Experience LANE
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Great Gift Experiences for the Holidays
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BY TAJ MORGAN
JACOB PACE / EUGENECASCADESCOAST.ORG
EEL LIKE WE ALL have too much stuff? Research on happiness supports investing in the things that really bring fulfillment — like time together and finding new adventures. Here are some regional ideas for gift giving experiences to fill your heart, not your house.
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SNUGGLE UP IN THE CASCADE MOUNTAINS. The McKenzie River region is recovering, rebuilding and re-emerging in the aftermath of wildfires — and it’s a great place for you to do the same. Stay along the river with your family in a beautiful, cozy lodge or cabin and spend the days fishing, soaking in hot springs and walking in the woods. After a mountain getaway, you’ll feel revitalized, and your visit will also contribute to the community’s recovery, so you can feel doubly good.
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FALL IN LOVE WITH LOCAL THEATER. Get season tickets at one of two recently remodeled theaters. These beloved community theatre groups strategically utilized the pandemic downtime to spruce up their performance venues and now they are ready to welcome us back. For 2022, the Cottage Theatre, a long standing stable of outstanding local talent, will be debuting with “Mamma Mia!” in Cottage Grove. And the Very Little Theater (VLT), which has presented top notch theatre in Eugene since the 1920s, will roll out a host of new productions including “Little Women” and “Murder on the Orient Express.” Explore all our local community theatre for more inspiration!
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THROW AN AXE. Instead of tossing darts, imagine heaving an entire axe at your target! Try out your best logger look and wear closed-toe shoes. To throw axes you must be at least 12 years old. The Oregon Axe lounge also has a 21-and-over drink service with a two-drink maximum. Reservations for axe throwing lanes are recommended.
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GRADUATE EUGENE / EUGENECASCADESCOAST.ORG
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SIGHTSEE ON THE RIVER. Spend an afternoon on the Willamette River soaking up nature’s seasonal beauty. Jet boats are able to skim the shallows and go fast, so you can see all there is to see. Spot osprey, deer and more along the banks. Check out Scenic Jet Boat Tours and 2 Rivers Jet Boat Tours for touring options.
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RIDE AT SUNSET. A horseback ride along the beach at sunset is probably on everybody’s bucket list. C&M Stables makes this dream come true with comfortable and scenic trail rides. Choose from a variety of options including lead-rope corral riding for children. The horses here are loved and well-cared for, each with their own sweet story.
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GOLF INDOORS. Winter golf? The weather’s always perfect indoors at the Topgolf Swing Suite! Compete for the best sports scores while perfecting your golf swing, soccer kick, baseball pitch or dodgeball throw. The Topgolf game inside the Graduate hotel includes comfy lounge seating, bar and food service and your choice of games.
O R E G O N F A M I LY . C O M
DECEMBER 2021
