ALONG COMES MARY

While on my Southern Oregon trip with The International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association last month, if you had told me I would completely fall in-LOVE with the intimate, Mayberry-like  town of Eagle Point, I would have thought, maybe. If you had said a highlight of the town is their flour mill & I would be amazed? No way.

Nestled in the hills only a few hours from California, Eagle Point is home to just under 9,000 residents & one of the must-see destinations is their Butte Creek Mill, which has been running since 1872 & to this day, powered by water. From their web-site:

“On the National Register of Historic Places, the world-famous Butte Creek Mill is the only grist mill in Oregon still grinding flour.  Stone Grinding Flour the same way they did in 1872.  You can taste the difference in all their products from their whole wheat flours, gluten-free flours, organic flours to their oats.”

Owner, Bob Russell, is a true Jack of all trades. Not only does he oversee this world-class flour mill, but also is an avid antique collector who simply began when he was around 10 years old, interested in strange, odd trinkets. That hobby turned into walls upon walls of “Freak Show” circus posters, vintage Coca Cola posters, gumball machines, original Mickey Mouse memorabilia & literally thousands more of incredible, unique items that one could easily travel the world, & not locate anywhere else but at the mill’s antique shop, which is just adjacent to the flour mill, & got its humble beginnings as a cheese factory in 1895.

As we made our way down to the mill, I was a little skeptical. I am gluten-free, borderline Celiac, for crying out loud! Would this be a room of poison, killing me within seconds?! Thankfully, no. It could be since I was in such awe at the labor & work that goes into grinding all these arrays of flours. Much like how Bubba Gump explains the various ways to enjoy shrimp, Butte Creek Mill is your one stop shop for wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn meal, even pure gluten (RUN!). The good news? With all of the flours before your eyes, there were several gluten-free flours being made, too.

Outside Butte Creek Mill, is, of course, the famous creek. We got to take a glimpse of the water, trees & activity happening downstairs from Bob’s office balcony. Whle they were dormant during my visit, the town isn’t called Eagle Point for no reason; you can commonly spot many eagles throughout the area, Bob told me.

The Butte Creek Mill, Antique Shop & grounds are a great must-see if you find yourself in Eagle Point or nearby. They’re open 7 days a week, & will gladly give you a tour. Another fun fact about Mr. Bob Russell? He is also the Mayor of the town! 😉 Check out the video below to learn more, then plan your visit HERE.