2 Best Places to Shop in Southern Oregon, Oregon

Next door to Rogue Creamery, this artisanal chocolatier handcrafts outstanding chocolates using local, often organic ingredients. A favorite treat is the Smokey Blue Cheese ganache made with Rogue River blue, but don't overlook the dark-chocolate–marionberry bonbons (made with organic marionberries grown on-site) or the delectable hazelnut chews.

Just a few miles up the road from Medford in the little town of Central Point, you'll find one of the planet's most respected cheese makers (in 2019, Rogue became the first U.S. cheese maker ever to take the top prize at the prestigious World Cheese Awards). Begun in 1935 by Italian immigrants and now run by David Gremmels, this factory store sells all of the company's stellar cheeses, from Smokey Blue to a lavender-infused cheddar, and you can often watch the production through a window. Delicious grilled-cheese sandwiches and local wines and beers are also available—enjoy them at one of the sidewalk tables outside.  Ardent fans of this place might want to check out Rogue Creamery Dairy Farm, outside Grants Pass, and about 30 miles away from Central Point. Tours of the milking operations and the farm are available, and you can buy cheese and other gourmet goods there as well.