The Willamette Valley & Wine Country - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 504

Thousands of rhododendrons and azaleas erupt into bloom here in the spring, along with
dogwoods and daffodils, peaking in May. The garden is part of a larger park that features
native trees and shrubs, and during the rest of the year it's a quiet retreat with occasional
lovely views worthy of a picnic. To get there head south on Agate St, turn left on 21st
and left again on Fairmont, then right on Summit.
Science Factory MUSEUM
( 541-682-7888; www.sciencefactory.org ; 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy; admission $4, 2yr & under free;
10am-4pm Wed-Sun, daily Jul & Aug; ) Parents and kids will love this children's mu-
seum, located in Alton Baker Park. Hands-on exhibits and live lizards and frogs are
among the highlights; weekend planetarium shows cost extra. Expansive lawns outside
for picnics and expending youthful energy.
Activities
Pacific Tree Climbing Institute TREE CLIMBING
( 866-653-8733; www.pacifictreeclimbing.com ) Release your inner child and learn how to
climb trees with this Eugene-based organization. Both day trips and overnight expedi-
tions (that include spending the night up in a tree!) are available, and you won't need any
climbing experience to partake - though being in good shape helps.
Festivals & Events
Oregon Bach Festival MUSIC
( 800-457-1486; www.oregonbachfestival.com ; late-mid-Jul) The great composer takes
center stage, but other classical heavyweights like Beethoven, Brahms and Dvorak get a
look-in as well.
Oregon Country Fair CARNIVAL
( 541-343-4298; www.oregoncountryfair.org ; late Jun-mid-Jul) This is a riotous celebra-
tion of Eugene's folksy, hippie past and present.
Oregon Festival of American Music MUSIC
(OFAM; 541-687-6526; www.ofam.org ; early Aug) American music is celebrated with a
week-long concert series of jazz and contemporary show tunes.