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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Fall comes to life for visitors of Grants Pass thanks to the beauty and bounty found in every direction. The fertile soil of this region has sprouted countless vineyards, lavender fields, fruit orchards, dairies, and vegetable farms. Along with them comes hands-on experiences for guests, like exploring a working farm or jumping on the Uncorked Barrel Tour. Of course, Harvest season isn’t complete without a visit to Fort Vannoy Farms, where kids and adults a like delight in a spectacular, 12-foot-high corn maze and 8 acres of pumpkins ready for the picking.

Outdoor adventure is always within reach in Grants Pass. This destination is famous for its rivers—the Rogue, the Applegate, and the Illinois—which provide a playground for jet boats, world-class whitewater rafting, and fishing. Land lovers will find no shortage of incredible biking and hiking trails, zip lines, camping opportunities, and even treehouses.

As the ideal Southern Oregon basecamp, the town of Grants Pass is a hub for any fall activity. This welcoming community is packed with restaurants and shops, tasting rooms and breweries, lively events, and yes, even history. Warm up with one of Grants Pass’ local roasters like the Original Dutch Bros. Cafe (the one that started it all!), Wheelhouse Coffee, Millers Coffee House, and Rogue Roasters. Or if fall cocktails are in order, look no further than the signature creations from Sundance Distilling and Steam Distillery.

Grants Pass also boasts a burgeoning art scene which is on display every October at the Annual Art Along the Rogue street chalk art festival. Plus, enjoy a public art and mural walk downtown among the fall colors. Fancy yourself an artist? Be sure to visit the rotating exhibits at the Grants Pass Museum of Art or blow your own Christmas ornament at the Glass Forge glass-blowing studio.

As fall yields to the holiday season, the historic downtown lights up accordingly. Walk amongst life-size nutcrackers and holiday story boards, take in the annual Christmas tree lighting, and check off your holiday gift list with tax-free shopping. Cap it all off with a fabulous (and well-earned) meal at one of Grants Pass’ many hotspots like The Bohemian, Horny Goat, Twisted Cork, and Food Studio.

Of course, no trip to Grants Pass is complete without a visit to the legendary Rogue Creamery Dairy. Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the making of their award-winning Rogue Creamery Blue Cheese where the cows are trained to milk themselves. Rest assured, cheese samples are always available.

From festive experiences and adventures in the wild to the warm hospitality of a welcoming town one thing is perfectly clear—there’s always more to discover in Grants Pass.

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