Site of the nearby Oregon Country Faire (each July) where each year hippies gather to celebrate their hippiness. Home to the University of Oregon, many co-operatives, communes galore, a real cool Saturday Market, and eco-consciousness.
UPDATE: I wanted to let you know that the Oregon Country Fair WAS a wonderful hippy flavor type hang-out once a year (or often if you know the old owners). Well, the new owners are a little different now. They now let cops in undercover and not, onto private property to gather local revenue of happy-hippy trippers and such. JUST AN FYI….wouldn’t want any wonderful people to go with the impression that the old hippy extraordinaire still owned and operated the scene!!!
Just wanted to comment on what Todd wrote, Right on !! I don’t know what you do for a living, but if your not a writer you should be. What you wrote was wonderful, your comments about “the east” couldn’t be more correct (easterner too) can’t wait to visit Eugene, its sounds like the type of community my hubby and I can breathe in!
Thanks for your posting. Peace to ya!
Eugene is a wonderful town for the environmentally conscious and people needing to live in a tolerant community. It is very friendly to off beat folks and is a lesvbian haven. Chris Williamson lives outside of town on the wonderful Mackenzie River
It is very busy with traffic, which is a bummer, but there are many wonderful activities including a parade each year that parodies the Rose Parade and is a complete hoot. They also have the Eugene Celebration each year and the activites for this have appeal to mostly everyone.
However, your list missed a very big, friendly and diverse city, which is Portland, Oregon. It is simply a wonderful place to live if you like big city life. Many wonderful little districts that are friendly and many excellent brewries and coffee shops. Don’t miss the Bagdad Cafe in the Hawthorne district!
While Eugene is what, I suppose, you could call, the heart of “hippie-dom” in most likely the U.S., the state of mind is most certainly not restricted to Eugene. Infact, I would say that within the last few years, Eugene has taken itself in the complete and opposite direction, which I feel is sad because that earthy, home-grown feel is what gives the mid-valley it’s flavor. However, several locations surrounding Eugene (i.e. Veneta, Goshen, and Prineville which is in central Oregon) are just as related to this culture and way of life as Eugene. Infact, I have never been to one city in Oregon, save for Springfield because that has been officially re-named Springtucky and there is a HUGE difference between hippie and redneck, that is not just as laid back and casual as our topic city of choice. Anywhere you could possibly visit in Oregon has, in some respect or another, gleaned some of it’s tradition and culture from the greatness that is hippie and as it’s centerfold:Eugene.
Eugene is the best town in America to raise children. I traveled with The Phaded PHish and Phil and all his Phriends for about six years emersed in your most hardcore of hippiness. Then I ended up in Eugene with my 8 month pregs girlfriend. After every town up and down the east and west. Eugene got me on my feet and has allowed me the space I needed to grow up but still be a kid.
DONT TELL ME THIS TOWN AINT GOT NO HEART
YOU JUST GOTTA POKE AROUND
Eugenes slogan::::We all ended up here, because we were not all there
hee-hee. skippy , dippy.. did I mention that alot of good looking people live here and you have access to anything you want, even the rainforest, mountians, ocean, organic food, topless women, and best of all just about everything grows here. If you cannot find a job then go to Venture Data.. Duh, every hipster knows that…did I mention good beer, everyone is friendly, lesbians, a river, topless women, and the freedom of medical mary and the right to die as needed..did I say topless women and rain, skippy dippy.. hee-hee
As someone who has worked at the OCF for 20 years I can assure everyone who is curious that it is run in the same way that it has been run for its entire lifetime… that is, by an elected board. And I can also assure you, due to the scrutiny of drug use by the Reagan administration and since, there have been undercover officers there every year for as long as I have been there. To think that there have not been police coming into an open event that is known for drug use would be naive. Discretion when breaking the law is always advised no matter where you are, whether one agrees with the law or not. I work with the Vaudeville crew and keep coming back because some of the highest and most innovative work shows up there annually.
i’m moving to eugene, i visited it for a week and i thought it was the best place i’ve ever been, i currently live in arkansas and i can tell you it hardcore blows, everyones a redneck except about 20 out of 500 and in eugene everyones awesome, cant wait to sell our house and move
eugene, words sometimes escape me when i remember my life in eugene.it was wet and sometimes cold ,my dinner plate was often empty,but my bowl was always full! had two dogs great pals they were. some sad times there were, i watched the towers fall while living in a yuppie hole, i chopped off all my hair ,beautiful dreads they were,but , least of all i lost my car . i just left it there. but the good times were also there!!!!!! beautiful sights to see, mountains to climb, ocean air to breathe,and the rock slides , man i really miss those.!!! evening bus rides on the 40 to sneak into the macdonald, or my most favorite of all ……seeing the moody blues for free while chillin under a tree in alton baker park. dont get me wrong , i love to love but i have so much hate . you may think iam a hippie , gypsy , or waste but time has shown that isnt the case. all iam is me and wherever iam thats all i shall be…… but while i was in eugene it usually felt good to be me. still trying to get home and that eugene you see. to my daughter this place is where she was concevied and where i carried her to so much more than just a seed and as she knows that me as her my loves her so, iwant her to know the love that is eugene also.
By the way does anyone know of any sort of summer job i could get in oregon? i want to visit there, but since my mom is paying for my school right now she won’t let me go anywhere unless i’m making money.
there can’t be too many gwb supporters tere. kerry took oregon. remember?
My boyfriend and I have just moved to Oregon from BC. Any advice on a fun town with jobs for dreadies would be helpful. We’re almost broke and aren’t having any luck in job search so far. We’ve been trying ski realted towns but are up for anything. Does anyone think we’ll have luck in Eugene? A job is crucial and cheap rent for us and a dog is essential. Tahnx to all
Eugene sucks. I’ve lived all over the country and this is by far the most limp wristed, lethargic bunch of assholes I’ve ever met in their life. Do you Oregonians realize what an unfriendly and dull bunch you are. I know how exciting your life and pace is, you don’t even know how to merge on a freeway. The rain fogs your brains obviously. As far as the fair, its nothing especially in comparison to the shit that goes on every weekend at Venice Beach. Better pussy, food, items for sale, music, and more interesting people. All you fucks do is smoke dope or drink coffee or piss beer brewed by some turd at home. Your food is garbage, especially any of that vegan shit.
There are actually two types of people in Eugene.
The hippies-usually have roots in Northern California. The earmark of the older, upper middle class hippie types is on guys some lame pony tail, (along with their balding dome) and no clue on how to dress-a white shirt and tie and blue jeans-gee how fucking 1978. The women still think they are hot, way past their prime, (hey babe we’re looking at your daughter not you), and dress like old whores at the fair. The other type is the hick Oregonian, who has noi clue about anything outside of the North West, hates anyone from another state, is fat, dumb, and lazy.
Don’t tell me about Eugene and diversity. WHo are you kidding? This is the whitest fucking place i’ve ever seen. You get some brothers hitting up on your women and hanging and banging downtown, and then you can tell me about diversity. Hispanics are mostly relegated to field workers around here, Asians, not many. Okay there are a lot of big old Dykes here,who gives a shit.
What’s the pussy situation in Eugene?, I be looking for a little trim. Enough of those stripper skanks in Anchorage, damn whores.
gettin ready to hop a train to eugene from the florida panhandle. i am fortunate to have long time friends already living there. barely have any money, just enough for the train ticket. can’t seem to find a dread friendly employer down here so i am seeking in eugene, maybe eureeka very soon. trouble with much of the south, save new orleans, is that if you dont have a shaved head and clean shaven face, no one wants to hire you, with the exception of a few rare birds. regardless of the range of knowledge and experience a person can possess, we are still judged by appearance and politics. i am hoping eugene is not like this, but i am moving with an open mind and am simply trying to change my scenery. have experience with organic gardening and a degree in environmental studies from west florida, is there room for me? a job? also am a dedicated boardrider and find great comfort in staring into space, contemplating the mysteries and blessings of life on this planet. unfortunately people in the south are trying to develop the last great open spaces for want of lots of money, suvs, and bush tax breaks. they love the fruit but hate the tree. does eugene love both? i am wondering? play hand percussion? i’ll be looking for you! hahahahahaha!!!
You guys are too funny……great comments on Eugene. Well I will throw in my 3 cents….
Eugene ain’t perfect. But it is very nice. Nice diversity..not as much as the city…but enough. Fun watching all the College Students. People are accepting enough of others…..yeah some uptight hippies….but lots of real down to earth people if you get to know people.
I run a business building web sites for artists, crafts people, and micro businesses….ain’t ever going to get rich…but I pay the bills. Job scene is hot and cold….depends on what time of the year…..college students take all the entry jobs. Sometimes we are poor as dirt…other times we do alright.
Have 2 kids…..one goes to school….the school system is amazing compared to rural school….or in the big city.
People are nice….their are bike paths….good food….live music. Good vibes overall. The standard of living isn’t well off like elsewhere in the country….but you can eat good organic food and live well.
Come to Eugene..
Kin Lane – Original Web Solutions – https://www.originalwebsolutions.com
Oh yes…if you have any comments …my e-mail address is kgrlzrck@aol.com. I read my “nubain” brother’s post…no I am not a fat dyke! Believe it are not I wear make up and was Homecoming Queen. (But, with out the Homecoming Queen attitude) I love people who can think for themselves…and not based on their religious up bringing…yes I am an atheist…NON-Judgemental…
Thanks again…
I you know the school system and the right area’s to live in Eugene…please e-mail
Peace Be With Us All…We need it…
yeah, eugene. there’s no such thing a free lunch, and there’s no such thing as utopia. but eugene is still an amazing and underrated place. it’s not a place to get rich, or lead a glamorous lifestyle, but it’s a place to be cool.
Diversity. what does that mean? I think it’s just a polite euphemism for multi-racial, and if that’s what you want, know this: there are two racial groups in Eugene, white and Latino (30,000 Latinos in Lane County, out of 250,000 overall, and 110,00 people in Eugene). That’s not racial diversity, no. But in terms of acceptance of eccentricity and difference, Eugene has more diversity than Chicago, where I’m from originally, and LA, the only other large, multiracial city I’ve lived in.
Jobs. Yeah, there aren’t many. but you have to poke around and figure something out. You might have to work at a deli, or work on a construction crew, but so what? that’s the trade-off. if you have gumption and captial, start your own business, but try to reach the market outside of eugene; there’s only so much money going around in town.
People. There are jerks, maybe just as many as else-where. But the non-jerks? Wow, what a bunch of open, friendly cool people. Post-ironic, post-cynical, post-jaded, ready to see the beauty of the simple things in other people and in their neighborhood.
Food. Very good. Let’s not get carried away — large cities do have better food overall. But I defy anyone to name a college town with as good and well-rounded a selection as Eugene. And as for groceries? The best in the United States, period. The best, least expensive organic food available.
Yoga. Eugene has real yoga teachers and a true Yoga community. If that’s your thing, there is no better place.
After reading the other posts I had to post my opinion about Eugene and the people here. I have lived here for 3 years. I do like Eugene, but I don’t love it.
GOOD:
1.location
2.weather,not to harsh winter or summer
3.alternative life style;not to bible belt
4.political awarness;except for the extremists on both sides
5.If you bi,gay or carpet muncher
6.bike paths or BIG SUVs,depends what side your on
7. Small resturants,bars with live music,if your a trust-a-farean/dreddie
8.We don’t call it Ugreen for nothen
9. Once a year all the wanna be hippies leave Eugene for the COUNTRY FAIR
BAD:
1.drivers;can’t merge, “no after you, no after you” braking all of the basic driving laws trying to be nice
2.job market; not many good paying jobs. no matter what type of job they all seem to drug test(because there are so many crack junkies here)
3.People here say they are diverse but still VERY clickish
4.Bumper stickers; everyone wants to tell you how & what you need to believe in but ,yet they say they are open to everyone.ONLY if you believe what they believe
5.Poor overall state;schools closing, no sales tax, high state tax
6.TWEEKERS,TWEEKERS,TWEEKERS
7.Suger coating everything;never give a straight answser, always trying to be PC
8.Don’t like GOV. but will stand in line to collect food stamps or other assistance.
9. Did I mention TWEEKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10.Mountainbillies & wanna be 60’s hippies trying to cohabit
11.Springfield or spunfield is close
WE ARE ALL HERE BECAUSE WE ARE NOT ALL THERE!!!!!!!!!
Yo dude who wrote the top comment, youre tripping/factually wrong on the Country Fair there. Eugene is the best alternative community in the world, and the Oregon Country Fair is magical! You have totally missed it. I am an owner, as are thousands of other participants be they volunteers, crafters, or entertainers. We are a nonprofit community organization with an elected board, 4 paid employees, and 3000 volunteers that put it on each year. Three thousand! If you really want to get involved, go to https://www.oregoncountryfair.org and find out when the Community Village meetings are starting up in winter and get involved! There are ways to join crews like construction, deconstruction, recycling, traffic, security, vegemanics, each of which have 100’s of members, but it takes a year round dedication to make this amazing magical thing happen. As Stephen Gaskin said recently upon coming for the first and not the last time, “I cant believe something this amazing and hip happens and I dont even have to do anything to make it happen!” So…show up some weekend in late spring and jump in on a work crew and you will make connections quick. Peace!
Yo dude who wrote the top comment, youre tripping/factually wrong on the Country Fair there. There are no new owners or old owners. Eugene is the best alternative community in the world, and the Oregon Country Fair is magical! You have totally missed it. I am an owner, as are thousands of other participants be they volunteers, crafters, or entertainers.
We are a nonprofit community organization with an elected board, 4 paid employees, and 3000 volunteers that put it on each year. Three thousand! The land was originally bought with the help of the Kesey family and the Grateful Dead playing a benefit out there in 72 and paid off by another Dead show benefit in 82 (I was a young 22 year old flowerchild, it was my second Dead show and so beautiful, and after they let in everyone with tickets they let the rest of the people in the parking lot in for free, ya dig? Thats the fair for you. You just have to be a giver, not a taker. Its all about making magic happen cooperatively.)
If you really want to get involved, go to https://www.oregoncountryfair.org and find out when the Community Village meetings are starting up in winter and get involved! There are also ways to join crews like construction, deconstruction, recycling, traffic, security, vegemanics, each of which have 100’s of members, but it takes a year round dedication to make this amazing magical thing happen. As Stephen Gaskin said recently upon coming for the first and not the last time, “I cant believe something this amazing and hip happens and I dont even have to do anything to make it happen!” So…show up some weekend in late spring and jump in on a work crew and you will make connections quick. Expect to work hard and have lots of fun! Peace!
Oh, about the cops, as in any counterculture event of thousands they are there undercover to make sure no illegal activities are going on, and of course none are. We are very protective of the land, and have been threatened in the past with seizure and forfiture by the county sheriff if illegal activites are allowed. So we make sure such things dont. And you know? Its nice not to have scammy ripoffs and no drunks, too. As far as undercovers, no one is “allowing” them in, they of course are allowed by virtue of laws many of us disagree with. However, we do our own internal security and there is no presence and no need of presence of any uniformed law enforcement folks, which is pretty amazing considering for one weekend in July we are one of the larger cities in Oregon.
Here in Eugene we have had 35 years of alternative culture developing alternative community institutions like the Country Fair, the WOW Hall, Saturday Market, coop businesses, etc, and we have developed ongoing and good relationships with all the different aspects of our city, the second largest metro area in Oregon, including the powers that be. We finally have elected a hip progressive mayor, woo hoo! This is an amazing town, and any flippant judgments reveal to me more a lack of understanding of what hipness really is. Sheesh….give me a break! Peace and love, everyone…
Eugene Rocks! I grew up in SoCal, Los Angeles/OC…and am super stoked to be up here with people that actually care more about each other than each other’s cars. So..on that note…if you dig a cool lifestyle and wouldn’t mind tooling around town in VW than Eugene is your place. The weather can be tough, but the summer is worth 10 nasty winters. Cool bands come through town often and there is a high “deadhead” population. Being a deadhead – this totally rocks!
Anyways…tweakers suck, but every town has its community methlab and I know for certain that I knew way more tweakers in the OC than in Eugene.
Country Fair is a one-of-a-kind dealie-o and you gotta go if you’ve never been. Its kind of a PacNW tradition.
Grateful to be here and not down there.