The Grants Pass Pharmacy Offers a Piece of History Through Classic Treats
Right on downtown 6th street in Grants Pass, is one of our favorite locations for affordable family fun, The Grants Pass Pharmacy.
The local pharmacy has been serving our community since 1933. And Don’t let the name make you think twice, this place isn’t just a great local resource for prescriptions and medical supplies, it also features a hidden gem that the youngest members of the family suitcase just can’t get enough of: A traditional 1950’s soda fountain.
From milkshakes to malts and our personal favorite, classically jerked phosphates, the soda fountain boasts treats to delight those young and old. Classic phosphates will cost you, literal pocket change, so though it definitely is not entirely free, the cost is so minimal your wallet won’t even feel it. For five phosphates and an unsweetened tea for me, we spent a whopping $2.75.
Park your kiddos up at the bar for a visual treat as trained soda jerks fill tall glasses with colorful and flavorful syrups and let them watch as the magic happens when the carbonated concoctions are blended by hand just like they were made back in the day.
With tons of flavors to choose from the phosphates allow children to customize and personalize.
Arwen’s favorite is what she likes to call “The Frog Drink,” also known as lime, while Thorin always settles between a root beer or a fizzy orange mix. Adda and Aela are suckers for the sweet and tangy red raspberry.
From watching the sodas be made to sitting in the large open windowed seating and watching as people casually stroll by this is an experience for every family, especially during the hottest days of summer. Nothing can be more refreshing than an ice cold fizzy drink or thick and rich milkshake or malt.
Speaking of ice cream, all of the ice-cream featured is Umpqua variety, the same brand just as synonymous with Oregon as Tillamook or Rogue. From chocolate and vanilla to kiddos favorites like sherbet and strawberry there is an ice cream variety for everyone. They do so much more than shakes of course and if the mood strikes you, be sure to ask for a sundae or banana split, and as Thorin would make sure to mention, “get the cherry on the top!”
The shop also does simple and light snacks like sandwiches and hot dogs for those with grumbly tummies. And do not forget about the fresh cookies for sale at the counter.
After enjoying your refreshment, or even lunch for that matter, be sure to walk around the store and get your gift shopping done all in one place. Funny cards, porcelain collectables, learning toys, and of course locally made gifts and trinkets you can only find in our region line the shelves from the front to the back. There is a gift, souvenir, or trinket for everyone within the shop and saves you tons of time when hunting for the perfect item.
The staff, more often than not, are local high school and college students, working away, usually with this being their first job. But do not let the ages or the youthful smiles fool you. Each worker strives for the best in service and keeping the traditions of the past alive. Walking your kiddos through the process of phosphates or making sure there is just the right amount of toppings on your sundae, they know their duties backwards and forwards and never seem too afraid of demanding work. Watch them keep their cool as the bar fills up with patrons and there is not an empty seat in the building and you will see first-hand what I mean.
For our family, taking a trip to the soda fountain is about so much more than just cool drinks and ice cream, it’s about an entire experience. It’s an unexpected blast to the past, where everything from the treats to the service harkens back to simpler times.
Whether you are a local, or just passing through, you must make the Grants Pass Pharmacy a stopping point on your family’s adventure.
Don't believe me? Just ask these kiddos about their favorite spot in downtown Grants Pass!
