55 things to do in Southern Oregon

M U L T I M E D I A Mail Tribune

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Ashland Tidings

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The Nickel

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Crater Lake National Park Crater Lake is the centerpiece of the nation’s can cool off on boat rides sixth-oldest national park, the only one in Oregon. across the 1,943-foot-deep body of water fed only by Sights you won’t want to miss while you’re precipitation and snowmelt. there — in addition to the lake, of course — are Known for astonishing clarCrater Lake Lodge, the Watchman, the Old Man ity and the bluest blue you’ve of the Lake, Phantom Ship, the Pinnacles, Plai- ever seen, the country’s kni Falls and Vidae Falls. deepest lake formed from the If you’re looking for hikes, three stand out: The massive eruption of Mount hike along the Discovery Trail from Rim Village Mazama more than 7,700 You haven’t seen blue until you’ve seen Crater Lake. to the Watchman; the hike down to the water on years ago. the Cleetwood Cove Trail (where you can take from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from mid-April to early Swimming, fishing, a swim if you want), and the hike to the top of camping, hiking, trolley tours, ranger-guided November, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the rest Mount Scott, the highest point in the park. programs and other activities are offered of the year. The Rim Visitor Center at Rim Village At 6,000 feet above sea level, Crater Lake can in Crater Lake’s high season, July through is open daily from late May to late September, be snow-shrouded into June. Clouds and summer September.

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both visitor centers contain wildfire smoke sometimes obscure the lake.

From Medford and the Rogue Valley, take a bookstore operated by the Crater Lake Natural For more information and to view webcams, Highway 62 to the park’s south entrance at History Association. Entry into the park is $25 see www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm.

Annie Springs. The Steel Visitor Center at Park per vehicle and $20 per motorcycle. Annual park Once park facilities are fully open, visitors Headquarters is open daily except for Christmas passes are $50.

Oregon Caves National Monument Southern Oregon offers many mountain peaks where you can see for miles, but at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, you can see the roots of the mountains. And when you come up for air, you can enjoy forests, lakes, rare flowers and fossils, and kick back with good food and relax in an eye-popping chateau.

The 4,558-acre monument in the Siskiyou Mountains — known as the Marble Halls of Oregon — is a hotbed of biological, botanical and geological diversity.

The main draw is the cave system, which formed as rainwater from the ancient forest above dissolved the surrounding stone and created the marble caves.

Visitors can take a 90-minute, ranger-guided tour that covers the geology, fossils, cave life, bats, watershed, old-growth forest and human history of the caves, as well as a

60-minute candlelight tour.

For the more adventurous, the park offers a 3-hour, offtrail tour that takes visitors into places where they’ll have to scramble over boulders, belly crawl and negotiate tight squeezes.

One of the above-ground highlights of the park is the MAIL TRIBUNE / JAMIE LUSCH Oregon Caves Chateau, a Off-trail caving tours at Oregon Caves take visitors into some tight spaces. six-story hotel that features a fine-dining room, 1930s-era For more information about the chateau or to coffee shop and 23 rooms. make reservations, see www.oregoncaveschaThe Chateau, open May through October, fea- teau.com or call 541-592-3400. tures enormous post-and-beam supports, a huge For information about the park, including double fireplace made of marble, as well as Arts- maps of hiking trails, or to make reservations, and-Crafts-style furniture, period wrought-iron see www.nps.gov/orca/index.htm or call and brass lamps, sconces and chandeliers.

541-592-2100, ext. 2224.

Wine tours With more than 150 wineries offering more than 70 varieties across five regions, vino drinkers have plenty of options in Southern Oregon.

Wine tours across the grape-pocked landscape are also plentiful, with several options in Jackson County.

The Applegate Valley Wine Trail boasts 21 wineries and stretches along the Applegate River to the Rogue River just west of Grants Pass, according to the Southern Oregon Winery Association website, www.southernoregonwines.org. The trail runs from Soloro Vineyards on Highway 238 and concludes at Cricket Hill Winery and Cowhorn Vineyard south of Ruch.

The Bear Creek Wine Trail offers 11 stops, stretching from Central Point’s Ledger David Cellars along Interstate 5 and concluding at Belle Fiore in Ashland. See www.bearcreekwineries.com for more information.

The Upper Rogue Wine Trail consists of five wineries in a run that spans Wine tours are available throughout Southern Oregon. east from Gold Hill through Del Rio Vineyards and Folin Cellars, both of Sams Valley and into Eagle Point. They include Eagle Point’s Agate Gold Hill. See www.upperroguewinetrail.

Ridge Vineyard, Sams Valley’s Cliff Creek com for more information.

Cellars, White City’s Kriselle Cellars, and So whatever your choice of tour, cheers.

Friday, May May 25, 25, 2018 R3 | || Friday, May 25,2018 2018 || | R3 3 Friday,

Britt Music & Arts Festival

Ashland City Band

Country music star Jake Owen, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, rock star Peter Frampton and comedian Jeff Dunham are among the highlights of the Britt Music & Arts Festival’s 2018 lineup.

Ashland City Band will continue its longstanding series of free concerts this summer in Lithia Park.

If you’ve never been to a Britt concert, put it on your to-do list this summer. The hillside venue in Jacksonville is a perfect place to kick back on a summer evening with a picnic basket, a blanket, good friends and top-quality music.

The Britt summer season begins June 12 with Ziggy Marley and ends Sept. 14 with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band. In between are such crowd-pleasures as musician Chris Isaak, experimental rock band Primus & Mastodon, musician Michael Franti, American singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie and musician Brandi Carlile.

For full information about Britt’s 2018 season and membership, see www.brittfest.org or call 541-773-6077 or 1-800-882-7488. Britt’s box office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 216 W. Main St., Medford.

PHOTO BY JOSH MORELL

The band is directed by Don Bieghler, and the concerts run every Thursday from June 14 through Aug. 16 at the Butler Band Shell.

The band will perform a variety of music, including marches, show tunes, orchestral transcriptions, novelties, featured soloists and original compositions.

This year the band will also play in the Fourth of July parade and concert, according to its program schedule.

An average of 300 residents bring picnics, lawn chairs, blankets and babies to the stress-free concerts. The Lion Clubs sells ice cream bars to raise money for band students at local schools.

The band formed in the 1880s and has been playing concerts in Ashland every year since the 1930s. The local musicians are first-rate and come from such groups as Southern Oregon Concert Band and Rogue Valley Symphony. Every Thursday brings a new concert that often feature soloists or other special guests.

The concerts start at 7 p.m., but concert-goers are encouraged to arrive an hour early to stake out a spot.

Pre-concert entertainment starts at 6:15 p.m.

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OSF Green Show One of the best entertainment options in Southern Oregon occurs at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday outside of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland during the summer.

From June 15 through Oct. 14, OSF hosts a tradition known as the Green Show, which features acts from near and far on The Bricks, the central courtyard of OSF’s campus. It’s all free — as in, no ticket needed and everybody’s invited. The lineup features a mix of local, national and international acts.

The Green Show launches with Shrew, a group of women improvising hilarious Shakespeare-style tales. Other acts include the Bay Area arts collective Jazz Mafia Kinesthesia, the Taiwanese musical group A

Moving Sound, musicians from the Britt Festival in Jacksonville, Southern Oregon University acting students, deaf and hearing dancers with Urban Jazz Dance Company, the wheelchair dance company Infinite Flow, indigenous performer Shawnee, and MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO singer, songwriter and The Green Show starts at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday outside of the activist Raye Zaragoza.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland during the summer.

Other highlights this Quickspeare!, and rock and blues played by season include Chinese opera by the Fantasia Performing Arts Dirty Cello.

Check out this year’s full Green Show Center, the dance and kung-fu group Nanda, a fast-paced comedic rendition of Hamlet by schedule at www.osfashland. org/greenshow.

Off Bardway The Oregon Shakespeare Festival isn’t the runs through June 10; “Prisonly Rogue Valley venue offering summer per- cilla: Queen of the Desert: The Musical,” runs from formances on stage.

July 11 to Aug. 5; and “Spot1. The Collaborative Theatre Project, light on the Kingston Trio: 555 Medford Center, will present “Moonlight & A Worried Man,” runs from Magnolias” from June 1-24. “Under the Mango Aug. 2-6. See camelottheTree” runs July 6-29, and “Lend Me A Tenor” atre.org or call 541-535-5250 runs Aug. 17 to Sept. 16. For more information, for more information and to see http://collaborativetheat.wixsite.com/ purchase tickets.

PHOTO BY BRYON DEVORE landing-page or call 541-779-1055.

4. The Randall Theatre “Once, The Musical” runs through July 1 at Oregon Cabaret Theatre in Ashland.

2. Oregon Cabaret Theatre, at the corner Company, 10 E. Third St., of First and Hargadine streets in Ashland, has Medford, has two stage this summer, including Girl’s Night Out with two performances during the summer. “Once: shows this summer. “The White Liars/Black Anita Renfroe, June 1; Rogue Valley Chorale, The Musical,” runs through July 1. “Avenue Q: Comedy,” two comedic one-acts on the same An Adult Musical Comedy,” runs from July 12 stage, runs June 1-17, followed by “Pippin,” June 2-3; Jefferson State Choral Coalition, through Sept. 9. For details, see https://theo- slated to run July 20-Aug. 12. See www.ran- June 9; Two plays by Teen Musical Theater of Oregon: “Aladdin Jr.” July 2, and “Joseph and regoncabaret.com or call 541-488-2902. dalltheatre.com or call 541-632-3258.

3. Camelot Theatre, 101 Talent Ave., 5. The Craterian Theater at the Collier the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Aug. 3.

Talent, will have three summertime shows. Center for the Performing Arts, 23 S. Cen- For more information, see www.craterian.org “Spotlight on the Eagles: Take it to the Limit!” tral Ave., will offer a variety of performances or call 541-779-3000.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival The Oregon Shakespeare Festival is one of the region’s brightest jewels, drawing theater lovers to Ashland from all over the world.

The festival also includes tours, author talks and other events throughout the summer, plus The Green Show, a free performance at 6:45 p.m. six days a week on The Bricks, the central courtyard of OSF’s campus.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, see www.osfashland.org, or call 1-800-219-8161.

This year’s lineup includes: “OTHELLO” Through Oct. 28, Angus Bowmer Theatre; “SENSE AND SENSIBILITY” Through Oct. 28, Angus Bowmer Theatre; “DESTINY OF DESIRE” Through July 12, Angus Bowmer Theatre; “HENRY V” Through Oct. 27, Thomas Theatre;

PHOTO BY JENNY GRAHAM

Oregon Shakespeare Festival is one of Southern Oregon’s biggest draws.

“MANAHATTA” Through Oct. 27, Thomas Theatre; “RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S OKLAHOMA!” Through Oct. 27, Angus Bowmer Theatre; “ROMEO AND JULIET” Through Oct. 12, Allen Elizabethan Theatre; “THE BOOK OF WILL” June 6-Oct. 13, Allen Elizabethan Theatre;

“LOVE’S LABOR’S LOST” June 7-Oct. 14, Allen Elizabethan Theatre; “THE WAY THE MOUNTAIN MOVED” July 10-Oct. 28, Thomas Theatre; “SNOW IN MIDSUMMER” Aug. 2-Oct. 27, Angus Bowmer Theatre.

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Friday, May 25, 2018 | 5

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Farmers markets

Harry & David tours

One of the best ways to experience a region is through local farmers markets, and Southern Oregon’s market scene is vibrant.

Harry & David has arguably been the region’s flagship enterprise since the 1930s, and its tours entice locals and tourists alike.

Local markets feature locally grown fruits and vegetables, eggs, meats, cheeses, honey, baked goods, preserves, prepared foods and hand-crafted goods.

The Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market serves Ashland Tuesdays and Saturdays, and Thursdays in Medford.

In Medford, the Thursday market convenes in Hawthorne Park, at Hawthorne and Jackson streets, where vendors populate the parking lot and lawns from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

From 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, the market fills Ashland’s National Guard Armory parking lot at 1420 E. Main St., and it operates Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oak Street in downtown Ashland.

See https://rvgrowersmarket.com/ for times, locations and vendors.

The Jacksonville Sunday Market — better known as the J’Ville Market — is a small farmers and crafts market held on the lawn of the historic courthouse in downtown Jacksonville, at 206 N. Fifth St. The market includes about 70 booths featuring fresh local produce, baked breads, naturally raised beef, beverages and treats, prepared foods, a variety of arts and crafts, live music and more. The market runs from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with music starting at 11:30 a.m., Sundays from May through October.

The region’s oldest and largest farmers market draws more than 100 vendors Saturdays through November in Grants Pass. The Grants Pass Growers Market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fourth and F streets downtown through Oct. 28. See www.growersmarket.org.

Also in Josephine County, the Williams Farmers Market meets from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays through October.

Harry & David pairs its famous pears and fine fruits with cookies, candies, confections and other gourmet goodies.

Tour groups meet at Harry & David Country Village, 1314 Center Drive, Medford, where a company van departs for the nearby candy-making facility. A video played during the drive tells MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO the story of founders Harry Tours of Harry & David are popular with visitors. and David Holmes, brothers swing for the holidays, although prodwho trademarked the term ucts are made throughout the year.

“Fruit-of-The-Month-Club.”

The packing and production building, Entertaining tour guides explain about with a detour through one of the original the company’s history while visitors pear orchards, wraps up the hour-long tour. watch chocolate truffles, creamy cheeseTour times are 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., cakes, baklava and Moose Munch being made. The tour includes a bakery treat 12:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. each weekday. Tickets are $5 and include a $5-off and a chocolate for each participant.

Inside the company’s candy kitchen coupon on purchases of at least $40 at and bakery, visitors observe produc- the Country Village. Reservations are tion through expansive windows while not required, but they are recommended relishing aromas of sugar and butter. during busy seasons to avoid a wait. Call Late summer and early fall are the prime 877-322-8000 or 541-864-2099 to months to view Harry & David in full request a reservation.

Wildlife Images Animal lovers of all ages can learn about badgers, bobcats, bears and many more creatures at a Merlin-area facility that helps injured and orphaned animals mend and return to the wild.

MAIL TRIBUNE / JAMIE LUSCH

Customers shop for fresh produce at Barking Moon Farm during the Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market in Medford.

Founded in 1981 by wildlife rehabili- for adults, $12 for seniors, $7 for chiltator J. David Siddon, Wildlife Images dren ages 4-13; children 3 and younger Rehabilitation and Education Center by donation. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. was created to care for sick, injured and June through August and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. orphaned wildlife. Wildlife Images has September through May. since expanded to provide educational The center offers special Weekend programs on wildlife, conservation and Encounter events at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 the environment to schools, organiza- p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Attendees tions and the general public. can hide treats or give toys to Nestle the More than 80 volunteers at the 24-acre River Otter, watch a cougar feed or get facility care for the critters in Wildlife friendly with personable squirrels, badgers Images’ care. Baby squirrels, badgers, and Argo the wolf. Weekend Encounters grizzly bears, bald eagles, reptiles, cou- are $15, or $10 with a tour purchase. gars and birds of prey have all called the For information, call 541-476-0222 refuge home at one time or another. see www.wildlifeimages.org.

The sanctuary, located about 12 miles west of Grants Pass at 11845 Lower River Road, has a long list of resident animals, including a bearded dragon, bobcat, desert tortoise, golden eagle, gray fox, gray wolf, river otter and white-nosed coatimundi.

Wildlife Images is open to the public daily. Walking tours last approximately 1.5 hours, with a casual pace over gentle terrain.

Reservations are required, as JAMIE LUSCH / MAIL TRIBUNE all visitors must be accompa- A bald eagle flies past animal-care technician Meadow Hilton nied by a guide. Tours cost $14 inside a temporary enclosure at Wildlife Images in Merlin.

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Friday, May 25, 2018 | 7

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Railroad Park

Emigrant Lake water slide

Medford’s 49-acre Railroad Park has been a popular attraction for families for decades.

One of the best ways to beat the summer heat is to head over to Emigrant Lake’s popular water slide.

Visitors can ride diesel trains and a motor car, view unique model railroad layouts and the Hogwarts Express, send and receive telegrams, tour historical railroad equipment and more from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the second and fourth Sunday of each month from April to October at the intersection of Table Rock Road and Berrydale Avenue (the park entry off Berrydale is shared by Fire Station No. 4. When you turn onto Berrydale, stay to the left to enter the park).

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated to offset park costs.

Southern Oregon Live Steamers hosts diesel and steam locomotives on more than a mile of 7½-inch scale track. It takes about 9 minutes to traverse the route through tunnels, bridges and hills. Kids particularly enjoy the Thomas and Friends loop encircling the large Garden Railway. A concession stand is available.

Railroad Park has other popular attractions, including full-sized railroad cars, a caboose, a hopper car, Medco’s Four Spot Willamette Locomotive, a miniature indoor railway, a working telegraph system and an operating outdoor Garden Railway.

In addition to the Live Steamers, Railroad Park is operated by the Southern Oregon Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, Morse Telegraph Club, Rogue Valley Model Railroad Club and Medford Garden Railroaders. See www.soc-nrhs. org/medfordrrpark.htm.

Amenities around the 280foot, twin flume waterslide include dressing rooms, showers, restrooms, picnic tables and a concession stand. You can also rent stand-up paddleboards for the lake from a local company called Liquid Blue. SUP hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Monday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The slides are open from noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays beginning Memorial Day weekend.

MAIL TRIBUNE / JAMIE LUSCH Operating days expand to ThursDanielle Riker and Paiton Riker, 6, hit up the water slide day through Monday from noon to at Emigrant Lake.

6 p.m. beginning Friday, June 15, about 3½ miles and turn left at the sign. through Labor Day. For more information, see jacksoncounWater slide hours are dependent on the weather, so call the Jackson County tyor.org/parks/Day-Use/Emigrant-Lake/ Parks Office at 541-774-8183 if weather Water-Slide.

The Emigrant Lake area offers many is questionable.

The cost to use the slide for 1½ hours other activities for families, including an is $6 on weekdays and $7 on weekends. A RV park and tent campground, as well as three-hour pass costs $10 on weekdays swimming, picnicking, fishing, hiking, and $12 on weekends. To get there, take boating, canoeing and kayaking. For day Highway 66 southeast from Ashland for use, the lake is open year-round.

MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO

Railroad Park in Medford is a popular attraction for families.

Crafty beer brewers Southern Oregon residents and visitors have plenty of opportunities to explore the booming popularity microbrewed beer.

Suds and summer go together, so if you’re looking for a delicious brew or two as the weather heats up, check out this sampling of watering holes: Common Block Brewing Co.: Common Block is an indoor-outdoor restaurant and brewery at 315 E. Fifth St., in The Commons of downtown Medford, 541326-2277. Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

RAM Restaurant & Brewery: The RAM is a brewpub chain featuring rotating house beers and pub grub in Northgate Marketplace in Medford, 458-225-9816.

Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to midnight.

Bricktowne Brewing Co.: 44 S. Central Ave., Medford, 541-973-2377, bricktownebee.com. Open Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to late, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Caldera Brewing Co.: 590 Clover Lane, Ashland, 541-482-4677, calderabrewing. com. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Caldera Tap House: 31 Water St. No. 2, Ashland, 541-482-7468. Open Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m. until late, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. until late.

Opposition Brewing Co.: 545 Rossanley Drive, Medford, 541-210-8550,oppositionbrewing.com. Open Wednesday-Friday, 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday noon to 9 p.m., Sunday noon to 7 p.m. and

Monday 4 to 9 p.m. Closed Tuesday.

Portal Brewing Co.: 100 E. Sixth St., Medford, 541-941-0240, portalbrewingco. com. Open Wednesday through Friday, 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Closed Sunday through Tuesday.

Standing Stone Brewing Co.: 101 Oak St., Ashland, 541-482-2448, www.standingstonebrewing.com. Open 11 a.m. to midnight daily.

Walkabout Brewing Co.: 921 Mason Way, Medford, 541-734-4677. Open Monday through Wednesday, 3 to 8 p.m., Thursday through Friday, 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday 2 to 9 p.m., Sunday 1 to 7 p.m.

MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO

Jenn Brown sets out a sampler of hand-crafted beer at Southern Oregon Brewing Co.

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Indoor raceway offers fun

Bear Creek Greenway From wooded stretches to brushes with U.S. Cellular Community Park, The Expo and several other parks, the Bear Creek Greenway provides a center-cut slice of Southern Oregon.

Go-kart fans have room to rumble in Medford.

Rogue Karting, 2065 Lars Way, fills a 70,000- square-foot warehouse off Rossanley that once belonged to Motorcycle USA. Rogue Karting features a fleet of 9-horsepower karts made by Sodikart, capable of exceeding 50 mph.

Rogue Karting is owned by Dee Coffman of Central Point and her son, professional Formula D and Rally America driver Matt Coffman.

The business includes a cafe, with a menu that offers pizzas, sandwiches, paninis, burgers, soups, salads, a kids menu, and an extensive list of hot and cold nonalcoholic beverages, including coffee and espresso.

Team races, LED headlight-powered night races and 30-minute endurance races are in the works, as is a women-only night.

Rogue Karting is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For prices and details, see www.roguekarting.com or call 541-944-3333.

The paved, 20-mile-long path connects Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford and Central Point, providing alternate routes to work, a place to workout, and space to contemplate life in the Rogue Valley.

The path was first envisioned in the late 19th century, but it wasn’t until 1973 the first MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO 3½ miles were paved. The most recent section adjacent The Bear Creek Greenway runs from Ashland to to the fairgrounds was comCentral Point. pleted in 2014. Path supporters hope it will eventually run all the way to Grants Pass, with potential connector routes out to Eagle Point and Jacksonville. Newer sections have been added near the city of Rogue River in recent years.

Because it is a multiple-use trail, there are some helpful rules and etiquette posted on the Jackson County website to keep everyone safe. Whether you bike, skateboard, rollerblade, walk, run or ride a horse, it’s important to be considerate of others.

The speed limit for cyclists is 15 mph. Users are reminded to keep right, pass left, and give an audible signal when passing. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet (remember to pick up after your dog); properly dispose of waste and litter; horses are allowed only where designated, on dirt trails and shared portions of paved trail where marked; no motor vehicles, fires, fireworks, shooting, camping or alcohol.

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R10 Friday, May 10 | | Friday, May25, 25,2018 2018 | |

Jackson County Fair

Medford Cruise

In 1859, the Jackson County Fair was a place for locals to share pies, jams, quilts, livestock and new inventions.

A local staple since 1986, the Medford Cruise returns for the 32nd time this summer. And there will be plenty to choose from during the week-long event, from June 8-16.

Today it is a summertime festival replete with carnival rides, a rodeo, headline acts, dozens of vendors, food, animal exhibitions and 4-H and FFA projects.

The Jackson County Fair runs this year from July 11-15 at the Expo, 1 Peninger Road, Central Point.

The headline acts include country music’s Scotty McCreery, Wednesday, July 11; American Idol Live!, MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO Thursday, July 12; Trace The Great American Pig Races are a big draw at the Adkins, Friday, July 13; and comedian Jeff Foxworthy, Jackson County Fair.

Saturday, July 14.

In addition to the big names playing in the amphitheater, more than 30 acts will perform daily on the Center Stage, including hypnotist Richard Barker, who will appear Wednesday through Saturday.

Other attractions include Walk on the Wildside animal exhibit, a mechanical bull, Water Bubbles (large, inflatable water-walking balls), a petting zoo, Brad’s World Reptiles, The Fair Marketplace, a rock-climbing wall, Lego competition, All-Alaskan Pig Racing, Pedal tractors, Annie the Clown, and the fifth annual JCSA Ranch Rodeo.

Fair Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday. For details, see www.attheexpo.com or call 541-774-8270.

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The Rogue Valley Chorale presents a concert of inspirational choral music that uplifts the human spirit in a celebration of beauty, love and life.

June 2, 7:30 pm June 3, 3:00 pm Craterian Theater at the Collier Center Tickets available by calling the Craterian box office at 541-779-3000 or online at craterian.org

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Several Show & Shines, drift racing, drag racing, a concert in the park, a movie in the park and a poker run are some of the highlights of this year’s Cruise.

The centerpiece of the festivities is the Downtown Cruise, scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 16, in downtown Medford, where classic cars will circle the big block bounded by Central Avenue, West Main, Ivy, Front and Second streets.

Proceeds from the Medford Cruise are distributed to the Greater Medford Rotary Foundation, which redistributes the funds to the youth organizations in the community. Past recipients include the Boy Scouts, Boys & Girls Club, Medford Parks & Recreation, Skills USA, 4H-FFA, Rogue Gallery, Wilderness Trails, Junior Achievement, Sparrow Club and Hearts with a Mission.

For more details about the Cruise, including times and places of show & shines and other events, see MAIL TRIBUNE PHOTO / JAMIE LUSCH www.medfordPete Baker of Redding polishes his 65 Malibu Chevelle SS cruise.org. during the Medford Cruise at Hawthorne Park last year.

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Friday, May 25, 2018 | 11

Explore wilderness

The Rogue Valley is literally surrounded by 500 feet at the bottom of federally designated wilderness areas. Here’s a the canyons to the rocky ridge of 5,098-foot Pearrundown on several of the closest: soll Peak. The diverse The Soda Mountain Wilderness has been topography and geology protected by the Bureau of Land Manage- has created a wide variety ment since 2009. It is a 24,700-acre mosaic of of botanical species found biological diversity about 20 miles from Ash- nowhere else. Rogue Rivland. The heart of the wilderness is 5,720-foot er-Siskiyou National Boccard Point at the junction of the Klamath, Forest, 3040 Biddle Road, Siskiyou and Cascade mountains. Before you 541-618-2200.

PHOTO BY LEE JUILLERAT go, check in with BLM’s Medford office, 3040 Sky Lakes Wilderness Lake Harriette in the Mountain Lakes Wilderness.

Biddle Road, 541-618-2200, www.blm.gov/ includes three major fremont-winema/recarea/?recid=60187 visit/soda-mountain-wilderness lake basins: Seven Lakes, Other wilderness areas in the region well Kalmiopsis Wilderness, southwest of Grants Sky Lakes and Blue Canyon. The 113,849Pass, is one of the most remote spots in the acre wilderness stretches from the border of worth a visit include Siskiyou Wilderness lower 48 states. It encompasses 180,095 acres Crater Lake National Park to Highway 140. In Area, Mount Shasta Wilderness and Marble of the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest and summer, mosquitoes are horrendous, so pack Mountain Wilderness in Northern California, includes the headwater basin of the Chetco and lots of repellent. Contact Rogue River-Sis- Red Buttes Wilderness, Mt. Thielsen WilderNorth Fork Smith rivers and a portion of the kiyou National Forest, 3040 Biddle Road, ness, Mountain Lakes Wilderness and Wild Illinois River canyon. Elevations range from 541-618-2200; see www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ Rogue Wilderness.

Boatnik: Festival on the river Since 1959, the Grants Pass Active Club has held Boatnik every Memorial Day weekend along the Rogue River in Grants Pass, a five-day event that supports youth programs in Southern Oregon.

By the time you read this, day one of the festivities will already be past, but the action continues Friday, May 25, in Riverside Park with a fireworks display on the river. Saturday morning features a parade that goes through downtown and ends at Riverside Park, where the weekend’s events will include sprint and drag boat racing, arts and crafts, a pizza-eating contest, children’s activities, bingo, food vendors, Monday Sundaes, the Chevy Drive It Home Golf Shoot Out and a second night of fireworks.

The Davis Shows Carnival runs until midnight Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and until 8 p.m. Monday. A concert featuring metal band Warrant starts Friday at 7 p.m., and the seventh annual Boatnik Brewfest runs from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Monday is the highlight of Boatnik, with the World Famous Tom Rice Memorial White Water Hydroplane Race.

Money raised from Boatnik goes to such groups as 4-H, Boys and Girls Clubs, Pop Warner Football, Girl and Boy Scouts, Little League baseball, soccer programs, high school scholarships and local parks and school programs.

For a schedule of events and other information, see www.boatnik.com.

MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO

Boatnik events in Grants Pass include a parade.

Fun on ziplines Zipping along a cable through a tour takes 2.5 to 3 hours. forest at speeds of 40 mph or more is This year Crater Lake Zipline enough to get anyone’s heart pumping. has added a new attraction called Sasquatch Hollow for kids 5 and For those who have an itch to older.

The kids course includes four try ziplines, you can check out two ziplines, a rolling rapids challenge courses — one near Gold Hill and one bridge a suspension bridge called near Crater Lake.

Sasquatch Crossing, and the SpiRogue Valley Zipline Adventure derweb.

A continuous belay system offers five ziplines, with more than gives kids the freedom to navigate a half-mile of aboveground gliding that provides spectacular views of through the course on their own with coaching and direction from qualified the valley and peaks to the east.

Crater Lake Zipline, operated in guides on the ground.

Riders at Rogue Valley Zipline partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, offers a course where you Adventure should be prepared for zip from tree platform to tree plat- moderate exertion, as there are short, form on nine zips and walk across but occasionally steep, hikes between two skybridges that are suspended the zip lines. The tour through the between the trees. The complete five lines takes 3 to 4 hours. Zipline

riders must be at least 8 years old, weigh between 65 and 275 pounds, and be in good physical condition.

Cost is $82 per person, $72 for those younger than 18 (parents must accompany or sign waivers for minors). A day-long outing combined wine tasting, rafting and zipline option is offered for $198 per person. Call 541-821-9476 or see rvzipline.com.

At Crater Lake Zipline, tour times can vary but generally start at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Cost is $110 per person. Riders must be 10 or older and weigh between 70 and 250 pounds. Call 541-892-9477 or see craterlakezipline.com. Reservations are recommended.

JULIA MOORE / MAIL TRIBUNE

Jessica Ferguson ziplines at Rogue Valley ZipLine Adventure in Gold Hill.

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Rooster Crow Rogue River will have plenty to crow about the weekend of June 30-July 1. That’s when the city’s annual Rooster Crow event returns, with a gaggle of roosters — and humans — trying their darndest to impress the judges with their vocal cords.

It all starts at 8 a.m. Saturday with the Rooster Crow Run/Walk at Rogue River Elementary School’s Beck Field. Entries are accepted the day of the event, according to the Rooster Crow website. The Rooster Crow Parade follows at 10 a.m., featuring entries from local businesses, churches, social and civic groups, along with antique cars and tractors.

Concessionaires, vendors and food booths will be located in the Umpqua Bank parking lot.

The Human Rooster Crow Contest begins at 2:15 p.m. Saturday. The rundown is simple: Give your best crow in a microphone. Winners are selected by crowd response.

“There is no entry fee,” the event website says. “Just bring your best voice and let ‘er rip.”

Actual roosters will also have their chance to shine, with judges keeping track of how many crows each rooster belts over a half-hour period.

See www.rogueriverchamber.com/ rooster_crow.php or call the city of Rogue River at 541-582-4401 for more information.

MAIL TRIBUNE PHOTO / JAMIE LUSCH

The Human Crow Competition is a fun part of the Rogue River Rooster Crow.

Medford and Ashland art walks Monthly art walks in Medford and Ashland offer opportunities to connect with artists and view all kinds of aesthetic creativity.

Downtown Medford’s Third Friday art walk, from 5 to 8 p.m., displays a melange of media and styles at more than 20 galleries, restaurants and other spaces. Attend receptions and explore wine, music and art, and rub elbows with eager local artists to learn about or purchase their creations.

A free trolley can shuttle art lovers through metro Medford between the Commons and Main and Bartlett streets. Check the group’s Facebook page for updates at fb.com/ MedfordThirdFriday.

In Ashland, First Fridays run from 5 to 8 p.m. and feature an eclectic mix of visual art and live music. You can enjoy it all with extensive sampling options for food and drink.

Ashland Gallery Association, a collection of more than 30 galleries and studios, hosts the event, bringing together a diverse set of artists.

Ashland is touted as one of the best small arts towns in the U.S. Visitors are invited to wander the historic downtown at their own pace, attend opening-night receptions and savor what local artists have made. For more information, see www.ashlandgalleries.com/events/ first-friday-artwalk.

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Friday, May 25, 2018 | 13

July 4 fireworks and events No Fourth of July celebration is complete with- Creek Music in Ashland or out some rockets’ red glare and bombs bursting in at the door. air, and the Rogue Valley offers several ways to At 10 p.m., fireworks make the holiday a full Independence Day. begin, launched from the Several parades and activities in Southern Southern Oregon UniverOregon provide many ways to celebrate the sity athletic field and visible day as you await an evening of razzle dazzle in from most of Ashland.

More details are at www. the sky.

In Ashland, events kick off at 7:45 a.m. with ashlandchamber.com.

In Central Point, events the 42nd annual 10K race and 2-mile run/walk near the Ashland library. At 10 a.m., a parade kick off with the Run 4 MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO starts at Triangle Park, runs down Siskiyou Freedom at 7:30 a.m. at A fireworks display takes place at the Red, White and Boom celebration Boulevard to East Main Street, and ends at the corner of Third and in Central Point.

Water Street. Check out Lithia Park after the Pine streets, with events Butte Falls will host a parade in Shady Cove at parade for food, crafts and info booths, and live including 5K and one-mile music at the Lithia Park Band Shell throughout races, and fun runs for kids from 5 to 12 years Ernest W. Smith Memorial Park.

Southern Oregon’s biggest fireworks show, old. A parade follows at Third and Pine streets, the afternoon.

At 8 p.m., the 30th annual American Band then live music and family-friendly activities the 17th annual Red, White and Boom fireworks extravaganza, is at the Expo. The free College Star Spangled Spectacular starts at the move to Robert Pfaff Park.

An Eagle Point parade begins on Main Street 20-minute fireworks display launches about Ashland High School stadium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are available at Cripple and finishes at Eagle Point High School, and 10 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Medford Rogues The Medford Rogues return to the new-look the Lincoln Potters at Great West League after a record-breaking Harry & David Field (2929 S. Pacific Highway). Thirty 2017 season. of Medford’s 60 games will The Rogues play in the GWL, a six-team, col- be played at home (not legiate, wood-bat baseball league that includes counting the playoffs and the Chico Heat, Klamath Falls Gems, Lincoln GWL championships).

Potters, San Francisco Seals and Yuba Sutter The Rogues’ regular-seaGold Sox. son finale comes Aug. 4 Medford’s fan base ranked third in the league against the Klamath Falls with an average home attendance of 1,200 last Gems, marking the last of ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE season, when the Rogues captured their first a five-game home stretch Medford Rogues pitcher Brett Walker delivers a pitch during a ballgame at GWL Championship Series trophy after sweep- to close out the year.

Harry & David Field last summer. ing the Chico Heat in a best-of-three series.

Tyler Graham, a In its fifth season, Medford equaled a club former Oregon State baseball player, was name — the Yuba Sutter Gold Sox. The Klamath Falls Gems and the San Francisco Seals joined record in victories and used a record-tying named the new manager of the Rogues. seven-game winning streak from July 20-28 The Portland Pickles left the league following the GWL for the 2018 season.

For more information, see medfordrogues. to pull away for a second straight GWL regu- the 2017 season to join the West Coast League, lar-season title. while the Yuba City Bears ceased operating. com, call 541-973-2883 or email info@medThe 2018 season kicks off May 29 against The Marysville Gold Sox went back to an earlier fordrogues.com.

Southern Oregon Speedway Southern Oregon Speedway in White City Speedweek June 23; will offer high-speed entertainment for a Veterans Night June 30; WSDCA Dwarf Car 23rd season this summer.

Nationals Aug. 3-4; the The speedway is part of the Jackson County $2,000-to-win Iron Head Sports Park, which also contains a shooting Sprint Car Nationals Aug. range, dragstrip and go-kart track.

11; Hall Of Fame Night The 3/10-mile banked clay oval track features Aug. 18; the R. Charles racing throughout the summer and into the Snyder Salute Sept. 1-2; fall. Action includes sprint car, IMCA modi- Championship Night 1 MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO fied/IMCA sport modified, SODCA dwarf car, Sept. 15; and Champion- Sprint cars race in the dirt at the Southern Oregon Speedway in 2004. pro stock, late model lite, mini stock, hornet ship Night 2, which wraps and late model racing. for seniors, military and juniors (ages 6-12), up the season, Sept. 22.

Featured events include Road To The The speedway is located at 6900 Kershaw and free for children 5 and younger (pricing Iron Giant Street Stocks May 19; the Roger Road. Pit gates open at 4 p.m., grandstands may vary for special events).

Haudenshild Tribute June 2; the Malicious open at 5 p.m., and racing begins around 7 p.m.

For more information, see southernoregonMonster Truck Tour June 9; IMCA Modified Tickets are $12 for adult general admission, $6 speedway.com or call 541-826-6825.

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East ART Trail

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

The mountains rimming the Rogue Valley are loaded with hiking trails, and there’s a brand new one outside of town entering its first summer under foot.

Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the country’s fastest-growing watersports and the Rogue Valley has no shortage of SUP water.

The East ART Trail in the Applegate Valley is the first leg of the ambitious Applegate Ridge Trail, which one day is envisioned to connect Jacksonville to the Cathedral Hills trail system outside of Grants Pass.

East ART is the 5.6-mile eastern section, easily accessed 15 minutes from Jacksonville off Sterling Creek Road. It takes trekkers through mountain meadows and forested glens.

It’s been nearly seven years in the making for the Applegate Trails Association and runs largely on Bureau of Land Management land, with views of Ruch and Woodrat Mountain.

The East ART runs between Sterling Creek Road and Highway 238, offering three hiking options.

To hike the full 11.2 miles there and back, park a shuttle car at one end to handle the full trail once, or hike in part-way and hike back.

To get there from Medford, take Highway 238 through Jacksonville toward Applegate Valley. At the top of Jacksonville Hill, about 2.5 miles, turn left onto Cady Road.

After about a half mile, turn right onto Sterling Creek Road. Keep your eye out for the 4-mile marker; 100 yards past the marker, there is BLM signage for the trailhead. Turn right there, onto BLM Road 38-2-19.1 and bear to the right at the fork, approximately .3 MAIL TRIBUNE / JAMIE LUSCH miles in. The trailhead is at the end of the road. The BLM road Dave Calahan takes in the view on a new section of hiking trail outside of Jacksonville. is rough but passable.

For newbies, there are two main options.

First, head to Emigrant Lake County Park southeast of Ashland, where SUP wannabes can rent boards by the hour from Liquid Blue (541-292-3343). Paddling near the swimming area can MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO be very good, but the lake can get choppy in the afternoons. Jackie Auchard demonstrates standup paddleAnother fine option is to boarding at Emigrant Lake. rent boards for a day from a host of liveries and head out to other favorite waterways that sport powerboat speed restrictions or no gas motors at all, such as Applegate, Agate, Howard Prairie and Hyatt lakes.

Daily rentals are available in Medford at The Black Bird Shopping Center (541-779-5431) off West Main Street, as well as the Northwest Outdoor Store (541-245-4000) in the Bear Creek Shopping Center off Biddle Road.

In Ashland, rentals are available at Indigo Creek Outfitters (541-282-4535) on A Street, and Southern Oregon University’s Outdoor Program (541-552-6470) on Webster Street.

More experienced paddlers are starting to show up regularly on the upper Rogue River between Cole Rivers Hatchery and Shady Cove, where myriad liveries offer SUP board rentals and shuttles to and from boat ramps.

Some expert paddlers try to do the near-impossible descent of the Rogue’s Ti’lomikh Falls outside of Gold Hill during the annual King of the Rogue event, which includes rafting, kayaking and SUP races around and over the famous Class IV whitewater stretch. This year’s races are scheduled for Aug. 18.

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Drive, chip, putt The Rogue Valley features several appealing public golf courses that cover all levels of ability. Here’s a rundown:

18 Holes Centennial, Medford: High-end course with an open landscape, virtually no trees and several water hazards. Greens are true, fairways well maintained. Longest course in the area. Weekend rates (w/o cart): 18 holes, $59. 541-773-4653.

Eagle Point, Eagle Point: Top-notch layout with a variety of hole designs and in optimum condition. Front nine more open and flat, back nine heads into the woods a bit. Plenty of test. Weekend rates (w/o cart): 18/9 holes, $55/$35. 541-826-8225.

Stone Ridge, Eagle Point: Diverse track with lots of elevation change and several high teeing areas to lower greens or fairways, which is always fun. Away from the bustle. Weekend rates (w/o cart): 18/9 holes, $35/$20. 541-830-4653.

Nine holes Oak Knoll, Ashland: Municipal course. Mostly straightforward holes to start, then finishes with tough uphill approach on No. 8 and a tee shot over a ravine on No. 9. Weekend rates (w/o cart): 18/9 holes, $24/$16. 541-482-4311.

Quail Point, Medford: A shorter course that is long on character. Greens are quick with subtle breaks, and holes that wrap around a hill allow for a variety of shots. Weekend rates (w/o cart): 18/9 holes, $28/$18. 541-857-7000.

Stewart Meadows, Medford: Gem of a layout, suitable for all levels. Easy to walk but provides challenges with creeks and/or ponds on six holes and plenty of bunkers. Weekend rates (w/o cart): 18/9 holes, $28/$18. Phone: 541-770-6554.

Friday, May 25, 2018 | 15

Culinary artistry in Central Point The most difficult thing about visiting Central Point’s Artisan Corridor might be deciding where to go first and how to save room in your stomach for all your options.

Rogue Creamery, Lillie Belle Farms chocolate shop and Ledger David Cellars all await visitors on their stretch of Front Street near Pine Street, and just around the corner on First Street Montgomery’s Meats offers an additional alimentary option.

Rogue Creamery, at 311 N. Front St., presents a variety of award-winning cheeses from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 541-665-1155 for more information.

Nationally renowned Lillie Belle Farms offers handcrafted chocolates that include ganaches, bon bons and caramels. The shop, at 211 N. Front St, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 541-664-2815.

Ledger David Cellars, at 245 N. Front St., is open noon to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Reach them at 541-664-2218.

Montgomery’s Meats, at 175 N. First St., is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Call 541-664-0727.

You’d have to stray from the corridor itself to reach ice cream also made

by Rogue Creamery. At the Creamery’s 75-acre Dairy & Farm Stand, at 6531 Lower River Road in Grants Pass, you’ll find organic ice cream sweetened with honey from local hives in all kinds of flavors.

Par 3

Roxy Ann Peak

Bear Creek, Medford: Par 29, with two par 4s of about 300 yards. Great for juniors, beginners, walkers and for work on iron play. Weekend rates (w/o cart): 18/9 holes, $15/$12. 541-773-1822.

On a clear day — and we a get nearly 200 a year in Jackson County — Medford’s Prescott Park provides a unique perspective on the Rogue Valley and the mountains beyond.

MAIL TRIBUNE / JAMIE LUSCH

Central Point’s Kiana Oshiro reacts after draining a long putt at Centennial Golf Club.

Hikers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians have plenty of trail space for exercise and exploration. For folks ascending the east Medford park’s highest point — Roxy Ann Peak — there are views of Mount Shasta to the south, a stunning array of angles on Mount McLoughlin, the Crater Lake Rim, along with peaks beyond. Of course, you can spy your part of the valley from Talent to Eagle Point, and take impressive selfies.

Medford acquired 1,740 acres atop Roxy Ann Peak in 1933 and named the park in honor of George J. Prescott, a police officer who died in the line of duty.

A series of trails — Madrone, Manzanita, Oak, Ponderosa, North Overlook and Little Roxy Ann — weave their way up and around the 3,576-foot-tall extinct volcano, as well as a road. A series of new trails designed for mountain bikers run from the top of Roxy Ann Peak to the parking area at the end of Roxy Ann Drive. New equestrian paths are in the works, and in order to make the many paths more accessible, the city opened a new parking lot near the third gate.

To reach the park, go east on Hillcrest Road. Two blocks past Cherry Lane, Roxy Ann Road veers left off Hillcrest.

The gravel road passes one gate that is locked around sunset. Although many people park at a second gate, there’s room for far more vehicles farther up.

City signs remind you cougars, ticks, rattlesnakes and poison oak are part of the flora and fauna of the park. Watch where you step, and check for ticks when you get back MAIL TRIBUNE / JAMIE LUSCH to your car.

Prescott Park on Roxy Ann Peak has plenty of trails for walkers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians.

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Theatre in the Parks Medford has a long history of movies and concerts in the park, but its free Theatre in the Parks series is a bit younger.

The third season of Theatre in the Parks will feature four performances of “The Butter Dish,” by Cynthia Rogan, in partnership with the Collaborative Theatre Project.

Lithia 4 Kids and the Cow Creek Foundation are sponsoring the free performances, two of which will take place in Bear Creek Park and two in Pear Blossom Park in downtown Medford.

Go to Bear Creek Park for the 6:30 p.m. performances July 30 or Aug. 8; visit Pear Blossom Park at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1 and 6.

For more details, see ctporegon.org.

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Schedule Your Tour

Movies under the stars Medford parks and Recreation Department offers free movies in city parks on Saturday evenings from June 16 through Aug. 11. Movies begin at dusk.

Family Fun Nights also feature free hot dogs while supplies last and mobile recreation entertainment at 7 p.m.

Use the following schedule to plans your summer movie fun.

Schedule Your Tour Groups of any size are welcome.

Groups of any size are welcome.

Call toll-free Call8000, toll-free 877 322 8AM–5PM 877 322 8000, Monday–Friday,8AM–5PM or email Monday–Friday, or email tours@HarryandDavid.com tours@HarryandDavid.com anytime. anytime.

Tour times Tour times Monday–Friday, Monday–Friday, 9:15AM, 10:30AM, 9:15AM, 12:30PM,10:30AM, 1:45PM 12:30PM, 1:45PM

Tours begin and end at the Tours begin end at the Harry and & David Harry & David Country Village Store Country VillageDrive Store 1314 Center 1314 Center Drive Medford, OR 97501 Medford, OR 97501

Harry & David is a dba of Harry and David, LLC. Harry & David is a dba of Harry and David, LLC.

June 16: “Back to the Future,” part of Medford Cruise weekend, will be shown at Fichtner-Mainwaring Park, 334 Holmes Ave. June 23: “Spider-Man: Homecoming” at Bear Creek Park, 1520 Siskiyou Blvd.

June 30: “Paddington 2” at Bear Creek Park.

July 14: “Coco” at Bear Creek Park.

July 21: “Wonder” at Holmes Park, 185 S. Modoc Ave. This is a Family Fun Night.

July 28: “The Ninjago Movie” at Lewis Park, Lewis Avenue and Eighth Street (Family Fun Night).

Aug. 4: “The Incredibles” at Lone Pine Park, 3158 Lone Pine Road (Family Fun Night).

Aug. 11: “Ferdinand” at Howard Park, 286 Mace Road (Family Fun Night).

PRINTS PRINTS 1/0 1/0

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” is one of this summer’s Movies in the Park.

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VERSIONX 4.917” 11.375”X 4.917” 11.375”

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4.917”X11.375” MMT SUMMER REC AD 4.917”X11.375”

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Friday, May 25, 2018 | 17

A Great Crowd

(Packed shoulder to shoulder.)

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18 | Friday, May 25, 2018 |

Gold Dust and Kings The city of Gold Hill, perched along the 18, features the roiling scenic Rogue River, is a great place to go fish- whitewater of the Rogue ing, relax along the Rogue River or wander Valley’s signature river.

King of the Rogue aimlessly on a summer day. includes three multiThe town also hosts two summer events of lap, Class IV whitewater note, Gold Dust Days and King of the Rogue. events: 4-person rafts, Gold Dust Days, the signature fundraiser kayaks and stand-up for the Gold Hill Historical Society and p a d d l e b o a r d s . T h e MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO Museum, celebrates the town’s colorful her- course through Ti’loitage. The whole town dresses up for the day, mikh Falls was designed King of the Rogue features three multi-lap, Class IV whitewater events: 4-person rafts, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. with vendor booths, historical displays and by Olympic gold meddemonstrations, kid games and activities, alist Oliver Fix and Greg for more than a mile of excellent salmon fishlive entertainment, animals, vintage carriages Snider, and the event supports the Gold Hill ing between Nugget and Powerhouse Rapids. and wagons, old engines and tractors, a Rats Whitewater Park.

For more information about the derby, and Rods car show and more. The event runs Before the races start there’s a fishing email Steve@goldhillwhitewater.org. For all day Saturday, June 2. derby, in which fishermen launch from Gold details about the whitewater events, see King of the Rogue, held Saturday, Aug. Hill Whitewater Center and head upstream www.goldhillwhitewater.org.

A meeting of mountain ranges The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument has many access points, some easier on your vehicle and some more trying.

The entry points give hikers options from relatively easy hikes to strenuous climbs.

The easiest is Hobart Bluff, a short side trip off the Pacific Trail that provides panoramic views of the Rogue Valley, east into the Klamath Basin, Mount McLoughlin to the north and the Siskyous to the west. On a clear day, Mount Shasta looms to the south.

It’s just under 15 miles up Highway 66 from the south Ashland freeway exit to where you turn right onto Soda Mountain Road. If you make it to the Greensprings Summit, you have gone too far.

Follow Soda Mountain Road for about 3.5 miles. The parking lot is right on the PCT, and there’s even a vault toilet. Head north from the parking area; the roundtrip is 3 miles.

If you head south on the PCT from the same parking area you’re in for another treat. Within

the monument is the Soda Mountain Wilderness Area, an ecological mosaic where Oregon’s eastern desert meets towering fir forests. The heart of the wilderness is the 5,720-foot-high Boccard Point where the BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT Great Basin meets the The ridgelines seem endless in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

Klamath, Siskiyou and approximately 808 feet in elevation. The final Cascade ranges.

The PCT follows an old road recently restored few feet takes a bit of athleticism. From the as a trail to Boccard Point, a rocky outcrop with summit, hikers can see Mount Shasta, the expansive views in many directions, includ- Trinity Alps, Marble Mountains and Mount ing the remote regions of the Soda Mountain McLoughlin.

Follow Route 99 south from the Mount AshWilderness to the south, the Shasta Valley and Mount Shasta farther south, and Mount Ash- land exit for about 2.4 miles. Turn left at Pilot Rock Road 40-2E-33.0. Stay left at the first land and the Siskiyou Crest to the west.

A great way to see the monument is from fork and stay right at the second split. After the top of Pilot Rock. The steep summit trail 2.1 miles on this bumpy road, you’ll reach the is about 1 mile from the parking area and gains parking lot.

Pacific Crest Trail Every June the leading edge of what becomes hundreds of Pacific Coast Trail thru-hikers crosses into Oregon near Dutchman Peak.

The summer months see a flood of hikers making the 2,659-mile trek from the Mexican border to Canada. Many of these sojourners packing 25 or more miles daily will tell you they’re out there to find themselves or explore terrain they may not get to see once they launch into their careers.

The trail loops to the south of Mount Ashland en route to some of our region’s most iconic natural areas, including Pilot Rock, Howard Prairie and Hyatt lakes, Sky Lakes Wilderness, Mount McLoughlin, Crater Lake National Park and Mount Thielsen.

The best way to explore the trail is with

a day hike from one of the many trailheads in Southern Oregon. Pick up a PCT guidebook at a local bookstore or go to the Pacific Crest Trail website for hints on which trailhead to choose, pack a picnic, throw it in a daypack and go see why so many people are drawn to this high-elevation treasure.

Some of the easiest trailheads to reach MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO are on Mount Ashland near Callahan’s A distance runner follows the Pacific Crest Trail south Lodge or Pilot Rock, at the Greensprings of Mount Ashland.

Summit off Highway 66, on Dead Indian you’re going. Halfmile’s Pacific Crest Trail Memorial Road near Lake of the Woods, and maps and app provide the most current and at Crater Lake National Park.

Because it’s a mountain trail that passes accurate PCT information. If you hike before through wilderness areas and other out- July, bug spray is a must. In midsummer and of-the-way places, be sure to bring a map, fall, check for fire closures. lots of water, and let people know where Get more information at www.pcta.org.

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Friday, May 25, 2018 | 19

Entertainment

at the

Amphitheater

SCOTTY MCCREERY JULY 11 Presented by

+ Special Guest

IN REAL LIFE

Presented by

JULY 12

TRACE ADKINS JULY 13 Presented by

Presented by

JULY 11

JEFF FOXWORTHY

JULY 15

through

JULY 14 Presented by

Fair Admission* Adults (13+) 10/day in advance, 12/day at gate Carnival Rides Save 5 when you purchase a single-day $

$

Seniors (62-74) $6/day, (75+) FREE • Kids (12 & Under) FREE

Advance tickets available at Sherm’s Thunderbird, Food 4 Less, Bi-Mart, The Expo Office and AtTheExpo.com through July 10. *

$

unlimited carnival ride wristband in advance. Available at Sherm’s Thunderbird, Food 4 Less and AtTheExpo.com, beginning June 5, while supplies last. ($35 at the gate.)

Concerts in the Bi-Mart Amphitheater are not included in the price of Fair admission. Fair admission is included with concerts in the Bi-Mart Amphitheater.

FREE Parking Every Day • FREE for Kids 12 & Under • FREE Sunday Admission for All! FreeFree FairFair Parking Parking All Day All Day

Free Fair Admission Free Fair Admission for Kids & Under for12 Kids 12 & Under

Jackson County County Expo Jackson Expo Peninger Road, Road, Central 11Peninger Central Point Point

Free Sunday Saturday Fair Admission Sponsor

Carnival Free Sunday FairPresented Admission by

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20 | Friday, May 25, 2018 |

Boating on mountain lakes Summer visitors who want to get out on 20-foot patio boats and a 23-foot some of Southern Oregon’s mountain lakes patio cruiser. have plenty of options if they didn’t bring In the High Cascades off their own boat.

Dead Indian Memorial Road Public resorts at several lakes offer boat east of Ashland lies the popurentals for those who want to spend a half-or lar Howard Prairie Lake, with a full day cruising the waters or fishing for long-standing resort, marina and campground operated by Jackson stocked rainbow trout or bass.

Jackson County’s largest water body is Lost County. The marina offers halfMAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO Creek Lake off Highway 62, about 63 miles and full-day rentals of 15- and north of Medford along the Rogue River. Lost 18-foot aluminum boats. Slip The marina at Lost Creek Lake offers boat rentals through October.

Creek Lake Resort (541-560-3646) rents boats moorage for those floating their various-sized boats for hourly or daily rentals. ranging from a 12-foot aluminum fishing boat own boats is also available.

Also high in the Cascades off Highway 140 Those headed into the Siskiyou Mounwith an outboard motor for as little as four hours of morning trout fishing to a 33-foot are Fish Lake Resort (541-949-8500) and tains can find kayak and paddleboards to houseboat available for rent by the night. the Lake of the Woods Resort (541-949- rent at Applegate Lake’s Hart-Tish Park For something in between, the resort offers 8300). Both offer moorage and a plethora of (541-899-9220) off Upper Applegate Road.

Fishing spots From novice to artful, anglers visiting the Rogue Valley have plenty of opportunities to slip in some fine fishing in the valley’s signature river and local lakes between moments with Shakespeare and wine.

Mountain lakes such as Howard Prairie off Dead Indian Memorial Road, Fish Lake off Highway 140, and Lake of the Woods at the junction of Highway 140 and Dead Indian Memorial Road are stocked with rainbow trout, and they all have resorts that can line visitors up with a rental boats and even a oneday fishing license.

Along with Diamond Lake, Applegate Lake, Hyatt Lake and Lost Creek, the waterbodies offer a mix of bait-, lure- and fly-fishing for rainbows, as well as respite from valley heat.

For the more sophisticated angler, the upper Rogue River’s famed summer steelhead

run starts heating up with the temperatures in July, with late-summer fly-fishing some of the best of the year in the Jackson County portion of the river.

Evening wading while swinging dark leeches or signature Rogue flies such as the green-butt JAMIE LUSCH / MAIL TRIBUNE skunk will punch your steelhead A trout angler fishes at Howard Prairie last August. ticket at TouVelle State Park off powerboats. Check in at any local fishing or Table Rock Road, McGregor Park between Highway 62 and Lost Creek dam tackle shop for recommendations.

The far upper Rogue around Union Creek near Trail and water just upstream of Rogue — and Union Creek itself — are stocked every Elk Park off Highway 62 north of Shady Cove. week with fresh rainbow trout between All are easily accessible and open to the public.

Plenty of licensed guides can set you up Memorial Day and Labor Day. They’re readily with all the equipment for a trip on the Rogue caught with an assortment of offerings from in either the Rogue’s historic driftboats or worms to small lures to dry flies.

Rogue River The Rogue River is the region’s signature Rogue is through Hellgate natural feature, and it offers four distinct Jetboat Excursions (541-4797204), a Grants Pass livery that sections that all have a different flavor. offers scenic and dinner runs The lower Rogue River includes the first through the summer.

68 miles upstream from the mouth at Gold Rogue Jet Boat Adventures Beach. It includes a series of canyons and (541-414-4182) offers evening rapids in the Wild and Scenic Section visited trips along the upper Rogue, either by driftboats or rafts and is a Pacific which includes the riffles, Northwest bucket-list entry for whitewater rapids and pools upstream of MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO lovers. For serious hikers, the Rogue River the old Gold Ray Dam site near A rainbow trout falls for a fly at the Holy Water section of the Trail covers 40 miles between Grave Creek Gold Hill.

Rogue River below Lost Creek Dam. near Galice and Foster Bar near the river The stretch from Cole Rivers hamlet of Agness, with camping spots and Hatchery down to Shady Cove the Rogue its name are more serene from the lodges in between. is home all summer to floaters who rent bank in the far upper Rogue around Union The middle Rogue downstream of Grants rafts for half-day, self-paddled tours. The Creek off Highway 62. There’s plenty of Pass is home to fine fishing for summer steel- upper Rogue is also the main destination for river access at numerous campgrounds, and head and, late in the summer, fall chinook salmon and steelhead anglers throughout a riverside trail, as well as true look-butsalmon for anglers fishing by themselves or the summer, either with guides or from the don’t-touch phenomena such as Natural with guides. It’s also a popular place to raft bank at several public-access points around Bridge, where the Rogue flows underground and kayak. in a lava tube, and at the famous Rogue Gorge Shady Cove.

One of the best ways to see the middle The rough-and-tumble waters that give across from Union Creek Resort.

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Concerts in the Park Medford’s Parks and Recreation Department presents free concerts at the Bear Creek Park Amphitheater in June and July, and Pear Blossom Park at the Commons in August. All concerts start at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays.

The Bear Creek lineup includes: June 14: Idea Team, with 10 members bringing a fresh mix of groove and funk with other elements.

June 21: David Pinsky and Phil Newton with the Over the Moon Band, locals in the blues scene joined by a Canadian Americana group.

June 28: Fortune’s Folly, a dance-rock band from Eugene.

July 5: Gino Meregillano, also known as Gino and the Lone Gunmen, an experienced Southern California guitarist David Pinsky and Phil Newton are one of the adept in a variety of genres from blues acts at this year’s Concert in the Park series. to rock, surf and country.

July 12: The Olson Bros Band, for country music lovers.

July 19: Hunter and the Dirty Jacks, a five-piece California rock ‘n’ roll band.

July 26: Blue Lightning, an Ashland dance band looking to get you up on your feet.

Aug. 9: Roni Lee Group, formed around Lee, the original guitarist for L.A. punk rock band Venus and the Razorblades.

Aug. 16: Yak Attack, not to be confused with an outdoor brand, looks to rock the park with house, drum and bass, breakbeat and funk music.

Aug. 23: Frankie Hernandez Band, an Ashland artist bringing soul, funk and reggae rock.

Aug. 30: The Brevet, an “epic Americana band.”

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Riding bulls and roping calves What’s more American than cowboys roping cattle, riding bucking broncs and riding wild 2,000-pound bulls?

Nothing. And that helps explain why the annual Central Point Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo at the Expo is such a popular event year after year.

This year’s rodeo, Thursday-Sunday, May 31-June 2, features bull riding, bareback riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle-bronc riding and barrel racing. For kids there’s mutton bustin’, everybody loves rodeo clowns, and for people who can’t get enough action, there’s the after party with music and dancing.

This year’s Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo queen is Zoe Brooks, a senior at Crater Lake Charter Academy, and the Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo princess is Kendra Pinnell, a junior at Crater Lake Charter Academy.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday, and the rodeo begins at 7 p.m.

For details, call 541-774-8270 or see www.attheexpo.com/ SectionIndex.

ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE asp?SectionID=5 Buck Lunak from Cut Bank Mt. rides bareback during the 2017 Wild Rogue Pro Rodeo at the Expo.

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Medford Beer Week It’s all things brewski June 7-16 during Medford Beer Week, when dozens of breweries, pubs, restaurants, bands and other businesses celebrate Southern Oregon’s handcrafted beers.

Here are some choice picks: The “Bestie Bash” will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 8, at Walkabout Brewing Company, 921 Mason Way, Medford. The brewery is teaming up with other winners of local “Best of” competitions, including popular band Brothers Reed and food truck Curbside King, for the event.

MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO Curbside King will serve a new Chantelle Garvin and Tamar Dawson of dish to pair with the brewery’s Sacramento celebrate beer. special Walkabout IPA. Block Party with Moxley Media, from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 9, will be held at Opposition Brewing, 545 Rossanley Dr., Medford.

Participants will be able to enjoy beer, food, music and games in the Opposition’s parking lot.

The Southern Oregon Craft Brew Festival, hosted by Beerworks and Southern Oregon Subaru, will run from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 16, at Pear Blossom Park, 312 E. Fourth St., Medford. With more than 30 breweries showing off their best offerings, this event is a “must attend” for Medford Beer Week. Tickets are $20 and will come with a commemorative pint glass and eight tasting tickets. Additional tasting tickets are 5 for $5 or 12 for $10. Online tickets are $16 and can be purchased at socbrewfest.com. The festival is a 21-and-older event.

For more details about Beer Week activities, see the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/medfordbeerweek/

oregoncabaret.com

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Southern Oregon BrewFest The 2018 Southern Oregon BrewFest will take place at the Expo in Central Point Friday through Sunday, Sept. 14-16.

Formerly part of the Harvest Festival, the BrewFest is really several events rolled into one action-packed weekend of food, beverages and friendly competitions.

The BrewFest is a big part of the equation, with more than 60 taps dispensing a wide selection of microbrews from across the Pacific Northwest and the State of Jefferson.

People also line up for the Central Point Parks Department’s Battle of the Bones barbecue competition, a pie-eating contest, stock dog trials, a music festival and more.

The music kicks off with country superstar Toby Keith Friday, Sept.

14, presented by the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians. There are also local and regional music acts throughout the weekend.

Hours for this year’s event will be 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, with a “Growler Hour” Sunday from 5 MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO to 6 p.m. For details, including a complete schedule and a lineup of musical The Southern Oregon Brew Fest at the Expo is a great place to sample acts, see www.SOBrewFest.com. local craft brews.

Rediscover your Soul on the Rogue River.

April 26 - July 1 “an intimate, bittersweet and simultaneously entertaining hit” - ASHLAND DAILY TIDINGS

“at once personal and universal, joyous and anguished, uplifting and bittersweet. It's funny. It's moving. It's natural and utterly real.”

- GRANTS PASS DAILY COURIER

“Once is a musical worth seeing more than once.”

Come join us for a half or full day rafting trips, lodging on the banks of the majestic Rogue River, or a Four-course gourmet dinner while overlooking the Rogue River from our open-air deck.

- KLAMATH FALLS HERALD & NEWS

Due to demand, we’ve added five performances: 5/27, 5/30, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24, all at 8pm.

541.488.2902 | oregoncabaret.com

www.rogueriverraft.com

1-800-336-1647

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Southern Oregon Lavender Festival Southern Oregon has the perfect climate for growing lavender, and the heady aroma and beautiful blooms can be found at several farms open to visitors during June and July.

A good way to experience local lavender growers is by attending the Southern Oregon Lavender Festival, which occurs on two weekends, June 22-24 and July 13-15. The festival occurs at three stops along the Southern Oregon Lavender Trail: Lavender Fields Forever: 375 Hamilton Road, Jacksonville, 541-702-2250. Open June 15 to mid-August, Friday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open festival days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At Lavender Fields, visitors can pick their own bouquet from seven pink, white and purple varieties. See https://lavenderfieldsforever-oregon.com/.

The English Lavender Farm: 8040 Thompson Creek Road, Applegate, 541-846-0375. Open June 1 to July 30, Friday-Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open festival days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The farm has more than 6,000 lavender plants, as well as a gift shop in the drying barn where lavender is distilled into essential oil. See englishlavenderfarm.com.

OSU Lavender Garden: 569 Hanley Road, Central Point. The OSU project is the Pacific Northwest’s first Lavender Collection and Demonstration Garden, with more than 80 varieties. Sponsored by OSU’s Southern Oregon Research & Extension Center, the Herb Society of America, and the local Master Gardener Association, it is the only herb garden in the Pacific NW registered with the Herb Society of America. Open daily for self-guided tours.

For details about the Lavender Trail, see www.southernoregonlavendertrail.com,

Mount McLoughlin Mount McLoughlin, the cone-shaped peak that stands 9,495 above sea level and is visible from much of Southern Oregon, is the sixth-highest peak in the Oregon Cascades and 16th-highest in the state.

As imposing as McLoughlin looks, however, it’s a peak 8-year-olds with good shoes and 80-year-olds with strong hearts have been known to scale.

From the trailhead not far from Fourmile Lake, the 10.6-mile MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO round-trip hike gains Mount McLoughlin is visible from points throughout more than 3,900 feet in elevation. The early Southern Oregon. part of the forest-shaded path traces the Pacific Crest Trail for a few minutes before embarking on the more dramatic uphill gains, which get steeper as you go.

Bring lots of water and enough food for lunch at the summit. Although well conditioned distance runners can make it to the top in 90 minutes, three-hour ascents are more typical. Early- to mid-season hikers will likely encounter swarms of mosquitoes, but probably won’t have their view shrouded by forest fires. The mosquitoes tend to disperse sometime in late July to early August, about the time thunderstorms ignite wildfires.

By leaving the parking lot around 6 or 7 in the morning, you will generally have better views before clouds gather in the afternoon.

To reach the trailhead, take Highway 140, turn north onto the gravel road to Fourmile Lake, and follow the signs to the parking area.

Rafting the Rogue Rafting on the Rogue River is part of visiting or living in Southern Oregon.

The Rogue’s rollercoaster rapids and lazy, lacy riffles make it one of the best allaround rafting destinations in North America.

Rafting season runs from May through October, and with navigable stretches along much of the 84-mile Wild and MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO Scenic corridor, there is an itinerary suited to both river Rafters challenge a wave on the Rogue River near Gold Hill last Summer. rats and novices.

Rafting trips can be four hours or four days. The 12-mile float from Casey State Recreation Area, about three miles below Cole M. Rivers Hatchery to Upper Rogue Regional Park in Shady Cove is a gentle, scenic paddle through Class 1 riffles, making it well suited for beginners.

The four-hour “Nugget” run from just below the former Gold Ray Dam site near Central Point to the Gold Hill Sports Park features the roaring Class IV Nugget and Tilomikh falls with a couple of Class II and III rapids that make for a splashy ride.

Two- to four-hour floats from Hog Creek at Hellgate Canyon, approximately 15 miles west of Grants Pass, to Grave Creek are popular. The Class I and II rapids make for heart-pumping moments through 25 miles of rugged, scenic canyons.

The 35-mile section of the lower Rogue, from Grave Creek to Agness, is a must-do for real whitewater enthusiasts, but permits are awarded through a lottery, so you’ll need to hire one of the many excellent outfitters in the area to make the trip.

Rafting companies abound along the length of the Rogue, offering rental rafts, gear and shuttle services for do-it-yourself groups.

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Country Crossings Music Festival

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Wildlife Safari

Eric Church, Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, Clare Dunn and other stars of country music will descend on the Expo July 26-30, for the second appearance in Jackson County of the Country Crossings Music Festival.

More than 20,000 attended the festival last year. The event debuted in Central Point last year after outgrowing its space at Cape Blanco on the Oregon Coast.

This year’s event will feature more than 30 musical acts on three stages.

ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE VIP and premium Chris Stapleton performs at the 2017 Country Crossings general admission Music Festival at the Expo. This year’s event includes Eric tickets, as well as Church, Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson and Clare Dunn.

RV spaces, are still available to purchase at www.cxfest.com. Concert-goers could also purchase front row single-day admission, single-day general admission, child admission, camping passes, pit pass, fest fast pass. VIP parking was sold out, according to the festival’s website.

RV and tent campers may arrive as early as noon Thursday, July 26, to check in, and stay as late as noon Monday, July 30.

A world of exotic animals is a short drive away in Douglas County, and there’s no need to leave your car once you get there.

Wildlife Safari, at 1790 Safari Road, Winston, is a 600-acre drive-thru animal park that lets visitors see more than 500 types of mammals, birds and reptiles, including lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, bison, elk, bears, wildebeests, zebras, tigers, rhinos, ostriches and hippos, all from the comfort of your car.

In the summer, the park includes an area called Always Free Safari Village, which features a botanical wonderland, animal exhibits, alligators and cougars, keeper talks throughout the day, and a children’s petting zoo.

Open since 1972, the nonprofit park is the only drive-thru animal park in Oregon, according to the park’s website.

Accredited through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the park provides space for some of the rarest, most endangered (and coolest) species to roam, making Wildlife Safari different than a zoo. It has the country’s most successful cheetah breeding research center, according to its website,and scores of students enter Wildlife Safari’s internship programs each year, and an international veterinary medicine program resides on Safari grounds, according to park literature.

Drive-thru admission costs $19.95 for adults, $13.95 for children and $16.95 for seniors.

Drive-thru and Village hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with the last vehicle admitted at 5 p.m.

The White Rhino Cafe is open JAMIE LUSCH / MAIL TRIBUNE from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For details, Azalea Lusch has an encounter with an ostrich call 541-679-6761 or see www. at Wildlife Safari. wildlifesafari.net.

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26 | Friday, May 25, 2018 |

Food trucks

Ode to the grape

Foodies can find an abundance of great eats in Southern Oregon that are served from the side of a vehicle.

The annual Oregon Wine Experience has evolved into one of the top wine events in Oregon.

There’s no way to capture the entirety of the Rogue Valley mobile food scene because there are so many, but here are some favorites.

One caveat: Because these spots are mobile and sometimes take private catering gigs, we recommend checking their Facebook pages before making meal plans.

Wok Star JAMIE LUSCH / MAIL TRIBUNE Typically open for lunch weekdays in the center of A Falafel Waffle from Two Peas Alba Park, 301 W. Main St., in Medford, the truck profood truck. vides Asian fusion prepared by a classically trained French chef. Find them @Wokstartacos on Facebook or call 541-621-3779.

Peruvian Point The bright red truck featuring the flavors of South America is usually found lunchtime weekdays at 2780 E. Barnett Road, Medford. Regular items include the Lomo Saltado tri-tip stir fry with onions, tomatoes and parsley, and Don Cesar grilled chicken sandwich. Call 541-261-9299 or find Peruvian Point on Facebook.

Victory Dogs The mainstay at the corner of Eighth Street and Central Avenue in downtown Medford serves such treats as a grilled Pastrami Dog, Philly Dog with garlic, mushrooms, provolone cheese and onions, and the Reuben Dog. Call 541-414-3346 or find @victorybacondogs on Facebook.

Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market You’ll find several food carts, and maybe some farm-fresh produce for later, at the growers markets in Medford and Ashland. Ashland has markets from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Ashland Armory at 1420 E. Main St. and from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the corner of Oak Street and Lithia Way. Medford’s market is from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Hawthorne Park, 501 E. Main St. See www.rvgrowersmarket.com.

The annual celebration of the grape will be held Aug. 20-26 at Bigham Knoll in Jacksonville, where wineries from around the state will join with local restaurants and artisan food vendors in a weeklong extravaganza.

Events include wine classes, vintner dinners, a barrel auction, a salmon bake and auction, and the final Grand Tasting under a giant tent.

The event began as the World of Wine in 2003, and in 2014 it became a fundraiser for Asante’s Children’s Miracle Network and other health care programs supported by Medford-based Asante Foundation.

Wineries from throughout Oregon are eligible to compete in the wine competition, which will be judged by a panel of six experts Aug. 4-5. Best of Show winners in the 2017 competition were Cliff Creek Cellars (white), Weisinger Family Winery (red) and Cuckoo’s Nest Cellars (specialty).

Tickets generally run $100 to $250 per event, with discounts for multiple purchases.

The Grand Tasting, from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, costs $100 per person and will showcase more than 100 of Oregon’s leading wines, including all of the award winners from the 2018 Oregon Wine Competition.

MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO For details, see www.theoregonwine- The Oregon Wine Experience draws experience.com. wineries from across Oregon.

(541) 441 - 4513 www.SoOregonExpress.com

ALL INCLUSIVE DAY TRIPS!!

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You won’t believe your eyes ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum, 1500 E. Main St., Ashland, is an interactive science museum where adults and children can be awed and inspired by the wonders of science. The museum is home to more than 100 interactive exhibits, and it hosts themed weekends and fun science programs year-round.

Exhibits at ScienceWorks include Black Bear Garden, Da Vinci’s Garage, Discovery Island, Bee TV, Bubble-ology, Pedal Power Railroad, Shadow Wall, Water Rocket, Cannon Ball Blast, and Hall of Illusions.

Exhibits touch on a multitude of fascinating phenomena — exploring weather, energy, anatomy, chemistry, perception, motion, engineering and more.

Performances and activities change frequently, offering something new every time you visit. To see what’s coming up, see the calendar at scienceworksmuseum. org or call 541-482-6767.

ScienceWorks also offers a variety of summer camps from June 18 to Aug. 24, broken up by grades.

The science and discovery center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and on Mondays during holidays.

Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and children 2-12. Admission costs $2 the first Sunday of every month for nonmembers 2 and older, unless otherwise noted on the museum’s calendar. Visitors must have one adult for every five children in their group.

Medford • Grants Pass • Ashland www.yogurthut.net

Jude Williamson-Gordon, 5, set the record score on a dino simulator at the Pterosaurs Ancient Rulers of the Sky Exhibit at ScienceWorks in Ashland.

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Friday, May 25, 2018 | 29

Attractions for the whole family Southern Oregon is full of cool things for a fun option. Medford kids to see and do, and some of them will has two bowling alleys, Lava Lanes, at 2980 appeal to the kid inside all of us.

Crater Lake Highway, For instance, the mini-golf, batting and Roxy Ann Lanes, cages and bumper boats at Rogue Valley at 2375 Pacific HighFun Center next door to the Expo in Cen- way. For prices and tral Point can appeal to kids of all ages. To schedules, contact get there, take exit Exit 33 off Interstate 5. Lava Lanes at lavalanes.

For details, see www.rvfamilyfuncenter. com or 541-245-2755. com or give them a call at 541-664-4263. Reach Roxy Ann Lanes MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO If you feel like grabbing some air, Rogue at roxyannlanes.com or Rogue Air Park in Medford Center is a trampoline park with 20,000 square feet Air Park in Medford Center off Biddle Road 541-772-7171. of space. is a trampoline park with 20,000 square If there’s an ice skater feet of hopping good times. Reach them in the crowd, the RRRink offers skating lessons destination for young folks with the urge at 541-200-1100 or see www.rogueair- and sessions, along with hockey and more. to play and move. The discovery museum, park.com.

The facility is at 1349 Center Drive, at 106 N. Central Ave., Medford, offers an If it’s looking like rain outside — or we’re Medford. For details, call 541-770-1177 or ever-changing array of exhibits and activities. For prices, schedules and details, call in the middle of a heat wave that has you see www.therrrink.com. craving air conditioning — bowling is always Kid Time children’s museum is another 541-772-9922 or see www.kid-time.org.

Lithia Park nature walks Lithia Park is the 100-acre crown jewel of Ashland’s park system, and all summer long — from May through September — the city offers free, 90-minute walks through the park led by trained naturalists.

The walks start at 10 a.m. Fridays, Sundays and Wednesdays from May through September, and Saturday walks are added in July and August. No reservations are required, just meet at the park entrance across from the downtown Plaza and prepare to be amazed by one of the most beautiful urban green spaces in the country.

Trail booklets for self-guided tours are available at The Grove, 1195 E. Main St., the information kiosk on the Plaza, and Ashland Chamber of Commerce, 110 E. Main St. Ducks, turtles and the occasional Canada geese can be seen floating on the Lower Duck Pond and the large Upper Duck Pond.

A main path leading gently uphill deeper

into the park passes a children’s playground, wading area in Ashland Creek, restrooms and a climbing wall for kids.

Away from the path to the right are a rose garden and the historic Butler-Perozzi Fountain. Nearby is a Japanese Garden that MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO provides a tranquil Ashland Creek runs through Lithia Park in Ashland. retreat with trickling water, moss, Japanese volleyball court, picnic areas, colorful landmaples and other plants and trees from Asia. scaping and playground equipment.

Tennis courts visible from the main path If you’re an ultra hiker, biker or runner, and Winburn Way beckon sports enthusi- trails in Lithia Park connect with neighasts, while at the top of the park, a swimming boring parks and trails that reach from the reservoir created by the pooling of Ashland Ashland Watershed to the top of Mount Creek has been cooling summertime visi- Ashland roughly 13 miles away. tors for decades. You’ll also find a sand-pit Lithia Park is open from dawn until 11 p.m.

Lace ‘em up and go The Southern Oregon running scene is alive and well, with numerous on- and offroad running events throughout the summer.

Among the races on tap this summer are: • 16th annual Gold Dust Run 5K and 10K, which takes place Saturday, June 2, in Gold Hill • Granite Man Off-Road Sports Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, June 9-10, takes place at Applegate Lake. This year’s event includes a SUP triathlon option, a cyclcross race, an aqua-bike duathlon, and a 10-mile mountain run. For details, see http:// granite-man.com/ • Longest Day 5K run and walk, 7:30 p.m.

Tu e s d ay, J u n e 1 9 , o n t h e B e a r C re e k G re e n w a y. S e e t h e ra c e c a l e n d a r a t www.sorunners.org/ for details.

• Ashland Fourth of July run, featuring 10K and

2-mile races, is sponsored by Ashland Parks and Recreation.

See www.ashland.or.us/Page. asp?NavID=16622 for details.

• Britt Woods Firehouse Run, featuring 10K, 4.3-mile, and 1.9-mile runs, takes place Saturday, July 14, in Jacksonville’s Britt Woods. See the race calendar at www.sorunners. org/ for details.

• Siskiyou Outback Trail Runs, ANDY ATKINSON / MAIL TRIBUNE b e t t e r k n ow n a s t h e S O B , Athletes make their way along the PCT during the Siskiyou takes place Saturday, July 28, Outback Runs in 2017. high on Mount Ashland and the Saturday Aug. 11, is a 13.3-mile event that begins Siskiyou Crest, with a 50K run, 15K run, and 50-mile race. Learn more at https:// in downtown Ashland’s Lithia Park and climbs on dirt roads and trails to the Mt. Ashland summit, for siskiyououtback.com/ • The 41st annual Mt. Ashland Hillclimb Run, a more than 5,600 feet of climbing.

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SPINACH | WATERMELON | SWEETS | CHEESE | PASTA | BREAD | COFFEE | DRIED FRUIT | CANDLES | FLOWERS | VEGGIE STARTS | PORK GYROS | WOODCRAFTS | POTTERY | SHAVED ICE | PEACHES | CHERRIES | FIGS | CHOCOLATE | HONEY | CANDLES | SALSA | SHALLOTS FIBER ART | WORM JUICE | FLOWERS | EGGS | DONUTS | ROASTED PEPPERS | CHICKEN | TEA | PUMPKINS | CORN | BODY PRODUCTS

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Thank you to our local sponsors of RVGCM’s Double Up Food Bucks Program 2018!

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HAWTHORNE PARK MEDFORD THURS MKT 8:30–1:30 3/1–11/15 ASHLAND ARMORY ASHLAND TUES MKT 8:30–1:30 3/6–11/20 DOWNTOWN ASHLAND SAT MKT 8:30–1:00 5/5–10/27

STRAWBERRIES | PEA SHOOTS | SMOKED FISH | LAVENDER | BEEF | SEEDLINGS | ZUCCHINI | POTTED PLANTS | PEARS | MUSHROOMS BERRIES | LETTUCES | FISH TACOS | NOODLES | TOMATOES | RUTABAGAS | GARLIC | FRUIT TREES | SAUSAGES | FERMENTED FOODS WALNUTS | TAMALES | GLUTEN FREE | HERBS | PIES | TOMATILLOS | WREATHS | KALE | HOT SAUCE | JAMS | OILS | ONIONS | APPLES

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Swimming holes One of the best parts of summer is diving into a swimming hole on a hot, sunny day, and Southern Oregon offers lots of options.

MAIL TRIBUNE / FILE PHOTO

The “Cove” swimming area at Emigrant Lake is a favorite place for locals to cool off during the summer.

We don’t have room to list every swimming hole we know about, but here’s a starter list to get you going: Howard Prairie Lake, about 25 miles east of Ashland off Hyatt-Prairie Road, has a large swimming area adjacent to the day-use area at the resort. Call 541-482-1979 or see www. howardprairieresort.com.

Hyatt Lake offers a sandy beach, plenty of picnic tables and parking spaces. The lake is about 25 miles east of Ashland off Hyatt-Prairie Road. Call 541-618-2200 or see www.blm.gov/ visit/hyatt-lake-recreation-area Lithia Park swimming reservoir is in the southern tip of Lithia Park, near the intersection of Granite Street and Glenview Drive. Call the city at 541-488-5340.

Lost Creek Lake has a large swim area at Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area. The lake is about 35 miles northeast of Medford on Highway 62. Call 541-560-3334.

Applegate Lake offers many miles of secluded or bustling shoreline. The lake has a large designated swimming area, but several coves around the lake, such as where Manzanita Creek enters the reservoir, are popular for swimming. Applegate Lake is about 30 miles southwest of Medford. Call 541-899-9220.

Big Squaw Lake, at 50 acres, and Little Squaw Lake, at 12 acres, both offer a calm, quaint setting. The hike-in reservoirs are located off Forest Service Road 1075 about nine miles east of Applegate Lake. To get there, cross Applegate Dam on French Gulch Road and take a right about 1.5 miles from the dam. Call 541899-9220 or see www.applegatelake.com/

campgrounds_squaw_lakes.html. It costs $5 to park there.

Emigrant Lake is probably the closest swimming hole to Medford. It has a beach and swimming cove, and has been a popular spot for local masters swimmers for years. See http://jacksoncountyor.org/parks/Day-Use/ Emigrant-Lake/Water-Slide Willow Lake, watch out for algae-related health advisories here, but when the water is clear, Willow Lake offers one of the most picturesque settings for a summer swim in Southern Oregon. Tucked into the Cascades near the base of Mount McLoughlin, the Jackson County-owned reservoir is a popular place to swim, boat and fish for a $3 day-use fee.

Showers cost $1, and concessions are available on site. Willow Lake is about 45 miles northeast of Medford. Take Highway 62 to Butte Falls/Fish Lake Road. The lake is 7.5 miles east of the city of Butte Falls. For details, call 541-560-3900 or see www.jacksoncountyparks.com.

Sky Lakes Wilderness, many of the more than 200 natural pools and lakes in this 116,300acre wilderness area offer great swimming.

Depending on which lake basin you choose and the trailhead you start from, you’ll have a lengthy walk, so pack a map, and don’t shy away from investing in a Pacific Crest Trail guide book for mile-by-mile notes on which trails access which lakes. Some of the best for swimming are Blue Lake, Wizard Lake, Heavenly Twins Lakes (north lake), Isherwood Lake, Lake Elizabeth, Lake Notasha, Dee Lake and Badger Lake, but you’ll come across several other chest-deep and deeper lakes on the way to these spots.

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Catch Fish and Win Money!

The Mail Tribune is proud to join Black Bird in SATURDAY JUNE 23, 2018 supporting St. Jude Children’s Research at the 21st Annual Derby atFORMS Diamond Lake on SIGN UP NOW Trout ~ ENTRY Saturday, June 23.

AVAILABLE AT BLACK BIRD. For Rules or Details:

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

Support St. Jude’s Children’s at theor visit CallResearch 541-779-5431 blackbirdshoppingcenter.com 20th Annual Trout Derby at Diamond Lake, Saturday June 23, 2018.

Operating under special use permit with Umpqua NationalCenter Forest Entry Forms Available at: the Black Bird Shopping 1810Details W. Main St., • 541-779-5431 For Rules and callMedford 541-779-5431 or visit Diamond Lake Resort• 800-733-7593 Blackbirdshoppingcenter.com Waldron’s Sporting Goods • Roseburg • 541-672-8992

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Operating under special use permit with the Umpqua National Forest.

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89

Keeps ice for 3 days, holds up to 76 cans.

Red or blue.

Temp rating of 30-degree, heavy weight poly/cotton twill outer cover. Soft warm, 100% cotton liner.

Spacious interior with a ground vent for comfort.

9’x7’ floor space 4’11” height

$

48qt Chest Cooler

Crater Lake Sleeping Bag

Sundome 4-Person Tent

$

99

#72716

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$

36

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#70011

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2599

#54111, 54112

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9999

#80043

Relaxer Chairs Anti-gravity chair has a side tray with cup holder and slot for your phones! Cushioned head rest for comfort!

Blue, Red or Brown

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39

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Rogue Tahiti

Water Bottles

Inflatable 2-person kayak with a 300lb capacity.

We have a large selection of Bottles, Coffee Hydro’s, Oasis Jugs, Tumblers, wine Bottles and Accessories

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99 #7050

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SUP Rentals Paddle Boards for rent here at the Black Bird.

Includes Board, Paddle Life Vest and Pump

$

40

Bronson Pro 22, Pro 34 all in stock!

Huge selection of Traeger accessoriesseasonings, pellets and more!

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24-Hour

MF-00088124

Black Bird’s

2018 Annual Parking Lot Sale begins May 31!

Starting at

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Assorted Flavors

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Only

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Men’s and Women’s Styles

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1810 W. Main St. Medford • 541-779-5431 Open 8 Days A Week

Sale from May 26 through June 10, 2017 Items limited to stock ~ Hurry In! • Photos for illustration only

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Treat Your Feet!

Treager Pellet

Treager Grills

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