When it Rains
If raindrops are falling on your head during a visit, forget the umbrella (it’s not our style). Just head inside to find the fun if there’s no sun.
Story by Brittany Arnold Photos by Jonathan Cummings
While Roseburg is an epic outdoor playground during our sunny months, that doesn’t mean when the infamous Oregon rain clouds roll in there still isn’t plenty of fun to be found. Whether you and yours are in the mood for something educational, inspirational, scenic or sweaty — you can enjoy all sorts of dry entertainment without opening an umbrella (not that you’d ever do that anyway if you are a true Oregonian). Here are just a few examples:
The Douglas County Museum has an impressive array of artifacts, antiques and historic displays to engage both children and adults. Museum curators have been collecting, preserving and exhibiting naturally and culturally significant items from the region for more than 50 years. The museum boasts the largest natural history display in Oregon as well as the state’s second-largest historic photograph collection. Popular features include a saber-toothed cat skeleton, a woolly mammoth skull and tusk, and skulls from an American lion and ancient bison.
The Douglas County Museum is located adjacent to the Douglas County Fairgrounds off I-5, Exit 123, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 541-957-7007 or visit umpquavalleymuseums.org.
The Great Umpqua Food Trail will lead you on a culinary cruise through Roseburg and the surrounding area, connecting you with more than 40 local establishments. With many farms closed during the winter months, visitors can taste the local harvest at the array of wineries, breweries and restaurants along the trail. Download the trail map here.
Drive in and lace up for a classic, nostalgic date night. If you’re feeling nostalgic and longing for the days when life was a little simpler, here’s a great way to temporarily transport yourself back in time. Head to the iconic Pete’s Drive-In restaurant for a burger, fries and a shake, then roll over to Parkview Skating Center. After a few laps around the rink, all those fuzzy middle-school memories will come racing back into focus. Or, if bowling and arcade games are more up your alley, head to Ten Down Bowling Center on Diamond Lake Boulevard. There you’ll find Splitz Family Grill and the center’s sports bar, which features a large selection of cocktails, craft brews and pub grub.
Pete’s Drive-In is at 1270 W. Harvard Ave. and open Monday through Saturday; Parkview Skating Center is nearby at 1151 N.W. Stewart Parkway and open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, and afternoon to evening Saturday and Sundays.
Feeling artsy? Offering instructional painting classes in a fun group setting, downtown Roseburg’s Create and Sip Studio will have you getting in touch with your creative side in no time. Get a group together and a bottle of wine (or two) and you’re guaranteed a fun time as well as a painting you’ll be proud of. Visit createandsipstudio.com for more information.
Gallery Northwest is also nestled in quaint, downtown Roseburg. The art gallery is owned and operated by 15 local artists featuring original paintings in a variety of media and offers studio space for classes, workshops and open studio time. Visit Gallery Northwest on Facebook for more information.
The Roseburg art community revolves around the beautiful Umpqua Valley Arts Center at 1624 W. Harvard Ave. For more information on the center’s current activities and attractions, visit uvarts.com.
