GP Magazine: Grants Pass Culture | Dining | Lifestyle — V1N2 2022

GRANTS PASS

CULTURE ∙ DINING ∙ LIFESTYLE

V1N2

INSIDE:

The Danielle Kelly Soul Project Firearm Safety and Security

Marketing Your Short Term Rental

SEVEN FEATHERS CASINO RESORT:

Entertaining Southern Oregon for

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Celebr

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pub LETTER

Summertime in Grants Pass PUBLISHER

SUMMER IS APPROACHING, and that means one thing for Grants Pass. BOATS! Over Memorial Day Weekend (May 30), boats of all shapes and sizes gather in Riverside Park to celebrate Boatnik, which has been wowing locals for more than 60 years (established in 1959).

There is no admission to attend and enjoy Boatnik and there are many activities and shows for all ages. If you want to splurge on some extras, the festival offers premium events, such as the Davis Shows Carnival, concerts, and the tasty Brewfest.

With sky-high gas and airline prices putting a damper on summer travel, Boatnik is a great reason to stay in Oregon this summer.

Boatnik takes place over five days, beginning on Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. The festivities kick off with the Davis Shows Carnival featuring food, rides, games and family fun. The excitement continues on Friday with a concert by Stephen Pearcy, the lead singer of ‘90s hair band icons RATT. General admission tickets begin at $25.85. Past concerts include Jack Russell’s Great White, Warrant, Dokken, and Tesla.

On Saturday morning, the flashy Boatnik parade winds through downtown Grants Pass and concludes at Riverside Park. If you enjoy parades, you’ll love this. Personally, I’m not a fan of parades, but if you do, this one is definitely worth the time.

Throughout the Boatnik weekend, festival goers can enjoy sprint and drag boat racing, carnival rides, arts & crafts, a pizza-eating contest, bingo, food vendors, a golf shootout and nightly fireworks. Brewfest takes place on Saturday and Sunday, and showcases 50+ beers and ciders from the region. Admission is only $20, and includes a commemorative glass and seven taste samples.

If you only attend one day of Boatnik, make it Monday. The Tom Rice Memorial White Water Hydroplane Race is an absolute blast, a loud and raucous event that will have you on the edge of your seat. And finally, a Memorial Day Service will honor veterans, like myself, with a military jet flyover.

Granted Boatnik is not the summer spectacle of Burning Man (which we cover in this issue), but for locals, it sums up everything that Grants Pass has to offer. It’s also a great opportunity to support local businesses and schmooze with locals. I’ve been attending since 2017, and after a two-year lockdown because of COVID, I’m stoked for the 2022 Boatnik, which should be the biggest and best yet. Enjoy!

John Oliver | Publisher

John Oliver john@grantspassmag.com EDITOR IN CHIEF

Curt Blakeney editor@grantspassmag.com ART DIRECTOR

Dara Fowler dara@dfgraphics.com

SALES SALES COORDINATOR

Trista Kendall trista@grantspassmag.com (541) 226-4467 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Brandon Davis brandon@grantspassmag.com (541) 244-8610

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS Charlotte Angin, Jonathan Boy, William Burt, Amanda Holmes, Charles Hudson, Roger Hults, Justin Klemballa, Nataly Lopez, Rebekah Nugent, John Oliver, Melinda Sheckells, Mike Walters WEBSITE

Youwho Digital © 2022 Coffee Stain Press, LLC Dba, Grants Pass Magazine All Rights Reserved.

5902 Monument Drive Building C, Grants Pass, OR 97526 (541) 295-8435 office WWW.GRANTSPASSMAG.COM

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contents

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features 18

SAFETY FIRST!

22

BURNING MAN

26 30

HEART & SOUL

Oregonians love their guns, but you have to ensure you’re handling them safely and securely A wild nine-day cultural event in the Nevada desert The Danielle Kelly Soul Project is making waves on the local music scene

THREE DECADES OF THRILLS

Seven Feathers Casino Resort celebrates 30 years

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departments

reviews & guides

8 THE BUZZ 10 BIZ SPOTIGHTS

Tiny Bubbles Mobil Bar

12 FOOD REVIEW

Asian Zing 14 GADGET GUIDE 16 CAR PREVIEW 50 DINING GUIDE

Wrap It Up

36 GREAT OUTDOORS

Here Comes the Sun 40 WELL BEING

Get Your Butt in Gear 42 TEE TIME

Pre-shot Practice Swings 44 GP AT HOME

Elevate Your Game 48 HAPPY HOUR

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THE

buzz

News and events around Grants Pass

Lemonade Day coming to Grants Pass on August 5 THE GRANTS PASS & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce announced the date for the upcoming Lemonade Day as August 5, 2022.

Lemonade Day is a free, fun, experiential learning program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their own business – a lemonade stand. The objective of Lemonade Day is to empower youth to take ownership of their lives and become productive members of society – the business leaders, social advocates, volunteers, and forward thinking citizens of tomorrow. Each child that registers receives a backpack with an Entrepreneur Workbook that teaches them the lessons of Lemonade Day like creating budgets, setting profit-making goals, serving customers, repaying investors, and giving back to the community. Along the way, they acquire skills in goal-setting, problem solving, and gain self-esteem critical for future success. They keep all the money they make and are encouraged to spend some, save some and share some. For more info, visit: www.lemonadeday.org.

GPCC WORKSHOP FEATURES MORE DISCUSSIONS ON CAVEMAN POOL THE GRANTS PASS CITY COUNCIL

continued to look at the future of Caveman Pool and allocating American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding during its weekly workshop sessions. The City Council began the April 18 session with a staff presentation on community pool options. The panel must decide whether to rehabilitate the aging Caveman Pool next to the Grants Pass High School campus, build a new public swimming pool there or invest in a brand new pool complex in a different location.

The Council will also continue working on allocating ARPA funds to local projects and agencies. The panel has already allocated $3 million of the money to the new water treatment plant. The deadline for earmarking the federal funding is December 2024 and the money must be spent by December 2026. The final item is a review of agendas for upcoming workshops and regular meetings.

Grants Pass High School announces new head football coach THE GRANTS PASS HIGH SCHOOL (GPHS) athletic department hired Brad Page as the new head varsity football coach for Grants Pass High School for 2022-23. Page is a graduate of GPHS where he was a member of the varsity football team. He continued his education at Brigham Young University and has spent the last 6 years coaching football at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire (2021-present) and Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, Arizona (2017-2021). Page will fill the role previously held by John Musser, who led the Cavemen football program since 2008.

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biz SPOTLIGHTS | Big ideas and small town charm

Tiny Little Bubbles Mobil Bar (541) 218-8251 | tinylittlebubblesmobilbar@gmail.com

BASED IN GRANTS PASS, Tiny Little Bubbles Mobil Bar is owned and operated by Kitti Nicole Fox. Tiny Little Bubbles offers bar rentals and bartending services, and will travel to the destination of your choice. They work with clients to create signature cocktails and mocktails for any special event or occasion. gp

Wrap It Up Graphics

www.wrapituporegon.com | (541) 291-7961 2001 Foothill Blvd, E-4, Grants Pass, OR 97526 SMALL TEAM, BIG DREAM. WRAP EVERYTHING. Established in 2016, Wrap It Up Graphics is a small team of highly skilled professionals, all of which are dedicated to ensuring quality and satisfaction. Their goal is to provide high quality vinyl wraps to Southern Oregon’s community … personal and commercial. As their business has grown, they’ve applied their trade to a wide range of vehicle types, from trophy trucks and RVs to sports cars and minivans. They treat all customers with the highest respect and each project is approached with the same mindset of quality above all else. Wrap It Up Graphics is your Southern Oregon expert in vinyl. They are located in the Ballinger Industrial Park. gp

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NEW APPAREL Coming soon to Grants Pass

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food REVIEW

Asian Zing!

Some of the best Asian fare that Grants Pass has to offer

TAROKO | 414 NW 6TH STREET Chicken Fried Rice After traveling to about 47 of our 50 states, I can honestly say this is one of the best chicken fried rice dishes not only in Grants Pass, but in the country. A bold statement, but very true! Made with fresh ingredients from local vendors, this dish can be ordered from mild to insanely spicy. Packed with fresh peas, carrots, and chicken with just a hint of spice, this dish is one you’ll want to try for sure.

SAIGON XICH LO | 405 NE 7TH STREET Pho The perfect cure for not what ails you, from a hangover or the common cold, to just a craving for great Vietnamese food. The Pho (pronounced faaa) is simply amazing! It features a great balance of herbs and spices with a hint of lime.

G STREET BAR & GRILL | 125 SE G STREET Surf & Turf Sushi Roll There are many options from their sushi menu that are delightful, but for the purpose of this review, we will pick one that everyone can enjoy. The Surf & Turf roll features cooked shrimp and steak with a little imitation crab meat and cream cheese. This roll is absolutely delicious, and is great for an appetizer or substantial enough for a meal.

KOI SUSHI | 111 NE HILLCREST DRIVE Zen Roll Zen! For sushi lovers, this bad boy features tempura shrimp and spicy tuna topped with thin lemon slices, masago, green onion, tempura flakes, and a crazy good secret sauce.

This is one of the best rolls on their menu. Add a little ponzu sauce for an extra zing.

Find your zen!

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coming soon

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gadget GUIDE Elevated Craft Cocktail Shaker $69 | www.elevatedcraft.com Engineered to perform, this 750ml cocktail shaker leaves no sticky hands, no frozen fingers, and no stuck lids. Constructed of pro-grade brushed 18/8 stainless steel, dishwasher safe, and backed by a lifetime warranty, this is the last shaker you’ll ever buy. Vacuum insulated design guards against diluting heat transfer to prepare super chilled drinks while protecting your hands from frostbite. It also means no more condensation puddles on your counter. Its measuring system allows you to dial in your mix from micro ¼ and ½ oz dashes all the way up to a full 6-ounce concoction. The innovative Twist Lock system means no more frozen stuck frustrations.

Hydaway Camp Bowls $19.95 (small) and $29.95 (large) | www.myhydaway.com With a streamlined design, a leak-proof polymer lid and a sturdy stainless steel rim, these camp bowls are slim, lightweight and easy to use. They are available in two sizes: 1.5 cups and 4 cups. Each set includes one bowl, one lid, and one matching insulation sleeve. The entire bowl packs down to a slim one-inch package to fit in any camp kit, van drawer, picnic basket, or bear box. A foam sleeve protects your hands and keeps food warmer, longer. The gasketed lid protects your contents from spilling when tipped over and helps keep the bugs out. All parts are easily washed by hand and are dishwasher safe.

GoCube 2×2 Rubik’s Cube-Style Puzzle $49.95 | www.getgocube.com The award-winning GoCube is now available in a mini version. The GoCube 2x2 is the world’s first 2×2 digital app-enabled cube. Great for beginners, it provides the perfect way to experience the secrets of cubing. Challenge yourself and your family/friends with this timeless puzzle cube. And don’t be fooled by its innocent look, it is not going to be easy. With the GoCube 2x2, you can play, learn and improve at your own speed. It’s the lighter (still challenging) version of the smartest puzzle in the world. Go from beginner to cuber to pro in no time.

Whether learning, improving or playing, the GoCube app takes your cubing to the next level. Smart sensors continuously track and measure activity. Features Bluetooth 5.0 for a quality wireless connection. Low power consumption; recharges via USB-C.

POWERUP 4.0 Smartphone-Controlled Paper Plane Kit $69 | www.PowerUPtoys.com The 4.0 is POWERUP’s most powerful and user-friendly model yet. Powerful enough to fly paper, balsa, cardboard and foam planes, the 4.0 blends technology with the thrill of sending homemade planes into flight to bring out the kid in all of us. With up to 10 minutes of flight time, the 4.0 features an onboard flight computer, autopilot assist, gyro and accelerometer with fly-by-wire capability, and flight telemetry stats. Two propellers provide double the power and more maneuverability, even in imperfect weather. Specially created LED lights make flying at night a breeze and landing gear for making taking off and landing smoother.

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car PREVIEW

Sneak Peak: Fisker Ocean One Electric SUVs are exploding in popularity and one of the most anticipated is from start-up Fisker

THE EXCLUSIVE, LAUNCH-EDITION FISKER OCEAN ONE will be the first-ever vehicle launched by Fisker, an American company. Limited to the first 5,000 units produced, this uncompromised luxury edition comes fully loaded with all available premium features and includes rarities such as 22” F3 SlipStream Wheels made from aluminum with beautiful, recycled carbon fiber inserts, a commemorative digital signature, Big Sur Blue with metallic matte finish, and more.

Notable Features: With the Fisker Ocean’s revolutionary full-length SolarSky roof, you can harvest the sun’s rays to generate free energy to support the vehicle’s battery-powered motor.

When fully exposed to the sun, the Fisker Ocean Extreme’s SolarSky can produce up to 1,500 clean, emissions-free miles per year, and under ideal conditions may increase to beyond 2000 miles – all powered by pure sunshine.

Push a button and eight glass panels open simultaneously to transform a versatile SUV into a coastline-cruising convertible. With its exclusive California Mode, you can drop the front windows, both rear-seat windows, both rear Doggie windows next to the D-pillar, and the Rear Lift Gate Window while opening the SolarSky roof at the same time. You can even load a surfboard through the open rear window.

The interior features carpet made from recycled plastic bottles, fishing nets, and t-shirts. Speaking of the interior, the Ocean comes with a patented, revolving 17.1-inch screen in the center of the dash that can rotate from landscape to portrait mode. This can serve as ideal screen layouts for driving (portrait) or “Hollywood mode” (landscape) for screen viewing while parked.

Key Specs: • Powertrain: Dual Motor AWD w/ Rear Disconnect Smart Traction • Range: 350+ Miles • Drive Modes: Earth, Fun, Hyper • Battery Chemistry: Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) • 0-60 mph time: 3.6 seconds • Peak Horsepower: 550 HP • Price: $68,999

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!

SAFETY

FIRST

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Oregonians love their guns, but you have to ensure you’re handling them safely and securely

BY JONATHAN BOY

IREARMS SEEM TO BE A HOT TOPIC in the news today. The world is becoming more and more chaotic and many folks are turning to firearms for security and personal protection. Knowing how to handle them safely could potentially save your life and the lives of others.

The first casualty I saw during my time in Iraq was a gunshot wound to the calf. The young paratrooper had been shot accidentally by another soldier. The Soldier who shot him had served in the Infantry for nearly 20 years and was no stranger to firearms safety— he simply became distracted. He inadvertently pointed his pistol in an unsafe direction and also failed to follow the clearing procedure. He wasn’t the only one. There were enough “accidental discharges” in Iraq that the terminology changed to “negligent discharge.” My point is that safety violations can happen to anyone, no matter their experience level.

One moment of distraction, one broken rule, one time not following a procedure and someone might pay with their life.

Let’s take a second and break down gun safety into some core concepts. We all know that firearms were designed to kill. Sport shooting is fun, but we did not invent firearms to shoot skeet. We invented firearms to end threats and kill animals. This fact makes firearms inherently unsafe, and unsafe things deserve the utmost respect and attention. Like the air, sea, explosives, and scorned lovers, firearms can be terribly unforgiving of mistakes. So, how do we avoid these mistakes? By using our brains, following the rules of firearms safety, and developing sound tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), of course.

Keeping guns safe comes down to just a few things. Ensuring the firearm doesn’t accidentally/

negligently discharge and, if discharged, the bullet will hit something safe. Some firearms have safety mechanisms designed to stop them from discharging, but these are more for safe handling and should not be solely counted on to prevent mishaps. The primary safety for anything is between your ears. Therefore you must train your brain to be safe in order to operate safely. Review the rules regularly, call out others when they are unsafe, and ask them to call you out if you are unsafe. As we say in the Army, everyone is a safety officer. If you see an unsafe act, make sure to call cease fire and make the situation safe before you proceed.

There is no room for ego and you should always bring up anything you think might be a safety violation. It is better to call it out and be wrong, than not call it out and be right.

One of the primary ways to keep firearms safe is to store ammunition separate from the firearm, and never load them until ready to use. If you carry a firearm daily, as I do, you must have safety procedures in place to ensure that ammunition is completely controlled. This is especially true when you intend to do dry fire drills.

Another consideration is storage of the firearm itself. Firearms must be stored in a way that denies access to anyone, especially children. There are many types of gun locks and safes out there, so make sure anything you buy is effective. For example, some gun cabinets are easily pried open and barely deter someone who is determined. Regarding children, assume you cannot hide a firearm from a child and lock it up! Also I encourage folks to stop making firearms taboo. Teach children what firearms do and how to make them safe. In the end children should: 1) stop, 2) don’t touch, 3) seek safety (run away), and 4) tell an adult.

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Below are the five rules of firearms safety that I use as a firearms instructor. Some organizations vary these a bit, but, in general, these are the main five that will keep you and the people around you safe:

1 | Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.

2 | Always point firearms in a safe direction.

3 | Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

4 | Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

5 | Never use firearms under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

IF WE ASSUME THE FIREARM IS LOADED, THEN WE MUST EXERCISE ALL THE OTHER RULES. 20 |

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We take these rules very seriously, to the point that we even apply these rules to unloaded firearms. Some may think this extreme, but, when you take into account the carnage that firearms can cause, it pays to be extraordinarily cautious. These are only the starting point. Never think that these rules are all inclusive or that they cannot be modified as needed. Before you go tinkering with rules though, make sure you understand the concept behind the rule. In the following paragraphs, that is just what we’ll do: look at the concepts of how to stay safe around firearms.

Rules are great, but knowing why we have the rule is better.

The first rule, treat all firearms as if they are loaded, is there to remind us that firearms are dangerous and deserve respect. If we assume the firearm is loaded, then we must exercise all the other rules. It’s fun to pretend, but in this case pretending might save a life and prevent the ill effects of tragedy.

Always point firearms in a safe direction is the second rule for a reason. This rule will absolutely save you when the other rules fail. If you always keep the firearm pointed away from people and property, then if it goes off, no worries.

The idea here is to control where the bullet goes. The military uses clearing barrels outside of any facility where firearms are stored or where they need to be made safe. These barrels are usually half filled with sand to catch bullets safely, providing a safe direction to point your firearm.

In most domestic environments, the ground is usually the safest direction.

At the range, firearms should always point down range to where the targets are located. It is also unsafe to accidentally point a firearm at someone. We call this “sweeping” and it is a definite faux pas. You may hear folks saying the words “muzzle control.” This is what that refers to in the shooting community.

No matter where you are or what you are doing with firearms, always make sure they are not pointing at people or property.

The third rule, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, came primarily from the military and law enforcement community. We call it “trigger discipline.” If you have your finger in the trigger guard when you do not intend to shoot, you are much more likely to have an accidental/negligent discharge.

If the primary safety for anything is between your ears, then the secondary safety for any firearm is at the end of your hand. It is extremely rare that a gun will discharge unless the trigger is squeezed. Drop a firearm, bang it around, or leave it in a hot car (please don’t do any of these) and it is unlikely to discharge, but squeezing the trigger is a different story. We train this rule so much that you often see memes of wounded service members on the battlefield still maintaining trigger discipline. This is also the rule that I most often repeat when training folks at the range.

The fourth rule, be sure of your target and what is beyond, alludes to the fact that firearms are powerful and bullets can travel long distances. At first glance, this rule may seem like a different way of stating the second rule, but this is not the case.

This rule is about what happens after the bullet hits the target.

Modern rifle cartridges are high velocity and can kill from miles away. Bullets will even pass right through some buildings, especially modern homes. You are always responsible for what happens as a result of every bullet you fire. Recently a 14-yearold girl was accidentally shot by law enforcement while trying on clothes. The officers were reacting to an active shooter situation and a bullet went through the wall of her dressing room and she died. Life isn’t a game and you had better know where your bullets will end up. You will be held accountable.

The fifth rule goes without saying. Surviving unsafe situations demand sobriety. If you intend to carry a firearm or go to the range for the day, you must be sober. If you plan to imbibe at all, leave the firearms in the safe.

Firearms seem to be everywhere today and are a source of much controversy. No matter which side of the debate you fall on, knowing how to safely handle firearms is essential. If you have never handled a firearm, consider attending an introductory training course. The internet is another great resource, just make sure the information is coming from a reputable source. gp

NO MATTER WHICH SIDE OF THE DEBATE YOU FALL ON, KNOWING HOW TO SAFELY HANDLE FIREARMS IS ESSENTIAL.

Jonathan is originally from the mountains of East Tennessee. He is retired from the US Army, where he served as a paratrooper in the infantry and medical fields. He currently serves as a firearms instructor and is a lifelong student of defense. His goal is to develop students who approach personal defense with a decisive but compassionate attitude. During his free time, he enjoys being a father, playing in the water, and cooking with reckless abandon.

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This wild nine-day cultural event in the Nevada desert is frequented by celebs, hippies and tech moguls

BY NATALY LOPEZ BURNING MAN is an annual, nine-day gathering in the Nevada desert. It’s held the

week prior to and including Labor Day weekend each year (so it’s August 28 through

September 5 this year) and includes artistic performances, imaginative artwork, music, and a lot of partying. Burning Man is not a festival. It’s a city wherein almost

everything that happens is created entirely by its citizens, who are active participants in the experience. The entire city is literally built from scratch each year.

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PHOTO: ANDREW WYATT/BURNING MAN

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“Burning Man is not a festival.

Burning Man is a community.

A temporary city.

A global cultural movement ...”

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DEBBIE WOLFF/BURNING MAN

ANDREW WYATT/BURNING MAN

“Burning Man is not a festival. Burning Man is a community.

A temporary city. A global cultural movement based on 10 practical principles,” the official website states.

A few of these principles include unwavering inclusion (anyone can be a part of Burning Man), gifting, decommodification (no money passes hands), self-reliance, self-expression, leaving no trace behind, and participation.

Once a year, tens of thousands of planners and volunteers gather in Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, a temporary metropolis dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. In this crucible of creativity, all are welcome.

Because no money is exchanged at Burning Man, participants (called Burners) are expected to bring food, supplies, shelter, and anything else they might need. The cost of a ticket, however, starts at $425. The total cost of attending Burning Man is estimated to range from 24 |

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ANDREW WYATT/BURNING MAN

ANDREW WYATT/BURNING MAN

$1,000 to $20,000, including transportation, food, camp fees, costumes, and gifts.

The name “Burning Man” comes from the symbolic ritual burning of a large wooden sculpture (“the Man”) that usually takes place on the Saturday evening of the event. The event originated on June 22, 1986, on Baker Beach in San Francisco as a small function organized by Larry Harvey and Jerry James, the builders of the first Man. For the next four years, the annual fire party was held at Baker Beach in San Francisco. In 1990, the Park Police interceded to prevent the culminating burning of the statue, so the event was moved to Nevada.

In order to truly understand Burning Man, you probably just need to go. The gathering of more than 70,000 people includes wild costumes, art installations, spontaneous musical performances, and lots of partying.

Burning Man does not book any entertainment for the event, but instead encourages participants to perform

LEO HORTHY/BURNING MAN

WENDELL DELANO/BURNING MAN

“In order to truly understand Burning Man, you probably just need to go. ” ANDREW WYATT/BURNING MAN

for the community free of charge. People wander around the camps on foot, bicycles, and scooters, cook together, dance, drink, make art, and generally just enjoy the experience. Because no money changes hands, Burners can participate in activities such as wine tastings, zip lining, and massages — all given out by various attendees for free.

Burners bring everything they need with them — and then pack it out with them afterward. The only things you can buy there are coffee and ice. That means attendees must bring their own shelter, food, water, sunscreen, and whatever else they might want or need. The website suggests participants bring a bicycle to get around and “toys or costumes with which you can express your creative spirit.”

Burners go all-out in expressing their creative spirits with their costumes. People often wear extravagant, creative outfits with plenty of color and embellishments such as feathers, glitter, and beads. Many wear fancy hats or

headpieces. You might see Burners wearing long golden capes, giant wings, unicorn horns, feathered mohawks, or stilts. Basically, the wilder the outfit, the better.

Each year’s festival is given a theme. In 2022, the theme is “Waking Dreams,” which will explore the transformative power of dreams, both literal and figurative, and celebrate the dreamers who channel this potent energy in eyeopening, often surrealistic, sometimes life-changing ways.

Recent past themes include “I-Robot,” “Radical Ritual,” “Da Vinci’s Workshop,” “Carnival of Mirrors,” and “Caravansary.”

Burning Man closes with the burning of the Temple Galaxia, a 65-foot wooden structure that symbolizes how the fabric of the universe connects all living beings. For the burning of the temple, people create memorials for deceased loved ones and past relationships.

For more information about Burning Man, visit burningman.org. gp GRANTSPASSMAG.COM |

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The Danielle Kelly Soul Project is making waves on the local music scene with their unique sound and energetic performances

BY CURT BLAKENEY 26 |

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IF YOU’RE A FAN of the local music scene, you’ve probably heard of Danielle Kelly and her band the Soul Project. If you haven’t, you need to. The Danielle Kelly Soul Project (www.daniellekellymusic.com) frequently plays local music festivals, weddings, night clubs, wineries and resorts with their unique blend of jazz, retro and neo soul. It’s feel-good music with a vibe that has patrons dancing and singing along.

Grants Pass Magazine (GPM) had the opportunity to chat with Danielle about her journey from Alaska to Southern Oregon, and her musical influences along the way. Here is what she had to say.

GPM: You’re originally from Alaska. When did you move to the area, and what brought you to Oregon?

Kelly: I moved to Ashland from Sitka, Alaska in 2003 to pursue my BFA in theater at Southern Oregon University. I’ve made the Rogue Valley my home base ever since. I’ve been charmed over and over by the energy and natural beauty of this place, and the supportive community that continually nurtures my creative growth.

GPM: What inspired you to become a musician?

Kelly: Music is everything to me. It has become my livelihood by way of happenstance, by just being a part of my everyday life, rather than by conscious intention. I’m really lucky to have teamed up with such experienced players and to live in such a forgiving setting for learning the ropes of live entertainment.

GPM: How long have you and your band been playing together?

Kelly: I started singing jazz with Paul Turnipseed around the spring of 2013 and by the fall we had also assembled the first incarnation of the five piece dance band Danielle Kelly Soul Project, initially playing every Friday night at The Whiskey Room in Medford.

GPM: You currently have a brand new album with all original songs premiering; tell us about your album.

Kelly: We do! We did it! We wanted to keep our audience dancing, and pay homage to the classic style of the soul covers we’d been playing for years. We crafted 12 original songs with retro grooves and feels, and fun, uplifting messaging. Our drummer Nick Kirby did a great job engineering; and we were so lucky to have the help from veteran recording pros Alice DiMicele, Bret Levick and Jon Griffin. I learned so much from the whole process. We’re thrilled to share it with our fans and friends, and can’t wait to make another one.

GPM: Who has been your biggest influence thus far in your career?

Kelly: I’ve been most impressed by the dynamic vocalists I grew up listening to and trying to emulate, like Dianna Krall, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Bonnie Raitt. Hanging on every interview and note of spectaculars like Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Prince, but the biggest influence in actually being a singer is my parents, who told me I could and my music educators who lit the way.

GPM: When you’re not performing, what do you do in your free time to unwind?

Kelly: Free time is a rare commodity for me, as I daytime as a radio host at Jefferson Public Radio (more music, I can’t help it), but otherwise I charge my batteries by getting to a beach,

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GPM: What is your secret to balance your career with live performances, while writing new songs and keeping the band on track?

Kelly: Ha! Remember to drink water, take my vitamins and call my mom.

building bonfires, or soaking in some hot water. Love me some kitchen time with dear ones.

GPM: Tell us something that people may assume, but don’t really know about you?

Kelly: Besides the tambourine, I don’t play an instrument (yet) and am musically illiterate! I’m currently working with a coach to build a foundation of important basics with the piano.

GPM: What’s in the works for this coming year? Any big news to share?

Kelly: I am so thrilled to have live music events picking back up again. I’ve missed it so much! And I’m excited to be writing more original material, as a band, and as a solo recording artist.

GPM: What do you like about performing live?

Kelly: The chance to express raw emotion, to connect that way with an audience is so unique. I also love the ceremony of live shows, dressing up, preparing what to share with my audience, setting up and connecting with my bandmates, getting lost in the music (if I’m lucky) and seeing people experience the music with me … and hugs!

GPM: What do you dislike about performing live?

Kelly: Sometimes it’s really cringey to make a mistake and not get to redo it. But that’s also the beauty of live performance, because once a moment happens, it’s gone!

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GPM: If you could attend one concert this year, who would it be? And why?

Kelly: Well i too like to dance, and I think getting lost in the trance with Khruangbin or get down with up and comers kike Eamon, or take notes from Bonnie Raitt …

I’d be a happy girl.

GPM: Your 10 desert island records/CDs? Kelly: This would be the hardest choice EVER!! Could I take streaming stations instead? Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Florence and the machine, Otis Redding, Diana Ross, Dua Lipa, Mariah Carey, Sylvan Esso, Beastie Boys, Tom Petty. But if I HAD to name records, in a hurry I might grab: • Bob Marley, Exodus • Dire Straits, Brothers in Arms • Joan Osborne, Relish • Leon Bridges, Coming Home • Fugees, The Score • Beatles, Help • Puff Daddy, No Way Out • Khruangbin, Con Todo El Mundo • Silk Sonic, An Evening with Silk Sonic • Cake, Fashion Nugget GPM: Who are the top three musicians/performers you admired most growing up? And why?

Kelly: Diana Ross — Her energy, strength, girl power, the outfits, and the sheer bossiness. Diana Krall— She made jazz seem modern and accessible. She sang and played the piano even better, and made it all look so cool! Also bossy. Ella Fitzgerald — She exudes elegance and ease, while singing the most elaborate and ornate vocals I’ve ever heard. She never ceases even now to make my head spin. gp

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THREE

DECADES

of Thrills SEVEN FEATHERS CASINO RESORT HAS BEEN ENTERTAINING SOUTHERN OREGON FOR 30 YEARS

BY WILLIAM BURT

SEVEN FEATHERS CASINO RESORT is celebrating its 30th anniversary during the entire 2022 calendar year. Many Oregonians will be familiar with the history of the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe and its journey toward building the state’s first Indian Gaming Center, that grew and developed into the modern casino resort that now resides at Exit 99 on Interstate 5. The past 30 years have been significant for the region, as Seven Feathers continues to make its positive impact felt in a multitude of ways. From its early beginnings until today, Seven Feathers has grown and evolved into the most awardwinning casino resort in the entire Pacific Northwest.

Between 1992 and 2022, a lot has happened in Canyonville, Oregon. The origins of this anniversary began in 1987 when the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of the authority of tribal governments to establish gaming centers.

By 1988, new laws meant that tribes in Oregon could legally establish rules with the state for gaming in the form of a gaming compact. The Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe felt this was a great opportunity to grow economically and established a compact with the Oregon state government four years later.

This cleared the way to develop a new gaming center on the tribal lands in Southern Oregon.

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The tribe got busy, and with hard work and a “mere” $1,000,000 investment, it unveiled the first ever tribal gaming center in Oregon. Generally, the reception was welcome for the new entertainment center, and fears about increased crime were ultimately proven to be unfounded. The original bingo hall was 9,600-square-feet and offered 450 seats to play bingo five nights a week. Small improvements – by today’s standards – came in the years that followed, including adding video poker and video blackjack machines.

The bigger changes, however, occurred along with the impact that the bingo hall had on the surrounding community. It is hard to imagine now, but the bingo hall began operations by employing just 33 people.

Flash forward to today and Seven Feathers Casino Resort and the Cow Creek Tribe employ nearly 1,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in Southern Oregon. It might not have been obvious in 1992 that a small bingo hall would develop into such a significant employment force that helps many different communities in the state, but that is exactly what happened. For some people, working at the casino resort is their first job, but those opportunities turn into career growth for many different

people. Indeed, many of the directors at the casino resort and beneath the broader tribal umbrella began as entry-level, hourly employees.

It’s more than just opportunities for growth that make the organization so important to Southern Oregon. Today, they are continually hiring with entry-level wages that, by far, outpace similar jobs with other organizations. Employees also receive a terrific benefits package that extends, in many cases, to their entire family, providing a level of health care that is difficult for most people in this country to get. Over the course of 30 years of employment, you can see how the Cow Creek Tribe and Seven Feathers have worked to develop this type of offering for its employees. They place a clear value on

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IT IS HARD TO IMAGINE NOW, but the bingo hall began operations by employing just 33 people.

Today Seven Feathers Casino Resort and the Cow Creek Tribe employ nearly 1,000 people, making it one of the LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN SOUTHERN OREGON.

their staff and on their ability to utilize employment as a way to enhance the community where they operate.

Giving back to the community is something you don’t have to look very far to see for yourself with Seven Feathers and the Cow Creek Tribe. There is a good chance that you or someone you know has felt the impact first-hand. In 1997, the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation was formed to help support non-profit organizations in several Oregon Counties, including Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Coos, Klamath, and others.

To date, the foundation has awarded over $20 million dollars in grants to the seven counties it serves. This has a tremendous positive impact on the organizations that serve many types of people in Southern Oregon. Keeping non-profits funded and staffed helps the foundation serve its core goals to help people meet basic needs, advocate for abuse prevention & intervention, support education, improve health & wellness, and generally provide community support services.

Seven Feathers also directly contributes to the community and region in its own ways. Almost every day, requests are made from a wide variety of individuals and organizations to donate goods and services for raffles, silent auctions, and other charitable events. They also

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CELEBRATING THE 30-YEAR ANNIVERSARY marks a special occasion to look back at all the accomplishments of the property, like adding a hotel in 1996 or operating seven dining outlets.

contribute through community sponsorships to provide events across the state. This includes Sportsmen’s Shows, the Pear-Blossom Festival, and free community events at the resort property, like Tacotopia and Bites, Blues, & Brews. This tradition of giving back is something that is 30 years in the making and will only continue to support Southern Oregon in the future.

Celebrating the 30-year anniversary marks a special occasion to look back at all the accomplishments of the property, like adding a hotel in 1996 or operating seven dining outlets. Seven Feathers also hopes it is an opportunity to for the community to celebrate its memories over the years, from anniversaries at the Camas Room (now K-Bar Steak House) to jackpots won or concerts attended. These moments that have built the property into the award-winning casino resort that it is. Seven Feathers Casino Resort is an entertainment gem in the Pacific Northwest, and it is fortunate that it makes its home in Southern Oregon.

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited or if you want to see some of its new renovations, now is a great time to visit Seven Feathers. Stop in and share your memories. Maybe it was your first job. Maybe their donations have supported you or someone you care about. Maybe you just like having a place to go to relax and have fun. Whatever your reason might be, it is worth the trip up or down I-5 to help mark the occasion and to see why Seven Feathers has been such a great destination for 30 years (and counting). gp

great OUTDOORS

By Michelle Reid, Somme Institute

Here Comes the Sun … Damage

As the weather warms up and you spend more time outside, practice sound skin protection habits

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP the natural aging process, but it is possible to delay it. Unfortunately, some age-related changes in our facial appearance are unavoidable and partially due to genetics and the passage of time. However, the greatest cause of the visible signs of aging is directly linked to environmental sources and is preventable. Sun exposure is one of the most avoidable causes of wrinkling, skin discoloration, laxity and, most importantly, skin cancer.

It is well established that exposure to the sun’s UV rays is a universal threat to healthy skin. Long-wave UVA and midrange UVB are the rays responsible for premature photo aging, immune dysfunction and some skin cancers. UVB rays are thought to be responsible for the majority of UV-related negative effects on the skin. UV radiation stimulates an increase in free radicals that attack collagen and elastin, the substances

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that keep our skin moist, smooth, flexible and elastic. These vital tissues fray and break under the assaults of free radicals, a process particularly noticeable in the face where folds of skin and deep- cut wrinkles are testaments to the effect of long-term free radical damage. UV exposure also reduces the natural antioxidant defense system in the skin, making it more susceptible to the free radical onslaught. Wrinkling, laxity, enlargement of pores, loss of elasticity, hyper-pigmentation and visible broken capillaries are all common as a direct result of UV exposure.

Not only does exposure to UV radiation cause the signs of premature aging it could also lead to skin cancer. Both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization have identified UV as a proven human carcinogen. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma

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great OUTDOORS continued

Fifty percent of all cancer in the United States is skin cancer, and death from skin cancer occurs at the rate of one death per hour in the U.S.

Skin cancer kills more women in their late 20s and early 30s than breast cancer.

and melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — are all caused by UV exposure. Fifty percent of all cancer in the United States is skin cancer, and death from skin cancer occurs at the rate of one death per hour in the U.S. Skin cancer kills more women in their late 20s and early 30s than breast cancer. The most significant amount of UV radiation hits the United States between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from April to October; however UV rays can burn and damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces which bounce back up to 80 percent of the rays, so they hit the skin twice. There is simply no such thing as a “healthy tan.”

Sunscreen is, above all, the most important aspect of a skin care regimen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen product must be applied each morning to protect the skin and prevent further damage. Choose an SPF of at least 15

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and look for ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone or ecamsule to ensure adequate UVA and UVB protection. Due to the proven increase in free radicals and reduction in naturally occurring antioxidant levels caused by UV exposure, it is also advised to have topical antioxidants as a part of every skin-care regimen.

Vitamins A, C, E and certain B vitamins such as B3 and B5 are excellent antioxidants in the battle against free radical damage and premature aging. Look for sun protection products that contain additional antioxidants as well as topical antioxidant products to add to daily skin care regimens for maximum protection.

Understanding the UV exposure related cascade of events that takes place in the skin and identifying ways to halt these reactions will allow you to properly protect yourself from unnecessary premature skin aging and skin cancer. gp

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well BEING

By Elena Rassolova

Get your Butt in Gear

Winter’s over, here are a few pointers to get your body in shape for spring

EVERY WINTER IT HAPPENS. Somehow, without even knowing it, you’ve put on weight. Now that spring is here and it’s time to get into more revealing clothes ... boy you can sure see the extra pounds! For some, getting our butts in gear is about our “skinny clothes,” for others it’s a “second resolution of the year,” one where we once again commit to working out and eating right. If this rings a bell, don’t panic: just get moving! The good news is whatever your goal is; it’s all within your power. Here are some tips to help you get your butt in gear for spring.

Commit to a Healthy Lifestyle by Setting Goals How we feel physically plays an important role in all aspects of our lives. It affects our moods, energy levels and, most importantly, our health. So, set your mind to become healthy, strong and vibrant. Commit to a healthy lifestyle and take the time to engage in meaningful goal setting for both fitness and nutrition. Write a goal for each area of life that contributes to a “Healthy Lifestyle” — nutrition, fitness, and removing unhealthy habits. Set goals that are achieved quickly and also ones that will take time to attain.

Start Slowly When it comes to fitness, most people try to make huge changes all at once. We try to radically alter our diets, our workout programs and even try to cut out a bunch of vices all at the same time. It never works. It will only lead to discouragement and even injury. Progression should be gradual. The small victories will make each successive change that much easier.

Choices We make choices all day long, we made one this morning when we got out of bed. We made another one when we got dressed and left for work. Then some of us made another one during lunch when we ordered a double cheese burger with a huge Pepsi. This choice would be better if we chose the grilled chicken sandwich, substitute fries for a salad and drank water instead. Choices we make add up whether they are food choices or decisions to be active or not. Some choices seem easy, some are hard, but the bottom line is

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we must take control. We must recognize that no one except us is responsible for the person we are and the choices we make. Once we accept that, we are truly able to see change.

The Diet We cannot get fit and lose weight for spring through exercise alone. Some say that 75 percent of getting in shape and being fit is what you put in your mouth. There is no doubt about it; diet plays an important role in a person’s health, appearance, energy, performance, and overall well-being. Here are a few suggestions for changing your diet: • Distribute protein, carbohydrates and healthy fat at each meal.

• Choose whole grains and fresh vegetables over refined grains and simple sugars. These take longer for your body to digest and will keep you satisfied longer.

• Eat between four to six small meals a day, every two to three hours. This will help to control hunger, increase metabolism, and minimizes blood-sugar fluctuations.

• Avoid empty calories (e.g., soda, fruit juices, etc.)

• Stay away from the sweets and highly processed foods.

• Drink half of your bodies weight in ounces per day of water, e.g., if you weigh 150 pounds, you need to drink at least 75 ounces of water a day. This will improve body temperature regulation, metabolic function, endocrine and liver function.

The Workout When many of us think about working out we think about hard, sweaty, boring workouts that leave us feeling exhausted. We don’t need to kill ourselves at the gym in order to get in shape. Spring is well under way and it is time to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities. Hiking, running, walking the dog, playing with kids in a park, tennis, golfing, and swimming — the possibilities are truly endless. Not only can any of these activities help us improve our physical condition, but they also allow us to enjoy our natural surroundings while we decompress and escape from the pressures of everyday life and connect with ourselves.

Keep in mind that working out with consistency is vital for achieving fitness results. Running for five miles on one day only to avoid exercising for the next week will only leave us feeling sore. Create a realistic workout plan that focuses on achieving greater consistency. In order to increase levels of cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and strength we need to consistently train while progressively increasing the amount of work we do. If you are still struggling with your commitment to working out, consider hiring a fitness professional. A good personal trainer will customize the fitness programs for you, motivate you and keep you on track.

The options are endless. The choices are yours.

You have the control. Become the person you always wanted to be and get your butt in gear! gp

We cannot get fit and lose weight through exercise alone. Some say that 75 percent of getting in shape is what you put in your mouth.

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tee TIME

By Justin Klemballa

Pre-shot Practice Swings on the Practice Line How to improve your game with consistent practice swings

MANY CASUAL GOLFERS don’t realize that they are supposed to impact the ground in order to hit a solid iron shot. This even holds true for fairway woods. As illustrated in Picture A, when the sole of the club is squarely grounded at impact, the shaft leans towards the target. This is by design. It is the golfer’s job to deliver the club to impact in this position, which in turn allows the club head to carve out a divot directly in front of the ball as it moves past impact.

However, the motion at impact is too fast to see with the naked eye. The best way to assess the club’s position at impact, besides a high-speed video camera, is to analyze the position of the resulting divot in relation to the golf ball. There are three different ball-to-divot scenarios:

1| S olid Impact – Hit the ball first and then take a divot (Picture C) 2 | Fat Shot – Take a divot first and then hit the ball (Picture D) 3 | Thin or Top – Strike the ball without hitting the ground (Picture E) Although this is great to know, the feedback always comes after the shot. Instead, with these concepts in mind, use practice swings to simulate the desired outcome before the real thing. The “practice line” is a line perpendicular to the target line (see picture B for illustration). During practice swings, step away from the ball a bit and try to make practice swings that result in a divot in front of the practice line (Picture C). This allows you to groove your swing so that it impacts the ground at the correct point. Then, simply approach the ball and try to repeat it. A fat practice swing produces a divot behind the practice line (Picture D), and a thin or top practice swing doesn’t hit the ground at all (Picture E).

This pre-shot practice routine allows golfers to get the feel of proper impact with the ground without actually striking the ball. Once they can consistently produce divots ahead of the practice line during practice swings, they can then try to reproduce the same feeling with the golf ball.

Not only will this drill lead to solid irons shots, it works for fairway woods, too.

Novice golfers commonly believe that they should not strike the ground with their fairway woods. This is false, as long as one takes the divot in front of the golf ball.

The divot won’t be as big or as deep as it would be with a wedge, but it is okay to take a little turf. The idea that hitting the ground is a bad thing is one of the leading reasons why most amateurs tend to struggle launching the golf ball into the air with their fairway woods. Instead, they attempt to pick the ball clean and end up hitting it with the bottom of the clubface, which causes a low, weak golf shot.

To conclude, the reason why people have inconsistent contact or lose distance is directly related to either hitting the ground at an inconsistent spot or not hitting the ground at all. Practice making swings that produce a divot directly in front of the practice line, and you’ll see a positive change in your ball striking. gp

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A| F orward-leaning shaft at impact causes divot in front of ball reate divot in front of “practice B| C line” during pre-shot practice swings orrect divot location, in front of C| C practice line

VERTICAL LINE

D | I ncorrect divot location, behind practice line E | I ncorrect, thin or topped shot leaves no divot A

SOLID PRACTICE SWING

TARGET LINE

PRACTICE LINE B

C

FAT PRACTICE SWING

D

THIN OR TOP PRACTICE SWING

E

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gp AT HOME

By Rebekah Nugent and Amanda Holmes | Dwell House

Elevate Your Game

How to market and design your Airbnb listing for Grants Pass guests

ABOVE OUR DWELL HOUSE OFFICES, located in downtown Grants Pass, there are four Airbnb units.

We see an array of visitors coming and going and have long since wondered what attracts visitors to our location and what attracts them to these four units in particular.

Obviously, we believe good design and floor plan functionality are crucial. And our real estate know-how always emphasizes location, location, location! But what else can you do to ensure success? A recent Netflix show, “Stay Here,” draws viewers in with their mix of marketing strategy meets design. Their premise: creative design solutions meet boutique business operations. We can’t help but hone in on their compelling marketing strategies and recommendations.

According to Airbnb, stateside travelers are yearning for one-of-a-kind experiences. From outdoor swings and treehouses to cliff dwellings and lakeside yurts, travelers are back. And now they are looking for more unique and epic adventure vacation spots. Making your listing stand out through eye-catching design, as well as injecting local knowledge and social media tools into your marketing strategy will surely help set your listing apart from all others.

Our team has recently completed two Airbnb designs — one being an entirely new Airbnb set up for clients in Grants Pass, and the second a newly purchased vacation home in Arizona. During our research we uncovered six tactics that will greatly help develop your overall short-term rental (STR) marketing strategy.

1

Guest experience

The guest experience is more important than ever. Elevating the design, amenities and local knowledge is imperative to a successful listing.

2

Social Media

It’s real and it works. Using hashtags and creating Instagram-worthy moments is monumental to today’s savvy travelers. Help prospective guests find you by using hashtags in your posts like #grantspassairbnb or #grantspassstays, which will connect you with those searching for accommodations in the area.

Also, Instagrammers love selfies. So, set up a cute space or even install a wall mural where guests can take pictures and have them share and tag you on social media outlets.

3

Understand your branding

If your place doesn’t have a swing plunging through the Rogue River that’s okay. Pick one or two aspects of your space that you and guests love and emphasize those aspects consistently in your marketing. Near the river? Play on that by enticing guests with key phrases, photos and descriptions of things to do nearby. Boatnik anyone?

Is your place downtown? Showcase the new cool spot next door (hello out there Partake Lounge) or the beautifully designed dessert place that just opened (we see you House of Glory).

4

Be the tour guide for your guests

Packages are the way to go. Booking adventures for your travelers saves them time and puts a lot more money in your pocket. Partner with some of the amazing local tourism adventures in the Rogue Valley. Ziplining,

Pick one or two aspects of your space that you and your guests love and emphasize those aspects consistently in your marketing.

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rafting, wine country bike tours, fishing day trips and so many more are all available in the area. Wildlife Images, a rehabilitation park for animals, offers outings for animal lovers. Plenty of hiking trails and waterfalls can be accessed within an hour’s drive of Grants Pass. Don’t forget the Britt Festival, Ashlands Shakespeare Festival, Crater Lake and the Redwoods are also close by and draw thousands of visitors each year.

5

Cross-promotion

Promote other like-minded small businesses, and ask them to promote your Airbnb in return.

6

Be the expert

Recommendations, travel guides, best restaurants, favorite bars for karaoke, best kid friendly activities, park locations, summer schedule of outdoor concerts … the list goes on and your guests will appreciate your efforts with stellar reviews.

Design and staging are still number one on our to-do list when developing an Airbnb listing. Staging Airbnbs is a bit different than staging a regular house that’s for sale. Firstly, your audience is not going to live there full time; instead, travelers are looking for spaces that will give them an

unforgettable experience while away from home. This translates into using unique and chic design to entice prospective guests to book your place over others.

If redesigning your entire space seems overwhelming or budget busting, first focus on the main areas like the living room and primary bedroom. These are the areas guests are going to use the most and that they are most likely to search for in your photo gallery. Both of these rooms require bigger furniture like sofas and beds, so getting creative with what you already own can save you lots of cash up front.

In a local stage we did here in Grants Pass, we kept the owner’s black industrial style sofa, but softened the austere feel with bright, fun pillows and a neutral rug that anchored all of the pieces together (see photo above).

Next we brought in an emerald green dresser that wasn’t being used from another part of the house to serve as a possible TV stand while at the same time providing much needed extra storage and a display space for fun accessories.

Pulling in interesting auxiliary items like the woven stool added a bit of uniqueness people are looking for in a vacation space that they wouldn’t necessarily have in their own homes.

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gp AT HOME Continued

Using a bit of creativity with objects you already own helps save cost and adds an element of uniqueness and personality to your listing In February, we spearheaded another Airbnb design from the ground up in Mesa, Arizona.

This was a totally unfurnished home that was to become an STR investment property. We needed everything from furniture, mattresses and linens to sippy cups, pool toys and condiments.

Needless to say, we tried to save money wherever we could.

Luckily, the previous owners left a bulky but useful hutch.

Originally painted a creamy white in a somewhat dated shabby chic style, we repurposed it easily by painting it a trendy blue-grey color and adding shelving. Colorful bottles, a metal serving tray, a tall glass of wine and other accessories transformed this once outdated piece into a show stopper - so cool!

The Mesa house was big enough for one or two families, so the living room sofa needed to accommodate a lot of people. We sourced a huge sectional off of Facebook Marketplace at a fraction of the original price and completed the getaway look with locally appropriate desert themed artwork. A stylish rug, an art gallery wall, an adorned coffee table and southwestern style pillows were all that was needed to create a visually interesting and inspiring space for the new listing.

Staging is particularly important in marketing your Airbnb, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Using a bit of creativity with objects you already own helps save cost and adds an element of uniqueness and personality to your listing — something guests are looking for as they scroll through pages of vacation spots. So, take stock of what you already own and implement items in a new way.

Source locally to save time and money. Use the marketing and social media strategies we mentioned and our STR will surely be on its way to more bookings. gp

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happy HOUR Snacks and cocktails to enjoy at home

Mint Hits the Spot Here are a few of our favorite mint cocktails — refreshingly perfect for chilling this summer.

Mint Julip Zest INGREDIENTS:

• • • • • •

1 handful of fresh mint ½ cup simple syrup 1 cup distilled water 2 ounces bourbon whiskey 0.5 ounces water 1 lemon wedge

DIRECTIONS: Ice is optional. Pull mint from stem, place into mixing unit with all ingredients aside from lemon; mix, shake, pour. Cut lemon into wedges, zest, and garnish.

Watermelon Smint INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

• • • • • • •

3 sprigs fresh mint 1 teaspoon water 1 teaspoon superfine sugar 2 ounces vodka Club soda or filtered water, splash to liking Sprinkle of powdered sugar 2 ounces watermelon juice

Muddle the leaves from two mint sprigs with teaspoons of water and sugar, and watermelon juice in a highball glass. Add remaining ingredients to taste. Garnish with the remaining mint and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Matcha Mint Julep INGREDIENTS:

• • • • • •

2 ounces simple syrup ¼ cup water 1 teaspoon matcha powder (culinary grade) 10 mint leaves 2 ounces bourbon 1 sprig mint

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DIRECTIONS: Mix the bourbon and matcha powder in a small bowl while removing all the clumps, preferably with a whisk. In an old fashioned or rocks glass, add the mint leaves and simple syrup. Muddle until the leaves just start to break down. Fill the glass ¾ full with crushed ice and add the bourbon/ matcha mixture. Stir, and serve.

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dinning GUIDE

Mary’s BBQ

230 Espey Road | (541) 727-7079

208 NW 6th Street | (541) 295-8540

115 Broiler

G-Street Bar & Grill

The Haul

808 Ohana Grindz

Laughing Clam

The Horney Goat

Black Bear Diner

Ma Mosa’s

Taroko Asian Tapas

Black Forest Family Restaurant

Matsukaze Japanese

Thai BBQ

Bohemian Bar & Grill

Taprock Bar & Grill

The Twisted Cork

Casablanca Coffee & Grill

Partake Wine & Cheese

Si Casa Flores

Cultured Palate

Powderhorn Café

Saigon Xich Lo

115 NW D Street | (541) 474-7115

207 SW K Street | (808) 212-4484

1900 NW 6th Street | (541) 955-6888

820 NE E Street | (541) 244-1845

233 SW G Street | (541) 471-7158

686 Union Ave | (541) 479-2831

208 SW 6th Street | (541) 295-8318

El Molcajete Mexican Grill

125 SE G Street | (541) 956-5427

121 SW G Street | (541) 479-1110

118 NW E Street | (541) 479-0236

1675 NE 7th Street | (541) 479-2961

971 SE Sixth Street | (541) 955-5998

111 SE G Street | (541) 916-5888

321 NE 6th Street | (541) 479-9403

121 SW H Street | (541) 474-4991

234 SW 5th Street | (541) 507-1901

414 NW 6th Street | (541) 474-7108

428 SW 6th Street | (541) 476-4304

210 SW 6th St Street | (541) 295-3094

202 NE Beacon Drive | (541) 956-9254

405 NE 7th Street | (541) 441-1481

201 East Park Street | (541) 474-1506

1936 Rogue River Hwy | (541) 244-1182

Rivers Edge

Sweet Tea Express

Elmer’s

Taste of India

Wild River Pub

175 NE Agness Ave | (541) 474-0740

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1214 NW 6th Street | (541) 916-8400

162 NE Beacon Drive | (541) 916-8444

533 NE F Street | (541) 474-4456

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sevenfeathers.com

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