A newly designated and long-time favorite business district of Central Point is the Artisan Corridor,located on Front Street, starting to the South at the intersection of Pine Street and Front Street. Currently, comprised of five local businesses: Rogue Creamery,Lillie Belle Farms Fine Chocolates, The Rogue Grape, Coquette Bakery, and Craterworks Maker Space, this informally designated area is home to some of Southern Oregon's most delicious offerings, with Craterworks Maker Space providing an incubator for future artisan projects and offerings. For more information on Craterworks Maker Space visit their website at www.craterworks.org.
• LILLIE BELL FARMS FINE CHOCOLATE: Chocolatier Jeff Shepherd of Lillie Belle Farms Handmade Chocolates was chosen as one of the top chocolatiers in North America by Dessert Professional magazine, which is awarded to the top ten North Americanbased chocolatiers whose confectionery craft exemplifies the use of chocolate, and whose contributions have elevated the chocolate industry. The shop in Central Point has a complete exhibition kitchen in full view of the elegant tasting room. Every aspect of the unique chocolate creations made at Lillie Belle Farms can be experienced first hand while munching on tasty free samples. They're open seven days a week, but weekdays are the best time to see the chocolatiers in action. WHERE: 211 N. Front St. (Hwy 99), Central Point MORE INFO: 541-664-2815 or 888-899-2022, LillieBelleFarms.com
• ROGUE CREAMERY CHEESE SHOP: The world famous Rogue Creamery has been dedicated to making cheese for 86 years and has won numerous awards for their organic, palate-pleasing creations, including ribbons for their Oregon Blue Cheese. You can watch the cheeses being made through a viewing window, then taste these handcrafted cheeses. Don't be afraid to sample something new — you might find a new favorite. Some local and regional selections include: the mouth-watering, award-winning Oregon Blue or “Oregonzola” try a cheddar or a TouVelle® or try a cheese infused with herbs or wood smoke. No matter what style or taste you like, you will love the handmade creations from the Rogue Creamery. WHERE: 311 N. Front St. (Hwy 99), Central Point MORE INFO: 866-396-4704, RogueCreamery.com
• COQUETTE BAKERY: A local inspiration that began by selling-out of loaves of bread at local farmers markets every weekend , Coquette Bakery has opened their European inspired bread and pastry cafe here in the Rogue Valley. Come in and enjoy fresh pastry, coffee, tea and so much more. Take home their daily, fresh made creations or order them in advance online. WHERE: 245 N Front St, Central Point, OR 97502 MORE INFO: www.gogetcoquette.com
• THE ROGUE GRAPE: Nothing pairs as well with chocolate and cheese and pastries, than wine and The Rogue Grape has a multitude of local and regional wines to sample. Located between Lillie Belle and Rogue Creamery, this bottle shop and tasting room offers wines by the flight, by the glass, and bottles to go. Adding to the community and collaborative feel that is the core of the Artisan Corridor, you may “..bring all your goodies to The Rogue Grape and enjoy with your choice of local wine! NOTE: There is a sister Rogue Grape in nearby Jacksonville. WHERE: 245 N Front St, Central Point, OR 97502 MORE INFO: www.theroguegrape.com