Three Days in Jacksonville

Find New Restaurants, Inns and Ways to Explore

 

Written by Kailey Fisicaro

Live music takes the stage at Britt Festival Pavilion. photo: courtesy The Britt Music Arts Festival, Orchestra with Bruce Campbell, Jay Newman

There is a feel to Southern Oregon’s city of Jacksonville, as if time has slowed down, but updates and additions make the experience a bit more shiny and bright. New options in wining, dining and accommodations shouldn’t be surprising for the city that was originally a gold mining town founded in the early 1850s. Today, Jacksonville is a delightful destination for those seeking a relaxing stay with ample boutique hotels and an arts and culture scene with plenty of history to explore.

It’s an easy long weekend trip for those driving in or flying—the airport in Medford is a 15-minute drive. A visit to Jacksonville in the fall may include a variety of warm afternoons, cool nights and the quintessential charm of a historic Oregon town.

Kubli Haus, one of Jacksonville’s newest inns. photo: Martina Patella

Day One

Settle in for a restful stay at one of Jacksonville’s boutique hotels—five of six which have undergone renovations in the past two years, turning what was old into new options for a base from which to explore. Kubli Haus, one of the newest inns in town, offers bright and understated design, providing a mix of Jacksonville’s respect for history with a contemporary twist. The Orth House at Remotion Winery, originally built in the 1880s, now offers guests three suites with private decks and Magnolia Hotel offers renovated common spaces and room configurations for individuals or large groups.

After unpacking, step downtown to explore locally owned shops including Calathea Home & Gift, Carefree Buffalo, Happy Alpaca Toys and Supply or Rebel Heart Books.

For those inclined to wine, a stop at Anchor Valley Wine Bar and Tasting Room is a low-key kickoff to an extended weekend. Serving its own label made with locally sourced grapes, the wine bar is located in one of the many buildings downtown full of historic character with arched transom windows and a relaxed atmosphere. The modernized remodel of Wine Lounge at Jacksonville is another example of the way new energy has invigorated a long-time gathering place in the city.

To end the first evening, head to dinner at the new Restaurant at Jacksonville Inn, a two-minute walk from Anchor Valley’s tasting room, where menu items such as crispy duck and wild mushroom risotto tempt the taste buds.

Day Two

Start the morning at GoodBean Jacksonville or Pony Espresso for coffee, or McCully House Inn and Bakery for a sweet or savory treat. After fueling up, try a class at Reformed Pilates.

For those looking to skip the sweat, a host of spas provide opportunities for rest and whole body treatments. Some of Radiant Day Spa’s packages last three hours, taking you right into midday.

In the afternoon, catch the Jacksonville Wine Trolley, a safe and entertaining way to tour four downtown tasting rooms and seven wineries just outside of town. Operating Friday-Sunday from May through October, the trolley is a historical Jacksonville touch that takes you back in time. The Haunted History Walking Tour led by costumed guides and held the second Friday of each month through September, with a few bonus dates offered in October. A new Holiday Trolley Lights Tour will provides a glimpse of the town’s Victorian spirit throughout December.

After exercising, exploring or refreshing, dinner at the new Cowhorn Kitchen and Wine is an elegant way to end a day. Serving seasonally inspired dishes with ingredients sourced at its nearby farm, the restaurant offers starters such as fried chickpeas and pickles, salads sprinkled with charred strawberries, and mains including a New York steak or capellini pasta with duck sausage.

Explore wineries on the Jacksonville Wine Trolley. photo: Martina Patella

Miner’s Bazaar is one of many music venues. photo: Martina Patella

Day Three

Even with so much packed into days one and two, there is still much more to discover in Jacksonville. After a leisurely start to the day, the new Rogue Ales’ Patio at the Schoolhouse offers a shady spot to take in a brew and savor lunch from Black Barn Farm Kitchen. Take a hike and get moving with plenty of options—trails abound in between the Jacksonville Woodland Trails as well as Forest Park—offering a range of sights and treks for every hiking level.

Post-hike, relax and get creative at Miner’s Bazaar downtown, a “project cafe” where you can caffeinate on coffee and tea or imbibe an Oregon beer, cider or wine while you create art. This inventive cafe offers a menu of projects to choose from, so you can embroider, paint, make prints and more. It’s just the right way to transition to an afternoon of visiting the art galleries in town, including Art Presence Art Center, with monthly exhibitions of member and guest artists.

The city is home to the Britt Festival Pavilion, a naturally formed amphitheater set among trees and home of The Britt Music & Arts Festival, which takes place from June through October. Attend a twilight concert in a favorite genre to cap off a dreamy few days in Jacksonville.