Mt. Ashland Summer Fun with the Every Kid in a Park Pass!

If you have a 4th grader in the house do you have your Every Kid in a Park pass?  The Every Kid in a Park pass is a new White House initiative to get all 4th graders and their families to experience places that are home to our country's natural treasures, rich history and vibrant culture for FREE!!  It provides free access to national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges and more!   Our son was so excited when he got his he came home and automatically started planning our summer's vacations with trips to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite National Park.  But we don't have to go that far to get use out of it.  We got the opportunity to use it right here in Southern Oregon at the Mt. Ashland Every Kid in a Park Bioblitz Event. 

This event was awesome and such a blast!  When we got there we met Chamise the organizer of the whole event and we got together as a group to download the app Inaturalist.  Inaturalist is an app that you take pictures of flowers, bugs, plants or whatever nature you may run across and share it into an international database.  Your findings go into a scientific data repository to help scientists find and use YOUR data.  So cool!  Our group of little botanists was the first to make such scientific observations up on Mt. Ashland, making the event pretty special.

After we got the gist of what our plan was, we headed out to start gathering pictures around the Mt. Ashland Lodge and head out for a hike up to the top of the mountain.  Our kids had so much fun hiking around taking pictures of the beautiful flowers and insects we found.  It is pretty amazing how much you beauty you notice when you start looking closer.  Along with  U.S.  State Parks - Rogue River-Siskiyou there were representatives to help us along from Oregon Caves National Monumentand Preserve, Medford District Bureau of Land Management, Mt. Ashland Ski Area, and though they couldn't send a representative Medford REI gave the 4th graders goodie bags. In addition to the rangers we had botanists with us so that we could get immediate identification from them if we wanted to.

It was such a beautiful day too, so the views beyond the tiny world we were exploring were phenomenal.  The hike up to the top was no easy feat, but it wasn't too hard either.  Our 4 year old also accompanied us, taking her own pictures, contributing her point of view to science.  It got a little hairy for her at the top, she started whining a little, but once we got to the top she was happy to eat up her lunch and run around a little, enjoying the fact that we felt like we were on top of the world!  The view made it all worth it because we got a 360 view of Southern Oregon and Northern California, taking in Pilot Rock, Mt. Shasta and Mt.McLaughlin and views of the Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest and Klamath National Forest among other landmarks.  It was a pretty amazing adventure that we and our kids will surely add to our mental memory boxes to treasure for life!

If you have a current 4th grader going into 5th they can still get a pass to use through Aug 31st, 2016 and if you have a third grader going into 4th grade they can get there's starting September 1st, 2016.  Every Kid in a Park Pass.

To find Places to use your EKIP pass in Southern Oregon go to Every Kid in a Park - Plan Your Trip

The next event for EKiP pass holders will be on August 10th at the Oregon Caves, where there will be free tours for EKiPpass holders and their families.

For more fun for kids check out our FREE For Families, Fun for Kids spotlight pages and Community Event Calendar on our website.  

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Pinterest

Explore Bugs 'n' Stuff with Bugs-R-Us

Have you ever been to one of John Jackson's Bugs-R-Us events?  If you haven't you should go!  His presentations are amazing!  They are not only educational and informative, they are fun, interesting and interactive.  Years ago we attended a workshop about birds.  Our son was only six at the time and he was completely engaged.  We learned about the different types of birds there are and how there are many different types of feathers and John even had real birds nests and some eggs to show us.  That was the coolest part to me, I loved how tiny the hummingbird's nest was, so beautifully, precious.  Ilias, my son, talked about that for days.  We finally made it to another one of his presentations yesterday and I immediatley wondered why we have waited so long to go again. 

Black bear fur.

It was about the Oregon Trail and oh, my goodness was it awesome!  We learned about how really treacherous it was to cross on the Oregon Trail and that since crossing the Columbia River was so dangerous a new trail called the Applegate Trail was built, which just happens to be right where we live.  We learned about all of the animals that were seen along the trail, how they were beneficial to the pioneers crossing from Wyoming here to our beautiful state and how they were utilized.  He also passed around different animal "parts", hides and horns, for us to touch and look at (just please don't lick them, lol, yes, he said that many times  his artifacts come back wet!) and information cards giving us more in depth details about landmarks on the trail.  He ended the presentation with information about places in our area to learn about the wonderful history we have surrounding us in our area and where we can go to learn about it.  My 10 year old son and I are so excited to get out and explore new places here in our own area!

Olivia testing a cowhide for softness.
Would it work as a blankie?

A coyote face.

Elk horns.

Bison horn that is made from matted fur.  Crazy!

If you would like to attend any of John Jackson's FREE Bugs-R-Us presentations he will be all over the Rogue Valley at Jackson County & Josephine County libraries with the subjects of spiders, insects, owls, reptiles, the Oregon Trail and mammals!   If you would like to learn about other subjects he often has presentations for a small fee at City of Medford and City of Central Point's Community Center's.

For more fun for kids check out our FREE For Families, Fun For Kids spotlight pages and Community Event Calendar on our website.  You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Pinterest

Summer Lovin' Peaches at Whites Country Farm

When I walk into Whites Country Farm it feels like I'm stepping back in time, like I'm walking into an old country general store or at least what movies like Anne of Green Gables and Little House on the Prairie portray.  Fresh vegetables rest in wicker baskets, jars full of dried fruit to buy by the pound, fresh cut flowers from a grower nearby, farm fresh eggs.

Whites Country Farm re-opened last fall with a new owner and while they are they same country store, they have embraced the new while keeping the same charm it has always held. They still have the same philosophy, locally sourcing their products as much as they can; with honey from Flying Bee Farm in Talent, Bread from Rise Up! bakery in Little Applegate Valley, Produce from Dunbar Farms in Medford, and Wandering Roots Farm in Gold Hill to fresh cut flowers from La Mera Gardens in Talent.  They even offer gifts and kitchen gadgets you can pick up; like serving spoons, beautiful hand made aprons, little cars made from recycled  soda cans, and doormats made from recycled flip-flops;  making it a sweet, little, local one-stop shop.  If you were a fan of the past Whites, you won't be disappointed because they still carry the British standards  that they carried before.  They are just expanding their offerings to give us more of a choice when we go in.  With all of this they are going a step further and soon they will be  selling their own farm grown fresh cut flowers, tomatoes and coming in July fresh peaches from their own orchards right behind their store! 

There is nothing like a freshly picked peach, warm from the sun.  When you take a bite, the tangy, sweet juice drips down you chin and you don't even care because that means it's summer.  I'm already thinking of all of the lovely treats I will be making…peach cobbler, peach butter, peach tea, peach margaritas, and on and on and on.

If you would like to get some of Whites Country Farm's fabulous peaches they will be ready on about July 5th or if you just want to check out their cute, little country farm store they are located at 3939 W. Main St, Medford, Oregon 97501.  They will be open from 9am-6pm  every day of the week until the fall!

DON’T FORGET to attend their Grand Re-Opening on Sunday, July 24th they will be having a FREE Car Show, Live Music, a Pancake Breakfast, Pie Eating Contest, Pie Bake-off and lots more down home country fun!

You can follow them on Facebook to keep up with all of their events!

And don't forget to follow What to do in Southern Oregon on  our Website, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for all of our latest adventures and foodie finds!

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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