Jacksonville, OR

Jacksonville, Oregon is Voted One of America's Top 10 Coolest Small Towns! Just across the border from California, the old gold-rush town of Jacksonville, Oregon is getting its second wind from liquid gold. With 17 wineries located in the surrounding Applegate Valley, and a climate that's ripe for growing multiple types of grapes, Jacksonville, Oregon is a refuge from the tourist whirl of Napa.

Herb Quady is among the residents integral to the burgeoning scene. Quady, whose father, Andrew, produces dessert wines at Quady Winery in Madera, Calif., opened the Quady North tasting room in April (255 California St., quadynorth.com). "There isn't anyplace in California that's nearly as cute," Quady explains of his move. "We're all about the bucolic southern Oregon life." The best way to tap in is at South Stage Cellars, which stocks bottles from nine area wineries (125 S. 3rd St., southstagecellars.com). The Garden Bistro at the five-room McCully House Inn & Cottages showcases local growers of a different sort, with food products from 27 area purveyors, including cheese from the goats at nearby Pholia Farm (240 E. California St., mccullyhouseinn.com, rooms from $135). The lifestyle drew Constance and David Jesser, a chef and a commodities trader, respectively, from Sonoma five years ago to open Jacksonville Mercantile, where the shelves are filled with provisions like black-truffle-roasted almonds, meant to pair perfectly with a bottle of Quady North viognier (120 E. California St., jacksonvillemercantile.com).

For more information about Jacksonville, Oregon - contact Melinda Peterson Broker - Real Estate Cafe

In the last two days, the latest foreclosures to be listed for sale are in Central Point.

*One located on Ester Way and looks like a good bargain. A little over 25oo square feet on 1.78 acres. The house was built in 2001 and currently appears to be owned by Wells Fargo. The price on this house is $299,900. This is a rural piece on a well, but also on RVS sewer.

*The other new bank owned property in Central Point is on Bush street. It is under 750 square feet, and looks a little rough. But it is priced just below $100k at $99,900.

I have not been out to see these properties yet because they are so new. If you or someone you know want to take a look at them, I would love to go out and be surprised, or horrified with you. When looking at Foreclosed properties, you never know what you are going to find. Every once in awhile they are in good shape, but more often than not, there is a lot of work that needs to be done.

*Information provided by SOMLS and is deemed to be reliable, but not guaranteed.

It's that time again, time for the outdoor thermostat to creep up over the 90 degree mark, time for the roses, daisies and lavender to give their prolific displays, and time for the Children's Festival in Jacksonville Oregon on the grounds of the Britt Festival.

Children's Festival, July 12-14, 2009, Jacksonville, Oregon Britt Festival Grounds, $2.00 entry fee per person.

Sunday July 12th - Session #1: 5:30-8:30pm
Monday July 13th - Session #2: 9am until noon
Session #3: 6:00-8:30pm
Tuesday July 14th - Session #4: 9am until noon

See you out there!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com

A local phenomenon, if you enjoy fine dining, you MUST go to The Jacksonville Inn. This was the first restaurant we dined at when arriving in Southern Oregon, and the one we have frequented most since moving here in 2004. Not only is this wonderful restaurant offering fabulous, creative food selections, they have one of the best wine selections in the Rogue Valley. I know they'll have some of our favorite wines in their Wine Shoppe for us to serve at our own dinner parties, and I'm often stocking up there. Knowing we have enjoyed every meal we've been served, we like to give Gift Certificates to the Jacksonville Inn out as client gifts, confident their visits will be memorable ones, too.

We have our company Christmas Party at the Jacksonville Inn every year, and we all look forward to this annual event. The catering service Platon and his crew have provided at many different functions I've attended is consistently superb. They are huge supporters of our area non-profit organizations, playing a big part in helping their various missions be successful.

Whether you are looking for patio dining, café dining, or a memorable dining experience in the romantic dining room, Jacksonville Inn is the place!

See you out there!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com

If you haven't been to MacLevin's Whole Foods Deli, you have a delightful experience awaiting you. This family owned deli had my Brooklyn New Yorker husband moaning and groaning over the delicacies that took him for a joyous walk down Memory Lane. The menu offerings were like a "big city" neighborhood deli, but right in quaint Historic Downtown Jacksonville Oregon at 150 E California Street.

The MacLevins' story of how they came to Oregon is so similar to our own...and to that of many out of state transplants who have found their way to Southern Oregon to live out their dream. Go down and hear their story, while enjoying some of the magnificent offerings they have on their menu. Just don't go Tuesday or Wednesday, as these are the days they are out enjoying their wonderful lifestyle here.

See you out there!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com