The Harry and David store is one of the unique treats near
Ashland, and this Memorial weekend included a special event with free
wine-tasting, sweets and sauces to
taste, and lively music. This
company, located a few miles north of Ashland in Medford, was founded in the
Rogue Valley 3 generations ago, to
pack and mail pears and dried fruits around the country. Today it is no longer just a family
business, but it features wines and beers, jellies, sauces, coffees and teas,
local produce, glutin free breads and pizzas, chocolates and a completely
addictive popcorn and chocolate mix called Moose Munch. In the old days there were free bins of
candies and nuts to taste. Today
the samples are less generous, except for special events like this weekend, but
it is just as well because it is a place that widens your waistline as it
lightens your wallet. It is a fun
indulgence, and factory tours are available for $5 (interesting and sweet but
not as adventurous as Willy Wonka!)
I find the unique local foods, like Rogue pear, cranberry and Pinot Noir
Jam, or Watermelon mint tea, Apricot Ale,
dark chocolate covered peanut butter filled pretzels, sweet peach pepper
jelly or pears dipped in melted truffles
hard to resist and easy to store in the pantry for special moments. Living here
and joining their club brings coupons and discounts to make the indulgences a
bit more affordable. Fancy gift assortments abound on holidays -- maybe you've
received one.
We stop in often for a dollop of coffee, in a petite paper
cup, always free, and a piece of
whatever is being passed around that day. But we rarely get away without buying
something. It was always a fun
tourist stop but just as sweet for locals who might be passing through
Medford. Below are a couple of
pictures of the temptations that you'll find.
We ran into a crowd at a new Togos sandwich place near Harry
and Davids, opened only 2 weeks ago.
We were told a major kids
soccer tournament nearby was the reason for the overflow of customers, usually a rare sight in Medford. We noticed three baseball fields filled
with kids as well. Spring is certainly bursting forth in Oregon, even when the
weather is still a bit cool.
Here is a bit of the scene at Harry and David, with all of its temptations
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