Grants Pass, Oregon, has proudly adopted the phrase “It’s the Climate” since 1919. John Hampshire, a local engineer and road contractor, is credited with creating the slogan after moving to Grants Pass. He quickly recognized the area’s Mediterranean climate—characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters—as a selling point for the community.
Hampshire not only coined the phrase but also funded a now-iconic sign bearing those words, which was first hung over Sixth Street in downtown Grants Pass in 1920. The sign celebrated the city’s weather and its welcoming spirit. It recently marked its 105th anniversary as a beloved symbol of place.
However, the magic of Grants Pass goes far beyond its well-known weather. This vibrant Southern Oregon town has a rich history dating back to the Gold Rush era. It has developed into a regional hub, with a lively historic downtown filled with a variety of shops, inviting restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Lovers of farm-to-table cuisine and award-winning wines flock to the nearby Applegate Valley’s vineyards and artisanal farms. Whether it’s wandering through flower fields, enjoying local cheeses, or sampling boutique wines, visitors discover that Grants Pass offers a delightful mix of history, nature, and culinary delights, making it a truly irresistible destination year-round.
A Riverside Retreat in Grants Pass
The Lodge at Riverside in Grants Pass provided an ideal base for my two-day exploration of the area. Most of the Lodge’s 33 guest rooms and suites overlook the Rogue River and feature private patios or balconies. Guests can also enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool, weather permitting, located beside the river.
Evening wine-and-cheese receptions in the lobby, followed by fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies (served with milk, if you like), create a welcoming atmosphere. Its location also puts visitors within walking distance of historic downtown Grants Pass.
Exploring the Historic Downtown of Grants Pass
After settling in, a stroll through downtown Grants Pass revealed a charming mix of local shops and historic sites.
The Grants Pass Pharmacy, which has been serving the community as a full-service pharmacy since the 1930s, offers a nostalgic soda fountain experience. I hadn’t thought about ordering a cherry phosphate or root beer float since my high school days.
An “adults-only” beverage experience is just two blocks away. At Partake, visitors can sample wines from around the world at the international wine and cheese shop. Or, try a new drink in the craft cocktail lounge. The Partake complex also includes a fine-dining restaurant.
©Debbra Dunning Brouillette
Since my travel companions and I had plans to dine elsewhere, I continued on, passing other interesting-looking establishments on the way. The Laughing Clam, with an extensive seafood menu, will be on my list for a future visit. Before reaching The Bohemian Bar & Bistro, I stopped into Apothi-Crow to browse its products, exclusively made by local Southern Oregon artisans.
The Grants Pass Murals Project
More communities are adding murals to their public art scenes, and Grants Pass is no exception. Its mural project features over 30 new and historic murals that highlight the town’s heritage, local attractions, natural beauty, and community spirit.
©Debbra Dunning Brouillette
The murals serve as a colorful open-air gallery, encouraging visitors to walk around downtown and discover artwork that tells stories of the region’s culture and landscape. ©Debbra Dunning Brouillette
An official public art interactive map and detailed walking tour can be viewed and downloaded on the Visit Grants Pass website.
Agritourism in the Applegate Valley
On our second day, we focused on the agricultural heritage of the Applegate Valley, highlighting its family-owned farms and artisan producers.
Pennington Farms
©Debbra Dunning Brouillette
At Pennington Farms, a family-owned berry farm operating since 1980, we were treated to a sampling of savory hand pies made with fresh seasonal berries and chicken pot pie.
As you enter, a sign proclaims, “Aloha Spirit required here.” It refers to the birthplace of owner Sam Pennington. Along with his wife, Cathy, they strive to embody that spirit of hospitality, community, generosity, and connection.
©Debbra Dunning Brouillette
Whistling Duck Farm and Store
©Debbra Dunning Brouillette
Next on our route was Whistling Duck Farm and Store. It offers fresh produce and local artisanal products sourced from neighboring farms, ranches, and fishermen. The organic farm, established in 1991, grows a variety of vegetables and flowers, including certified organic seed garlic, shipped across the country to farmers and gardeners. In the on-site Fermentaria, they produce a line of fermented krauts, pickles, and kimchi from their vegetables. A portion of each season’s harvest is also freeze-dried or dehydrated to create various seasoning blends.
Troon Vineyards: Wines with a View
©Debbra Dunning Brouillette
By midday, we reached Troon Vineyards, where Nate Winters, the director of sales, welcomed us. He shared some of the winery’s 50-year history as he led us on a walk through the vineyard. Troon’s current owners are Dr. Bryan and Denise White. They purchased the property in 2017 and began reviving and replanting portions of the vineyard.
Thanks to their team’s efforts, Troon has earned the title of the world’s only Demeter Biodynamic and Regenerative Organic Certified Gold winery. In simple terms, that means every step, from growing grapes to making wine, is done in harmony with nature and follows strict, planet-friendly standards.
Next, we enjoyed a special tasting on the outdoor patio outside the tasting room. Three of Troon’s 2024 vintage biodynamic wines — a red, a white, and a rosé — were served along with small plates of salads, bread, and pasta.
Mama Bees Flower Farm
By mid-afternoon, we reached Mama Bees Flower Farm, known for its vibrant, fragrant flower fields that change with the seasons. The farm invites visitors to walk through rows of sunflowers, zinnias, peonies, and dahlias, making it a perfect spot for photography. You can pick a bouquet, or join a workshop to craft a wreath or flower arrangement. With a wide selection of flowers to choose from, we created our own arrangements under the guidance of Brittani, the farm’s owner.
In addition to chickens, goats, and exotic Sebastopol geese, the farm has recently added four Highland cattle. Visitors will be able to book photography sessions, and experiences to learn about the breed and interact with them.
Weekend Beer Company
We spent our last evening at Weekend Beer Company in downtown Grants Pass. Veteran-owned and operated by two local couples, the popular, family- and pet-friendly gathering place offers both indoor and outdoor seating. It also features four resident food trucks. They offer Peruvian, Mexican, and Italian American food, along with a Specialty Coffee Bar. All beers are brewed in-house; local wines and ciders are also available. We enjoyed the live music and friendly vibe.
Rogue Creamery: Artisan Cheese Excellence
On my last day in Grants Pass, I was able to fit in a visit to Rogue Creamery. It is renowned for its award-winning blue cheese and commitment to sustainable dairy farming.
Back in 2003, its Rogue River Blue became the first American blue cheese to win “World’s Best Blue” at the World Cheese Awards in London. In 2019, it was crowned “World Champion Cheese” at the World Cheese Awards in Bergamo, Italy.
After sampling small bites of various cheeses at the Farm Stand store, I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich. It features a blend of Oregon Blue Cheese and Touvelle cheddar. A generous drizzle of honey creates a balanced salty-sweet profile. Thick slices of pain de mie (a soft, brioche-like French white bread) unify all these elements before being grilled to a golden perfection. It is by far the best grilled cheese sandwich I have ever had.
Take a Free Dairy Tour at Rogue Creamery
Half a million pounds of cheese are produced each year at its processing plant in Center Point near Medford. However, it all starts here in Grants Pass on Rogue Creamery’s farm.
©Debbra Dunning Brouillette
After finishing my sandwich, I still had time to take part in a free dairy tour. (They’re held Wednesday-Sunday, 10 am and 2 pm; no reservation needed.) On average, about 60 cows, out of roughly 140 in the herd, voluntarily enter automatic robotic stations to be milked at their own pace. Nearly 600 gallons of milk are produced each day. It was fun to watch them come and go from the milking stations. Then they line up for their “snack” of hay before heading back to the pasture.
Yes, It’s More Than Just the Climate
Sunny skies and warm days prevailed throughout my mid-September visit to Grants Pass and other parts of Southern Oregon’s Rogue Valley. But what defined my experience went far beyond the weather. Everywhere I looked, I found reminders of the town’s farming roots—whether I was tasting jam and fresh pastries, walking through flower fields, visiting one of the region’s top wineries, or exploring a world-renowned cheese shop and dairy farm.
The welcoming vibe of the historic downtown, filled with murals and locally owned shops, was matched by a sense of opportunity in the surrounding valleys, where family farms and innovative entrepreneurs are redefining success. In Grants Pass, the slogan “It’s the Climate” is a proud symbol. However, it is the community’s warmth, the variety of experiences, and the ongoing sense of place that have truly stayed with me.
If You Go
Direct flights into Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport are available from 10 airports in seven U.S. states. Major connecting hubs with direct flights on American, Delta, United, and Alaska include Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, and Seattle. Grants Pass is 30 miles from the airport.
Learn more about Grants Pass, including its attractions, art and culture, outdoor adventure, events, and where to eat, drink, and stay: Visit Grants Pass
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Read more from Debbra at: Tropical Travel Girl
