I’d like to plan a trip to visit colleges in Portland and Eugene. I’d also like to visit Medford all in 3-days! ~ Marnie S.

First of all, you can certainly fly in to the Medford area or begin even in Eugene or Portland.  That depends on you of course.  Portland is just shy of 2-1/2 hours north from the Eugene area.  Medford is about 3 hours south of Eugene.  So, if you fly in to Portland, you can spend one whole day enjoying the city and touring a few colleges.  As you may already know, Portland is home to many colleges/universities and I just happened to have driven by Reed College today… it’s gorgeous!  You could really spend several days here but I know you have three days so one day in Portland will give you a small idea of what it’s like here.

From the Portland area, I would almost say to jet down to Medford and spend one night there and come back up to Eugene from there the next afternoon or evening.  Usually I tell folks to stay of I 5 driving however you have a lot of ground to cover.  So, heading from Medford back up to Eugene, I would first stop at Lillie Belle Chocolate:  http://www.lilliebellefarms.com for some road snacks!  Also, grab some of Southern Oregon’s delicious cheese right next door at Rogue Creamery:  http://www.roguecreamery.com/store/  You can grab some bread there too and to experience the greatness of Southern Oregon on a road trip is a good thing!  Both places are just outside Medford in Central Point.

The University of Oregon is a gorgeous campus.  Take the tour!!  You will find the campus has a certain feel that exudes it’s history, it’s place in Oregon and a vibe that is young and exciting.  I have taken the tour of the campus a few times and suggest that you bring your camera and settle somewhere for a coffee and enjoy!

For lodging ideas, I am going to suggest you check out www.obbg.org  I happen to be an B & B inspector for The Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild and there are tons of great B & B’s along the route for you to choose from!

Here’s a list that may make it easier:

Touvelle House B & B:  http://www.touvellehouse.com  In Jacksonville if you decide you have time to drive just a tad further than Medford.  This is totally worth the extra few miles and plus… Jacksonville is a “must see” as far as I am concerned!

C’lest a Vie Inn is a great neighborhood location in Eugene and not too far from Ninkasi… a place to grab a delicious local beer.  In the Portland area, I would highly suggest you check out Ace Hotel, it is the best location to “feel the city” and experience true Portland fun!  Kenny and Zukes on the corner have the best bagels and Powell’s is just a block away… you have to check out Powells!

I hope this info has helped and please let me know if I can help you further!  You have a lot to cover in just three days!  Have fun and thanks for your AskOR question!

Debbie

Travel Oregon AskOR Willamette Valley Expert.  You can find my blog at: www.whitebreadandjam.blogspot.com

p.s.  in Eugene… check out The Vintage for food and the Sweet Life for dessert!!  Yum!!