The Historic District runs along the south side of "G" Street. It used to be named Front Street because it "fronted" the railroad tracks that are just north of here. The buildings were originally wood structures, but there were fires in this area of the city in the 1890's that destroyed much of this street. They were replaced with the brick structures that still exist today.
These buildings used to house a dry goods store, cigar factory, hotel, saloon and others. Being so near the railroad depot, these business attracted many people traveling to and from Grants Pass by train.
This is where the cigar factory used to be, and later it was a saloon. It is currently the home of "The Laughing Clam," a restaurant and bar. If you like fish and chips, then you've got to stop here. I think they have the best halibut fish and chips in Southern Oregon. Click here to find our more about "The Laughing Clam."
Another must stop on our Historic District Tour was Blind George's Newsstand, the best place to get fresh, buttered popcorn. They have a large selection of magazines and newspapers of course, but you can also find lots of other goodies here.
Our next stop was at Sandi's Candies & Fudgery. Sandi has a wide selection of handmade candies and her fudge can't be beat.
This impressive structure is known as the Keinlen-Harbeck Building; it was completed in 1900, and is a real eye-catcher. It currently houses a tea room and a toy store.
Some of the other business we came across on our Historic District Tour were an antique store, two ladies clothing stores, a neat little shop that has thousands of "Boyd's bears," a shoe store, and a store that sells Oregon and Grants Pass souvenirs.
