When it comes to charming towns and romantic getaways in Oregon, Jacksonville is tough to beat.
Nestled in Southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley, Jacksonville brings old school glamour with a modern twist, taking visitors on a historical journey through time.
Jacksonville was founded as a gold rush town in 1851, in an area originally inhabited by the Upland Takelma Native American. With a wave of gold miners arriving, at one point the town was the largest in Oregon—until gold production declined in the 1860s and growth stagnated.
When stepping foot in the Applegate Valley, you’re instantly taken back to a time long ago. Jacksonville, with its preserved 19th century architecture lining the streets, was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1966.
The McCully House Inn, which sits on the corner of California and 5th Street, marks the gateway to the downtown corridor.
“We just fell in love with Jacksonville— it’s a charming town where everyone knows your name,” says Kathryn Moseley, the McCully House Inn’s owner. “Every business is independently owned, with no corporate franchises in town. We’re a business family with everyone looking out for each other.”
The inn’s striking features and welcoming spaces make travelers feel at home. Built in 1860, it’s the oldest home in Oregon operating as an inn. It features five guest rooms and four luxurious suites along with complimentary bicycles and picnic baskets.
“The frontier is alive and well in Jacksonville,” Moseley says. “The downtown area is so walkable, with several fun shops to explore. We really wanted to bring the heart back to the house.”
OTHER CHECK-INS
Jacksonville has a population of just over 3,000 people, but it offers plenty of places to stay. The welcoming options include the Jacksonville Inn, the Magnolia Hotel, the Wine Country Inn, and the Orth House Inn by Remotion.
THE SOUTHERN WINE SCENE
Southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley isn’t as well known for its wines as the Willamette Valley, but it features an equally impressive array of wineries.
In fact, one of Jacksonville’s founder’s, Peter Britt, opened the first official winery in Oregon, Valley View Winery. Prohibition slowed the winemaking business in the Applegate Valley, but its fertile growing conditions helped turn this area into an important region for high-quality wines.
Rellik Winery, which sits on the outside of downtown, provides fun for the whole family. Visitors to the unique tasting room are greeted by alpacas, miniature donkeys, and chickens.
“Our theme is Dark Edgar Allan Poe, and Rellik spelled backwards is killer,” says tasting room manager Trinity Clayton. “The owner wanted to be known for making killer wines. On the weekends we do live music and brunch, with phenomenal chefs. Then we have the animals, which you are welcome to visit.” Guests can also bring their drinks with them as they walk Rellik’s ample grounds.
“We use the eggs from the chickens, grow vegetables and have an orchard,” Clayton said. “The apples on the property make the cider and we use them in our charcuterie boards. We are kid- and dog-friendly and you can stay the night at the Rellik House, which can sleep up to 14 people.”
Remotion Wine is located in Orth House, which was built by the town’s butcher in 1872. The historically significant two-story building houses the tasting room and three upstairs suites where guests can stay.
“We bought this two years ago, and the whole reason was we wanted a place to expand our tasting room,” says owner Ben Grable. “We had a vision for it here, despite previously being a family home and a bed and breakfast. It was empty for a year and a half, and the town was ready for it to open up and see the well-known building.”
In addition to Rellik and Remotion, Jacksonville features five other wineries: DANCIN Vineyards, Daisy Creek Vineyards, Dos Mariposas, South Stage Cellars, and Hummingbird Estate.
OUT & ABOUT
The Britt Festival brings live music and entertainment to Jacksonville from June through September. The festival’s open-air venues are walkable from Main Street.
Jacksonville offers a wealth of outdoor experiences, with a network of hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty that once drew early settlers. The Jacksonville Woodland Trails span more than 18 miles of all-weather paths for all skill levels and connect to the Britt Festival grounds. Just a mile from town, Forest Park features over 1,000 acres of scenic terrain, including historic gold mine sites, panoramic views, and interpretive markers, while the Beekman Woods and Arboretum provide a peaceful extension just beyond the Beekman House.
FOODIE STOPS
Culinary connoisseurs will be delighted with the food options in town. Highlights include the Bella Union Restaurant and Saloon, the Jacksonville Tavern, Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant, The Bakery at McCully, The Lindsay Lodge and Restaurant, Apple Outlaw, and Umi Sushi.
The local wineries also feature some of the best menus anywhere. The International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association named DANCIN Vineyards one of the Top 13 places to visit in the world in 2020.
Jacksonville went from gold boom to hidden gem, but the secret is out. Come see for yourself what makes it the perfect weekend getaway.
