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Southern Oregon Moving Guide

October 28, 2019 — 6 min read

Whether you're looking to make a change within Oregon or you're planting your stakes here for the first time, the beauty and adventure of Southern Oregon are unmatched. Here are just a few things that make this area one of a kind.

Ashland

Nestled between the Siskiyou and Cascade Mountains rests Ashland, a city you can't help but fall in love with. From season to season, residents experience beautiful weather and captivating events. Home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and an incredible range of wineries, visitors will have no trouble finding something exciting and new to experience. Skiing, ziplining, and jet boats are also part of everyday life here in Ashland.

THINGS TO DO...

DANCIN Vineyards: Named 2017 Oregon Winery of the Year, DANCIN Vineyards* is a family-owned, artisanal producer. Situated within their vineyard, the Tasting Room is the perfect setting to drink in the views of Table Rocks and the Rogue Valley. Mt. Ashland: Mt. Ashland is a full-service ski area located just 20 miles from Ashland. The community-owned ski area offers ski and snowboard rentals, lessons for anyone age 3 1/2 and up, a caf?, bar, and ski trails ranging from beginner to expert. Rogue Jet Boat Adventures: Experience the mighty Rogue River, including wildlife viewing and the incredible scenery of the iconic Table Rocks. Add in Native American history, celebrity retreats, river island exploration, and you'll find all your expectations exceeded.

LOCAL HOTSPOTS...

  • Mix Bakeshop
  • Morning Glory
  • Ostras! Tapas and Bottle Shop
  • Hiro Ramen
  • Caldera Brewery & Restaurant
  • Larks Home Kitchen Cuisine
  • Ruby's Neighborhood Restaurant

Medford

In the heart of Southern Oregon lies Medford, a city known for its world-class wineries and breathtaking outdoor adventures. Here, you'll find a community rich in arts and culture with plenty of outdoor activities to fill up your days off. Beautifully groomed greens await you to perfect your short game, and delicious food trucks line the downtown streets, ready to serve you a unique experience. As one of the largest cities in the area, you'll always have something to do in Medford.

THINGS TO DO...

Crater Lake: Just over an hour's drive away from Medford is the deepest lake in North America. With sheer cliffs almost two thousand feet high, it tells a captivating story of a violent volcanic past that has inspired people for years. Natural Bridge Loop: The wild and scenic upper Rogue River dives into an ancient lava tube running underground, forming a natural land bridge. Beaver ponds, birds, and numerous tree and plant species add interest to the paved, barrier-free trail. Southern Oregon Wine Trails: Southern Oregon Wine Country's distinctive climate and soil provide the ideal growing conditions for globally recognized, award-winning wines. No matter which trail you choose, you're sure to find the best sites and tastes around.

LOCAL HOTSPOTS...

  • Hidden Door Caf?
  • Immortal Spirits & Distilling Company
  • Ooblies Waffles
  • Buttercloud Bakery & Cafe
  • Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub
  • Elements Tapas
  • Rooster's

Grants Pass

Experience nature at your own pace with the limitless possibilities in Grants Pass. As the locals would say, they like to "live rogue", but they aren't afraid to relax. The Rogue River will bring out the adventurer within as you kayak through its refreshing currents, and the local wineries will delight your senses with every glass. Whether you stay for a weekend, or for good, you'll always be able to explore without bounds in Grants Pass.

THINGS TO DO...

Great Cats World Park: This privately-owned facility is currently home to over 50 individual cats, representing 17 different species and subspecies. With a focus on education and conservation, the park also actively participates in the preservation of threatened and endangered species. The Glass Forge: Interested in creating your own, original piece of blown glass art? Check out the Glass Forge! At this site, you can take a tour, watch live demonstrations put on by the artists, or visit the on-site gallery. Rogue River Fly Fishing: The beautiful, gushing Rogue River is home to over 215 miles of fishable water. From salmon to steelhead, fishermen here will find something at the end of their line, no matter what season it is. Locally guided trips usually last one to three days.

LOCAL HOTSPOTS...

  • Ooblies Waffles
  • Gtano's
  • The Twisted Cork
  • MA Mosa's
  • River's Edge Restaurant
  • Ban Mai Thai
  • The Vine Restaurant

Klamath Falls

From golfing to skating, hiking to ziplining, Klamath Falls is an outdoor paradise for those seeking adventure and scenic views. Tucked in the Klamath basin at the southern tip of Upper Klamath Lake resides endless opportunity to experience every season to the fullest. Take a self-guided tour through the historic downtown or canoe your way through Crystal Creek. Whatever you decide to do, you won't be disappointed with your time in Klamath Falls.

THINGS TO DO...

Willow Prairie Horse Camp: If you're looking for a scenic route with plenty of wildlife, this 5-mile horseback ride to area wetlands is for you! The facility offers ten campsites with four small corrals at each site, including water troughs and restrooms. Bill Collier Community Ice Arena: Enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding countryside as you glide your way through this beautiful ice arena. During its five-month-long season, the arena offers a variety of skating opportunities to both residents and visitors. Upper Klamath Lake: Klamath Lake is one of Oregon's largest bodies of freshwater, covering 133 square miles. The lake and the refuge are situated in the heart of the Pacific Flyway, which attracts more than 350 species of birds each year.

LOCAL HOTSPOTS...

  • Klamath Basin Brewing Company
  • The Waffle Hut
  • Thai Orchid Cafe - Main Street
  • Nibbley's Cafe
  • C & D Burger Shoppe
  • Wubba's BBQ Shack
  • Italianna's Ristorante and Gelateria

Roseburg

A beautiful array of sights and sounds await around every corner in Roseburg. Also known as "Land of Umpqua," the city overflows with community fun and local treasures. Residents enjoy recreational activities year-round, no matter the weather. Boating, cycling, hiking, and rock climbing are just a few ways to experience the outdoor thrills of Southern Oregon. Planning a visit? You won't want to miss the Festival of Lights or Graffiti Week in Roseburg.

THINGS TO DO...

Cycling: The area offers scenic bike paths along the South Umpqua River, throughout the City of Roseburg, and through the rolling valleys of rural Douglas County. The climb toward the Cascades has routes specifically tailored to fit whatever experience you're after. Cooper Ridge Wines: These wines are all made from estate-grown grapes. Varietals include Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Viognier, and more. The beautiful tasting room has a breathtaking panoramic view over Garden Valley and the Umpqua River. Wildlife Safari: Just a few miles outside of the city are hundreds of animals that wander freely over the 600-acre park, which guests can drive through. The park also includes a walkthrough exhibit displaying some of the park's smaller animals.

LOCAL HOTSPOTS...

  • Brix Grill
  • Burrito Vaquero
  • Alexanders Greek Cuisine
  • True Kitchen + Bar
  • The Bagel Tree Caf?
  • Backside Brewing
  • Bluebird Pizza
Are you ready to make Southern Oregon your home? Talk to a Mortgage Advisor today to begin your journey to homeownership.
*SOURCE: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2017/05/30/dancin-vineyards-success-oregon-inot-noir-chardonnay
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