Can you say chill mode? I immediately jumped right into relax mode when arriving in Grants Pass, Oregon. I left behind Interstate 5 traffic and immersed myself in charming small-town life with just a highway exit. The wild and scenic Rogue River slows as it flows past the town, providing soothing river views. If looking for Hallmark movie vibes in a couples getaway, then the Applegate Valley lives up to expectations. Drive through scenic backroads, winding past orchards, farms and vineyards nestled among the surrounding mountains. Meet farmers and purveyors who left behind chaotic corporate lives and created spaces for visitors to destress.
Why Grants Pass and the Applegate Valley are perfect for couples’ trips
- Wine Country – The Applegate Valley Wine Trail offers 16 scenic vineyards and boutique tasting rooms
- Dining – Farm-to-Table dining in the valley and a surprising variety in Grants Pass
- Scenic Drives – Pack a picnic and enjoy a romantic day
- Cozy Stays – Riverside lodges, cozy inns and B&Bs
- Outdoors – Grants Pass provides a perfect base camp for exploring, with no camping needed
The writer was hosted.
The Lodge at Riverside
The Lodge at Riverside makes a perfect basecamp for an adventure and relaxation trip. Venture out to explore and return to experience all the amenities the hotel has to offer. The lodge is an older property, but it is spotlessly maintained. The lodge theme feels authentic, and the lobby offers a cozy atmosphere to hang out. I found the friendly staff at the front desk helpful and a font of knowledge about the local area.
Hotel Highlights
- Relaxation – Enjoy a heated pool overlooking the Rogue River. Gorgeous views
- Treats – Local wine, cheese, fresh-baked cookies and chilled milk each evening
- Large Rooms – Comfy beds, large bathrooms, patios or balconies with pool, river and park views
- Location – A short walk to historic Grants Pass and a good basecamp for exploration further afield
SheBuysTravel Tip: Outdoor adventures often require leaving your car in isolated areas, which can be a concern for break-ins. Guests at the Lodge at Riverside have just a short walk to the Hellgate Jetboat Excursions and can leave their cars safely parked at the hotel.
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Walking Tour of Historic Grants Pass
One of the reasons I love staying at the Lodge at Riverside is the proximity to historic downtown Grants Pass. Park your car once and walk everywhere.
Darling Historic District – Think gorgeous, brightly colored Victorian buildings, mural walking tour, vintage neon signs
Walkable – Compact downtown, plenty of crosswalks, tree-lined streets
Public Art & History – Grants Pass has almost 100 pieces of public art consisting of murals, sculptures, and even utility boxes, as well as numerous museums and heritage sites
Charming Small Businesses – Passionate small business owners run a variety of galleries, shops, restaurants, and boutiques. Hyperlocal without a touristy feel.
Here are three of my favorites:
Grants Pass Pharmacy
Established in 1933, visitors to Grants Pass Pharmacy can enjoy a Phosphate (a sweet-sour drink) at the soda fountain, which came from a Klamath saloon and dates back to the late 1800s. Cheerful soda jerks serve up the concoction.
Apothi-Crow
Owners Felicia Just and Thomas Hewitt seized the opportunity to rent this space when it became available. In less than three weeks, they opened in time for a local festival. All of the bath and body products Apothi-Crow carries are locally made from herbs and botanicals that are grown or foraged. Felicia, who has skin sensitivities, tests every product on herself.
Partake Wine and Cheese Shop
Enjoy the weekly themed wine tasting at Parktake Wine and Cheese Shop. I enjoy stopping for a light snack and a glass of wine when out exploring or shopping. The shop welcomes with cozy seating and the beautiful exposed brick.
Explore the Applegate Valley
Driving through the Applegate Valley just feels cozy. Surrounded by mountains, the lovely Applegate River cuts through the valley and adds to the scenic beauty of the area.
- Sip with a view – From biodynamic vineyards like @troonvineyard to cozy tasting rooms tucked in the hills, every glass comes with a story (and a killer sunset).
- Farm charm for days – Pick flowers at @mamabeesflowerfarm or grab a fresh-baked hand pie at @penningtonfarms—this is country life at its sweetest.
- Adventure meets chill – Float the Applegate River, hike among towering pines, or just sit back and let the valley work its slow magic.
- Small-town vibes – Artists, winemakers, and dreamers call this valley home. Everyone knows each other and has a passionate commitment to sourcing local.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Hire a driver to explore the Applegate Valley. Nathan Dwyer, owner of Roguetrotter Tours, drove me around during my visit, and his company offers interesting tours.
My favorite places from this trip.
Pennington Farms
This darling farm store smells amazing when you walk in the door. Fresh things baking fill the shop with tantalizing aromas. Pennington Farms owner Cathy Pennington has a background in hospitality, which shows in the thoughtful outdoor spaces she created for visitors to enjoy.
Whistling Duck Farm Store
Mary and Vince Alionis, owners of the Whistling Duck Farm and Store, have created an organic utopia on their Applegate Valley farm. Fresh produce from their fields is dehydrated, freeze-dried, fermented or made into a recipe and sold at the farm store. The products Vince creates in the farm kitchen are original and unique. I purchased way too much, including a sauerkraut gourmet salt blend and a few of Vince’s themed seasoning blends.
Troon VIneyard
If you only have time to visit one winery while in the Applegate Valley, make it Troon Vineyard. According to Nate Winters, Director of Sales, Troon Vineyard holds three certifications: Organic, Regenerative Organic Gold Certified®, and Demeter Biodynamic® certified. Troon joins only a few vineyards in the world that have earned all three certifications. Take time during your visit to stroll the property. Interpretive signs provide information on the certifications and educational information on the unique features that enabled the certifications.
Mama Bee’s Flower Farm
Brittni Doyle, owner of Mama Bee’s Flower Farm, has created a warm, welcoming environment filled with flowers. She offers a variety of floral workshops, u_pick flowers and a darling shop in season. The property also has a variety of farm animals, making it a perfect destination to enjoy with family and friends.
How to Get to Grants Pass and the Applegate Valley
Grants Pass and the Applegate Valley are conveniently located just off Interstate 5, which traverses Oregon north and south. Unless you hire a driver or take tours you will need a car as many of the attractions are in rural areas. Grants Pass makes a perfect base to explore the area.
I flew into Medford and used a tour company during my visit. Staying at a hotel within walking distance of downtown helped alleviate the need for a car. I took a tour of the Applegate Valley. If I had time to visit Crater Lake, the Rogue River Gorge and other sites, I would have rented a car.
Attractions Worth Checking Out
- Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway – Known as the Highway of Waterfalls
- Crater Lake National Park – Oregon’s only national park is just a bit more than a two-hour drive
- Oregon Caves National Monument – A beautiful drive and incredible caves
- Rogue Valley Creamery – Don’t leave the area without visiting and trying the blue cheese. World-renowned cheese and winner of many prestigious awards.
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