Medford Like a Local

Not too big a city, not too small, Medford is the perfect size for outdoorsy adventure in any season. With lakes within easy driving distance, a local ski resort, a vibrant theater scene, and family-friendly attractions, you can easily spend a full weekend exploring this Southern Oregon town.

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SpringHill Suites by Marriott Medford
For easy access for all the Rogue Valley has to offer, you can't beat the location of this all-suite hotel by Marriott. Right off I-5, it has a pool, great breakfast, microwaves and fridges in-room, and family-friendly room configurations.
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Kaleidoscope Pizzeria & Pub
Medford locals love Kaleidoscope (located on Crater Lake Highway toward the edge of town) for their imaginative (and delicious) gourmet pizza and salad concoctions, their breezy outdoor patio seating, and their friendly staff. Expect to pay a bit more for your pizza here than you would at your average pizza chain, but it's worth it!
Only 1.5 hours from Medford, Crater Lake is not to be missed.
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Crater Lake
Only 1.5 hours from Medford, Crater Lake is not to be missed. Plus, the drive is beautiful, too! Locals know to stop for a picnic at Lost Creek Lake in summer, or for a slice of pie at Becky's at Union Creek in fall or spring (Winter snows can make this trip hard from Dec-March.)
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Mount Ashland
Why would you not?! Mt. Ashland is a skier's paradise in winter and a hiker and biker's mecca in summer, and it's only 45 minutes from Medford. Take I-5 to the Mt. Ashland exit, then drive the short access road to the top of the mountain. Mt. Ashland's ticket rates are family-friendly (approx. $40 for adults, $25 for kids, age 5 and un... More >
Why would you not?! Mt. Ashland is a skier's paradise in winter and a hiker and biker's mecca in summer, and it's only 45 minutes from Medford. Take I-5 to the Mt. Ashland exit, then drive the short access road to the top of the mountain. Mt. Ashland's ticket rates are family-friendly (approx. $40 for adults, $25 for kids, age 5 and under free!) and the mountain is not so big that you can't ski it all in a day. If you're a cross-country skier (or want to hike in summer), look for the marked snowpark turnouts on the access road. (You need a parking/snow pass to play on the mountain in winter. Get them at the main parking lot any day the ski resort is open!)
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Applegate Lake
One of our favorite haunts in the summer months, Applegate Lake is just 20 minutes from Medford in the Applegate Valley (drive past Jacksonville OR on Hwy 238). Be sure to get a parking pass at the marina before driving to the swimming beach parking lot ($5). You'll find a wide expanse of lawn, picnic and BBQ areas, and a nice swimming... More >
One of our favorite haunts in the summer months, Applegate Lake is just 20 minutes from Medford in the Applegate Valley (drive past Jacksonville OR on Hwy 238). Be sure to get a parking pass at the marina before driving to the swimming beach parking lot ($5). You'll find a wide expanse of lawn, picnic and BBQ areas, and a nice swimming area in a beautiful mountain setting.
My kids don't consider a meal at Jasper's complete without onion rings and their homemade milkshakes.
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Jasper's
Medford locals were thrilled when this favorite burger joint (on Hwy 238 near Central Point) opened another location in downtown Jacksonville (4 miles outside Medford). Their burgers, fries, and hot dogs are all delicious (and they make a mean veggie sandwich, too). My kids don't consider a meal at Jasper's complete without onion rings and their homemade milkshakes. Health food it's not, but after a day at Applegate Lake, y... More
Medford locals were thrilled when this favorite burger joint (on Hwy 238 near Central Point) opened another location in downtown Jacksonville (4 miles outside Medford). Their burgers, fries, and hot dogs are all delicious (and they make a mean veggie sandwich, too). My kids don't consider a meal at Jasper's complete without onion rings and their homemade milkshakes. Health food it's not, but after a day at Applegate Lake, you'll feel it's well-deserved!
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About the Author

Amy Hagstrom Whitley
Amy Hagstrom Whitley
If you're looking for the professional me instead of the personal me, visit http://www.pitstopsforkids.com for travel writing, and http://www.nevertruetales.com for updates on novels, essays, and day-to-day tales.
Websitefacebook.com/amy.h.whitley.3
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