Friday, September 23, 2016

Oregon is Calling Me (part2)

Oregon is Calling Me.
The craft beer scene in Eugene is abundant and rich with diverse quality. The following breweries pleased my senses.

Coldfire - This new-to-me brewery was our first stop upon arrival. We stumbled into this refurbished warehouse after lounging along the river under the shade of trees. The food trucks were on point and my favorite beer of the evening was their Red Saison. Coldfire showcased an adventurous draft list highlighted by this hybrid. 5.1% | 27 IBU

Oakshire - After an appearance at a local wine barreling facility; we walked across the parking area and wandered into my favorite Eugene brewery. Oakshire is the real deal. Every beer resonated with me strongly, while pushing the envelope in each specific genre—captivating with its own unique characteristics. Taste the rainbow if you make it into Oakshire. They also have a great selection of in-house bottle and cans. My favorite beer of the entire journey was the Cucumber Berliner-Weisse. It's one of the best beers I've had all year. This tart, German-inspired ale begins with a slight melon-like aroma. Then it compliments the fresh taste of cucumber dreamily with the perfect amount of body. This summer beer showcases such flavor that I want it year round. It's almost too good to be true. 4% | 12 IBU

Falling Sky - Post wedding celebrations always live a little larger when the crew takes over a local brewery/delicatessen. Falling Sky is the place one should go if wanting to get your grub on, while also sipping a tasty beer. Sharing amongst friends is the best way to create a memorable experience. After diving into their extensive draft list, I was ultimately lured by, Pinky and the Belgian (I mean, c'mon, Animaniacs). This red peppercorn infused Belgian resembled a saison that packed a peppery punch. It's nuance pushes for a more deliberate approach; to be enjoyed, not chugged. 5% | 22 IBU 

Court 3 | Pickle Ball
The University of Oregon - Beyond the natural beauty and the quality of people, the University is the lifeblood of Eugene. A world class center for leaning that creates an atmosphere of participation, while encouraging community involvement. As visitors we were over the moon at the possibility of playing pickle ball on D1 tennis courts. Not only were the courts open to the public - because the Ducks are awesome - they're nestled next to the world famous Hayward Field. Flanked on the other side by the new softball stadium. Being surrounded by top-notch athletic and academic facilities is inspiring to say the least. Students and community members taking advantage of the campus motivates others to investigate and engage. Besides the obviousness of exercise, pickle ball is great while on vacation because it offers you the chance to involve yourself with a neighborhood park, or in this case, a top-flight collegiate campus, that you otherwise may not have explored. Minimal equipment is needed to play, conducive for vacation.

New to the immaculate grounds is the recently opened, Erb Memorial Union (or EMU). Community Happens Here is more than a slogan, it's the potential and kinetic energy of people fueling the action. Housed within this beautiful mixed-modern masonry are creative resources that are accessible not only to the student body, but the community as well. Talk about getting the most out of your investment. One of the many treasures within the EMU is the Craft Center. Ceramics. fiber arts, glass-working, painting, paper arts, printmaking, photography, woodworking, metals and jewelry are the creative disciplines that will further influence the campus and beyond. The creative minds that take advantage of such opportunities will continue to feed Eugene's future. Click here for more information. Also on-site is the campus radio station and a pizza parlor/brewery operated by Falling Sky. The University of Oregon is intoxicating. 

Being in town for a gorgeous wedding at the Mount Pisgah Arboretum was a magical moment. The beautiful couple getting married were such gracious hosts, creating an atmosphere of positivity, mindfulness and love for all. Their vows nearly did me in. I'd like to thank both of them for going above and beyond in their responsibility to do the right thing. Thanks. 

Many moments stand out during our extended stay in the 541. I did however have one more self-serving priority, hooping with my main man Matty Mo. We did chicken strip things when on the same team. Then we mixed it up on opposing sides. I met some great guys and broke a hard sweat while getting in some run. Thanks to the old school YMCA and the players who came out (caring, honesty, respect, responsibility). Basketball is another great physical outlet while on vacation. All you need are some sneakers and shorts; someone always has a ball. Hoops played the right way is an unspoken language. It consists of working hard, having fun and camaraderie. Big ups to the active community of Eugene, it's a glowing example of how to get out and do something.

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Part 3 of Oregon is Calling Me will target some great hideouts along coastal Oregon, as well as the friendly confines of Portland. Thanks for checking in. Click here for Part 1.

eightychoices.

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