UniqueWeekend GetawayInn at the 5th
Traveling right now is, well, complicated. There are state and local restrictions to consider in your destination, as well as your own personal decision and comfort level that goes into actually leaving your home. But for those who desperately need some time away and a change of scenery, it can be a soul-filling escape. Choosing the right destination, and clean hotel, is paramount to any weekend getaway under normal circumstances, but in these times, it’s more important than ever.
Eugene, Oregon and the Inn at the 5th are great choices for a unique weekend away that’s devoid of crowds while still providing enough activities, fantastic dining, and gorgeous outdoor recreation to make you glad you decided to venture from home.
Here are a few of our tips for making the most of your time away in Eugene.
With CDC-approved disinfecting and sanitizing products, the hotel’s housekeeping team is more vigilant than ever when it comes to surfaces, even putting sanitized items like the TV remote in a sealed plastic bag for extra assurance. Social distancing at check-in is now the norm (along with a complimentary can of local beer, sparkling water, or soda when you get your room key), as well as face coverings and a plethora of hand sanitizer stations scattered about the property. The hotel’s butler’s pantries in each room allow for contact-free delivery of any items you may need, and private balconies give you a chance to take in the action of the market from a safe distance over a cup of coffee or glass of wine. Plus, the hotel is pet-friendly, meaning you don’t have to find a dog sitter for Fido for the short weekend away. Guests of the hotel also get exclusive discounts from select food, beverage, and retailers in the adjacent 5th Street Public Market.
The adjoining 5th Street Public Market has nine varied options for dining within steps of the hotel, with a range of experiences like indoor/outdoor dining, contact-free online ordering, takeout, and delivery service to accommodate any comfort level. On weekends, 5th Avenue is shut down to accommodate additional outdoor dining on the StrEATery, a lively and safe option that will be available through the end of October.
Eugene is lucky to be located at the gateway to the Southern Willamette Valley, famous for its Pinot noirs (and top Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Pinot blanc). You can be on an actual vineyard sipping wine and enjoying a picnic with an incredible view of rolling hills within a 30-minute drive of downtown or explore one of the urban wine bars that have popped up, meaning you can imbibe without a drive.
Alesong Brewing & Blending, Provisions Market Hall, J. Scott Cellars and Bennett Vineyards are all within a block of the hotel – making for a compact but diverse tasting experience. For a complete list of wineries in the region, click here, and be sure to call ahead before driving to any tasting room to ensure they are open.
We can’t forget about beer in Eugene, where a range of breweries are putting an emphasis on local and regional ingredients from hops to grains (and using ultra-pure water from the McKenzie River). Eugene’s “Ale Trail” is a fantastic guide – many are close enough to walk for an easy pub crawl, while others take a bit more effort to reach.
Ninkasi Brewing Company helped put Eugene’s beer scene on the map, and their new Better Living Room in the Whiteaker neighborhood is now open for takeout and delivery daily, including growlers and six-packs. Lesser-known operations like Ale Song are doing things differently, crafting wild beers that are fermented and matured in retired French oak wine barrels. (Every Sunday on their patio, there’s also live music.)
Mish and Mash
The Tap & Growler, also next to Inn at the 5th, provides something for everyone with growlers to go and 81 taps of the best beer, wine, cider, mead, kombucha, cold-pressed espresso, and craft soda.
Looking to stretch your legs after all the food and drink? Consider a hike at Spencer Butte Trail. One of the highest points in Eugene, this hike is a staple for the area. Take your pick from an easier trail or harder climb to the top.
Want a quick hike with a nice view? Consider Skinner Butte Trail is a one-mile hike just steps away from a hotel.
Running/Walking Eugene is known as Track Town USA – with a legacy of runners like Steve Prefontaine, a destination for the Olympic Track Trials several times consecutively, and boasts a great variety of urban running paths to explore. Plus, it’s the birthplace of Nike and will be welcoming a new flagship store downtown early 2021.
Located just east of Eugene, the McKenzie River Trail is 26 miles of single-track and is considered to be one of the best mountain bike trails in the country, with everything from soft single-track to lava fields. If that seems a bit much, the hotel offers a fleet of cruiser bikes for complimentary use, perfect for exploring town or the Willamette River Trail Loop
The Cascades Raptor Center is open with the purchase of advanced tickets/timed entry. This nature center and wildlife hospital houses nearly 40 birds of prey, which are native to the Pacific Northwest. The birds can be seen in large outdoor aviaries, but please note dogs are not allowed, even in parked cars, as they can be disruptive to the wildlife.
The 5th Street Public Market has unique and local retail options in a breezy and open-air environment. Wayfinding around the shops is marked to create one-way traffic and ensure shoppers are properly distanced. (Insider tip: show your Inn at the 5th keycard to receive exclusive offers from retailers at the market.)
The Eugene Saturday Market is open rain or shine, every Saturday at 8th & Oak from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 250 artisans sell handcrafted goods, making it a perfect place to shop for unique gifts outdoors. It coincides with the Lane County Farmers Market, so you can also pick up fresh fruits and veggies