Photo from Sandy at The Reluctant Entertainer.
The trip mentioned in this post was sponsored by Harry & David. All opinions are my own.
TThis fall I had the pleasure of attending a blogger event in Southern Oregon hosted by Harry & David. As a home-focused blogger, I rarely attend food-centered gatherings, so this was my first real foray into a “foodie” event—and it exceeded every expectation. My friend Sandy from Reluctant Entertainer invited us to her home for dinner. The meal was outstanding, and Sandy’s warm, gracious hosting made the evening even more memorable.
The table pictured above was set in Sandy’s backyard. Yes—her actual yard. It was stunning. The night was cool, but she had thoughtfully provided an outdoor fire pit and heaters so everyone stayed comfortable. The atmosphere and attention to detail inspired me to put more effort into my own outdoor space.
I was so captivated by the tablescape and garden that it was hard to concentrate on conversation. Every detail delighted—from the chalkboard touches to the pear centerpieces that fit the Harry & David theme perfectly.
Can you spot me among all the wonderful food bloggers? Everyone was so friendly, and I left feeling like I’d made new friends. It was enjoyable to discover food blogs written by such creative and personable people.
The trip was one of the most fun I’ve taken. My husband came along and we enjoyed a few sunny days in southern Oregon. The weather was beautiful, and we fell in love with the charming town of Ashland, famous for its Shakespeare festivals. Although we’d lived in Portland for many years, we had never visited Ashland until this trip. It’s a delightful place and worth a separate post when I share more photos and impressions.
If you’re considering a getaway with friends or a romantic weekend, I highly recommend Ashland. We stayed at the charming Winchester Inn, a cozy bed and breakfast with an excellent breakfast each morning. Everywhere we ate on this trip the food was exceptional.
One of my favorite outings was to Penny & Lulu’s Florist Studio in Medford. The owners created a beautiful setting for our lunch, complete with inspiring props and elegant centerpieces. It was a beautiful, creative space that made the meal feel extra special.
I enjoyed meeting fellow bloggers like Michael from Inspired by Charm and Angie from Bakerella. Angie—known for inventing Cake Pops—was delightful and happy to chat about her gorgeous kitchen and projects. It was inspiring to meet people who create such fun and inventive food content.
Harry & David is best known for its Royal Riviera® Pears, a signature product that benefits from unique climate and soil found in only a few regions. We toured their orchard and learned about the careful cultivation process that results in those delicious pears.
The facility tour was a highlight. We visited the chocolate factory and had the chance to paint chocolate leaves—an unexpected and delightful hands-on activity. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience fun and informative.
Another memorable activity was assembling a gift basket, creating a bow, and sending it off. Harry & David gift baskets have been a holiday favorite in my family for years—my grandparents often sent pears or a Tower of Treats at Christmas, and we’ve continued that tradition. It’s a gift most people enjoy receiving.
Our trip was filled with great food, lovely company, and warm hospitality. I’m grateful to Harry & David for inviting us to be part of this experience. It was a truly special trip that left me inspired and thankful.
You can order gifts directly from Harry & David on their website; they offer a variety of seasonal options and shipping choices to help your gifts arrive on time.
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.