Medford Magic
Stay and Play At the Epicenter for Agriculture and Much More
by Shanti L. Nelson
Photo Courtesy: Jared Hail
Cradled between the Siskiyou Mountains and the Cascade Range, the historic city of Medford is the perfect base camp for exploring this captivating corner of Southern Oregon. With a temperate climate and diverse landscape, Medford offers visitors a bounty of year-round activities, stunning scenery and urban vibes. Best known as the epicenter of early pear cultivation in the United States, Medford is steeped in agricultural history and home to the famed Harry & David brand and its landmark 1937 Art-Deco headquarters. Not to worry, you won’t need a golden ticket to get inside the iconic factory—curious visitors can book a tour online for a tasty peek behind the scenes (yes, they offer samples), and when you’re ready to stock up on the signature gourmet goodies and seasonal gifts, head over to their flagship store. There’s no sweeter place to enjoy a glass of organic pear cider than at the elegant Edenvale Winery, located on the historic grounds of Eden Valley Orchards, the site of Oregon’s first commercial pear orchard planted in 1885. Spend a lazy afternoon nestled in the shaded gardens of this enchanting property, or stroll the majestic Voorhies Mansion for a well-preserved slice of pear history. If you plan to visit in the spring, you’re in for a treat as the surrounding valley is blanketed with blooming orchards, and all roads lead to pears, literally. Plan ahead for the annual Pear Blossom Parade and Festival in April, a fun way to celebrate the harvest at one of Medford’s oldest traditions.
Active or Restful Haven
Photo Courtesy: Frizz Studio
Whether you’re craving a leisurely getaway or an athletic weekend, Medford has you covered. Rogue X is the city’s newest indoor sports, aquatics and event center where visitors can drop in for the day and enjoy everything this 140,000-square-foot complex has to offer, including a recreational pool featuring two water slides, a lazy river and interactive play structure, a 13-lane lap pool, and pickleball, volleyball and basketball courts. With an indoor playground, a food truck pod and an outdoor seasonal splash pad, Rogue X is a recreational wonderland for the whole family. The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon is where creative play meets education in downtown Medford. This marvelous museum features indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits, a hands-on clay and culinary studio and weekend workshops designed to encourage learning while digging in and having a blast. Prescott Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking for year-round mountain biking, hiking and running trails. If picnicking or birdwatching is your idea of an outdoor sport, nature seekers simply drive up and park to find plenty of benches to perch on. Don’t forget your binoculars as you’re likely to see a raptor or two soaring below you. Centennial Golf Club is a golfer’s delight: A public 18-hole course that is located on the site of a former historic, you guessed it—pear orchard.
Eat, Shop and Dine
Photo Courtesy: Untapped Media
When it’s time to sip and savor the sunset, wine lovers are in for a treat as Medford offers a host of family-owned wineries serving award-winning varietals with sweeping mountain vistas. Wine your way up to Padigan Wines, Dunbar Farms or RoxyAnn Winery to enjoy tasty nibbles, live music and local vibes. If you’re headed downtown, reserve a spot at The Urban Cork, a tasting room and bottle shop where you can sample a variety of Southern Oregon wine labels under one roof, all produced next door at Pallet Wine Company. Explore Medford’s historic downtown at Third Friday Medford. Stroll through beautifully restored buildings buzzing with new shops, trendy eateries, hip coffeehouses and art galleries in this charming district. Rogue Gallery & Art Center celebrates Oregon’s vibrant art scene with rotating exhibits and an artisan gift shop. Bumble & Wren is packed with gifts for your home and garden, and Em’z Blendz Soap Co. is stocked with a collection of handcrafted soaps, scents and skincare products.
Medford offers hungry visitors an enticing array of delicious options featuring locally sourced ingredients and neighborhood vibes. Enjoy a morning brew at Forage Coffee or Solid Ground Coffee + Tea, savor a leisurely brunch at Over Easy, or bite into an authentic Argentine empanada at CABA Empanadas downtown cafe where the specialty is scrumptious handmade delicacies. Common Block Brewing Company is a fun and casual, dog-friendly brewpub featuring a mix of hearty fare and lighter dishes, gluten-free options, a kid’s menu and plenty of beer. Drop in for happy hour at Decant and stay for the fine dining in this popular neighborhood, featuring seasonal menus and a stellar wine selection. Elements Tapas Bar pairs Spanish-style tapas with wines from the Rogue Valley and Spain, and Pomodori Osteria and Bar serves traditional Italian favorites and classic cocktails.
Stay and Explore
Photo Courtesy: Beryl Striewski
Lady Geneva Bed & Breakfast combines 1914 Craftsman charm with luxury amenities, nestled along a quaint, tree-lined street in the heart of Medford. The Inn and Vineyard Cottage at Hummingbird Estate is found 15 minutes from downtown Medford, offering views of the Rogue Valley from the 1926 English-style historic property.
For a taste of the Rogue Valley, head to the legendary Rogue Creamery in Central Point, only five miles from downtown Medford. Coquette Bakery and Ryan Rose Wine are located next door to the creamery, making this a convenient one-stop hub for stocking up on essential picnic items. Foodies will want to plan a springtime visit around the annual Oregon Cheese Festival in Central Point.
Medford combines the beauty of the Rogue Valley with the perks of urban living, rewarding visitors with plenty to explore in this vibrant region.