Why go in late spring: Thanks to its health-conscious hippie past, Eugene is a hotbed for natural-foods stores and quirky green shops.
Don’t miss: In May, thousands of rhododendrons are in bloom at Hendricks Park (2200 Summit Ave.; eugene-or.gov/parks).
Dress code: Natural fibers, recycled-plastic fleece, and cloth shopping bags.
Miles of bike paths: 147
Enlightened transit: Rides on the hybrid-electric Emerald Express are free for the next month, with room on each bus for up to three bikes.
Green hotel: The Hilton Eugene & Conference Center (from $119; eugene.hilton.com) has gone green, with eco-friendly materials and practices.
Mark your calendar: Watch the third annual Eugene Marathon (May 3; eugenemarathon.com), where there’s on-course recycling, portable solar power, and reusable goodie bags for runners.
Vegan pizza: Vegan and vegetarian options abound at the Pizza Research Institute ($; 1328 Lawrence St.; 541/ 343-1307). Try the delicious apple, smoked gouda, and roasted walnut combo.
More Ways to Experience Green Eugene
Bike paths galore
Scenic bike paths, part of the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail System , roll along both banks of the Willamette River and are linked by five bicycle/pedestrian bridges. Cross the river near downtown on the Peter DeFazio Bicycle Bridge to enter 402-acre Alton Baker Park .
Guilt-free breakfast
A hearty breakfast at Morning Glory Cafe will leave you feeling full and virtuous. The “conscious kitchen” features organic lacto-ovo vegetarian and vegan food, and the cafe bills itself as cell phone–free and hate-free. Expect to pay a 25-cent “eco tax” for take-out containers. $; breakfast and lunch only; 450 Willamette Ave.; 541/687-0709.
Healthy ice cream
University of Oregon students appreciate the location of Prince Pückler’s Gourmet Ice Cream, just a few blocks off campus. On the menu: homemade ice cream with mostly natural ingredients, and a chocolate sundae topped with locally made Euphoria chocolate sauce. 1605 E. 19th Ave.; 541/344-4418.
