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The Communities Denise Baratta Riding through the Rogue Valley on an RVTD bus. Medford Medford - which was once called Middleford because it is situated on the middle ford of Bear Creek - was developed in the 1880s as a stop on the Oregon and California Railroad. Eventually, the town took on the name Medford, after Medford, Mass., and it became the county seat in 1927. Medford is located 270 miles south of Portland, 370 miles north of San Francisco, and 120 east of the Pacific Ocean. It's a mecca for industry, medicine and services for southern Oregon, with a population of 58,895. The city boasts 28 parks, a bike path, four golf courses, the Rogue Valley Mall and a plethora of shops in the downtown area. The Medford/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce can be reached at 779-4847. Jacksonville Take a walk through Jacksonville and be transported back to the mid 1800s. Located five miles west of Medford, toward the breath-taking Applegate, this town of about 2,190, is designated a National Historic Landmark. Brick and wooden buildings lining the streets - housing boutiques, shops and restaurants - reflect the entire range of architecture of the West during that period. Jacksonville is host to the annual Britt Festival, which puts on concerts from June through Labor Day weekend in September in the Britt Gardens amphitheater. For information call the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce at (541) 899-8118. Butte Falls Located roughly 40 miles northeast of Medford, Butte Falls is the county's smallest town with a population of about 435. This quaint community offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, complete with its own waterfall - which Butte Falls was named after. A park acts as the town's centerpiece and serves as a gathering place for community events, such as a Fourth of July celebration. For information, contact Butte Falls City Hall at (541) 865-3262. Central Point This city of approximately 11,225 was once an intersection of two wagon trails in the center of the Rogue Valley. After a few houses sprung up near the crossroads in 1872, the town was named Central Point. The Old School House, built in 1906 and now a Southern Oregon Historical Society building, remains in use as a school. Located about five miles north of Medford, the town is situated near the Rogue River and offers plenty of recreation for rafters, hikers and daytime picnickers. Central Point is the home of the Jackson County Expo Park, where the Jackson County Fair is held annually and other events happen more frequently. For information, contact the Central Point Chamber of Commerce at (541) 664-5301, or the Central Point City Hall at (541) 664-3321. Eagle Point Approximately 5,000 folks call the city of Eagle Point home, one of several in the county rich in history. Butte Creek Mill, located on Little Butte Creek in the city, is the last remaining original water powered grist mill in the West. The city boasts a replica of a pioneer-era general store that sits adjacent to the mill, and the Eagle Point Museum displays historical items that preserve the history of the city, as well as the Upper Rogue Valley. For information, contact the Eagle Point Chamber of Commerce at (541) 830-0459. Gold Hill Nestled along the Rogue River, Gold Hill - population 1,240 - is the perfect spot for those who love rafting, swimming, fishing and other river sports. The Old Oregon Historical Museum, located within the city, maintains a collection of materials that preserve the history of Gold Hill and Jackson County. The Oregon Vortex is the site of a natural force field that is centered half above ground and half below. The House of Mystery, located at the vortex, is open for tours. The Rock Point Pioneer Cemetery is a point of historic interest and the museum publishes an informative guide for visitors. For information, call the Gold Hill Historical Society at (541) 855-1182, or the Gold Hill City Hall at (541) 855-1525. Rogue River The city of Rogue River is the home of the annual Rooster Crow - a hilarious event that includes concession and craft booths, a parade, timber carnival, and of course, the owners who will do whatever it takes to get their roosters to crow. Located on the Rogue River and Evans Creek, the city of 1,965, is a destination hot spot for travelers seeking out recreational activities, such as fishing, rafting and kayaking. For information, call the Rogue River Chamber of Commerce at (541) 582-0242, or Rogue River City Hall at (541) 582-4401. Shady Cove Another hot spot for those who love river activities is Shady Cove. Located 20 miles north of Medford along the Rogue River, Shady Cove is home to 2,420 residents. The population soars in the summertime, however, as visitors seek out the cool waters of the Rogue. The river offers excellent trout and steelhead fishing, and there are five raft rental companies. Lost Creek Reservoir, a favorite lake for boating, swimming and water skiing, is about 10 miles up Route 62. For more information, contact the Shady Cove Chamber of Commerce at (541) 878-8216. Email your... 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