The southern Oregon city of Medford—the region’s largest—is home to an array of gems, from culinary highlights to outdoor opportunities.

Medford sits at the heart of the Rogue Valley, where visitors will find a world-class wine country. The Rogue Valley Wine Country is unique because of its location between the Cascade and Siskiyou mountain ranges in Southern Oregon providing a warm 9 month growing season with one of the largest diurnal temperature swings in the world. This is why so many different varieties are able to be produced and also provides an outdoor playground with ample activities to pair with wine country.

Tasting rooms and sipping opportunities abound, as do culinary opportunities to match. TheRogue Valley Wine Country has over 6,000 acres of vines, 80 wineries and produces 70 varieties. That prestige isn’t going unnoticed: Rogue Valley was just nominated as the WORLD’S BEST WINE REGION by Wine Enthusiast Magazine! Additionally, Troon Vineyard in the Rogue Valley is nominated for Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.

Perhaps the region’s long history of great food ties back to world-renowned produce grower and gift basket supplier, Harry and David, which was founded here. There’s even a Harry and David Flagship store in town, and the company’s orchards and farms are situated nearby.

Rogue Creamery, located 2 miles north of Medford in Central Point is won the World’s Best Cheese in Italy in 2019. The first time a U.S. creamery took this accolade.

As for outdoor adventures, the Rogue River draws whitewater enthusiasts from around the world. Medford is a great launch point for exploring Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake, whose namesake lake is the nation’s deepest.

Another major draw is the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which boasts some of the most impressive outdoor theaters you can find.

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Historic Attractions

Step into the rural mid-19^th century when you visit Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement. Explore the16 authentically furnished buildings over 40 expansive acres with a self-guided audio tour. Time seems to slow down a bit in amid the quiet rolling hills where you’re never in a hurry and have plenty of room to socially distance. Bring along a picnic and soak in the serenity.

The Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center is a defensive earth works fort high above the bluffs of the Cumberland and Red River. Interactive displays inside the visitor center bring voices to the many faces of this turbulent era in our nation’s past. Outside, walk through the mounded grounds with canons, picnic areas and trails. Best of all are the panoramic views of downtown Clarksville.

The stunning 1898 architecture at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center is a wow-factor for all visitors. Recently, the museum added underlighting around the roofline and cornices, making the site even more spectacular and night. Inside, visitors will enjoy both permanent and rotating creative and historic exhibits. The lower level includes a large area for hands-on kids’ play, a family art room and a massive model train exhibit.

Outdoor Recreation

Dunbar Cave State Park is one of the region’s most popular outdoor sites. This 144-acre natural playground includes almost five miles of trails, picnic areas, wildlife, and seasonal cave tours. The meandering Cumberland Riverwalk is the city’s crowning jewel, where you can enjoy walking, biking, boating, or finding a swing to take in a spectacular sunset. The Riverwalk connects directly to historic downtown restaurants, entertainment, shopping, galleries and breweries via the urban Upland Trail.

Rotary Park is a 111-acre forested city park with five+ miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, creeks, playgrounds, disc golf and picnic areas. You’ll also find large open spaces for play and a new 4,200-square-foot Nature Center with permanent and temporary displays and hands-on activities that show the natural history of the area. At North Ford St. Mountain Bike Park, cycling enthusiasts can enjoy a range of trails from a children’s area through technical routes that challenge advanced riders.

Climbers of all skill levels will have fun and relish the birds-eye river views at King’s Bluff Park. The limestone crag is 9.78 acres and has over 160 routes traversing the Cumberland. As at all natural attractions, please make sure to take out what you bring in and help leave the areas pristine for future visitors.

Family Fun

Entertainment centers dot the perimeters of the city. The whole family will love indoor putt-putt and high-speed go-carts, axe throwing, trampolining or escape games. On summer weekends, enjoy free outdoor concerts at Downtown Commons or the top-rated outdoor Downtown Market with fresh produce, crafts, baked goods and entertainment.

Food & Beverage

Highlight your time in Clarksville with a globally inspired food culture for an even more memorable experience. The influence of a major military installation, state university and international industries bring the world’s flavors and sips to the community. Breweries, a distillery, winery, and meadery give you a taste of the city’s passion for creativity and excellence.

Start planning your trip today at www.visitclarksvilletn.com or downtown the free VisitClarksvilleTN App.

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