Oregon Travel Council | Page 39

For more information, contact: Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce 1401 Willamette Street | Eugene, OR 97401 [phone] [email protected] www.eugenechamber.com FLORENCE idents is bordered by the Willamette River. Summers include concerts and movies in the park. INDEPENDENCE This rural community is an award-winning town that offers guests a multitude of activities and amenities. Movies and music at the city amphitheater, shopping, antiquing, delightful eateries in the beautiful historic district, and many annual events are just a few of the recreation possibilities available to guests of Independence. town is a favorite surfing destination as well as a great place for beautiful beaches, a variety of dining choices, vacation rentals, and of course, viewing the otters that gather on a rock off the shoreline. JUNCTION CITY Popular for visitors and retirees, this fast growing coastal community offers a small town feeling with plenty of recreational opportunities and events to keep the entire family busy. If looking for a unique shopping experience, be sure to visit Old Town along the Siuslaw River where you can find homemade saltwater taffy, fine dining overlooking the water, local art work, and charming storefronts with everything from clothing to kitchenware. Old Town annual events include the Winter Folk Festival in January, Spring Forward Moonlight Madness in March, Veteran’s Day Parade, and A Dicken’s Christmas in December. Just south of town, another kind of adventure awaits guests- the Oregon Dunes. Forty-two miles of sand and excitement offer the chance for guided sand tours, self-guided ATV rides, and sand boarding. It is also an excellent location for hiking, photography, and horseback riding. Steeped in Scandinavian heritage, this community is nestled among wineries, farmland, dairies, and ranches. Popular for its Scandinavian Festival in August when the entire town transforms into an old-world village, visitors will also find all the modern conveniences of fine dining, boutique shopping, and comfortable lodging options. For more information, contact: Florence Area Chamber of Commerce 290 Hwy 101 Florence, Oregon 97439 [phone] [email protected] www.florencechamber.com LAKESIDE GARDINER Primarily an agriculture area, this town celebrates each June with a Strawberry Festival. Other activities include an indoor shooting range, concerts in the park, and touring the historical buildings throughout the city. This little coastal community off Highway 101 was once known as the “White City by the Sea.” Freshwater and open sea fishing as well as boating, clamming, crabbing, surfing, and hiking are all recreational activities awaiting the guests of Gardiner. GOSHEN This small town sits along the Willamette River and is a great place for picnicking, hiking, and bird watching. HALSEY This small town was originally a winter camp for the workers of the Willamette Valley Railroad project. Today, area recreation includes hiking, fishing, and boating on the Willamette River. HARRISBURG REGION 2: CENTRAL COAST mette and McKenzie River, it is easy to understand why Eugene is well known for its recreational opportunities. Likewise, visitors who enjoy browsing art galleries and boutique shops, watching world-class performance arts, and attending year-round festivities and celebrations, will find this city exceeds those expectations as well. For more information, contact: Junction City - Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce 341 W. 6th St. Junction City, Oregon 97448 541-998-6154 [email protected] www.jch-chamber.org Residing on the shores of Tenmile Lake, this hamlet provides visitors with basic amenities, dining, and shopping opportunities. Annual lakeside events include the National Amateur Water Ski competition, Independence Day Celebration and Lakeside Cardboard Boat challenge. LEBANON For more information, contact: Lebanon Chamber of Commerce 1040 Park St. Lebanon, Oregon 97355 [phone] www.lebanon-chamber.org LINCOLN BEACH Just ten miles south of Lincoln City, this hamlet off Highway 101 is a wonderful place to walk along the beach, surf, and fish. An All-American City finalist in 2006, this town of 3,500 resWWW.OREGONTRAVELCOUNCIL.COM 37