For those in attendance of the World Athletics Championships Oregon22, you’re just days away from an experience of a lifetime. Not only will you be witnessing the World Athletic Championships in the U.S. for the very first time, but you’ll also be watching world-class athletes compete in one of the most unique, state-of-the-art facilities in the world—Hayward Field at the University of Oregon.
Ticket-holders of our VIP experiences will have so much to look forward to including entertainment, dining, drinks, and more. But for those that will be spending a few days or weeks in the gorgeous city of Eugene, there are so many fantastic places to explore nearby or within a reasonable drive. So, whether you’ve traveled from across the globe or are a seasoned local, here are some great options for activities, food, wine, and beer near the World Athletics Championships venue.
Food, Wine, & Beer
The Pacific Northwest is home to some of the best restaurants, craft beer, and wineries in the world—and some of those places happen to be located right here in Track Town, USA. Guests of DAIMANI’s VIP experiences who are fans of wine will love knowing that the event will feature wines from King Estate Winery. In addition to sipping a glass at the event, take a quick drive to their tasting room and vineyard with stunning views just over 30 minutes from the sports venue. Reservations can be made here.
For the beer lovers at the event, Eugene has you covered when it comes to an abundance of local craft breweries. One of which, Hop Valley, is another of our featured suppliers at the VIP experience. Before enjoying a pint before the big event, why not go directly to the source for a tasting? With locations in both Eugene and Springfield, you can enjoy samples of their trademark beers like the Stash Panda Hazy IPA or the Just Blonde Blonde.
As for food, delicious catering will be available at the event, providing mouthwatering sweet and savoury noshes, and there are dozens of restaurants in the area. For elegant French cuisine at one of Eugene’s most sophisticated restaurants, make a reservation at Marché where you’ll dine on steak tartare, Pacific Rockfish, or a green garlic and goat cheese soufflé. If you’d prefer authentic Italian in a romantic atmosphere, Ambrosia will not disappoint—try their lobster cakes, Dungeness crab fettuccine, or chicken and wild mushroom marsala.
Brunch is one of the most coveted meals in the PNW and one of the best brunches in the valley can be found at Lion & Owl. Although they also offer dinner on the weekends, it’s the brunch that has been making waves since they opened in 2017—popular dishes include crispy pork belly, trout and crab hash, and cinnamon coffee cake.
Outdoor Activities
It’s hard not to get inspired when you’re attending an event like the World Athletic Championships. So, while you’re visiting Eugene, you should definitely take advantage of all of the incredible outdoor activities in the lush, green landscape. Book a tee time at the Laurelwood Golf Course where you can get in the swing at one of the city’s highest-rated courses. Or, if you’re into hiking, Spencer Butte is an absolute must-do in the Emerald City—you’ll take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the valley when you reach the 2,058-foot summit after hiking through old-growth forest.
For a more relaxed experience, pay a visit to Hendricks Park where you can admire the thousands of species of blooming flowers, including 6,000 varieties of rhododendrons and other ornamental plants. Another wonderful serene park setting is Alton Baker Park which boasts a lake, dog park, looped path, disc golf, and more.
Get Out and Explore
Eugene is such a unique place to explore with something fun and new around every corner—and another perk about the city is that it’s located within an easy drive to other fun and memorable places. In fact, the Pacific Ocean and the charming town of Florence are just an hour and twenty minutes from Hayward Field. Florence is known as Oregon’s Coastal Playground where you’ll find miles of walkable beaches, rolling sand dunes, fresh seafood, and quaint boutiques—the perfect day’s getaway from Eugene.
Also located in Florence is the Three Rivers Casino. Nestled in between sand dunes with ocean views, this popular resort and casino offers guests card and slot games, entertainment, dining options, a hotel, golf course, and more. If you’d like to arrange a shuttle ride from Eugene, you can do so here.
Over the course of 10 days, the World Athletic Championship is going to be a truly unforgettable event. Make sure you take advantage of your time in the gorgeous city of Eugene and its surrounding areas with these quality options.
