There are towns with charms so compelling that within minutes of arriving you think: “I could live here.” It’s a sentiment often hummed about Jacksonville, Oregon, the first town in America to be named a National Historical Landmark. Founded in 1852 as a mining hub, the main street bustles with a mix of boutiques and antique shops, wine tasting rooms and restaurants, most businesses housed in storied brick buildings with Wild West roots.
It’s an idyllic corner of Oregon surrounded by country roads, farms and homes with the American flag flying above white picket fences. Silver canoes stretch across the top of vintage pick-up trucks that roll into town, and bumper stickers read: “Slow Down! Isn’t That Why You Moved Here?” In this small town, cars will stop to led wild turkeys cross the road.
One of the long-standing destinations in the area is the Jacksonville Inn, a storybook bed-and-breakfast set in a building that dates back to 1861 and the height of Oregon’s gold rush. The stately brick façade rises from main street and features eight genteel rooms, each decorated with authentic western antiques and named after historical figures from the pioneer days.
“Shine a flashlight around the border of some of the sandstone walls and you’ll see specks of gold in the mortar,” says owner Jerry Evans. Another interesting nugget about the Inn: Three of the last four presidents have stayed here, says Evans. While steeped in history, with a nostalgic décor, modern amenities add a touch of opulence — and depending on the room range from spa tubs and steam showers to fireplaces. A few blocks away, three honeymoon cottages, also owned by the Inn, offer a more secluded escape.
The Inn’s onsite restaurant is one of the main dining spots in town and, on any given night, you’ll find a mix of local winemakers, travelers and theater enthusiasts feasting on Chef Cameron Clarkson’s farm-to-table fare. A European-style courtyard set with statues and fountains and ample leafy trees is the most memorable spot to dine. Especially at night, as globe lights twinkle and live bluegrass from a nearby pub sprinkles in.
Also unforgettable: the wine list, it’s one of the most robust in the region with 2,000 different selections ranging from coveted bubbles (Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne) to local favorites (Cowhorn Viognier), all available for retail purchase in the Inn’s wine shop. Come morning, and the Inn is a perfect base for shopping on main street, walking to tasting rooms (Quady North is steps away) and snacking at nearby businesses (don’t miss the Cheesemonger’s Wife).
In the summertime the small town fills with music fans attending the Britt Music Festival, one of the premier outdoor summer performing arts festivals in the Pacific Northwest, and with serious theater enthusiasts in Ashland for the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. But it isn’t necessary to fill your weekend with a festival, just adventuring around Jacksonville is enough reason to visit.
Coast a few miles outside of town and cruise the Applegate Valley Wine Trail, where you can taste Rhone varietals at the biodynamically farmed Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, followed by a visit to Plaisance Ranch — a family business that marries raising cattle and growing grapevines. There are so many stories near this small town to explore. Just remember, wherever you go, let those wild turkeys cross the road.
