Emily's Rogue Region Guidebook
Food scene
If, like me, you want to eat as much organic, local food as possible, this little hole-in-the-wall grocery place is hard to beat. They are really nice, and have really nice prices.
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Farmers Market station
If, like me, you want to eat as much organic, local food as possible, this little hole-in-the-wall grocery place is hard to beat. They are really nice, and have really nice prices.
In my opinion, this is the best bakery in Southern Oregon, and very much worth the drive. I especially love their savory turnovers. They also sell giftable jam from their own berry fields.
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Pennington Farms
11341 Williams HwyIn my opinion, this is the best bakery in Southern Oregon, and very much worth the drive. I especially love their savory turnovers. They also sell giftable jam from their own berry fields.
Best coffee on the west coast, hands down. Possibly the best coffee in the Western Hemisphere. They always win awards. My favorite hot drink is the Salty Dog. The Summer Love is possibly the most uniquely refreshing cold brew coffee drink ever concocted.
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Rogue Roasters
610 SW 6th StBest coffee on the west coast, hands down. Possibly the best coffee in the Western Hemisphere. They always win awards. My favorite hot drink is the Salty Dog. The Summer Love is possibly the most uniquely refreshing cold brew coffee drink ever concocted.
My absolute favorite restaurant in Grants Pass. Really satisfying, unique and gourmet foods, not to mention a top-notch wine bar. It’s a good place for a date, not for kids!
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The Twisted Cork
210 SW 6th StMy absolute favorite restaurant in Grants Pass. Really satisfying, unique and gourmet foods, not to mention a top-notch wine bar. It’s a good place for a date, not for kids!
Excellent pizza and beer-battered fries, even better in-house brews, including their own root beer for the kids and designated drivers.
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Wild River Brewing & Pizza Co. (Grants Pass)
595 NE E StExcellent pizza and beer-battered fries, even better in-house brews, including their own root beer for the kids and designated drivers.
Wonderful and imaginative menu of local favorites, especially for brunch.
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Ma Mosa's
118 NW E StWonderful and imaginative menu of local favorites, especially for brunch.
This has been the butcher of choice for all the locals as long as I have lived in the Rogue Valley. They usually have fresh-caught local seafood, too. Best smoked steelhead anywhere, if they have it in stock. Even for a vegetarian, their deli has plenty of delicious options, and the market has all sorts of gourmet goodies.
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Cartwright's Market
825 Union AveThis has been the butcher of choice for all the locals as long as I have lived in the Rogue Valley. They usually have fresh-caught local seafood, too. Best smoked steelhead anywhere, if they have it in stock. Even for a vegetarian, their deli has plenty of delicious options, and the market has all sorts of gourmet goodies.
Fabulous selection of Oregon microbrews, wines and meads. They have a lot of things on tap that you can’t get anywhere else except the brewery or vineyard. They are super knowledgeable and will probably pair you and your meal with a brew that will blow you away to beverage bliss. Also their offerings change seasonally and for special occasions.
Frank N Stene's Monster Growlers
950 SW 6th StFabulous selection of Oregon microbrews, wines and meads. They have a lot of things on tap that you can’t get anywhere else except the brewery or vineyard. They are super knowledgeable and will probably pair you and your meal with a brew that will blow you away to beverage bliss. Also their offerings change seasonally and for special occasions.
Not much to look at, but all the food is EXCELLENT, and the proprietors are really nice, too. My favorite thing is the vegetarian sampler platter. I don’t know what the chef does to the rice, but it’s kind of like she gave it a ride on a magic carpet or something.
Abu's Oasis Deli
1330 NW 6th StNot much to look at, but all the food is EXCELLENT, and the proprietors are really nice, too. My favorite thing is the vegetarian sampler platter. I don’t know what the chef does to the rice, but it’s kind of like she gave it a ride on a magic carpet or something.
This little drive-through place has the best and freshest authentic burritos (and other Mexican food) in the Rogue Valley, and also traditional “aguas frescas” like horchata and jamaica on tap. They make their own tortillas onsite daily!! Yum! They have a location in Medford, near Jacksonville, as well. I usually get Combo #4 or #6, or a “Flying Saucer.”
Muchas Gracias
1999 NE 7th StThis little drive-through place has the best and freshest authentic burritos (and other Mexican food) in the Rogue Valley, and also traditional “aguas frescas” like horchata and jamaica on tap. They make their own tortillas onsite daily!! Yum! They have a location in Medford, near Jacksonville, as well. I usually get Combo #4 or #6, or a “Flying Saucer.”
Good authentic Mexican food and really friendly personnel, right across from Riverside Park, about 5 minutes’ walk from my cottage. I especially like their nachos.
El Molcajete Mexican Restaurant
201 E Park StGood authentic Mexican food and really friendly personnel, right across from Riverside Park, about 5 minutes’ walk from my cottage. I especially like their nachos.
A good restaurant and cocktail bar, with a romantic vibe, a fresh and varied American/northwest menu, and sometimes live music. But what especially keeps me coming back over and over is their cakes. Oh my goodness! All of them are pretty much to die for. My mouth is watering just thinking of the coconut one. We often just go for dessert.
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Blondies' Bistro
226 SW G StA good restaurant and cocktail bar, with a romantic vibe, a fresh and varied American/northwest menu, and sometimes live music. But what especially keeps me coming back over and over is their cakes. Oh my goodness! All of them are pretty much to die for. My mouth is watering just thinking of the coconut one. We often just go for dessert.
Best burgers and sweet potato fries in town. But mostly go for the quirky Wild West ambiance, inside and out.
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Circle J
241 SW G StBest burgers and sweet potato fries in town. But mostly go for the quirky Wild West ambiance, inside and out.
The closest memorable restaurant to my cottage is a Grants Pass icon, a gorgeous log structure on a grand scale, filled and surrounded by local art and boasting beautifully landscaped river views, both from the interior and the terrace. In my opinion, the food is just good, not great, but the presentation is nice, and the portions are generous.
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Taprock Northwest Grill
971 SE 6th StThe closest memorable restaurant to my cottage is a Grants Pass icon, a gorgeous log structure on a grand scale, filled and surrounded by local art and boasting beautifully landscaped river views, both from the interior and the terrace. In my opinion, the food is just good, not great, but the presentation is nice, and the portions are generous.
I usually try to stop here if I am making a day trip to the coast. Easily some of the best sushi and seaweed salad in the entire state. Really fresh, imaginative, and with pleasant staff and a wonderfully cozy, nautical ambiance.
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Pacific Sushi & Grill
613 Chetco AveI usually try to stop here if I am making a day trip to the coast. Easily some of the best sushi and seaweed salad in the entire state. Really fresh, imaginative, and with pleasant staff and a wonderfully cozy, nautical ambiance.
I used to live in India, and this place is by far the most authentically delicious Indian food in all the Rogue Valley. They use many local and organic ingredients, and the ambiance is very charming and romantic (not kitschy like many places) as well. In my opinion, it’s worth the 45 minute drive from my cottage in Grants Pass, especially if you are going to Ashland for the Shakespeare festival, ice-skating in Lithia Park, or other purposes. Start with a mango lassi or masala chai, and try their special organic Broccoli Masala dish. Sample the Gajar Halwa for dessert, if you like carrots or want something unique and exotic.
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Taj of Ashland
31 Water StI used to live in India, and this place is by far the most authentically delicious Indian food in all the Rogue Valley. They use many local and organic ingredients, and the ambiance is very charming and romantic (not kitschy like many places) as well. In my opinion, it’s worth the 45 minute drive from my cottage in Grants Pass, especially if you are going to Ashland for the Shakespeare festival, ice-skating in Lithia Park, or other purposes. Start with a mango lassi or masala chai, and try their special organic Broccoli Masala dish. Sample the Gajar Halwa for dessert, if you like carrots or want something unique and exotic.
Drive-through or walk-up place with good coffee drinks and really fresh, quick food, mostly with kind of a Mexican flair. I love their jalapeño papas. And I love the fact that it takes less than 10 minutes to walk there, at a leisurely pace.
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Casablanca Coffee & Grill
686 Union AveDrive-through or walk-up place with good coffee drinks and really fresh, quick food, mostly with kind of a Mexican flair. I love their jalapeño papas. And I love the fact that it takes less than 10 minutes to walk there, at a leisurely pace.
Stopping here on a day at the beach has become a favorite family tradition. They have a quirky coastal ambiance and a massive selection of both saltwater taffy and delicious, reasonably priced ice cream, including lots of imaginative and humorous sundaes in both hungry adult and very small children’s sizes. My boys love the one with “dirt” and “worms” in it. They also have souvenirs and espresso drinks. We wander around the harbor admiring the fishing boats while consuming our treats!
Slugs 'N Stones 'N Ice Cream Cones
16360 Lower Harbor RdStopping here on a day at the beach has become a favorite family tradition. They have a quirky coastal ambiance and a massive selection of both saltwater taffy and delicious, reasonably priced ice cream, including lots of imaginative and humorous sundaes in both hungry adult and very small children’s sizes. My boys love the one with “dirt” and “worms” in it. They also have souvenirs and espresso drinks. We wander around the harbor admiring the fishing boats while consuming our treats!
Dutch Bros Coffee is a Grants Pass icon. The corporate headquarters is over on G Street, and there are at least 7 locations in town, my favorite being the walk-in one on 6th and D. Their tasty and cheerfully served coffee drinks (and other beverages) are some of the most reasonably-priced in the drive-through genre, and the company has a positive ethos and compelling backstory.
https://www.dutchbros.com/our-story
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Bros._Coffee
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Dutch Bros
1698 NE 7th StDutch Bros Coffee is a Grants Pass icon. The corporate headquarters is over on G Street, and there are at least 7 locations in town, my favorite being the walk-in one on 6th and D. Their tasty and cheerfully served coffee drinks (and other beverages) are some of the most reasonably-priced in the drive-through genre, and the company has a positive ethos and compelling backstory.
https://www.dutchbros.com/our-story
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Bros._Coffee
The only way to get better bread in Southern Oregon is to bake it yourself, and that’s only if you’ve been baking for most of your life. The selection changes daily and seasonally, but is always excellent! I am partial to their 5-seed Dakota bread and Challah. They also have good pastries, sandwiches, and cafe beverages.
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Great Harvest Bread Co.
203 Genessee StThe only way to get better bread in Southern Oregon is to bake it yourself, and that’s only if you’ve been baking for most of your life. The selection changes daily and seasonally, but is always excellent! I am partial to their 5-seed Dakota bread and Challah. They also have good pastries, sandwiches, and cafe beverages.
Sightseeing
Exhilarating, exciting, beautiful, informative... And depending on what guide you get, sometimes hilariously funny! This is my go-to treat for out-of-town visitors and special occasions. It’s pretty hard to beat. The food at the OK Corral is really good too, in a homey, wild west way.
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Hellgate Jetboat Excursions
966 SW 6th StExhilarating, exciting, beautiful, informative... And depending on what guide you get, sometimes hilariously funny! This is my go-to treat for out-of-town visitors and special occasions. It’s pretty hard to beat. The food at the OK Corral is really good too, in a homey, wild west way.
A beautiful, fairly easy 1-mile-loop hike through a variety of local ecosystems, with some interpretive placards and nice mountain views. There's a map and some pit toilets at the trailhead.
Limpy Creek
A beautiful, fairly easy 1-mile-loop hike through a variety of local ecosystems, with some interpretive placards and nice mountain views. There's a map and some pit toilets at the trailhead.
This is just one of those classic, weird, local, off-the-beaten-path touristy things to do. It is truly bizarre and mysteriously inexplicable. My kids love it. It doesn’t take too long and isn’t particularly commercialized.
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Oregon Vortex
4303 Sardine Creek L Fork RdThis is just one of those classic, weird, local, off-the-beaten-path touristy things to do. It is truly bizarre and mysteriously inexplicable. My kids love it. It doesn’t take too long and isn’t particularly commercialized.
Two great, moderate hikes (Upper Table Rock is a 3.3 mile loop, while Lower is a 4.8 mile out-and-back) with some of the most rewarding views in southern Oregon.
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Table Rock
Two great, moderate hikes (Upper Table Rock is a 3.3 mile loop, while Lower is a 4.8 mile out-and-back) with some of the most rewarding views in southern Oregon.
Many of the scenes from the Endor moon (think Ewoks) in Star Wars were filmed in the redwood groves here. It’s so lushly quiet and alive, it’s otherworldly. Watch out for rogue speeders or malfunctioning walkers. Just kidding. You’re more likely to see some gnomes, or even Bigfoot!
Smith River
Many of the scenes from the Endor moon (think Ewoks) in Star Wars were filmed in the redwood groves here. It’s so lushly quiet and alive, it’s otherworldly. Watch out for rogue speeders or malfunctioning walkers. Just kidding. You’re more likely to see some gnomes, or even Bigfoot!
One of the most beautiful and weird things about this part of the world it its ridiculous botanical biodiversity. And long before carnivorous humans started coming here to hunt and fish, carnivorous dragon lilies were quietly and elegantly upending the food chain. If you love nature but hate mosquitoes, here’s some poetic vengeance.  Best in late spring/early summer. https://www.blm.gov/visit/eight-dollar-mountain
Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Wayside
Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical WaysideOne of the most beautiful and weird things about this part of the world it its ridiculous botanical biodiversity. And long before carnivorous humans started coming here to hunt and fish, carnivorous dragon lilies were quietly and elegantly upending the food chain. If you love nature but hate mosquitoes, here’s some poetic vengeance.  Best in late spring/early summer. https://www.blm.gov/visit/eight-dollar-mountain
A quiet, scenic little park on the river, with some picnic tables and steep footpaths to the water’s edge, where fly fishermen often try their luck. Its best feature is a very scenic pedestrian suspension bridge over the Rogue River and into the huge and varied Reinhart Volunteer Park.
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Tussing Park
800 W Park StA quiet, scenic little park on the river, with some picnic tables and steep footpaths to the water’s edge, where fly fishermen often try their luck. Its best feature is a very scenic pedestrian suspension bridge over the Rogue River and into the huge and varied Reinhart Volunteer Park.
Beautiful, mysterious, and fascinating, inside and out, and satisfies a craving for nature, even if the weather is rotten. We like to take a picnic when we go, if the weather is nice. Little kids cannot tour inside the caves if they are under the height limit.
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Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve
21000 Caves HwyBeautiful, mysterious, and fascinating, inside and out, and satisfies a craving for nature, even if the weather is rotten. We like to take a picnic when we go, if the weather is nice. Little kids cannot tour inside the caves if they are under the height limit.
One of the biggest, best beaches in Southern Oregon, and easy access, too!
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Crissey Field State Recreation Site
One of the biggest, best beaches in Southern Oregon, and easy access, too!
A really beautiful and secluded beach at the end of a short (under a mile) and wildly scenic hike. Perfect spot for a picnic, and often some wild berries. Great tide pools, stone arches, and ancient cypress trees.
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Endert Beach
A really beautiful and secluded beach at the end of a short (under a mile) and wildly scenic hike. Perfect spot for a picnic, and often some wild berries. Great tide pools, stone arches, and ancient cypress trees.
Not much to see here except for a lot of sand, waves, big rocks, driftwood, and blazing sunsets.
;-)
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Lone Ranch Beach
Not much to see here except for a lot of sand, waves, big rocks, driftwood, and blazing sunsets.
;-)
Local Color
Stuff that is just kind of unique and special, to give you a sense of place and engage your sense of wonder (and isn’t exactly foodie stuff or sight-seeing).
One of the reasons I love Grants Pass is that it still has a functional full-service pharmacy with an operational soda fountain. Order an ice cream or a phosphate and browse their quirkily curated inventory for a walk down memory lane, and a taste of authentic, old-fashioned Americana.
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Grants Pass Pharmacy
414 SW 6th StOne of the reasons I love Grants Pass is that it still has a functional full-service pharmacy with an operational soda fountain. Order an ice cream or a phosphate and browse their quirkily curated inventory for a walk down memory lane, and a taste of authentic, old-fashioned Americana.
You can watch traditional artisans at their work, buy a beautiful and one-of-a-kind souvenir, and even commission a custom creation. I often buy their ornaments/sun catchers as gifts, and there is a large permanent installation of their beautiful glass fish in the Three Rivers Community Hospital lobby.
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Glass Forge Gallery & Studio LLC
501 SW G StYou can watch traditional artisans at their work, buy a beautiful and one-of-a-kind souvenir, and even commission a custom creation. I often buy their ornaments/sun catchers as gifts, and there is a large permanent installation of their beautiful glass fish in the Three Rivers Community Hospital lobby.
Take a trip back in time to a place that probably hasn’t changed much since the Oregon Trail era. Established in the 1890s, this shop has a little (and by a little, I mean like one or two) of everything. Williams is a great little out-of-the-way mining and mill town with some very colorful characters. It’s also home of the Herb Pharm and Forest Farm native plant nursery. In the summer you can drive over the pass on Upper Powell Creek Road or Cave Camp Road to Selma or Cave Junction. But if you don’t have 4-wheel drive and a topo map, it might be best to get a drink and a snack and head down to Jacksonville or back to GP.
Williams General Store
20180 Williams HwyTake a trip back in time to a place that probably hasn’t changed much since the Oregon Trail era. Established in the 1890s, this shop has a little (and by a little, I mean like one or two) of everything. Williams is a great little out-of-the-way mining and mill town with some very colorful characters. It’s also home of the Herb Pharm and Forest Farm native plant nursery. In the summer you can drive over the pass on Upper Powell Creek Road or Cave Camp Road to Selma or Cave Junction. But if you don’t have 4-wheel drive and a topo map, it might be best to get a drink and a snack and head down to Jacksonville or back to GP.
He’s been sighted around here a LOT, but I guess he’s smarter than he looks, because as far as I know, all they ever caught was bears and the odd drunken college student. Still it’s a fun hike in a pretty spot. You’ll probably be watched, though...!
Bigfoot Trap
He’s been sighted around here a LOT, but I guess he’s smarter than he looks, because as far as I know, all they ever caught was bears and the odd drunken college student. Still it’s a fun hike in a pretty spot. You’ll probably be watched, though...!
There are loads of wonderful antiques shops in Grants Pass, and it would be very hard to pick a favorite. But this one is closest to my cottage, and it’s kind of an institution. It’s been a landmark for so long, that many locals use it in giving directions. They have other things besides antiques, as well. It’s a little bit thrift store, a little bit military surplus, a little bit of a spot to swap tall tales. Check out all the interesting photos on their Facebook page! https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Antique-Store/Danl-Boones-Trading-Post-334747877233405/
Dan'l Boone's Trading Post
470 Redwood HighwayThere are loads of wonderful antiques shops in Grants Pass, and it would be very hard to pick a favorite. But this one is closest to my cottage, and it’s kind of an institution. It’s been a landmark for so long, that many locals use it in giving directions. They have other things besides antiques, as well. It’s a little bit thrift store, a little bit military surplus, a little bit of a spot to swap tall tales. Check out all the interesting photos on their Facebook page! https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Antique-Store/Danl-Boones-Trading-Post-334747877233405/
Frequently changing exhibits are always nicely presented, and often inspiring.
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Grants Pass Museum of Art
229 SW G StFrequently changing exhibits are always nicely presented, and often inspiring.
It was hard to pick a category for this place, because it fits into all of them. Riverside is the cultural hub of Grants Pass, the center of all the action, if anything is going on. Boatnik jet boat racing, Memorial Day carnival and veteran tributes, 4th of July fireworks, fall fun and Halloween festivities, concerts and shows, the festively illuminated terminus of the Christmas Parade, etc. etc. etc.
But on ordinary days, it’s a marvelous place to play and picnic, and and just gaze at the river (or watch the Hellgate Jetboats leaving from and returning to their dock on the opposite bank). It has the best playground in town, a large new splash park, frisbee golf, a soccer field, and a basketball court. Encompassing one end of the famously historic Caveman Bridge, it also has an old fashioned bandshell gazebo, and a large pavilion that doubles as a grandstand for events. My kids pretty much always want to go there, and it’s only a five minute walk or skate, so we usually do!
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Riverside Park
304 E Park StIt was hard to pick a category for this place, because it fits into all of them. Riverside is the cultural hub of Grants Pass, the center of all the action, if anything is going on. Boatnik jet boat racing, Memorial Day carnival and veteran tributes, 4th of July fireworks, fall fun and Halloween festivities, concerts and shows, the festively illuminated terminus of the Christmas Parade, etc. etc. etc.
But on ordinary days, it’s a marvelous place to play and picnic, and and just gaze at the river (or watch the Hellgate Jetboats leaving from and returning to their dock on the opposite bank). It has the best playground in town, a large new splash park, frisbee golf, a soccer field, and a basketball court. Encompassing one end of the famously historic Caveman Bridge, it also has an old fashioned bandshell gazebo, and a large pavilion that doubles as a grandstand for events. My kids pretty much always want to go there, and it’s only a five minute walk or skate, so we usually do!
Saturday mornings three seasons. Everything you would expect from a small town farmers/artisans market.
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Grants Pass Growers Market
208 Northwest 6th StreetSaturday mornings three seasons. Everything you would expect from a small town farmers/artisans market.
I could have almost put this one in “for the kids” as we mainly go there a couple of times every fall for their crazy amazing corn maze/scavenger hunt and pumpkin patch/cow train/pumpkin cannon. But they have a great farmstand year round. If you are in Grants Pass in October you MUST go!!
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Fort Vannoy Farms
5791 Lower River RdI could have almost put this one in “for the kids” as we mainly go there a couple of times every fall for their crazy amazing corn maze/scavenger hunt and pumpkin patch/cow train/pumpkin cannon. But they have a great farmstand year round. If you are in Grants Pass in October you MUST go!!
For the Kids (and Playful Adults)
Stuff that is especially interesting to curious and energetic youngsters. But grown-ups will probably like it too.
Just a really great place to learn, play, and kill some time, especially on a rainy day.
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ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
1500 E Main StJust a really great place to learn, play, and kill some time, especially on a rainy day.
Really nice gym, with even nicer “Kidzone” indoor playground where you can leave munchkins for an hour to workout or do errands. They also have an in-house day spa that is rumored to be rather good.
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Club Northwest
2160 NW Vine StReally nice gym, with even nicer “Kidzone” indoor playground where you can leave munchkins for an hour to workout or do errands. They also have an in-house day spa that is rumored to be rather good.
This small town has a pretty nice big, skate park. So nice, in fact, that Tony Hawk stopped here on his Left Coast tour and did a show, a few years ago. One of many videos: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ_apcvuDx4
Grants Pass Skate Park
820 Southeast M StreetThis small town has a pretty nice big, skate park. So nice, in fact, that Tony Hawk stopped here on his Left Coast tour and did a show, a few years ago. One of many videos: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KZ_apcvuDx4
Locals call it simply “The Sports Park” or “All Sports Park.” It has paved trails, multiple ball fields of several types, volleyball sand pits, several fishing ponds, river access (no boat launch, though), playgrounds, pavilions, tennis courts, and basketball courts.
There’s also a surprising amount of wildlife, especially ducks, geese, squirrels, turtles, and deer. I’ve seen skunks and raccoons, as well.
To get there from my cottage, follow Park Street west away from the town center, and down the hill to Tussing Park. From there, cross the Rogue River on the pedestrian bridge. On the other side is Reinhart.
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Reinhart volonterski park
1690 SW Webster RdLocals call it simply “The Sports Park” or “All Sports Park.” It has paved trails, multiple ball fields of several types, volleyball sand pits, several fishing ponds, river access (no boat launch, though), playgrounds, pavilions, tennis courts, and basketball courts.
There’s also a surprising amount of wildlife, especially ducks, geese, squirrels, turtles, and deer. I’ve seen skunks and raccoons, as well.
To get there from my cottage, follow Park Street west away from the town center, and down the hill to Tussing Park. From there, cross the Rogue River on the pedestrian bridge. On the other side is Reinhart.
Spectacular views and surprisingly challenging terrain, for such a small mountain, including a black diamond bowl. One can have a very satisfying day of skiing/snowboarding here, without spending a fortune.
There’s also an observatory and access to a plethora of backcountry hiking/snowshoe/cross-country trails, including the Pacific Crest.
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Mt. Ashland Ski Area
11 Mt Ashland Ski RdSpectacular views and surprisingly challenging terrain, for such a small mountain, including a black diamond bowl. One can have a very satisfying day of skiing/snowboarding here, without spending a fortune.
There’s also an observatory and access to a plethora of backcountry hiking/snowshoe/cross-country trails, including the Pacific Crest.
We love this place. There is no better way to get up close and get educated about some of our beautiful and diverse local wildlife. But they also have a vital mission to rehabilitate and release injured animals back into their natural wild habitat whenever feasible. Really a wonderful institution. They also have an excellent gift shop.
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Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center
11845 Lower River RdWe love this place. There is no better way to get up close and get educated about some of our beautiful and diverse local wildlife. But they also have a vital mission to rehabilitate and release injured animals back into their natural wild habitat whenever feasible. Really a wonderful institution. They also have an excellent gift shop.
Services and Shopping
Various things a traveler (or resident) might need.
All sorts of tantalizing things (with an emphasis on food) that are made in Oregon, and/or are good souvenirs thereof.
Oregon Outpost
147 SW G StAll sorts of tantalizing things (with an emphasis on food) that are made in Oregon, and/or are good souvenirs thereof.
Full-service mail center, within ten minutes walk, offering USPS, Fed-Ex, and DHL. Notary, copy and printing, packaging, fingerprints, and greeting cards. An indispensable business resource, and the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly.
Speedy Pack & Ship
1630 Williams HwyFull-service mail center, within ten minutes walk, offering USPS, Fed-Ex, and DHL. Notary, copy and printing, packaging, fingerprints, and greeting cards. An indispensable business resource, and the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly.
A really nice bookstore, with a good selection for its size, and they can order anything within a day or two. As you might guess from the name, they focus on selections of regional interest or by local authors, but there is plenty else, as well.
Oregon Books and Games
150 NE E StA really nice bookstore, with a good selection for its size, and they can order anything within a day or two. As you might guess from the name, they focus on selections of regional interest or by local authors, but there is plenty else, as well.
My go-to spot for beautiful, stylish, and unique nursery, toddler, baby, and pregnancy items. Many of their products are eco-conscious, some are European, some are local. All are thoughtfully curated. They have a changing table in the restroom, and a play area for kids.
Chesi Jo's Baby Boutique
307 SW G StMy go-to spot for beautiful, stylish, and unique nursery, toddler, baby, and pregnancy items. Many of their products are eco-conscious, some are European, some are local. All are thoughtfully curated. They have a changing table in the restroom, and a play area for kids.
Food and supplies for pets (and livestock) of all stripes, western wear outfitter, exhaustive garden supply, and excellent plant nursery. You’ll also find country style home decor and farm-y health and beauty products, and a variety of snacks, many of them locally made.
Grange Co-op: Grants Pass
1710 SW Schutzwohl LnFood and supplies for pets (and livestock) of all stripes, western wear outfitter, exhaustive garden supply, and excellent plant nursery. You’ll also find country style home decor and farm-y health and beauty products, and a variety of snacks, many of them locally made.
All local artists, working in a huge variety of styles. Right below the art museum. Definitely worth a look if you are trying to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Gallery One
229B SW G StAll local artists, working in a huge variety of styles. Right below the art museum. Definitely worth a look if you are trying to find a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
A massive (bordering on insane) selection of movies and games, from blockbusters to indie to foreign. Their normal rates are reasonable, but they have this ongoing special deal of 7 movies, 7 days, $7. They have an after-hours return slot there at the store and also over beside the entrance of the Abbys Pizza next to Walgreens, on the corner of Union Avenue and Highway 238.
Video World Inc
942 SW 6th StA massive (bordering on insane) selection of movies and games, from blockbusters to indie to foreign. Their normal rates are reasonable, but they have this ongoing special deal of 7 movies, 7 days, $7. They have an after-hours return slot there at the store and also over beside the entrance of the Abbys Pizza next to Walgreens, on the corner of Union Avenue and Highway 238.
Northwest residents will be familiar with Freddy’s, but for guests from farther afield, this is quality one-stop shopping at its best. They have pretty nearly everything. I especially love their unparalleled selection of groceries—including a massive natural and organic section, but they also have clothes, electronics, hardware, garden supplies, jewelry, housewares, sporting goods, toys, baby stuff, a bank, an in-house Starbucks, a lot of stuff that I am probably forgetting, and the best gas prices in town. And they open early and close late.
21 preporuka/e lokalaca
Fred Meyer
1101 Grants Pass PkwyNorthwest residents will be familiar with Freddy’s, but for guests from farther afield, this is quality one-stop shopping at its best. They have pretty nearly everything. I especially love their unparalleled selection of groceries—including a massive natural and organic section, but they also have clothes, electronics, hardware, garden supplies, jewelry, housewares, sporting goods, toys, baby stuff, a bank, an in-house Starbucks, a lot of stuff that I am probably forgetting, and the best gas prices in town. And they open early and close late.
These guys are super fast and pleasant whenever our bikes or jogging stroller have needed attention, and they have a good selection of quality gear as well (including my favorite energy gels and Nuun hydration tablets). Their rates are some of the best in town, and their shop is easy walking or biking distance from my cottage! Note: It seems like most of the pictures are from their old location. I will try to remember to take some from the new place next time I am in town and the weather is nice.
BikeKraft
1448 Williams HwyThese guys are super fast and pleasant whenever our bikes or jogging stroller have needed attention, and they have a good selection of quality gear as well (including my favorite energy gels and Nuun hydration tablets). Their rates are some of the best in town, and their shop is easy walking or biking distance from my cottage! Note: It seems like most of the pictures are from their old location. I will try to remember to take some from the new place next time I am in town and the weather is nice.
Havoc
791 SE 6th StMy husband’s and sons’ recommended skate gear place.
Lokalne preporuke
Kretanje gradom
6th, 7th, E, and F Streets
Four of the busiest and best streets for downtown shopping are one-ways. To avoid confusion, park and walk around. There are public parking lots on H and G, both of which streets run both ways and have great shopping, eating, and drinking, as well.
Kretanje gradom
Nearest Boat Ramp
The closest place to put your boat or raft in the water easily is Baker Park, near the intersection of Park Street and Highway 199/Grants Pass Parkway. There is a public bathroom and a rafting bear sculpture there, and not a whole lot else. But the water is relatively calm, and the ramp is paved.
Običaji i kultura
Fire Season
Every year, during the summer months, and often into the autumn, the city (and sometimes the state) enacts a burning ban, to reduce danger of catastrophic wildfires. If you are here between June and October, please check with the Josephine county website or Grants Pass city fire marshal to make sure it is safe before making a fire of any kind, even in the backyard fire pit.
Kretanje gradom
Washington/4th and Lawnridge/3rd Streets
Both of these run parallel to Highway 99 (6th and 7th Streets) most of the way across town, and have no stoplights. They are also among the city’s oldest residential streets and boast some beautiful and iconic home architecture from the Victorian through midcentury modern periods, with the Craftsman style being best represented. I usually take one of these streets instead of the main road, especially during busy times. And the homeowners usually do a lot of festive seasonal decorations, too.