This Historic Mining Town Is a Hidden Gem in Oregon’s Wine Country
Here, an accidental innkeeper shares her recommendations for how best to enjoy this special little town north of Ashland.
Al Case
Sunset’s Insider Guide series highlights seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts. Follow along as we learn where to eat, drink, stay, and shop.
Photo by Martina Patella.
Martina Patella
Meet the Insider: Kathleen Dunn, owner of Kubli Haus
Location: Jacksonville, Oregon
Kathleen Dunn and her family discovered Jacksonville the way that many great discoveries happen: on a good old-fashioned road trip. Captivated by the charm of this historic gold-mining town nestled in Southern Oregon wine country, they uprooted their lives to restore Kubli Haus, a dilapidated 1860s landmark that’s been reimagined as a boutique hotel.
STAY
David Gibb
Kubli Haus is tucked into a quiet pocket of Jacksonville, just one block from the Britt Amphitheater and two blocks from the main street in town. All five spacious suites have showstopping bathrooms and loaded kitchenettes, and are furnished with a mix of modern and antique pieces, like vintage Turkish rugs and luxurious linens, making the property an ideal home base for an Oregonian adventure.
EAT
Taylor Marie/Milk & Peonies Images
For delicious farm-to-table bistro fare and incredible biodynamic wines, Cowhorn Kitchen & Wine is the place. The fried chicken salad with a glass of Cowhorn Reserve Viognier is nothing short of addictive. Bella Union has a more laid-back vibe, with its wisteria-covered patio, raucous bar, and live music scene. It’s great for pizza and a cocktail. Hit Churro Rush for classic cinnamon churros or more bougie variations. Or head to Violets & Cream, our local ice cream and vintage candy shop. Remember Abba-Zaba and Pop Rocks?
DRINK
Courtesy of Jacksonville Inn
With cozy leather chairs and windowfront bar seating overlooking California Street, The Wine Lounge at Jacksonville Inn is the perfect afternoon pause. It’s super social and you’ll likely make new friends while tasting regional wines. South Stage Cellars is a cozy setting in all seasons; the historic brick building is sure to have a roaring fire and soloist in winter and a band and dancing on the patio all summer long. “Yes, please” to its Cabernet Franc Rosé any day of the year. Gogi’s Restaurant is a Jacksonville classic, and, lucky us, is just a block from Kubli Haus. The food is wonderful, and the cocktails are off the hook. Try a Final Word with mezcal, Chartreuse, Luxardo cherry liqueur, prickly pear juice, and lime. The wait staff serves surprise amuse-bouche, which is so much fun.
DO
Al Case
Summer in Jacksonville is all about Britt Festival. Kubli Haus is a block from the venue, an intimate 2,200-seat amphitheater with mountain and valley views. The Jacksonville Wine Trolley is the only “hop-on, hop-off” wine trolley service on the West Coast. Buy a daylong pass and choose your own adventure from the four downtown tasting rooms and five wineries on the outskirts of town. Tickets are 50 percent off if you go on WTF (Wine Trolley Fridays). The Jacksonville Woodlands Trail System is a 255-acre preserve with miles of hiking trails. It’s a morel hunter’s paradise come springtime. Crater Lake National Park is a 1.5-hour drive away. Picnic, hike down the crater, and ride the boat over the deep blue water to Wizard Island.
SHOP
California Street is lined with independent mom-and-pop shops. My favorites are Carefree Buffalo, where you’ll find high-end western products, like Pendleton blankets, turquoise inlaid pocketknives, and custom-tailored leather jackets. Calathea Home & Gift (pictured above) offers women’s boho clothing and gift items that will make you laugh, and Jacksonville Company has all sorts of women’s apparel, from cotton to cashmere.
