Photo from Sandy at The Reluctant Entertainer.
The trip described in this post was sponsored by Harry & David. All opinions are my own.
TThis fall I had the delightful opportunity to attend a blogger event in Southern Oregon hosted by Harry & David. As a home-focused blogger, I rarely participate in foodie events, so this was my first true “foodie” gathering and it exceeded all expectations. Sandy from Reluctant Entertainer invited us to her home for dinner, and the evening was exceptional — the food, the company, and the setting were warm and inviting. Sandy’s hospitality and style made the night feel both elegant and comfortable.
The table pictured above was set in Sandy’s backyard — truly breathtaking. The evening had a gentle chill in the air, but she thoughtfully provided a fire pit and outdoor heaters so everyone stayed cozy. The beauty of the setting inspired me to spend more time improving my own backyard.
I was captivated by every detail — from the table decor to the little chalkboard signs and pear centerpieces. The thoughtful styling made conversation a pleasure and created a memorable atmosphere for the evening.
I found myself among a wonderful group of talented food bloggers. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, and I left feeling like I had made new friends. Their passion for food and creativity was inspiring, and I enjoyed learning about their blogs and culinary adventures.
The trip was one of the most enjoyable getaways I’ve had. My husband joined me, and we spent several days enjoying the southern Oregon sunshine. We stayed in Ashland, a charming town known for its Shakespeare festivals, and loved exploring it. Although we’d lived in Portland for many years, we’d never visited Ashland before, so this trip was a delightful first.
If you’re planning a romantic weekend or a relaxing getaway with friends, I highly recommend Ashland. We stayed at the Winchester Inn, a charming bed and breakfast with excellent breakfasts each morning. The food throughout our visit was consistently wonderful.
One highlight was visiting Penny & Lulu’s Florist Studio in Medford. The owners hosted a beautiful lunch in a lively, well-styled space. We enjoyed the floral displays, the props, and the thoughtfully arranged centerpieces. It was a lovely, creative experience.
I had the pleasure of meeting Michael from Inspired by Charm and Angie from Bakerella — yes, the creator of cake pops. Angie was generous with her time and shared photos of her new kitchen, which was a highlight for any design-loving foodie. It was fun to connect in person with bloggers I admire.
Harry & David is best known for their Royal Riviera® Pears, prized for their flavor and grown in specific climates and soils. We toured their beautiful orchards and learned about the careful processes that produce such exceptional fruit. Seeing the orchards up close explained why their pears taste so remarkable.
A visit to the Harry & David facility included a tour of their chocolate kitchen, where we decorated chocolate leaves and learned about candy making. The hands-on activities were fun and gave us an appreciation for the craftsmanship behind their confections.
We also had the chance to assemble a gift basket, tie a bow, and send it off. Harry & David gift baskets and towers of treats have long been a favorite in our family — my grandparents sent them every Christmas, and we’ve continued the tradition. Packaging a basket ourselves gave new meaning to how much care goes into each gift.
Overall, the trip was an absolute joy. I’m grateful to Harry & David for including my husband and me in this experience. The people, places, and food made for an unforgettable visit, and I returned inspired and thankful.
You can order gifts directly from Harry & David on their website; they offer a wide selection of fruit, gift towers, and baskets that make thoughtful presents.
Bloggers who attended: Helen Jane from HelenJane.com, Shelly from Cookies & Cups, Michael from Inspired by Charm, Melissa from The Inspired Room, Judy of From Home to Roam, Angie from Bakerella, Sandy from The Reluctant Entertainer, Cassie from Bake Your Day, Gina from Skinnytaste, Ali from Gimme Some Oven, Julie from The Little Kitchen, Robyn from Add A Pinch, Lindsay from Love and Olive Oil, and Amanda from Kevin and Amanda.