You can shop for one-of-a-kind crafts at Eugene's Saturday Market (tel. 541/686-8885; www.eugenesaturdaymarket.org), which covers more than 2 downtown blocks beginning at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Oak Street. The bustling market was founded in 1970 and is something of a bastion of hippie crafts. There are also food vendors, fresh produce, and live music. The market, held April through mid-November, takes place on Saturdays between 10am to 5pm.
Other days of the week, you can explore the Market District, a 6-block area of restored buildings that houses unusual shops, galleries, restaurants, and nightclubs. The Fifth Street Public Market, 296 E. Fifth St. (tel. 541/484-0383; www.5thstreetmarket.com), at the corner of Fifth Avenue and High Street, is the centerpiece of the area. In this shopping center, you'll find New Twist (tel. 541/342-8686), selling fine crafts and wildly artistic jewelry; French Quarter (tel. 541/343-8904), selling fine linens; Destinations (tel. 541/302-0787), a travel store; and Nike (tel. 541/342-5155). Directly across Fifth Avenue is the 5th & Pearl building, which houses a couple of restaurants and a few more shops. Also nearby is Down to Earth, 532 Olive St. (tel. 541/342-6820; www.down-to-earth.com), a fascinating garden and housewares shop housed in an old granary building.
If you're interested in art, there is a monthly First Friday Artwalk during which downtown art galleries have openings and stay open late. For information, contact the Lane Arts Council, 99 W. 10th Ave., Suite 100 (tel. 541/485-2278; www.lanearts.org).
