|
Subscribe | Get featured
Hi Grants Pass, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Peaceful Oregon towns named, artists-in-residence applications open, a Super Bowl chili cook off dance, and more.
— Cait Baker
|
📰 In the news
Riverside charm and local flavor: A recent roundup names ten peaceful Oregon towns where simple living stays affordable, and Grants Pass makes the list along with Albany, Springfield, and La Grande — explore the full list.
Addressing Oregon’s care gap: Kairos announced Lane Services, a new youth and family mental health clinic in Eugene, expected to open this spring. It is already accepting telehealth clients and offering in-person care — get all the details.
Turn nature into art: BLM is seeking two artists in residence for summer stays at Rogue River Ranch and Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument during Freedom 250. Grants Pass area creatives should apply by Feb. 28 — see how and when to apply.
Local officials spar over selection: Authority to appoint a Josephine County commissioner was transferred to a temporary board of sheriff, assessor, treasurer and legal counsel, despite Commissioner Chris Barnett arguing the board had a quorum — get all the details.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
|
🫶 We got your back
Support for Southern Oregon growers: The USDA awarded $1.6 million to 12 rural producers across Oregon. Locally, Big Barn Cidery in Josephine County received $50,000 and Applegoat Valley Farm in Jackson County received $250,000 to help market products. Whistling Duck Farm in Josephine County also received funding. See who received funding locally.
A renewed path awaits: The Ethel Creek Bridge on the Illinois River National Recreation Trail has been rebuilt after the 2023 Flat Fire. Final inspections were completed January 20, restoring about 1.6 miles of hiking access for southwest Oregon adventurers near Grants Pass. Read the full story.
Give stuff a second life: Second Chance Downtown Thrift Store keeps good finds flowing: clothes, home goods, and the occasional wild-card conversation piece, all while supporting the Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission. It’s an easy in-town browse when you want something new-to-you and feel-good shopping in one go.
Sushi night upgrade: A longtime local since 1999, Musashi Sushi Bar turns weeknights into ‘one more roll’ with clean, classic nigiri, inventive rolls, and ramen that hits just right. When cravings call, this neighborhood fixture delivers comfort and craft…making tonight feel like a Musashi kind of evening.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
|
📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
✂ Ribbon Cutting: Hampton Inn @ Hampton Inn & Suites Grants Pass | Friday (2/6) at 12:00 PM – Pop over for Hampton Inn’s renovation reveal, with the Chamber Ambassadors wielding the big scissors. Expect civic pride, that new carpet smell, and lobby coffee, a tidy little outing for anyone who likes fresh paint, firm handshakes, and knowing where to send the in-laws.
🏛 First Friday @ Downtown Grants Pass Apartments | Friday (2/6) at 4:00 PM – Whether you still call it G Street or just downtown, First Friday is your excuse to wander, sip, and actually talk to people. Shops and restaurants buzz, galleries open up, and there’s music, nibbles, and wine tastings tucked around every corner.
🍷 Love Birds Paint N Sip @ Apricity Vineyard | Friday (2/6) at 5:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to slow down, this one’s literally wooden. Paint a wood round with love birds at Apricity with The Oregon Gal, sip your first drink, enjoy treats, and upgrade date night off the couch; seats are limited, reserve early.
💍 Dream Wedding Show @ Grants Pass Fairgrounds | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Skip the Pinterest rabbit hole and cruise this wedding show instead. Meet legit local vendors, taste too many cakes, eye gowns, and line up photographers, entertainment, and freebies. First 20 snag swag bags, and someone walks out with a free custom cake.
🍷 Luscious Lavender Bookmarks – Watercolor Paint & Sip @ Grants Pass Golf Club | Saturday (2/7) at 1:00 PM – Take a break from the grind and settle into a paint and sip where you’ll watercolor lavender bookmarks, finally retiring that crumpled receipt marking page 42. Low-stress, wine-forward, creativity encouraged, conversation welcome. Lavender serenity without the yardwork, keepsakes you’ll actually use.
🏈 Annual Super Bowl Tailgate & Chili Cook Off Dance @ Josephine County Fairgrounds | Saturday (2/7) at 6:00 PM – Skip the couch and bring your appetite. It’s the annual Super Bowl tailgate with a chili cook off, a community potluck, and dancing led by Chuck Simpkins and Rikki Lobato, pre rounds included. Real friends cheer, stir, and two-step all in one night.
🎶 Resonant Rogues @ The Hivve – Coworking & Venue | Saturday (2/7) at 7:00 PM – Think you know what a banjo night sounds like? The Resonant Rogues, a songwriting duo, bring dark Appalachian folk to The Hivve, crackling harmonies, road-worn tales, and Sparrow switching between banjo and accordion. Moody, intimate, and ideal for folks who prefer goosebumps over small talk.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
|
📻 Grants Pass report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 61°F – Low: 38°F – Precip: 0%
Patchy fog before 10am. Sunny. High near 61, with temperatures falling to around 59 in the afternoon. Southeast wind around 1 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 38. Wind around 0 mph.
—
Tomorrow – High: 59°F – Low: 39°F – Precip: 0%
Patchy fog before 10am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. South southwest wind around 1 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 39.
This house is wild
This 3-bed, 2-bath retreat spans 4.78 tree-lined acres with a landscaped patio off the dining room and primary suite through French doors. Lodge-style windows capture views from the living and kitchen areas. The upstairs den works as a studio or office. Extras include a double-sided gas fireplace, spa-like primary bath, RV hookup, and a heated 1,850-sf two-story shop with utilities.
Take a peek inside →
|
🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
|
 |
Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
|
|
|
|
