Discovering Southern Oregon – July 2024
SUMMER IS UPON US and the best way to enjoy it is to head outdoors to soak up the long, warm days and nights. Get your shorts, sandals, sunscreen and sunglasses on, uncover your boats and boards, and enjoy our favorite 10 Summer Outdoor Activities.
Outdoor Music—At the heart of Jacksonville is live music we are so lucky to enjoy all year round. And when summer arrives, it all moves outdoors. Britt Music & Arts Festival, with our own, first-class 2200-seat amphitheater, will host 30+ live concerts this summer. On Britt nights, the streets of Jacksonville are hopping, and the air is filled with energy—it’s a magical time. Britt is just part of the outdoor music scene in Jacksonville. In summer, South Stage Cellars moves their stage outdoors, Red Lily Vineyards hosts Thursday night concerts on their beach along the Applegate River for the whole family, Dos Mariposas Vineyards & Lavender Farm and Rellik Winery host music (and are great family destinations,) along with Daisy Creek, Remotion, Hummingbird Estate, DANCIN, and Parkhurst wineries with live, outdoor music.
Rivers & Lakes—I’m happiest when I get into the waters of Southern Oregon while rafting the Rogue, boating at Lake of the Woods, swimming and fishing in the Applegate, Jet Boating, Kayaking the Wood River—there are many ways to enjoy the water.
Outdoor Dining—For me, it’s a nice treat to eat out but an even nicer treat if it has a great outdoor atmosphere. For outdoor eating you can start your day sitting outside with a cup of coffee watching the world go by at Pony Espresso or GoodBean Coffee. Other sweet spots include the Bella Union, with seating under the shade of a 100-year-old wisteria vine and C-Street Bistro with lovely outside seating under a huge tree, too. The new Rogue Ales just opened in the beer garden at Bigham Knoll with lots of shaded outdoor space to enjoy.
Outdoor Plays—I have not been to an outdoor theater that is as impressive as the Elizabethan Theater in Ashland. Currently playing, Much Ado About Nothing, this hilarious music-filled production will have you laughing out loud. The play runs through October 12th and is performed every other day at 8pm. Tickets available at www.tickets.osfashland.org.
Crater Lake National Park—One of the more spectacular National Parks is just about 1.5 hours away. The drive is part of the adventure as you travel through the river town of Shady Cove, past Lost Creek reservoir and through Union Creek. Once there, head to the Crater Lake Lodge for lunch and ask the front desk if they have tickets for the boat tours. The lake is stunning with its bright blue water and dramatic volcanic cliffs. The deepest point is 1,949 feet making it the deepest lake in the United States. Make sure you allow time to drive completely around the rim and stop at the scenic overlooks. We would also recommend the additional drive to the Pinnacles Overlook. See www.discoveringsouthernoregon.com for more tips on the trip or the Crater Lake website at https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm.
Wine Trolley—The best way to enjoy the 7 wineries within a mile of town is by Trolley. Running Friday-Sunday until fall. From the trolley you can wine taste at 7 wineries which include a stunning mansion, an alpaca farm, a lavender farm, as you enjoy wine with small bites.
Doc Griffin Park—The park on south 5th street in Jacksonville is active all year round but in the summer from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Spray Park for the kids is open…and they love it. As you approach the park you can hear the overwhelming sound of kids laughing and screaming as they run through the cold water. This is a wonderful family park and if you want something that brings a smile to your face, go hear the laughing voices of kids playing.
Lavender Farms—An amazing lavender experience awaits you on the Southern Oregon Lavender Trail. See 37 lavender varieties at 7 different farms. Most farms offer u-pick lavender, exquisite lavender products and crafts, classes, plants and essential oils. See page 5 of this issue for more information.
Jacksonville Sunday Market—Held on the lawn of City Hall at the corner of 5th & California, discover arts, crafts, fresh produce, mouthwatering foods, drinks, and wine tasting…all to the backdrop of live music. Sundays, 9am-2pm, through October 15th. www.jacksonville-sunday-market.com.
Drive to the Coast—The Southern Oregon Coast can have nice weather all year round, but in the summer, it can be an especially nice break when the temperatures here in the Rogue Valley exceed 90 degrees or if smoke blows in. The drive through Applegate Valley, Illinois Valley and along the Smith River is stunning. Once at the coast the best destination is the 12-mile stretch of Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor on the rugged coastline between the towns of Brookings and Gold Beach. There are about 12 pullouts that lead to overlooks, picnic areas, trails and beaches. Our favorites are Indian Sands, and Secret Beach, which is actually a few beautiful beaches, some that can only be accessed at low tide, with imposing tree-covered sea stacks offshore. https://stateparks.oregon.gov.
There is so much to do outdoors in Southern Oregon that we have personally decided to take our travel vacations in the winter and staycation here all summer long. So, get out there and enjoy all the summer fun. We will look for you on the river, on a trolley, along the coast, at a winery, and at a Britt Concert!