Del Norte County, A Close Drive to the Britt Festival in Jacksonville, Oregon

The Britt Festival in Jacksonville, Oregon is just a short car ride, 1 1/2 hours, from Crescent City and that's where I was this past weekend.

If you live on the North Coast and haven't been to the Britt Festival, it's worth the drive. Go check it out.

My husband, Garry, and I purchased tickets to see George Thorogood on the Britt Festival website a month or so ago and anxiously looked forward to the performance.

Like so many of my client's, I too have been affected by the downturn in the housing market and the economy. Going to see George is probably the only trip we will be taking this summer, so it was very important to me that we had a great time.

As you can see by the pictures, we had fabulous seats on the lawn directly in front of the stage,

This location was earned, however, by a lengthy wait in line that started at 1:30 pm for a 7:00 concert.

As we visited with other die-hard fans in line, we were surprised to see that the first two people in line were actually two 13 year old boys. I didn't think too many kids that age even knew who George Thorogood was and there they were at the front of the line.

That mystery was solved at 3:30 when two men showed up, whipped out their wallets and handed the two young men a pocket full of cash.

Garry, a fifth/sixth grade teacher, went over to talk to the boys about what had transpired.

It seems that quite a few enterprising young people in Jacksonville are employed throughout the Britt season in the occupation of "line sitting." For their efforts of guaranteeing their employer of the moment first place in line, they received $80 a piece. Not too bad for a 13 year old. However, they sat in line from 11:30 pm, Friday, to 3:30 pm on Saturday. I may be joining them if the market doesn't improve!

The opening act was Buddy Guy, who, at 72, is unequaled at playing the blues. Unfortunately, I didn't realize I had my camera with me until George came on stage.

Garry and I ran to take a potty break and while we were gone, Buddy Guy walked off stage, toured the small venue while playing his guitar, and STOOD ON OUR BLANKET AND LET OUR FRIENDS STRUM HIS GUITAR!

Everyone sitting around us was grateful we left for the bathroom so Buddy could stand on our blanket.

Jacksonville, Oregon is a very lovely historical mining town that is definitely worth a visit. Volunteers walk around in period dress and answer questions for passerby and there are many shops and restaurants with excellent food and interesting items. Bella Union restaurant is worth the trip by itself (try their pomegranate martini), and the Britt Festival, which goes all summer long, makes the trip a top flight day.

Jacksonville is only 1 1/2 hours from our home in Crescent City, so we made it a day trip, but there are several bed and breakfasts, Inns, and hotels close by if you decide to stay overnight.

The Britt seats 2,200 people, and has a very intimate feel to it.

We brought in our food and beverages (alcohol is allowed to be brought in, or you can purchase from concession), but you can order pizza from Bella Union and have it delivered or enjoy great food at the concession stands inside the venue if you prefer.

Check out the Britt website to see what other performances are being offered this summer. I know Steve Miller is coming up and the season kicked off with Crosby, Stills and Nash.

Del Norte County is just a short drive away from so many enjoyable places to visit and has no smog, no traffic, mild weather, and no water-rationing!

Have a great summer!

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