Jacksonville for Two for Under $200
A walk along the main street in Jacksonville, Oregon, gives the impression that you have stepped back a century. If not for the paved road and passing cars, the illusion might be complete. Historic brick buildings line downtown; grand Victorian houses dot the neighborhoods. "Charming" is a word often used to describe Jacksonville.
"Expensive" is another.
In a town where a room for the night can run in the hundreds of dollars and where a meal for two might cost a bill or more, can budget-conscious travelers afford to stay? If your budget can spare $100 per person, then the answer is yes. By carefully following the guidelines below two people, or more, should be able to stay for two days and one night in one of the coolest towns in Oregon, and you will even catch a show at the Britt Festival.
Reasonably priced lodging is by far the biggest hurdle to planning a weekend in Jacksonville. The majority of rooms in town are nestled within quaint bed and breakfasts, or inns along the shaded side streets. While undoubtedly providing a classy place to sleep and perhaps even a complimentary breakfast, they are beyond the budget traveler's means.
Fortunately, there is an option. Located just a half-mile from downtown is the Stage Lodge. A room with a king-sized bed will run $95.92 (all rates and prices are as of June 2003). If not visiting Jacksonville on a romantic getaway, then a room with two queen beds is a bit more expensive at $100.28. In this case to stay below $100 per person you must bring a friend or two. Additional people stay for $10. These prices include the 9% Jacksonville room tax. Ouch. But clean, cozy rooms, friendly folks and a complementary continental breakfast make the Stage Lodge a bargain. Reservations are essential: call (800) 253 8254 or +1 (541) 899 3953.
Once you have established a room for the night, saunter or, if you like, mosey into town for lunch. A recommended favorite of visitors and locals alike is Bella Union. Located at 170 W. California St., Bella Union serves a variety of salads, sandwiches and gourmet pizzas that will satisfy most everyone. The wisteria-covered patio in back is the place to sit during the summer months. Prices average $8 per plate, so it is possible to get out for about $20, including tip.
Work off lunch with a walk through the shops along California Street. The unique shops range from a classy cooking store on one end, to an eclectic toy store on the other. The Jacksonville branch of the Southern Oregon Historical Society occupies a building at the south end of downtown and is well-worth a look. So is the Jacksonville Museum, at 205 5th St. It is open 10am-5pm Wednesday-Saturday, and 12-5pm on Sunday. Tickets are $3 for adults.
Weary feet will be happy to find the Good Bean Coffee Company, located in an old saloon on Oregon Street. They serve great coffee and provide a nice place to contemplate the evening's activity.
The Britt Festival is one of the main reasons people come to Jacksonville. It can be expensive with reserved seating or the occasional megastar, but it doesn't have to be. The price of lawn seating tickets average $24 per person (I have excluded the few higher-priced shows to arrive at this figure). As with lodging it is crucial to reserve tickets. Call the box office at (800) 882 7488 or +1 (541) 773 6077.
A blanket spread on the lawn at the Britt Festival will serve as your dinner table. Stop at the Jacksonville Market, located between the Stage Lodge and downtown on Fifth Street, and purchase the makings for a picnic dinner and perhaps a bottle of wine (wine and beer are allowed at Britt). The meal should cost around $20 with beverages. Remember that it is ideal to arrive one to two hours early at Britt and stand in line, depending on the show, to assure good lawn seating. If you aren't fussed about seating then take your time, there is plenty of room. Enjoy the show!
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Building with old advertising.
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The Britt concerts end around 10:30pm. If you have the desire and your budget allows, the J'ville Tavern is still open and is well worth a visit. Housed in a mammoth brick building on the corner of California and Third Street, the tavern has been serving thirsty folks for quite awhile, so they've gotten pretty good at it. Your limited budget should insure that you stay sober enough to successfully walk back to the room.
Day two begins with the complementary breakfast at the Stage Lodge, then into town for some leisurely hiking along the Jacksonville Woodlands Trail System. Access the trailhead to the Sarah Zigler Interpretive Trail about halfway up the path you used to enter the Britt Pavilion. A box at the trailhead holds maps and asks for a small donation. This one-mile trail follows Jackson Creek to the site where gold was first discovered in Oregon. From this trail, you have the option to branch onto others, leading to old diggings or along water ditches and to other remnants the miners left behind.
After your hike and on the way back to your room stop at Pony Espresso at 545 N. 5th St. They make great sandwiches and salads from 11am-3pm daily, in a nice atmosphere. Prices top out at $7.
Lets see how it breaks down:
- Lodging: $95.92
- Lunch: $20.00
- Britt: $48.00
- Picnic: $20.00
- Lunch: $15.00
Total: $198.95
There you have it.
If you have followed these recommendations, you should roll out of Jacksonville with your last lone dollar, just as many visitors to Jacksonville likely did a century ago. Only you'll be leaving on your own accord, and after a great yet budget-friendly two days.
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