Lodging

From Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip

Oregon

The historic town of Jacksonville, Oregon is well known for the Britt Festival, the oldest outdoor summer music festival in the Northwest.  I think Jacksonville should be on your radar if you love shopping for gourmet food and Applegate Valley wines. 

My first visit to Jacksonville included a stay at the historic Jacksonville Inn.  The entire town earned landmark status in 1966, so it is no suprise that the Jacksonville Inn is listed in the National Historic Register.  I arrived at this charming town in time for Mother’s Day dinner.  Longtime Owners Linda and Jerry Evans are stellar examples of friendly innkeepers.  The restaurant was hopping that evening and Linda still managed to stop by my table to say hello.

Frank Carter Cottage

That evening I checked into the Frank Carter cottage, dropped my bag in the room and explored the shops on California Street. Indeed, I found a treasure at Farmhouse Treasures. Owner Kelly Cason makes amazing homemade fudge. “The holiday fudge is my favorite; eggnog and pumpkin pecan,” noted Cason. “This is the real deal, with butter and sugar.”  The chocolate peanut butter was my favorite.  I also walked into the Jacksonville Mercantile where Owner Constance Jesser introduced me to Lillie Belle artisan chocolates.

The next morning, after a wonderful breakfast offered at the Jacksonville Inn to all overnight guests of the hotel, I met with local historian Larry Smith.  We visited the Beekman Bank. Built in 1863, it is the second oldest bank in Oregon. Gold was discovered here in 1861 and the Chinese were used for mining labor.  “Every year we pay homage to the outcasts during Chinese New Year,” says local restaurateur and owner Jeff Levin.

After a lovely day of wine tasting in the nearby Applegate Valley, I had lunch at the Country Cottage of Jacksonville.  It was here that I first tasted a Nanaimo Bar.  School teacher and twilight baker Susanne Glass inherited the British Columbia recipe from the previous owners of the Country Cottage.  The Canadian Tourism Commission tells me that Vancouver Catering makes the best Nanaimo Bar. 

With eight rooms in the hotel and four cottages located a quick two blocks away, the Jacksonville Inn is an ideal location for a romantic getaway or girl’s weekend of food and wine tasting.  The Inn is a member of Unique Inns.

Reservations (800) 321-9344

175 East California Street, Jacksonville, OR 97530

Photos by Nancy D. Brown