1. 5th Street Market

You can find everything at this quaint market without the stressful mall crowds. They have shops ranging from boutique, vintage clothing to fresh Oregon picked flowers.

If you're like me, and you're totally broke and making handmade cards for Christmas, it's also just a pretty place to walk around and people watch.

Provisions Market Hall is one of the best stops here. They offer wines, cheeses, pastries and unique gifts you won't find anywhere else. Finish your holiday shopping and then chill in the cafe with a Stumptown coffee.

2. DIY Tea & Beyond

There's no doubt that this place serves the best boba in Eugene! Try the Earl Grey. It's amazing! Cuddle with this big guy on the comfy couch.If you try to take him with you though, bear-napping will get you in some serious trouble and banned from the shop forever. (I'm totally not speaking from experience...)

3. Sweet Life Patisserie

Don't let the prices scare you away. The chocolate mousse cake (a fudge base filled with chocolate mousse!) is worth every single bite. A friend once told me their secret to dieting is to "treat yourself with one delicious thing a day, ice cream, a cookie, cake, choose one thing." I would pick this place every day!

4. Voodoo Doughnut

This is a must-do on your Oregon bucket list. I recommend visiting the shop in Eugene for a much shorter line. I wasn't disappointed with the Portland Cream, but take your time and pick whichever doughnut speaks to your inner soul. It could be the "Old Dirty Bastard" or "Cock N Balls." I'm not kidding. Those are the actual menu names.

Don't forget Voodoo is cash only.

5. Pewter Rabbit Antiques

I loved exploring this little shop. Unfortunately, it is in the process of closing down after 33 years. If you are visiting Eugene in the next couple weeks, take advantage of this place while it lasts. It's selection is completely unique and one-of-a-kind in every way.

6. Beergarden

If there's one thing I loved most about Oregon, it's the beer and the food trucks. Beergarden has both under one roof. It's dog-friendly too! You can find amazing, affordable poke bowls alongside gourmet gorgonzola mac and cheese. Get full and get wasted without breaking the bank.

7. 541 Sushi Bar

Looking for conveyor belt sushi under $2 a pop? This is the place. There's nothing exotic rolling by, but it's simple and delicious. You can add on Miso soup for a buck!

8. Dutch Bros

I'm not exaggerating when I say that Dutch Brothers Coffee is a literal coffee shack serving lattes, macchiatos and smoothies. I want one in my back yard, please.

It's an alternative to Starbucks or McDonalds, with just as many menu options but quicker, friendlier service. The lids on their holiday cups say, "We'll get through this together." They know us coffee people. They really do.

9. The Kiva Grocery

I stumbled upon this place when leaving the Eugene Library. It's tucked away, but don't let the grungy outside fool you. It's got every thing you can imagine inside. Fresh tea leaves fill the shelves next to vinegars, Oregon coffee beans and honey cubes.

They've got enough organic, natural and local groceries to feed an entire hippie village. It's all super cheap, tax-free and delicious.

10. Skinner Butte

Eugene is truly a mini-Portland. If you get lucky enough to catch the sun peeking out from behind the clouds, make sure to make the trip up the hill to Skinner Buttee for a view of the entire town.

Oh, and there will probably be a woman their selling pot brownies.

11. University of Oregon Campus

Fall is prime time to visit campus. I was lucky enough to catch it on a rare sunny day over Thanksgiving Break. It's quiet and cozy and felt like home in so many ways. It reminded me of Penn State, but on a smaller scale.

There's dogs everywhere, friendly smiles and west-coast vibes that you can't help but absorb and fall in love with.