Sweet Cheeks is a fairly recent addition to the Eugene area wineries as they just opened this fall. They had their grand opening this Thanksgiving weekend. The winery is located high on a hillside along a little valley that is a popular vineyard location southwest of Eugene about ten miles. As you enter the driveway the first thing you encounter is a statue/fountain of a little boy doing his nature call if you can picture what I mean. This along with the name are samples of the tongue-in-cheek nature of these proprietors.
The winery building is a reconstructed buidling with the interior and tasting room done up in native hard woods. The winery has a tasting bar, and gourmet kitchen for their special events.
This vineyard has been here for 30 years producing wines for other wineries. Now it produces and sells its own and has gotten off to a very good start.
What to buy: At the moment the winery is offering five wines for sale. We tasted them all this weekend and I must recommend the Pinot Gris and the Premium Pinot Noir. Both were very smooth and well balanced.
The winery offeres a wine club with special events and prices for members.
What to pay: Prices range from $12 for the Reisling, $14 dollars for Pinot Gris and $18 to $30 a bottle for the Pinot Noir.
Updated Nov 28, 2005
Address: 27007 Briggs Hill Road, Eugene, OR 97405
Phone: 541 349 9463
Website: http://www.sweetcheekswinery.com/index.html
As the largest shopping center south of Portland and north of San Francisco, Valley River Center boasts over 130 local and national stores and restaurants. Come and enjoy the retail mix that includes The Bon-Macy's, JCPenney, Meier & Frank, Banana Republic, Talbots and more. Located on the banks of the legendary Willamette River, we are easily accessible by bordering bike and walking paths. Valley River Center – Make a day out of it!
Opening times:
Mon - Sat: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sun: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Written Mar 8, 2005
Address: 293 Valley River Center
Phone: (541) 683-5511
Dating back to the turn of the 20th Century, the site was originally the home of a poultry plant. Today, 5th Street Public Market, in the very heart of Eugene's Downtown Historic District, is home to some of the Pacific Northwest's finest cafes and restaurants and a fabulous assortment of eclectic boutiques and artist galleries.
Written Mar 8, 2005
Address: 296 E 5th Ave
Phone: (541) 484-0383
Many Americans are already familiar with REI as they have outlets in selected cities nationwide. REI is a co-op store meaning that it is run by a board of directors elected by its membership which is most of its customers. A unique feature is that at the end of the year you get a rebate on what you have spent in the store.
Eugene's store is very popular with outdoor enthusiasts here. It occupies a very unique building in the old Eugene Planing Mill buildings.
What to buy: I always go there for my walking shoes and socks. They feature a wide selection of shoes for any activity. Plus they have a wide selection of good socks for your footsy's comfort. I've also purchased such items as outer wear, shirts, shorts, bicycle parts and a carry all for my mini van.
Sales staff is very knowlegeable and helpful, but sometimes it takes a bit to flag one down.
What to pay: Competative with most retail outlets.
Written Feb 17, 2005
Address: Third and Lincoln on the north side of the tracks
Down to Earth is a great home & garden shop with an earth-friendly sensibility. There is plenty to browse, from plates and utensils to organic fertilizers and seedlings. It has a great location across from the Beanery coffee shop and Banana Warehouse clothing and imports.
Written Apr 19, 2004
Address: 5th & Olive and also a location at 2498 Willamette
Website: www.down-to-earth.com
A Eugene classic, the 5th Street Market is a great place to find a unique gift and eat a great lunch. You can find flowers, candy, stationery, Oregon art, perfumes, jewelry, clothing, toys, Nike apparel, and travel gear, to name a few things. There is a great inner courtyard for eating outdoors on a nice day and plenty of unique eateries to choose from.
Updated Apr 19, 2004
Address: On 5th between Oak and Pearl
Website: www.5thstreetmarket.com
Smith Family is an independent bookstore downtown with two convenient locations and many shelves to browse. It is a great place to find cheap used books on virtually any subject or to get new books at 10% off. Also, if you are feeling strapped for cash, they buy used books and offer you cash or trade.
Updated Apr 16, 2004
Address: 768 E 13th by campus & 525 Willamette
Phone: 541-345-1651 or 541-343-4717
Website: www.smithfamilybookstore.com
The Fifth street public mall is a collection of shops and local eateries. It is not your typical mall will throngs of teenagers blocking the walkway with - "Oh my gosh! - I can't believe She said that about your butt!?!?" The mall has a great local bakery by the name of Metropal, a good coffee shop, and several places showcasing Oregon wares. The highlight has to be the Nike Store. The one in Portland is larger but in Eugene is where it all began. Here you can see the waffle iron that Bowerman used to make the tread of the first Nike shoes. Also here is some items from the glory days of Oregon distance running.
What to buy: A cup of coffee and some warm bread. Load up on Nike stuff if so inclined. In Oregon - NO SALES TAX!
Updated Jan 2, 2003
Address: on 5th Ave between Pearl and High St.
Website: http://www.5thstreetmarket.com
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