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Enjoy the Small-Town Life in Central Point

Cute store fronts in small town of Oregon

WHAT TO DO

FOR THE FOODIE

Artisan Corridor

You have to hit the Artisan Corridor–I mean what more could you want than amazing chocolates from Lillie Belle Farms, wine tasting at Ledger David Cellars, and cheese tasting at Rogue Creamery.  Start at the Rogue Creamery where you can taste complimentary samples of some of their most popular cheese including the award-winning Rogue River Blue and then purchase your pick of their own handmade cheese from their cheesmonger or even purchase a grilled blue cheese sandwich drizzled with honey.  (Yum!)

Next, head in to talk with the helpful and friendly staff at Lillie Belle Farms Artisan Chocolates.  They offer complimentary chocolate samples that entice you to treat yourself and buy yourself a perfectly packages box of hand-painted chocolates with flavors like Passionfruit Caramel, Bing Cherry Ganache, and Marionberry Cordial.  My personal favorite is the Lavender Caramels, simply divine.

End your tour by stopping into Ledger David Cellars for some excellent Rogue Valley wine tasting.  Enjoy a sip on their quaint little patio or in their boutique tasting room where you can hopefully pair it up with the grilled cheese you saved from Rogue Creamery.

Oregon Cheese Festival

Rogue Creamery and Central Point has been host to many years of the Oregon Cheese Festival, including in 2018. Enjoy pairings of fine Southern Oregon wine, craft beer, ciders, assorted beverages, local artisan crafts, and great food under large heated tents at Rogue Creamery in Central Point. Sample and purchase local, artisan cheese, specialty foods, beer, wine, and cider from over 100 vendors. Check in with Oregon Cheese Festival for details on the 2019 event.

Saturday Market

Conveniently located right past Rogue Creamery, the Central Point Saturday Market is open every Saturday, May through September.  Shop local crafters and artisans wares, talk to farmers and meet local town folk.  We love these little markets because you really get the feel of the community.  Photo credit: Frizz Studio

FOR THE ADVENTURER

Rogue Jet Boat Adventures

When we took Rogue Jet Boat Adventures tour on the Rogue River our 6-year-old exclaimed “This is the best day ever!”, and we have to say that we have to agree.  Running May into September, you learn local history while jetting along the Rogue River, playing at their private lake: fishing, paddle boating, and canoeing.  Tours begin and end at Touvelle Park, so if you don’t get enough bring a picnic and enjoy a beautiful afternoon at the day use area where there are picnic benches to relax in the shade.  Reed more about our fun HERE.

Rogue Valley Zipline

If you want to feel like you are flying through the air as free as bird, you need to try Rogue Valley Zipline. Was I scared?  At first, yes, but our tour guide really calmed my fears with their witty jokes and my first zip was so fun that it was all blue skies from there.  And how many activities put a perma-girn on a teen/pre-teens face? Our 12-year-old had a blast and wants to go back. I call that a win!

 Hike the Table Rocks

A well known hike in southern Oregon, you get amazing views of the Rogue Valley during any season.  When you get to the top don’t stop at the top of the trailhead–continue out to the edge and take in animal sightings, stunning sweeping views of the top of the tables and breathtaking views of open farm land, suburban traffic, and the quiet of nature.  The hikes are moderate and kid-friendly.   Lower Table Rock is a 4.8 mile out and back hike and Upper Table Rock is a 3.3 mile out and back hike.  Checkout more southern Oregon hikes HERE.

FOR THE FAMILY

Seven Oaks Farm

Stop in for local goodies, like homemade jams and salsas, and get the bonus of playtime for the kids on the tire swing or you can feed the goats for twenty-five cents.  You can also wander through their herb gardens and take pictures with any of their many photo props.  If you visit in the summer they have a u-cut flower garden and they are known for their tasty farm grown corn.  Visit in the fall and you can pick your own pumpkins and attend their Harvest Festival on the weekend featuring hay rides, maze, pony rides, cookie decorating, face painting, and more.

Rogue Valley Family Fun Center

Rogue Valley Family Fun Center offers your typical video games but you can also play miniature golf, bumper boats, batting cages, and a go kart track.  A pretty fun place to keep the kids happy for a couple of hours.

Crater Rock Museum

I don’t know about you but my kids collect rocks wherever we go.  Crater Rock Museum takes it to the next level with displays of beautiful rocks, minerals, and gems and the second Saturday they have free entry for kids!

Medford Railroad Park

On the border of Medford, practically in Central Point is a cool little railroad park that is open April through October.  Completely ran by volunteers and funded by donations spend the day taking rides on a variety of diesel and steam locomotive over a mile of 7 1/2-inch scale track.  So fun for kids and adults.  See more details HERE.

I don’t know about you but when we are road tripping our kids often have an excess of energy.  Being trapped in a car for hours at a time makes it hard on them, so almost anywhere we go like to find local parks so that they can expend some of that energy.  Central Point has lots of them, but there are a couple  that we really love.

Don Jones Memorial Park

Don Jones has anything a kid could possibly want in a park. From Memorial Day to the end of September they have an amazing splash pad that will rival any of the big water parks out there.  Their playground is well equipped with a play structure, rock climbing wall, and swings.  They  also have tennis courts, basketball courts, and a walking path.

Robert Pfaff Park

A park with lots of old trees that offer shade, two play areas, tennis courts, and they even have a big stage that often becomes the center for city events put on by Central Point Parks and Recreation.

Touvelle Park

Touvelle has picnic tables and barbecues along the river if you want to hang out for the day.  Our kids love to explore the shore and play and if you have a larger group there is a covered area to have gatherings.

EAT

Breakfast

Sweet Tea Café has fantastic burritos that are more than belly filling.  Crackin’ and Stackin’ offers classic breakfast fare, and Central Point Perk has wonderful coffee and amazing breakfast and lunch including paninis, flatbreads, and salads.

Lunch

Hawaiian Hut serves up teriyaki chicken and mac, Mary’s BBQ dishes up homey tri-tip, chicken, and sandwiches with all the fixins’, and don’t forget Rogue Creamery with their yummy grilled cheese sandwiches!

Dinner

Mazatlan Grill has the classic Mexican food that tends to make everyone happy.  The Camarones a La Diabla is especially tasty, and you can get it as mild or spicy as you like.  The Point is cool little local spot that is fun for cocktails and pub fare.  It has a nice ambience and is kid friendly for the family or intimate enough for a date night.  Thai Garden has the yummiest Orange Chicken and Pad Thai.  It is a smaller restaurant so be prepared to wait if you go during the dinner hour.

STAY

Since Central Point is in a time of growth the choices are pretty limited of where to stay right in Central Point, but I do have to say the staff at the Holiday Inn Express is super friendly.  The hotel just went through a major remodel last year updating everything including blackout curtains that drown out the street noise.  They also boast and indoor pool, gym, and continental breakfast.

We also have a state of the art RV park nearby Southern Oregon RV Park that is conveniently located at the Jackson County Fairgrounds.  It is also close to TWO fully stocked fish ponds.

NOTABLE EVENTS

If you want to really immerse yourself in the smalltown life you should visit for some of our events throughout the year!

4th of July Freedom Festival

Central Point Chamber of Commerce and the Parks & Recreation department get together to put on a good old fashioned day of celebrating our countries independence with a run, bbq, live music, and topping it all off with a huge fireworks show.  Get more details HERE.

Battle of the Bones & Southern Oregon Craft Brewfest

A fun, barbecue competition teamed up with beer tasting and live music.  Get more information HERE.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS

Parade, tree lighting, hot cocoa, crafts, and SANTA!  Learn more HERE.

As you can see Central Point is a town full of life, fun, and a close community so you will feel right at home.  Come visit anytime of year and you will be charmed!