this spring by taking a walk at one of Eugene’s parks.

Maurie Jacobs Park
Conveniently located in the Whiteaker community and nestled next to the Willamette River, Maurie Jacobs boasts delicate and elegant Shasta daisies featuring cheerful yellow centers. As you walk along the winding path next to the river, you are surrounded by the exciting buzz of the community: old friends chatting over community garden boxes, couples holding hands and admiring the flowers and children’s feet hitting the pavement as they happily play. All of this, combined with the relaxing sounds of the roaring river and the smell of wildflowers, makes Maurie Jacobs a must-visit spot this spring. If you continue walking east along the river, you will stumble upon the Owens Rose Garden. In full bloom, the rose garden is undoubtedly one of Eugene’s most beautiful places. Intricate rows of rose bushes surround large trees and a sunny field, which is perfect for picnics. There are dozens of vibrant rose colors and varieties to explore and idyllic benches to sit on and enjoy the gardens. If you are a flower lover, Maurie Jacobs Park is the place for you!

Wild Iris Ridge Park
Eugene’s newest section of the Ridgeline Trail boasts some impressive views as well as a unique “upland prairie,” a grassland located on a higher ground. As the name suggests, this is the spot to come to see wild irises. As you stroll past clusters of oak trees and winding paths, you can catch a glimpse of Eugene from above as well as hundreds of flowers. This loop offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and lets you feel like an explorer for a minute. Although this loop is beautiful, it offers some challenging spots, so be sure to bring proper hiking shoes and some water. Wild Iris is the ideal destination for someone looking to take in views and explore spring wildflowers while still getting in a decent bit of exercise.

Mount Pisgah
A classic for a reason, Mount Pisgah offers over seven miles of different trails of all different lengths and difficulties, but all equally as beautiful and flower-filled. The Riverbank Trail and Water Garden Trail, in particular, make for an easy walk, averaging around 0.75 miles. These trails run alongside the river, which makes them ideal for showing off camas and pond lLilies this season. These trails over small footbridges over babbling brooks, and out of all three locations, Mount Pisgah allows for the most wandering and exploring. Mount Pisgah is less than 10 miles away from campus, but when you’re there, it feels like you could be on a different planet. The moss-covered trees and canopy of trees above your head will have you feeling like you are walking through a movie set. Mount Pisgah is home to Western trillium, a three-petaled white flower, Oregon Fawn lily scattered along woodland paths, pink striped Spring Beauties and Osoberry covered in delicate white flowers. Mount Pisgah may be a popular spring destination, but it is vast, and often, it still feels like you’re the only person there.

Whether you’re looking for a workout or just a little walk to shake up your routine, Eugene has a flower-filled park for you! You won’t regret taking advantage of the spring flower blooms while you still can.

The post Bloom and Stroll: Eugene’s prettiest flower walks appeared first on Daily Emerald.

As spring blooms in Eugene, with it comes a plethora of mysterious, delicious and unique produce. It’s easy to miss these ingredients because it can be intimidating to spend money on an ingredient that you do not recognize, but no longer! Find out how to use garlic shoots, fiddleheads and kohlrabi this season. Who knows? It could be your new favorite ingredient.

Garlic Shoots
These tall, green stalks grow from a garlic bulb before the bulb fully matures. They are crispy, bright and full of garlic flavor. Garlic shoots are ideal for someone who may enjoy a milder garlic flavor compared to the strong punch of a classic garlic clove. They can be cooked or eaten raw, making them perfect for anything from using them as automatics in stir-fries or adding them as a garnish on a salad. Garlic shoots are abundant at the Saturday market and local co-ops around Eugene. This spring, ditch the garlic bulbs and try out some garlic shoots.

Fiddleheads
These tightly wound ends of ostrich ferns are a spring delicacy. Don’t be intimidated by their unique look, they make a delicious side to add to your spring vegetable rotation. Its taste, similar to a mix of green bean and asparagus makes this spring delicacy a crisp, fresh and flavorful addition to any dish. Although this funky vegetable looks intimidating, cooking it is very easy. Simply saute them in a pan until they have a nice char top with flakey salt and lemon juice and enjoy!

Kohlrabi
Also known as German turnip, kohlrabi is versatile, cheap and delicious. Coming from the cabbage family, kohlrabi has a peppery, slightly sweet flavor with a crunchy and refreshing texture. It can be used in the same way that you use cabbage. For example, it can be added to salads or blended into vegetable soups. Don’t skip this veggie at the farmers market, or you won’t be able to get them for much longer!

Next time you’re exploring the stands at the farmers market don’t shy away from these unique ingredients. They may be less popular, but they are no less delicious.

The post Spring’s best-kept produce secrets appeared first on Daily Emerald.

Valentine’s Day can be stressful. You want to impress that special someone but don’t have hundreds of dollars to spend on a date. Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. This date will cost less than $50 and leave your Valentine feeling truly romanced.

You’ll kick off your date at 5 p.m. browsing at Eugene Jeans, a local gem packed with thoughtfully curated vintage clothing. With affordable prices and unique pieces, this spot lets you and your date get lost in the racks searching for the perfect find.

“I love it here. I can get lost for hours and hours and never get bored. The vibe is so fun and I always find something awesome,” Rene Rankin, a Eugene Jeans customer, said.

Next, you and your date will walk to the Art House. This historic building, once the Bijou Art Cinemas, is a former church that now hosts live music and movie screenings. On Valentine’s Day, you can catch the 6 p.m. showing of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” for $12.50 per ticket. Art House is small and intimate, offering alcoholic beverages and freshly baked sweet treats. It is a cozy and exciting location all wrapped up in one building.

By the end of the movie, you and your date will have worked up an appetite. You’ll walk about 10 minutes (just enough time to charm your date with some interesting anecdotes) to Za Cart Pizza for slices of pizza. The slices range from $4 to $6 and include a rotating specialty flavor as well as classics like cheese and pepperoni.

“It’s my go-to pizza place in Eugene. I used to live in New York and the big slices with a thin crust always bring a smile to my face,” Danny Henson, a Za Cart regular, said.

To wrap up your romantic evening, you’ll jump in the car and drive to the Ridgeline entrance near Spencer Butte, where you and your date can gaze at the stars. This free activity is sure to make you both feel like the main characters in your own love story. To make this even more fun, try downloading a stargazing app to identify the different constellations above you.

This Valentine’s Day, you can sweep your date off their feet for less than $50. Get ready to be your date’s knight in shining armor, while exploring some of Eugene’s best spots.

The post Charm Your Valentine with this Budget-Friendly Eugene Date appeared first on Daily Emerald.

The world of Eugene trivia is vast and sometimes difficult to navigate. Where should a beginner start? Where do the experts go? What if the only thing that matters is the food? One thing is certain — these three trivia nights in Eugene are worth a visit.  

Monday – Public House, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Public House, located in a converted church, offers plenty of space to sit inside, outside or in unique seating options like couches and cozy chairs. The drinks are delicious, and the food is some of the best available at any trivia night. Moi Poki is a standout, offering a variety of fresh, flavorful ingredients to build a custom poke bowl. From Mediterranean to burgers and pizza, Public House has a food truck for everyone.  

As for the trivia, it’s a fan favorite. “I look forward to coming to trivia all week,” Amanda Miller, a trivia regular, said. “My husband and his friends are on one team and my friends and I are on another. It gets pretty intense.”  

Public House trivia offers a solid mix of challenging and familiar questions. It’s fun, and the venue is highly accessible with large seating areas and a variety of food and drinks.  

Tuesday – Beer Garden, 7 p.m.

Beer Garden trivia starts at 7 p.m. every Tuesday and is hosted by Geo. Answering is done by QR code, and the maximum number of people per team is eight. The vibe is great. The tables are packed, the beer is flowing and Geo’s questions are difficult, but a fun challenge. This is a good trivia night for beginners and is fun for die-hard trivia goers and newcomers alike.  

“My friends and I come here all the time,” Caitlyn Quade, a trivia goer, said. “I haven’t won yet, but my team, ‘The Three Blind Mice,’ is getting close to a win. I feel it.”  

It is important to mention that Beer Garden’s food truck selection is a 10/10. From Hawaiian food and poke to salmon fish and chips, the options are delicious and abundant. 

Wednesday – Drop Bear, 7 p.m.

Trivia at Drop Bear is hosted by trivia extraordinaire Brett Silva. This trivia is classic and based on the honor system, so no cheating. Be warned — Brett’s questions are difficult, but they may take the cake as the most interesting. Very often, the entire game has a theme, and players can earn extra points if they crack the code.  

“I only come to Brett’s trivia. He is the best! The questions are always so interesting, and the groups at Drop Bear get so competitive. It’s always such an exciting vibe in the middle of the week,” Aves Schwartz, a senior at the University of Oregon, said.  

If you’re new to trivia, I recommend starting at Drop Bear. Brett takes his time reading the questions, and players answer on a simple worksheet he provides. It’s a mix of maximum fun, ample competition and minimal stress.  

Deciding which trivia night to attend shouldn’t be a challenge — that’s what the trivia questions are for. 

The post Eugene’s top three trivia nights   appeared first on Daily Emerald.

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to start planning your celebrations. This year, skip the hours of cooking and dishwashing and treat yourself to one of Eugene’s elegant dining spots — ideal for making any holiday occasion truly memorable.

Akira
Located in a charmingly converted house adorned with vintage posters, Akira offers a dining experience that is both cozy and sophisticated. With a welcoming dining room that feels like home, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and refinement for any special occasion. Akira’s menu features a creative twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. Playful dishes like seasonal steam bun tacos and indulgent dan dan noodles bring bold and comforting flavors, ideal for sharing with your loved ones. Sushi lovers can savor the fresh and elegant Hamachi Carpaccio or an artistically made Chirashi bowl. The menu is fresh, flavorful and well crafted.

“Akira’s atmosphere is always so cool, and the staff go above and beyond to make you feel at home. It’s the perfect spot for a special dinner,” Emma Hayes, an Akira customer, said.

Open 5-9 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday, Akira welcomes guests without reservations, making it an accessible and special dinner spot for any holiday in Eugene.

Osteria DOP
Regional Italian cooking can be found in the heart of downtown Eugene. Osteria DOP is a small restaurant, but its quaint location is the perfect setting for an intimate holiday celebration.

Begin your dinner with some of its star appetizers like the polpette al sugo, a hearty pork, lamb and ricotta meatball braised in a warm tomato sauce, or the beetroot carpaccio, an innovative dish featuring roasted beet, pickled fennel and hazelnuts.

Don’t fill up too much because its house-made pizza and pasta is a 10/10. From classic cacio e pepe to seasonal winter dishes such as the agnolotti, a handmade pasta filled with roasted winter squash and ricotta.

“Osteria DOP is a showstopper. I literally love everything on the menu, and everyone that works here is so caring and thoughtful,” Ahoefa Derek, Osteria DOP regular, said.

Open from 5-9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, it is the perfect spot for any holiday dinner.

Cafe Soriah
If you’re looking to try something new for your holiday dinner this year, Cafe Soriah is the place for you. This Mediterranean restaurant with a Northwest twist takes reservations, and its cozy location is ideal for any special occasion this winter. From fresh starters, perfectly cooked steaks and classic Mediterranean seafood dishes, Cafe Soriah has a little bit of everything and caters to a variety of tastes.

“I can’t get enough of the Portuguese lamb chanfana. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form,” Sophia Mendez, Cafe Soriah customer, said.

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5-11 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight. Cafe Soriah’s cozy atmosphere, fresh takes on classic dishes and elevated experience make it a wonderful spot to make holiday memories.

This year try one of Eugene’s fine dining spots and skip the holiday hassle. Whether it’s the Japanese cuisine at Akira, the pasta at Osteria DOP, or the lamb chanfana at Cafe Soriah, these restaurants offer something special for every holiday occasion.

Izakaya Meiji, a western-themed Japanese small plate restaurant, opened its doors on Aug. 7, 2010, during the 4th annual Whiteaker Block Party. It quickly became a neighborhood favorite, known for serving some of Eugene’s highest-quality Japanese fusion food. The menu included traditional Japanese staples like curry udon, chicken karaage and onigiri, alongside Western-inspired dishes such as French fries with wasabi mayo and the popular Meiji Burger.

Beloved by the Eugene community, Izakaya Meiji surprised many when it announced on Oct. 4, 2023, that it would be closing its doors. The restaurant transitioned into a new concept called “Junglefowl,” replacing its Japanese staples with globally inspired chicken dishes. With this shift, the era of Izakaya Meiji seemed to have come to an end—or so it seemed.

On April 24, Junglefowl announced on Instagram that it would close and bring back the Whitaker’s beloved Meiji. Six months later, Meiji is back in full swing, and Eugene couldn’t be happier. “Meiji is my go-to spot in the Whit, so having them back is all I can ask for,” Christian Harpar, a Meiji regular, said.

When Meiji reopened its doors, some of their most loved dishes were noticeably missing from the menu. Now, items like the Beef and Miso Pork Belly Donburi have returned to the menu, and customers are rejoicing. The returning menu items include the steak skewer, elevated by the tang of black vinegar, a bright, citrusy kick from yuzu kosho and subtle heat from delicate togarashi threads. It is savory, salty and the perfect umami bite.

The Miso Pork Belly Donburi is one of Meiji’s strongest returning dishes. The Donburi showcases tender, miso-marinated pork belly, rich, smoky miso gravy, a soft-boiled tamari egg and fresh sautéed mustard greens, all served on a steaming bed of rice. This dish is a delightful balance of bold, warming flavors.

“Meiji has the best food in town. I couldn’t be happier to have it back in the neighborhood!” Heather Monroe, a Eugene resident, said.

This local izakaya, known in Japan as a type of bar serving small, inexpensive plates and alcoholic beverages, offers something for everyone and provides a variety of experiences tailored to your needs. “You can come in and have a really fancy meal and try everything or just pop in for a $4 beer and a burger,” Whitney Davie, Meiji manager, said.

Izakaya Meiji is open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight. Its exceptional menu blends creativity and tradition, while its warm, welcoming ambiance adds to the experience. If you haven’t visited yet, make sure it’s at the top of your list.

Feeling nervous about cooking this Thanksgiving? Whether you are a seasoned chef or a newcomer to holiday cooking, it can be nerve-wracking to cook on holidays. Oftentimes you miss out on holiday fun being stuck in the kitchen when you would rather be relaxing with friends and family. With these three easy recipes, anyone can make an impressive Thanksgiving spread without having to be in the kitchen all day long. Featuring local, in-season ingredients, these dishes deliver all the holiday flavors without the hassle. From vibrant winter salads to comforting classic sides, these easy and delicious recipes will help you bring a festive, homemade touch to the table — letting you join in the celebration without missing a beat of holiday cheer.

Judy’s Winter Pomegranate Walnut & Goat Cheese Salad

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed leafy greens (such as arugula, kale, and spinach)
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1 small apple or pear, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Maple dijon dressing

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the greens, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, goat cheese, apple or pear slices and red onion. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey or maple syrup and Dijon mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Dress and serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

Tip: To easily extract pomegranate seeds, fill a large bowl with water. Cut off the top of the pomegranate, then make shallow slices along the white membrane. Hold the pomegranate over the bowl, seeds facing downward, and tap the back gently with a wooden spoon. The seeds will fall into the water. To extract the stubborn seeds, submerge the pomegranate and gently pop them out.

Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup milk (or cream for a richer taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional for sweetness)

Instructions

1. Cook the sweet potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
2. Mash the potatoes: Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, milk, salt and pepper. Mash until smooth and creamy (if you do not have a potato masher a wooden spoon and fork will work as well).
3. Add flavor: Stir in cinnamon and maple syrup, if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Serve: Serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Trish’s Roasted Squash Stuffed with Wild Rice, Nuts and Herbs

Ingredients

• 1 small squash (acorn or butternut), halved with seeds removed
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup wild rice
• 1/4 cup onion, diced
• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 2 tbsp dried fruits (cranberries or raisins). If you soak the berries in warm water before cooking they will add moisture to your stuffed squash.
• Fresh sage and thyme, finely chopped (to taste)
• Tamari and maple syrup mixture (1 tbsp tamari and 1 tbsp maple syrup, whisked together)
• Optional: sprinkle of brown sugar

Instructions

1. Roast the squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Drizzle the squash halves with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast cut-side down on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
2. Cook the wild rice: While the squash is roasting, cook the wild rice according to package instructions. Set aside. The rice takes more time than the other ingredients so make sure you start it before continuing on.
3. Prepare the rice mixture: In a small pan, sauté the onion and celery in a bit of olive oil until softened. Mix in the cooked wild rice, toasted nuts, dried fruits (if using), fresh herbs, salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff the squash: Once both the squash and rice mixture are ready, stuff the squash halves with the rice mixture. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to heat through.
5. Drizzle and serve: Just before serving, drizzle the tamari and maple syrup mixture over the stuffed squash. Optionally, sprinkle a little brown sugar for added sweetness.

With these simple and delicious recipes, you can say “goodbye” to Thanksgiving cooking anxiety and just enjoy the holiday. These dishes will bring warmth and flavor to your table without all the hassle. These easy recipes will help make your celebration memorable and delicious.

Eugene offers plenty of weekday activities to shake up your mid-fall routine. Stuck in a rut? Bogged down by the cold? Don’t fret! Eugene’s bars and restaurants keep the city alive with excitement all week long. Don’t wait for the weekend to enjoy karaoke, bingo or trivia — you can dive into these activities every night of the week.

Monday

Start your week with a blast at John Henry’s in downtown Eugene, where Metal Mondays bring an exciting and unique atmosphere. Known for its edgy vibe, John Henry’s offers free pool and a heavy dose of metal, with a local DJ spinning intense tracks that make it the go-to spot for metal lovers.

The excitement doesn’t stop on Mondays — John Henry’s hosts karaoke, live music and great drinks all week, making it a staple for Eugene nightlife and a haven for anyone seeking a night full of energy and character.

Tuesday

On Tuesdays, wind down from your busy day at Beergarden, where you can enjoy a local craft beer, delicious food from one of six food trucks and an engaging game of trivia hosted by Geo from 7 to 9 p.m.

The questions will keep you guessing, and there are fun prizes to be won. Beer Garden offers the quintessential Eugene experience, with a wide selection of beers and creative, locally sourced food. The trivia is challenging yet accessible, making it the perfect way to start your week with some friendly competition.

Wednesday

Get ready to make Wednesdays the highlight of your week with Comedy Night at Max’s Tavern. From 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., this cozy college bar brings the laughs with its Comedy Wednesdays. “I love Max’s — the vibe is always great, and comedy night is an added bonus,” Amelia Shaw, a University of Oregon student, said. With great drinks and classic bar food, Max’s comedy night is a mid-week must for anyone seeking a night of fun.

Thursday

Coldfire Brewing teams up with MC Andrew Reff for Bingo Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. Held in Coldfire’s heated tent, Bingo night is a cozy way to enjoy winter evenings. The cards cost $1 each (cash only), and winners can snag a Coldfire gift card as their prize. “I come every week. I haven’t won yet, but I’m feeling good tonight,” Gary Coop, Coldfire regular, said.

Coldfire also hosts four on-site food trucks, including Stretched Noodles — a fresh, hand-pulled noodle cart and Paper Plate BBQ — a fantastic spot for flavorful, homestyle BBQ. Pair your bites with Coldfire’s Oregon-brewed beers, which are rich, hoppy and refreshing — even on cold days.

As winter sets in, don’t let the cold keep you indoors. Eugene offers a lively array of weeknight events that are perfect for shaking off the winter blues. From Metal Mondays at John Henry’s to Comedy Nights at Max’s Tavern and trivia at Beer Garden, there’s something for everyone.

The post Beat the seasonal blues: Must-try weeknight events in Eugene appeared first on Daily Emerald.