Harlow - Eugene, OR Area Guide

Eugene's earliest residents were the Calapooya tribe of Native Americans. Agriculture, milling and transportation were the main industries, with steady steamship trade between Eugene and Portland. Lumbering became the most important industry during the late 19th century, with saw mills and shingle mills predominating the landscape. The University of Oregon was founded in 1872, opening the age of Eugene as a cultural center. The area has maintained a liveable feel despite industrialization, remaining a well kept and even park-like city due to extensive trees and landscaping. Today, Eugene is known for high-tech industries, education, and the wine industry among others.

Museums in the Harlow area include the Science Factory Children's museum, the Museum of Natural History and Culture and the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art across the river. The Annual Art and the Vineyard event draws thousands of art and wine lovers to Alton Baker Park for tastings and art displays.

Restaurants in the Harlow district can be found along Coburg Road on the western edge of the area and to the south near Alton Baker Park. Options include Hawaiian, Thai and Mexican cuisine, as well as Eugene interpretations of American fare.

Locals sing praises of Cafe 440, a casual restaurant with delicious twists on classic comfort foods like mac and cheese. The cafe prides itself on creating a system which recycles brown water and grease, making it one of the most environmentally conscious dining options around. Perhaps more importantly for a restaurant, their food tastes amazing while consisting of many locally sourced ingredients. Try the Blackberry BBQ Salmon with garlic-herb mashed potatoes and apple blue cheese coleslaw for an innovative interpretation of seafood cuisine.

For great ambiance and stellar Thai and Pacific Rim cuisine, look no further than Sabai Cafe and Bar, offering upscale yet affordable menus with a pronounced attention to detail. Thai-born co-owner, Mon, brings authenticity to the time-honored and Asian fusion dishes, showcasing exotic flavors from extensive experience and travel. Try the mussels in tom kha or green curry sauce for an exciting combination of Northwest seafood with Thai spices.

Fans of the Oregon Ducks and karaoke can head over to the O Bar, featuring an abundance of the aforementioned. Head to McMenamins North Bank for a pint of house beer on the Willamette River.

Harlow is centrally located and offers bike routes and walking paths as well as easily-accessed highways and thruways. Biking is very safe here and popular. Public transit presents another great option on Lane Transit District buses, taking Harlow residents to downtown and other Eugene and Springfield neighborhoods. Hailing a cab can be difficult here, but plenty of local companies provide service via telephone. Uber can be used as well within the Eugene and Springfield region. Public parking remains generally easy to find, however during Oregon Ducks games and Alton Park events, the southern region of the neighborhood can be difficult to access and especially hard to find parking.

Harlow contains one of the best parks in Lane County, Alton Baker Park. The area is comprised of two sections, the more developed West Alton Baker Park, containing the Autzen Stadium, Science Factory Children's Museum and the Cuthbert Amphitheater. The eastern portion of Alton Baker consists of the 237-acre Whilamut Natural Area, with trails, interpretive signs and easy access to a peaceful natural environment.

Alton Baker Park has so much to offer, including an off-leash area for dogs, a BMX track, boat launch, exercise stations and several sports courts and fields. Pre's Trail covers a 4-mile long walking and running trail popular with training athletes and weekend warriors alike which winds through both sections of Alton Baker. Whilamut Natural Area feels like a world away from the city, proving respite from the rush and bustle of Eugene. Alton Baker remains free of charge and appeals to kids and adults of all ages. Non-profit Nearby Nature leads educational camps and workshops at the park as well.

Cost of living in Harlow sits slightly higher than the city average and somewhat higher than the national average. Public transit to the downtown area costs $1.75. The average rent for a one-bedroom residence stands at $775. The typical price of a beer at a local pub is $3-5, and less for options like PBR cans and equivalents. Gas prices remain around 11 percent higher in Harlow compared with the national average.

Shopping options in Harlow include a mall and outlet center with dozens of stores like Nordstrom Rack and Bed Bath and Beyond, and practical goods on Corburn Avenue. Other shopping choices are spread throughout the neighborhood.

The Duck Store will excite any fan of the Oregon Ducks and collegiate football. Students, professors and fans flock to the brick and mortar for outerwear, art supplies, teaching materials, books and shoes. Stop in today to show some pride for Oregon's favorite college teams with authorized memorabilia, decals and bumper stickers. Nurses and health care practitioners will love the Ducks themed scrubs.

Newtwist's designer jewelry, handbags and home decor accessories will wow aficionados of fine jewelry and boutique goods. The bright shop with exposed wood and crisp lighting draws in shoppers looking for that perfect accent for the home or fine jewelry for body decor. Owner Colleen Stangeland has put her soul into crafting an inviting space while curating some of the best wares in the Northwest.

Albertsons, Trader Joe's and Natural Grocers can be found in the west side of the neighborhood near the Eugene Country Club. A colorful farmers market in nearby downtown offers fresh produce and locally produced goods.