1. Southern Oregon Is Where Homesteaders Stake A Claim And The Attitude Is Live And Let Live
Maybe it’s the fierce independence of its people, or the fact that it is so easy to grow food, but a lot of people come to stake a claim of that sweet Oregon land, get some chicken, and start canning. Living like a pioneer has never been so fun.
2. This Place Does Folk Music Like Nobody’s Business
Folk music is alive and well, and it lives in Southern Oregon. Bluegrass banjos, the light sounds of the singer songwriter’s guitar, and joyful Irish jams… Live music is never too far away. So catch a jam, and make some friends along the way.
3. Southern Oregonians Really Like Roughing It In The Outdoors
Southern Oregon is incredibly beautiful. Its no surprise that people who live here are willing to pack their bags and head out into the middle of nowhere to be a part of the scenery. Hiking is one of the best ways to see the countryside. Try out the Upper Table and Lower Table Rock hikes, or the Lost Creek Lake hike.
4. Southern Oregon Is So Independent, Residents Want It To Be The 51st State
When you go to Southern Oregon, you will come across signs on buildings that say “State of Jefferson” Where’s this state? Who’s Jefferson?
It all started in 1941 when a group of men stopped traffic on the highway and declared independence from the states of California and Oregon and would continue to "secede every Thursday until further notice." Several more attempts have taken place, the most recent time in 2013…so, they’re keeping the dream alive.
5. The Oregon Vortex Will Blow Your Mind
Gravity has a mind of its own here and objects roll uphill on their own accord. If you’re short, you can stand in one spot, and your tall friend in another spot, and somehow you will be the tall one…don’t ask how it works, just go with it.
6.The Summer Is For Music Festivals In The Parks
For such a rural area, there are enough music festivals in the parks across the southern part of the state to keep you busy for the whole summer, such as the Jefferson State Music Festival, the Medford Jazz Festival, and the Britt Classical Festival.
7. Homemade Hooch? Yes, Please.
How can a rural area sustain so many home brewing supply stores? Maybe it’s because there are just that many people who make their own in those hills. There is even a home brew competition at the Southern Oregon Brew Fest where home crafters can show off their sudsy concoctions, from regular beer to root beer.
8.Yeah, There’s A Lake In The Crater Of An Old Volcano And It’s Awesome
Crater Lake National Park is truly is one of the wonders of the world, right in Southern Oregon’s backyard. There is hardly a better spot to take a hike to clear your thoughts and contemplate the wonder of it all.
9. The Grants Pass City Motto Is “It’s The Climate” And It’s True
This section of Oregon is distinct in that it has a true Mediterranean climate.
The growing season is longer and there is more sunshine than places further north. The trade off is that the summers are hotter, but that means that a day at the river is that much better.
10. Southern Oregon Is Far Away From The Big Cities, And Locals Like It That Way
Don’t be afraid that it is so far from the big city. People live here specifically because there aren’t any big cities. With the amazing scenery, why would they want a big ol’ city messing things up anyway?
11. The Festival Of Light Will Cheer Up Your Winter Blues In No Time
Get your coats on, pick up some hot cider, and head out to The Festival of Light to kick off the holiday season. There’s entertainment on the Plaza, followed by Santa’s Parade and a Grand Illumination with over one million lights all over downtown.
12. Southern Oregonians Love Pears So Much They Throw A Festival
Fruit is a pretty big deal here. And for the last 60 or so years, the annual Pear Blossom Festival celebrates everyone’s favorite fruit, the pear. Check out the Pear A Fare, a local artisan food and beverage tent, and sample different pear delights at the Smudge Pot Stroll.
13. Crossing The Bridge? They Got You Covered
You probably don’t think of covered bridges when you think of Oregon, but Oregon has the most covered bridges in the West. So next time you take your Sunday drive, take a tour.
14. Practice The Art Of Pedestrianism
Ashland is the 2nd best city for walking in Oregon. You’ll want to walk in the historic Plaza, with 48 places on the National Register Of Historic Places. If you don’t walk on the streets, definitely take to the Ashland Watershed rails that surround the city.
15. Get Shakespearean At The Oregon Shakespeare Festival
This isn’t just a festival, its a season! Lasting from February to October, 400,000 Shakespeare fans flock to Ashland for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. But it’s so much more than Shakespeare, like dances and live music from rock and roll to jazz.
16. Get Your Heart Beating Rapidly On The Rogue River
Leave your cell phone at home, because things are gonna get wet on the Rogue River. Described as “wild and scenic,” it varies from thrilling whitewater rapids to placid pools and narrow canyons edged by towering cliffs. See, the river has something for everyone.
17. The Cheese At The Rogue Creamery Is The Equivalent Of Dairy Heaven
Oregon in general is known for its craft foods, made in small, loving batches. The Rogue Creamery has some crazy flavor combinations, like lavender-infused cheese or chocolate stout cheddar. If you don’t like anything fancy, they have your favorite standards too.
18. This Is Oregon Wine Country
This is the first area in Oregon where grapes were grown for wine. Thanks to the various microclimates, warm weather and cool weather varietals are found throughout the region. Try the Syrah from RoxyAnn or the Reisling from the Brandborg Winery.
You can check them out at The World Of Wine Festival, where locals can get their classy drink on.
19. With The Abundance Of Fruit And The Great Growing Season, You’d Be Crazy Not To Buy Local
Hands down, the fruit in this region is amazing. And with the prevalence of farmers’ markets and artisan shops, it’s easy to come by. Rogue Valley Farm to School is a shining example of the region’s enthusiasm for buying local by teaching children about the food system and campaigning to increase local foods in school meals.
20. Even Better Yet, Pick The Fruit Yourself. It Tastes Way Better.
There is something to be said about fruit that you pick from the tree yourself, that pull and snap of the fruit and eating it out in the orchard in the company of the bird, the earthworm, and the bug…and Southern Oregon has plenty of places to do it like Sugar Plum Acres in Phoenix, and The Berry Patch in Gold Hill.
21. Southern Oregonians Don’t Actually Celebrate the Mosquito At The Paisley Mosquito Festival
Who wants to celebrate those pests who ruin your otherwise totally awesome summer day? Paisley doesn’t, but they have a party to raise money to control the mosquito population during the summer. Good times. Highlights are the greased pig contest and the duck race.
22. Welcome to Ashland, Now Get On Your Bike…Or Build Your Own
Home of the United Bicycle Institute, which offers a bicycle building program, and with miles of bike lanes and bike trails surrounding the city, Ashland is a bicycle paradise. Locals also ride in the Ride The Rogue bicycle event at the Rogue River.
23. Harry And David’s Fruit Pies Are Melt-In-Your-Mouth Good
Get a taste of Southern Oregon’s pears at Harry and David’s Fruit Cake Factory. Due to Oregon’s fruit growing boom, and how amazingly well Comice Pears grow in the Rogue River Valley, Harry and David started a business exporting fruit pastries and other products across the country. Whether it is pies, crumbles, tarts, streusels, or ciders, you know it is delicious.
24. Get The True Oregon Pizza Experience at Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub In Medford
There is something about pizza shops in Oregon. They have big murals, dark wood tables, and some brightly colored artwork at least somewhere in there. Kaleidoscope is no exception.
They also follow the Oregon tradition of trying just about anything on a pizza to make a new awesome creation. Kaleidoscope found that happy place with the Thai Chicken Pizza.
25. Southern Oregonians Are All About Indie Films
Every spring, film lovers gather at the Ashland Independent Film Festival to be inspired by all things independent. The Festival also gives a chance for people in this rural area to rub elbows with independent filmmakers and show off their own independent films…and of course there is an after party with local beer, wine, and food.
26. Get Solar Powered Beer At Standing Stone Brewery
It’s no secret, people in Oregon love beer. And people in Oregon also love the environment. So, of course they combined two things that they totally love. Standing Stone Brewery knows what is important to the locals so they also get their food from their own farm down the road. It really is locally grown.
27. Like Art? Southern Oregon’s Got You Covered.
Artists and arts aficionados love Southern Oregon for the tons of opportunities to get their art fest on. There is the annual Art In Bloom in Medford which benefits arts in school and garden beautification, and art walks throughout summer. Get out there and see some art, make some art, and be the artistic person you know you are.
28. It’s Where Californians Go To Get Away From The Rat Race
Oregonians may not be too keen on the steady migration of Californians into the area, but this place has such an appeal to Californians who are ready for a change of pace. Probably because Oregonians are so darn friendly. Cheaper home prices probably don’t hurt either.
29. So Long, Haight Ashbury. Ashland Is Where Hippies Go To Retire.
Everyone knows about Portland and Eugene, but lesser known Ashland has its own draw for the peace loving natural living crowd. And if you need further proof, Movoto listed Ashland as Oregon’s most exciting city. Need I say more?
30. Jacksonville Is A Modern Town With An Old West Vibe
The architecture in Jacksonville will draw you right back into Oregon’s gold mining past. There’s no lack of the Old West vibes with the old courthouse, which the city is converting into a new City Hall and City Offices, and the buildings lining Jacksonville’s main drag. You can probably live in an old miner’s cabin and travel by burro if you want.
What do you love about living in Southern Oregon? Tell us in the comments below! 
