Pumpkin Patch Antics and Fall Fun in Southern Oregon

Fall is here, without a doubt our favorite time of year!  With the changing colors and crisp cool air come; pumpkin patch fun, Oktoberfest celebrations and Halloween.  We love enjoying every moment, sometimes visiting two or three pumpkin patches, as a family.  Since we can't choose just one, here are some of our favorite places to celebrate fall!

7 Oaks Farm in Central Point – Every year we go here.  Not only do they have the pumpkin patch but they have pony and hayrides, face painting, cookie decorating and pumpkin painting.  Also, for FREE they have the dark maze (our boys love this, it is really dark in there), friendly goats that the kids can pet, a little play area and they have props set up for you take pictures.  You can easily keep busy for hours!

White's Country Farm in Medford - We love this quaint little farm.  Since it is one of the smaller ones, the crowds are thinner and things don't take as long to do. On the weekends, they have hay rides, corn mazes, a pumpkin patch, live music and FREE activities & crafts for the children.  There hours are 10 to 5 and on Halloween their maze will be open late, until 10pm.

Pheasant Fields Farm in Medford / Phoenix - This pumpkin patch is in a truly beautiful setting.  It is right on the outskirts of Medford almost right in Phoenix.  It has a huge corn maze that my sister and my kids love to get lost in.  The hayride is also really fun because it is not just a jaunt around the property, there are lots of farm antiques around and the driver tells you all about the history of them and the farm. On the weekends they also have face painting, a pear shooting gallery, bounce house, pumpkin bowling and more!  And last but not least, if you are really into heirloom pumpkins, they have one of the biggest selections we have seen!

To us fall is just not long enough.  We wish we could make it to every pumpkin patch every year but time just won't allow us.  Since we have never been to Fort Vannoy Farms in Grants Pass we are hoping to make it there this year and details are below if you might be interested.

Fort Vannoy Farm in Grants Pass - This farm is famous in the Rogue Valley and we really hope to make it this year. They have a zipline, a cow train, the pumpkin chunker, corn maze, tractor rides and  a lot more.  They also have a haunted corn maze on Halloween and the day before.  If you want to attend the nighttime corn maze, make sure you arrive early because the line gets pretty long.

Picture from Fort Vannoy Farms FB page

Picture from Fort Vannoy Farms FB page

We hope you get to get out there and enjoy some of the great pumpkin patches that Southern Oregon has to offer.  For more details, hours and directions and to see more pumpkin patches to visit, head over to our website at http://www.whattodoinsouthernoregon.com/#!pumpkin-patches/c1684

Also, make sure to check out our list of haunted houses, safe places to trick or treat and coming in November our Holiday Bazaars, not to miss Holiday Events and lots more!

10 Southern Oregon Spring Festivals You Don't Want to Miss

Spring is here and with the beautiful weather comes all of the fun things that it brings with it.  Not only the hiking, biking, running and other wonderful outdoor activities, but the real start to festival season!  Living in Southern Oregon we are fortunate enough to have so many native plants and trees, unequaled seafood and of course we are home to incomparable craft beer and local wineries;  our festivals are one of the best ways to showcase all that we have to offer. Here are 10 of our favorite picks of festivals that you should not miss this spring and summer!

Pear Blossom April 10^th & 11^th, 2015 in Medford

Pear Blossom starts with the Pear A Fare, Street Fair and Smudge Pot Stroll on Friday; followed by the Pear Blossom 5k, Mayor’s Cup Fun Run & 10-Mile Run Saturday morning.  Then the Pear Blossom Parade starts at 11am which has grown from 20 wagons and youngsters in the first event to today’s 150 entries with 4000 participants and 25-30,000 enthusiasts lining the parade route.  The Pear Blossom is a pillar in our community emphasizing family values, commitment and pride in our Rogue Valley.  Scholarships for area high school senior girls have been a hallmark of the Festival Association since 1991.  And if that is not enough fun finish off the day with the Street Fair on Saturday which is open until 5pm!

http://pearblossomparade.org/

Rogue Valley Fermentation Celebration – April 24^th & 25^th, 2015 in Medford

The Rogue Valley Fermentation Celebration will gather some of the best breweries and whiskeys from across the West. Food complimentary to craft beer and whiskey will be available at the event. Get your tickets for either Friday from 5-10pm (VIP early entry 4pm) or Saturday from noon-10pm.
The Rogue Valley Fermentation Celebration was inspired by the Little Woody beer festival in Bend, which has drawn thousands to Central Oregon in the name of specialty wood-aged beers for the past five years. Beer was originally created and aged in wooden barrels, a traditional technique that Bend celebrates.

http://roguebrewfest.com/

Ahh Shucks! Oyster Feed - Saturday April 25, 2015 from 12-4pm in Charleston

Locals and visitors gather together to celebrate our love for Oregon oysters!  Oysters will be prepared in a variety of ways and served with dipping sauces, baked beans, coleslaw, bread and drink (soda, coffee, or tea). Shrimp cocktails can be added on for $1 extra! Gourmet hotdog meals ($8 Adults Meal/$5 Child’s Meal) are available for the non-oyster fan. Live Music from local musicians.

http://www.oregonsadventurecoast.com/2015/02/ahh-shucks-oyster-feed/

South Coast Celtic Festival – Friday, May 1^st – Sunday, May 3^rd in Coos Bay

This is the fifth Celtic Fest, and we’ve been growing every year. This year, we’re adding “fringe events” the week before the festival in addition to Saturday’s workshops, free entertainment, and evening concert.  Our Saturday evening concert will begin at 7 p.m. with the Oregon Coast Pipe and Drum Band. Next The Stomptowners will take the stage with sean-nos singing and percussive dance, followed by fiddler Hanneke Cassel with cellist Mike Block and guitarist Christopher Lewis.

https://southcoastfolksociety.wordpress.com/south-coast-celtic-fest/

Roseburg Beer Week – Saturday, May 16^th, 2015 in Roseburg

We are embarking on our 2nd annual large scale fundraising event Saturday May 16, 2015 3pm - 10pm at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Our "BREW HA HA", will feature craft beer tastings, live bands, fun games and fine food. Admission is $12.00 which includes a tasting glass and four tasting tickets. Additional tasting tickets are available for $1.00 each. Food will be provided by Smokin' Friday BBQ and Old Soul pizza. Proceeds benefit Umpqua Valley Habitat for Humanity.

http://hfh-or-umpq.huterra.com/content/brew-ha-ha

Azalea Festival – Friday, May 22^nd in Brookings

Spend your Memorial Day weekend in Brookings Harbor and celebrate the 76^th Annual Azalea Festival.  You’re your family and friends to enjoy a fun filled weekend on the beach!  Festivities include:  Street Fair, Live Music, Shrimp Feed, Car Show, Party at the Port, Parade and so much more!orial Day weekend in Brookings/Harbor, Oregon and celebrate the 76th annual Azalea Festival.  Bring your family and friends to enjoy a fun filled weekend on the beach. Festivities include: Street Fair, Live Music, Shrimp Feed, Car Show, Party At The Port, Parade, and so much more… Spend your Memorial Day weekend in Brookings/Harbor, Oregon and celebrate the 76th annual Azalea Festival.  Bring your family and friends to enjoy a fun filled weekend on the beach. Festivities include: Street Fair, Live Music, Shrimp Feed, Car Show, Party At The Port, Parade, and so much more…

http://www.brookingsharborchamber.com/event/76th-annual-azalea-festival/

Link River Festival – Saturday, May 30^th in Klamath Falls

Access to the festival will be from either end of the trail (North end- Putnam Point and South end- Favell Museum.)  The trail and festival is open to the public, and all ages are encouraged to attend.  It is a walking event, taking place on the west side Link River Trail. (Approximately 1.5 miles each direction.)  There will be presenters, music, vendors and food along the trail.  Should you wish to walk only one direction, free shuttles will be available.

http://www.klamathgreenways.org/?page_id=104

Medford  Beer Week –Friday, June 12^th-Saturday, June 20^th in Medford

Medford Beer Week 2015 is a city wide celebration of the craft beer industry, focused on local and regional craft beers. Not only do we have world class beers being brewed locally and regionally, Medford also has top-notch establishments – both restaurants and bars – that understand the importance of quality beer, and who are committed and care about the beer and food they serve. There is no better way to showcase this passion than to celebrate it for an entire week.  Some of the great events include the annual Brews, Burgers & Bluegrass, a kickball tournament and finishes with the main event the Southern Oregon Craft Brew Festival.

http://medfordbeerweek.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Southern-Oregon-Craft-Brew-Festival/212481852109437?fref=ts

 Southern Oregon Kite Festival – Saturday& Sunday, July 18^{th &} 19^th, 2015 in Brookings

Bringing some of the best-known fliers and kite makers to perform and display their creations for locals and tourists alike.  Local vendors and artists set up their booths to provide great eats, treats, knick-knacks and crafts.  Located on the Southern Oregon coast, Brookings also offers uncharacteristically good weather for the state. 

Free admission, free kids kite making, kite demonstrations, kite auction banquet, free shuttle service.  Fun for all ages!

http://www.southernoregonkitefestival.com/

Charleston Seafood Beer & Wine Festival - Saturday & Sunday, August 8^th & 9^th, 2015 in Charleston

Two full days of music, seafood and fun in August! Near the docks in Charleston Oregon.

http://charlestonseafoodfestival.com/

Blackberry Arts Festival – Saturday & Sunday, August 22^nd & 23^rd in Downtown Coos Bay

Thousands of visitors come to Downtown Coos Bay to seek out all things Blackberry and all things local. From jams and jellies to baked goods, candy and wine; it’s all about the Blackberry. The festival hosts over 100 artists, artisans and vendors. So bring the entire family. Walk around and experience our unique blackberry culture!  This is a great event for everyone – tourists, locals and sellers.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blackberry-Arts-Festival/359868347426138?fref=ts

Of course there are so many more festivals throughout Southern Oregon to enjoy so make sure to check out our website to view a full list of spring festivals and check back for the list of summer festivals soon to come!

http://www.whattodoinsouthernoregon.com/#!spring-festivals/c1tjq

Wildlife Images and Other Fun Places to Have Your Kid's Birthday Party in So. Oregon

One day my soon to be 9 year old son came home from school after having an assembly where Wildlife Images brought some animals for them to see, he announces, "I want go to Wildlife Images for my birthday this year!"  Well, I didn't even know if they would host a birthday party, but we thought, why not give them a call and see if they do, and if they don't, then I will just have his friends meet him there for a tour and then we can go to a local pizza parlor and finish up there.  Well, to our surprise they do have birthday parties there and it was awesome! 

For a fee, they have a room downstairs, under the gift shop, that they will reserve for your child.  Plus, they made goodie bags for the kids and even had

Olivia and Kellan checking out the snake.

a special present for the birthday boy!  They also supplied, plates and napkins, table decorations, streamers and a happy birthday sign.  Oh, and something extra cool was they had a terrarium with a snake in it and a display case with animal skulls and all sorts of other things for the kids to look at.  The snake was an especially, big hit!

After the party we got a private our of the grounds to see the animals.  What an amazing place!  In case you don't know what Wildlife Images is, this is a short description directly from their website: "Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center was founded as a non-profit corporation in 1981 by renowned wildlife rehabilitator J. David Siddon. The facility was created in order to provide for the care and treatment of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Wildlife Images has since expanded to provide educational programs on wildlife, conservation, and the environment to schools, organizations and the general public."


The first thing we see is a beautiful pond with a variety of ducks in it.  Of course, the kids loved watching them swimming around especially the littlest ones, but we weren't even inside the enclosure so we had to move on.  We had a great tour guide named Meghan, she was well informed and knew how to answer every question that we all threw at her.

Ibis drinking water.

When you walk through the tour area the first enclosure houses a variety of birds including a vulture, two cranes and a really cool ancient Egyptian bird, the ibis.  One of the cranes was found as an egg by a firefighter at a forest fire in Alaska and it actually hatched on his dinner table while he was trying to decide what to do with it.  He figured he couldn't be a crane mommy so eventually it got to Wildlife Images.  Pretty neat I would say!  You can tell all of the animals are used to being around humans because none of them were really shy.  In fact many showed off for us!




Ilias posing with Petrie

Right after we got done looking at the bird enclosure they surprised our son Ilias, with a personal animal encounter with a barn owl named Petrie, she was found by a Klamath Falls hay farmer on his truck as an egg in a bale of hay.  She was taken to Wildlife Images where she ended up hatching under a heat lamp .  She has been with them for 20 years and has even fostered a few of their other residents.  After getting her complete back story  they let all of the kids pose with her for pictures.  We learned some crazy facts about barn owls, but I'll let you go there to find out the rest for yourself. :)

We continued on to see a resident raccoon and then onto an enclosure containing a raven and three eagles.  It's so sad to hear of the injuries that some of the animals have.  Some of them are blind, or deaf can't use their wings or just can't function outside of a place with human intervention.  Some of them were raised by humans that thought they would like a wild animal as a pet and then they figure out that they weren't meant to be living with humans, but by then it's too late and the animals can't be put back into their habitat because they wouldn't survive.   Thank goodness for places like Wildlife Images!

Nestle peeking at all of the kids

After the bird sanctuary we went on to see a number of different owls and eagles and then  we get to the highlight of the tour,....the otter, Nestle.  This little lady was an actress in movies and came from Universal Studios in Orlando Florida.  They decided she was ready to retire to Wildlife Images.  She was such a character.  She kept swimming around in her little habitat, doing flips and kept coming up to the glass to say hi to the kids.  They loved her and when we all were walking away she got upset and started looking for everyone through each window.  I would say it would be worth a visit just to see her!


Nestle showing off in her private creek.

After seeing Nestle we moved on to visit the bigger animals starting with the little charmer, Nub's the American Badger.  He was such a flirt, acting shy, pawing at the fence just trying to keep our attention.  It was so cute!  Then we saw mountain lions (one was pacing and staring at us like he wanted to seriously play), wolves, they were kind of just bored with us.  Other animals they had were two bobcats, who were so cute playing tag with each other through there cages.  And then we got to the two grizzly bear siblings!  Kodi the male and Yak the female.  We walked past Kodi's enclosure, we thought he must be sleeping because there was no sign of him so we moved onto Yak. 


What a cutie as if on cue she went right up a tree and stood up against a tree and started scratching her back.  The kids really got a kick out of her she walked over to us and then got bored and then all

of a sudden we heard a big splash!  We walk back to Kodi's home and he is just hanging out in his pool then he proceeds to climb out and walks over to the fence separating him from his sister and he starts making a noise to bring her over.  They have a little chat and then she moves on.  We finish by visiting with a couple more smaller wild cats and head back to our little party room to pack up. 

 This was truly a memorable experience that my son will always remember and when he is 16 years old maybe he will want to volunteer there.  http://www.wildlifeimages.org/

If you are interested in having a birthday party at Wildlife Images, just give them a call during the week and they will get a little information from you to customize your party.  Their number is 541-476-0222

Some other great places we've had birthday parties in recent years are Rogue Rock Gym in Medford, your child doesn't even need to know how to rock climb they just need a sense of adventure.  And Think Tank Kids in Medford is great for a Nerf Battle Party. They supply the Nerf guns and goggles and you bring the party.  Our kids all had a blast.

Thanks for reading I hope you got the information you are looking for.  Check back at least once a week, I will be sharing our many adventures around Southern Oregon ~ Lanessa Pierce -What to do in Southern Oregon

For a complete list of great places to have kids birthday parties, from the normal to the unusual check our website at http://www.whattodoinsouthernoregon.com/#!birthday-parties-southern-oregon/c24hy