It’s been said that no decision should be made on an empty stomach — or an empty shopping bag. Fortunately, when your home base is The Vineyards at Stage Pass, you’re never far from an amazing meal or must-have curio. And those Oregon sunstone earrings you picked up will look great over mushroom ripini lasagna and a bottle of Stage Pass Estate Rosé for dinner. Now that was a smart decision.
From casual fare to fine dining, ethnic to all-American, quick snacks to leisurely meals, southern Oregon has a full menu of dining delights. The Rogue Valley has an abundance of delectable food, much of which is complemented by the local wines and craft brews. Would you like a view with your meal? The challenge will be settling on which one. Want to try a different local burg? Along with Jacksonville and Medford, you’ll find an equally appetizing dining scene in nearby Ashland and Grants Pass. Locally sourced. Locally owned. Four seasons of fabulous and a dish for every palate. That’s dining in the Rogue Valley. Hope you’re hungry.
Rogue Creamery has been drawing from the beauty and flavors of the Rogue Valley since 1933. Today, their 100% organic cheese, “handmade with love in southern Oregon,” is known — and enjoyed — the world over. Crater Lake Blue. Hopyard Cheddar. Oregonzola. 85th Anniversary Ale Cheese. And the is-it-a-cheddar-or-is-it-a-jack Touvelle Original Cheese. If you think the names are great, just wait till you try the cheese! Stop by their Cheese Shop in Central Point’s Artisan Corridor and you can see the cheddar production room, sample their entire line, build your own mixed cheese board and learn how to pair handmade cheese with wine, beer and cider.
“Buy local” has become a rallying cry for selecting one-of-a-kind hometown shops and stores over their cookie-cutter national counterparts. And for good reason. When you shop at a local boutique, gallery, butcher or florist, you get a firsthand look at the heart of the community. Quaint and historic Main Street storefronts. Special places tucked away off the beaten path. From the old-school corner grocer to the eclectic lifestyle market that’s filled with funky, junky, farmhouse and cool, friendly locals are waiting to show you their wares. And shopping at an artisan’s market or local bazaar gives you the chance to buy directly from the local maker.
Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market features 150-plus local growers, crafters and artisan food makers. The weekly market in Medford each Thursday runs from early March through mid-November, outdoors in the beautifully renovated Hawthorne Park. You never know what you’ll find but it’s sure to be just what you need. Organic kombucha? Heritage pork? Homegrown blueberries, blackberries and golden raspberries? Whether it’s medicinal herbs and crafted-for-you jewelry or pine cone bird feeders and hand-dyed scarves, you’ll find it all here — and so much more.
JVille Market is a small farmer’s market in Jacksonville each Sunday, May through October. Located on the lawn of the historic Jacksonville Courthouse, the JVille Market features more than 70 vendors — half of which are talented local crafters. Plus farm-fresh organic produce from the Valley, as well as fresh-baked breads, naturally raised beef and delicious beverages and treats. Looking to burn off a little of that strawberry and rhubarb fruit galete? Move to the beat with live music every Sunday at 11:30.
Rogue Creamery’s Rogue River Blue Cheese was named