Fifth Street Public Market, Eugene, Oregon

The Northwest has several open air markets that offer plenty of different stores and goods. One of the more popular places for Northwestern residents to go is Fifth Street Public Market in Eugene, Oregon. At this market visitors can find real flavor and entertainment with a variety of different types of food, local artists, and music. The market has been open for several years, and is considered historical. There are a number of shops, restaurants, and art galleries that mix together for the perfect place for the entire family. The market even has WiFi.

Market hours are 10m to 7pm Monday through Saturday, and Sunday 11am to 5pm. The International Cafes are open 8:30am to 7pm Monday through Saturday and 9am to 6pm on Sunday. To reach the market one must take a trip into downtown Eugene to Fifth and High Street.

The public market opened in 1976; however, the area where the market was placed has a longer history. The original building was constructed in 1929 as a poultry business. It served Lane County until the 1970's. There were numerous expansions and remodels throughout the years, the last being completed in 1992. In 1992 a new entrance was fashioned. Crafts people and farmers were able to rent booth space for two dollars a day when the market first opened. Today there are retail spaces rather than booths. Many of the companies at the market are regional retailers in the state of Oregon now.

Fifth Street Public Market is in the heart of Eugene's Historic district with jazz bars, restaurants, and nightlife surrounding it. It is known as the place for great food, coffee, and entertainment. A number of international food cafes and other restaurants support the area. There is no other place in Eugene that has this wide variety of exotic food. There are even balconies on other buildings that overlook the brick fountain.

Shops and restaurants located on the premises include Cafe Glendi, Casablanca, Go Fish, Marche Cafe, Noli Italian Cafe, Marche, Sushi Pure, Ameriprise Financial, CC McKenzie, Destinations, Domaine Meriwether Wines, Elephants Trunk, Extreme Arts and Sciences, and Lifestyle Store. Also a part of the market is Gervais Salon and Aveda, Heart Gallery, Hohback, K Dunn and Associates, LaVelle Vineyards Club Room, Lexi Dog Boutique, Melange, Mindy's Needlepoint, New Twist, Obie Industries, Rhythm and Blooms, and Shoetini's. The Candy Baron, Timberpeg, Toko Asia, and Tom James of Eugene are at the market too.

The public market is made up of two floors with a courtyard on the second floor. The retail space varies in size to accommodate the different shops. There are many amenities shoppers can find at the public market. There is tax free shopping, gifts certificates, the lost and found, parking on site, restrooms, an outdoor sound system with music, outdoor dining, and bicycle racks. There is also a community room for children and adults to enjoy. Reservations are needed for groups and should be made one month in advance. Skateboards and in line skates are not allowed.