By ELSIE DENTON
News intern
July 11, 2007

Apple Valley Country Store was recently selected as one of Oregon’s top insider spots by Travelocity in its 2007 edition of “Local Secrets/Big Finds.”

Tucked between the Hood River and the green mass of the hill leading up into Odell, Apple Valley certainly resembles a hidden gem. As you pull up you are welcomed by expansive, green lawns speckled with rainbow picnic tables, fruit trees and colorful flowers.

More joys await as you duck through the entryway and are greeted by a rich aroma of spices, fruits and baking pies. Row upon row of exotic jams beckon: raspberry rhubarb, huckleberry pear, blueberry amaretto. Bright, fruit-themed quilts bedeck the walls and freshly picked cherries glisten in the center of the room. It is easy to see how the country store charmed Travelocity’s review panel.

Apple Valley has been in the White family for the last 18 years. Justin White, Apple Valley’s current general manager, said that when his mom first purchased the store back in 1989 business was slow. Lots of hard work and its picturesque location have helped Apple Valley become the successful business it is.

“(The award) brings us more exposure,” said White. “More importantly it is getting recognition for what we have been doing for the last 18 years; for all of the hard work my parents have done.”

White said that he is very proud of Apple Valley’s role in supporting local farmers. Every one of the country store’s homemade jams and pies are made from fresh, locally grown fruit.

If you have time to stop by Apple Valley this summer, White recommends trying out their classic huckleberry milkshake or sampling one of their many unique flavors of jams: the amber marmalade, for example.

This is White’s first year as general manager at Apple Valley. He took over the duty from his parents. He isn’t planning on changing much about the quaint country store, but he has introduced a weekend barbecue picnic. The barbecue is designed with a Northwest twist: The prime feature will be cherry-wood smoked ribs served with homemade pear coleslaw and apple cider baked beans. The event will be held every weekend through October.

Travelocity received more than 10,000 nominations for its third annual Local Secrets/Big Finds poll from members across the nation. The poll is designed to illuminate unique and fun locations that are often overlooked by tourists.