Over a few days in mid-September, I had a chance to head to Southern Oregon, after my visit to Portland. First stop was in Eugene for lunch at Marche a beautiful restaurant in the heart of the city that has been a highlight of the city’s culinary scene for well over a decade.

I enjoyed the refreshing Grilled Watermelon Soda, the Tartine Trio with grilled levain toasts with Ricotta and tomato; Cannelloni beans & crispy Rosemary, Smoked salmon mousse & fried capers; the Smoked Hazelnuts – locally grown & applewood smoked with sea salt and the delicious Pesto & Burrata Pizzetta with basil pesto, summer squash, garlic & burrata cheese.

After an afternoon visit to Abacela Winery which was located in Roseburg in the beautiful terroir of the Umpqua Valley, we drove about an hour or so to visit Rogue Creamery where I learned first hand about this little creamery that happens to be one of the largest in the country supplying many places with their gourmet blue cheese selection; Lillie Belle Farms, where they craft a wide selection of chocolates and also feature some with cheese and wine from their neighbors; and Ledger David Cellars for wine; all three are located in the Central Point Artisan Corridor in the Rogue Valley.

From there it was a short drive to historic Jacksonville for an overnight stay at The McCully House Inn, the comfy room was well appointed with a very large bathroom and shower area. Centrally located in the downtown area within minutes walking to nearby shops, cafes as well as The Britt Festival.

There are 5 guest rooms and 2 suites in the McCully House Inn and each room includes a coffee maker, refrigerator, large flat screen television, free bottled water, and Aveda bath products, as well the rooms are air-conditioned.

Spent the evening with a visit to The Britt Festival, an annual music and arts festival that began in 1963, this festival is held over the summer each year from June to the end of September. The festival features there own orchestra as well as bands performing nightly. The musical entertainment for the night I was there was the John Butler Trio and they put on an amazing show, the festival has a selection of different food and drink kiosks to attendees to enjoy before the music begins. I enjoyed the Peruvian stir-fry as well as ice cream for dessert following.

After a good nights sleep, I as up early the next morning for a walk around town and then to enjoy a Cortado (made with heart coffee roasters) at Forty Five Craft Coffee across the street from the Inn.

Breakfast at the historic Jacksonville Inn was quite the treat and only a couple minutes away walk from where I stayed. Each of the main dishes came with a complimentary fruit cup as well as warm scones. I enjoyed the Almond croissant encrusted French Toast. After breakfast I headed out for a day of wine touring in the Applegate Valley and a visit to Pennington Farms.

The McCully House Inn

830 N 5th Street

Jacksonville, OR 97530

For more information and reservations, visit The McCully House Inn website.

My hotel stay, Britt Festival tickets, and meals were complimentary as part of a #TrailsToFeast media trip with Travel Oregon. All opinions and photos are, as always, my own.

By: Richard Wolak