Organic Hippy Gourmet

This City Isn’t Just for The Nature Lover

Eugene, Oregon is nestled snugly in the heart of Williamette Valley between the Cascade and Coast ranges. Eugene is nicknamed “Emerald City” since the turquoise Williamette River runs tranquilly through it’s heart, with forests of fir trees skirting around the edges. This hidden gem of Oregon has the feel of a relic from the past, with the promise of new discoveries around every corner. Eugene boasts over 100 parks and gardens, laced with walking, biking and jogging paths, creating a haven not just for the athletic, but for every man, woman and child who longs for the simpler ways of life. These parks include forests, flowering and native plant gardens, and recreational opportunities for fishing, rafting, and soaking in the Cougar hot springs at the end of a long day. In the 70′s, Eugene became home to a generation of flower children, better known as hippies. The influence of these settlers lent their cultural influences to the area, which soon blossomed in organic food co-ops and open-air crafts and festivals. A strong activist community was born, and is still going strong today. The hippies have greatly influenced not only the residents of Eugene, but the visitors who come from far and wide to take in their own far out happening of ‘flower power.’ Among the many activities for the sightseeing traveler, is a plethora of choices, such as hiking, biking, rafting, boating, golfing, fishing, horseback riding, and much more. The great thing about Eugene is you have the convenience of the big city life, alongside the serene, laid-back ambiance of a small town. So alongside all the basics of nature, is the rush of big city shopping and culture of this college town. It’s loaded with art galleries, museums, theatrical performances and the best gourmet food and nightlife on the planet. This little piece of paradise is famous for it’s locally made Pinot noir and Pinot gris. There are dozens of wineries and vineyards here, that will keep the wine connoisseur busy for days, not to mention the offering of a nice little bottle of perfection to take home. The rolling vineyards are every bit as beautiful as Napa Valley, and the wine is comparable, if not even more indulgent, given the unique setting for this wine lovers valley. For those who are in the mood for adventure, the prospect of mountain climbing in the Cascade Mountains is enough to take your breath away. The vistas that await the climber at the peak of the mountain is the panoramic sweeping views of the valley and the Oregon coastline. But you don’t have to be a mountain climber to enjoy all the views; there are plenty of hiking trails in this area for those who are up for the adventure. You will never be bored in Eugene, that’s for sure. So the next time you’re craving adventure, give Eugene a chance. With the big city, big country offerings, there will always be something to do and see, and the memories created in Eugene will last a lifetime! For more information on Eugene, Oregon visit http://eugenemicroblog.com and http://oregonmicroblog.com

Galloping Gourmet Graham Kerr makes Organic Muesli Hippy-style!

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