Story by Keegan Clements-Housser
Photo by Will Kanellos
Sticking around Eugene for Winter Break? Don’t worry – there’s plenty to do around town if you’re not off visiting family or friends. Below is a list of ten things in no particular order that you can do to (pleasantly) spend your time out of school.
 1.     Enjoy a hot spiced chai at the Sweet Life Pâtisserie
When suffering through Oregon’s often brutally cold and wet winter weather, something that can warm you up both inside and out is often exactly what’s needed. For this, sipping a hot mug of good spiced chai from inside the warmth of the Sweet Life Pâtisserie is a close to an unbeatable experience. With its excellent assortment of confections, it’s a great place to bring a friend, too – or a date. Everything’s reasonably priced, too, so it won’t break the bank.
2.     Visit the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Sitting on campus right next to the Knight Library, this often-overlooked museum is a true gem, with exhibitions that are both aesthetically pleasing and informative. The rotation of exhibitions changes with the seasons, but current exhibitions on display can be found on their website. Unlike much of the rest of campus, they remain open during the break. Current UO students and staff as well as those 18 and under get in for free.
3.     Catch a show at the Hult Center
The Hult Center for the Performing Arts is a world-class establishment that often draws big name acts from Broadway and beyond, and has long been held as a prime example of Eugene’s dedication to the arts. Tickets generally range in price from $20 – $120 per seat, but there are deals available on their website for those who plan ahead. Students can get some particularly good rates, some starting as low as $10 per seat. Any money spent here will be well-spent, regardless – and be sure to check out the Jacobs Art Gallery downstairs.
4.     Enjoy an indie film at the Bijou
An Ethos favorite, the independent nature of the Bijou Art Cinema – and its amazing popcorn – is something you must simply experience for yourself. If you want to see a recent cinematic release of a film that probably isn’t in the big theaters, this is the place to go. The atmosphere of the place is great, too; not many other theaters have their own courtyard. You even get a dollar off the normal price of $7 if you show them your current student ID.
5.     Hit up the wave park
Although willingly submerging yourself in water in the middle of an already wet Oregon winter may seem the definition of insanity, the Splash! wave pool is both warm and indoors, both marks in its favor. It’s also fairly cheap (around $6) and entirely too much fun. Plus, there’s a spa available after you’re done facing down artificial waves.
6.     Visit the Breitenbush Hotsprings
Speaking of water, if you’re staying in Oregon but have a car and an inclination to make a bit of a road trip,  the Breitenbush Hotsprings Retreat and Conference Center just outside of Detroit, Oregon is quite the unique experience. Starting at $55/night, you can relax in one of the many amazing pools and be quite comfortable, no matter what the outside temperature might be. They feed you, too. This is a very alternative lifestyle sort of place, and clothing is very much optional, so be prepared. Still, if you have the time and money, it’s worth every penny.
7.     Go wandering around the Holiday Market
No Eugene recommended winter activity list would be complete without a mention of the Holiday Market, and for good reason. The variety of hand-made arts and crafts you can find here can be a little overwhelming, albeit in a good way, and the music, food, community shows, and nearby Farmer’s Market can keep you entertained for hours. Even if you’re going as a pauper, you’ll be fine. You don’t need to spend a cent to enjoy yourself.
8.     Go storm watching on the Oregon coast
If you or someone you know has a car, this is a good one, and fairly unique to winter. On a stormy day, drive yourself the little less than an hour to Florence, and from there go to the cost. Then, find a good spot, park your car, and watch the ocean and the rain. It’s quite the experience. This one’s particularly good if you’re not single – cuddling up with someone to watch the waves certainly adds to the experience – but it’s worth the trip either way.
9.     Enjoy a pint at Davis’
The Davis Restaurant and Bar is a bit of a rarity; it manages to both be a very classy and atmospheric establishment and still offer decently affordable drinks. They have a wide assortment of local ales and spirits, and serve an excellent pint of Guinness and other imports if that’s more your thing. Excellent food, too, if you’re willing to shell out a little extra for it. Happy hour is, as always, the time to visit – and bring a friend.
10.  Go wine tasting
 On the topic of spirits, Eugene is quite close to a variety of wineries (such as the well-known Sweet Cheeks Winery), almost all of which offer free wine and cheese tasting. Spiced wines are in season right now, and are exceptionally good at warming a body up. Make sure to bring friends – it’s definitely one of those “the more the merrier” sort of activities. Find a kind soul who’s willing to be the designated driver, too, because you will almost certainly be buzzed by the end of it.