The Perfect Romantic Getaway in Grants Pass
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply needing an escape from the hustle and bustle, spice things up with a romantic getaway to Southern Oregon. From relaxing riverside lodges to exhilarating adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to make memories with your better half. Enjoy world-class wine along the Applegate Valley Wine trail, find solace in nature with a hike along the Wild & Scenic Rogue River, and dine at farm-to-table eateries in the Historic District.
Wine is for Lovers
While the Willamette Valley is often regarded as Oregon’s wine capital, Southern Oregon has emerged as a world-class vinicultural region, known for its unique ability to grow a wide variety of grapes. Here, the birthplace of Oregon’s wine industry saw its first grapes planted in the 1850s and today, is home to over 20 wineries and tasting rooms across Applegate Valley. With stunning pastoral views of rolling vineyard hills and the surrounding Siskiyou Mountains, wine aficionados can revel in world class-wine without an air of pretention at this underrated wine destination.
During winter’s “Cellar Season”, cozy up with a bottle of wine and a roaring fire along the Applegate River at Red Lily Vineyards. Drop into Plaisance Ranch, a working cattle ranch since 1858 and order a flight of their award-winning wine or visit Wooldridge Creek Winery- Oregon’s first dual winery and creamery. Plan a date night at Schmidt Family Vineyards, which offers fire-roasted pizzas and Friday night music. Head to Troon Vineyards, one of the first wineries in the world with the distinction of being Regenerative Organic Certified, and take in their sweeping views of the valley.
Outdoor Adventures For Two
Studies have proven that physical activity releases dopamine and serotonin, the love hormones of the brain. There’s no better way to breath fresh air into a relationship than by working up a sweat together. When it comes to outdoor adventures, Grants Pass offers endless activities that’ll get your heart pumping.
Discover stunning views along the Rainie Falls Trail which skirts along the Wild & Scenic Rogue River. The 3.7mi out-and-back trail begins at Grave Creek in Galice and heads upriver to a series of rapids known as Rainie Falls. Planked by towering mountains on either side, this river canyon trail is a stunner throughout the winter months.
For something a little faster paced, rent mountain bikes from Bikekraft and get your adrenaline rush at Cathedral Hills. Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Grants Pass, the 400-acre Cathedral Hills complex offers trails for all fitness and skill levels. Bike through tunnels of Manzanita, old growth pine, and colorful madrone trees and revel in the scenery of the surrounding mountains.
For stunning views of Southern Oregon, bundle up and head to Oregon’s only National Park for a day in the snow. During February, Crater Lake National Park is a winter wonderland and the perfect romantic backdrop for an outdoor excursion. While visiting the country’s deepest lake, rent snowshoes or cross-country skis to tour along the rim of this ancient volcano.
Food and Drinks
If food is the way to your hearts, you’ve come to the right place. From award-winning creameries and artisanal desserts to handcrafted cocktails and locally-sourced eateries, wine and dine your way through Grants Pass.
Have a leisurely brunch at MaMosa’s, a popular eatery that was recently featured on the PBS special, “Going Across Oregon”. Taste the flavors of the Rogue Valley with their scratch-made dishes and rotating seasonal specials. In the Applegate Valley, drop into Pennington Farms for a scone or berry danish and peruse their jams and canned gifts. For downtown pastries, pay a visit to Beefcakes and Dassh Bakery.Warm up with a Cup o’ Joe at Rogue Roasters, a hot matcha at The Lonely Pine, or try a cortadito at Nelly’s Cuban Cafe.
Impress your date and reserve a table for two at Carson’s Bistro, the Lindsay Lodge, Partake, or the Twisted Cork. Located just a couple miles from downtown, dine with a view along the Rogue River at The River’s Edge. For some of the best dessert in Southern Oregon, stop by House of Glory, which offers an international spin to their scratch made cakes, bubble waffles, and gelato.
Beside restaurants, craft beer and cocktail lovers can raise a glass to all the amazing breweries, bars, and distilleries in Grants Pass. After your meal, enjoy après dinner drinks at Zoom City, Bohemian, and the Haul. At the top of town, Weekend Beer Company features bier-garden style tables, a food truck park, corn-hole, and an expansive lawn to spread out. Located on historic G St, visit Steam Distillery, a steampunk-themed distillery that specializes in vodka and other handcrafted cocktails.
Nightlife
After dinner, catch some live music or score tickets for the latest production at Barnstormer’s Theatre- the longest continuously operated community theatre in Oregon. Find live music most nights of the week at the Sound Lounge or The Hivve and check our Live Entertainment flyer that’s posted weekly for music, festival, and event happenings around the Valley. See a symphony or play at Grants Pass Performing Arts Center and don’t miss a show at the Historic Rogue Theatre.
Shopping and Galleries
Commemorate your trip with something special to take home and explore downtown businesses. From ladies boutiques and jewelry shops to art galleries and antique stores, Grants Pass’s charming downtown offers a little bit for everyone. While strolling around the Historic District, check out the latest exhibit at the Grants Pass Art Museum and Gallery One below and follow G St the Glass Forge, where you can try your own hand at glass blowing. Drop by the Downtown Welcome Center at the corner of 6th and G street for brochures, maps, and advice about where to shop and dine. From there, take a self-guided Public Art tour of downtown which features murals and sculptures made by local artists.
Romantic Lodging
Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet riverside retreat, downtown hotel, cabin in the mountains, or rustic tree house, the area offers an abundance of romantic escapes. The Weasku Inn along Rogue River Highway is a short drive from downtown and provides a rustic-chic atmosphere with their 1924 fishing lodge-turned guesthouse and cabins. Cozy up around the fire and walk around their picturesque grounds where guests including Bing Crosby, Clarke Gable, and Walt Disney have stayed. Located within walking distance of restaurants, book a stay the Lodge at Riverside and the Riverside Inn, both of which offer views of the Rogue River. For those looking for something more rustic and adventurous, plan a weekend at Out n About Treesort in Cave Junction or a luxury tipi at Sunny Valley Resort.
Make memories in the Rogue Valley this year and plan a romantic escape to Grants Pass. Find more about area attractions on our blog and follow us on social media to learn about upcoming events.
