Visitor's Guide to Ashland, Oregon and Greater Jackson County

Welcome to Ashland! We're delighted to share this very special town with you, and hope you'll come to love it as much as we do.

Ashland has a character all its own, with an extraordinary combination of world-class theater, wonderful restaurants, independent shops, art galleries, beautiful parks, and a lively cultural scene, all tucked into a charming and remarkably walkable town. There's an energy and creativity here that we love, along with a wonderful sense of community and a pace of life that invites you to slow down and enjoy yourself.

One of our favorite things about our home on Hargadine Street is its location. You can park your car in the driveway when you arrive and leave it there for your entire visit! The theaters, restaurants, shops, galleries, coffee houses, and beautiful Lithia Park are all within walking distance, so you can fill your days with interesting experiences and spontaneous discoveries without having to worry about driving or parking.

Of course, if you feel like exploring a little farther, Southern Oregon's beautiful wine country, mountains, lakes, and historic towns offer plenty of opportunities for adventure.

We've put together some of our favorite places and experiences, along with a few local discoveries worth exploring, to help you make the most of your time here.

Theater

Ashland's theater scene is truly extraordinary, and having the theaters practically at our doorstep is one of the things we love most about our location. We encourage you to see at least one performance during your stay, even if you don't consider yourself a theater enthusiast!

1. Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF): The heart of Ashland's cultural scene and one of the most celebrated theater festivals in the country. OSF produces an incredible variety of Shakespearean classics, contemporary works, and musicals across several stages, including the magnificent outdoor Elizabethan Theatre during the warmer months. It's just a short walk from the house, making an evening at the theater especially easy and enjoyable. We recommend looking at the season's productions and booking tickets before your visit. osfashland.org
2. Oregon Cabaret Theatre: Another wonderful experience, and it's right on Hargadine Street! Housed in a beautifully restored historic church, the Cabaret offers intimate professional productions, particularly musicals and comedies. You can even enjoy dinner or brunch before the performance. We love the charm of this theater and the opportunity to make an entire evening of it, all within an easy stroll of the house. oregoncabaret.com
3. Ashland New Plays Festival: If you're visiting in the fall, look for this festival celebrating original works by emerging and established playwrights. The staged readings and conversations with the artists offer an interesting glimpse into the creative process. ashlandnewplays.org
4. Rogue Theater Company: This professional theater company presents thoughtful, intimate productions featuring outstanding actors. Performances are held at Grizzly Peak Winery, offering an opportunity to combine an afternoon of wine tasting with an evening of theater. roguetheatercompany.com
5. Camelot Theatre: Located in nearby Talent, just a short drive from Ashland, Camelot is a charming theater producing musicals, plays, and musical tributes. Worth looking into if you're interested in seeing something beyond the downtown theater offerings. camelottheatre.org

Restaurant Recommendations

Ashland has an impressive and wonderfully varied restaurant scene, especially for a town its size, and enjoying it is one of our favorite parts of being here. We have our established favorites that we continue to return to, from intimate restaurants offering remarkable culinary experiences to lively neighborhood spots where we love to settle in for a casual meal and a cocktail.

The best part is that every restaurant on this list is within walking distance of the house, so you can enjoy a beautiful meal, linger over a glass of wine, and wander home at your leisure.

1. MÄS Restaurant: One of our absolute favorites and a truly exceptional culinary experience. This intimate restaurant offers an extraordinary tasting menu combining seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients with Japanese influences and beautiful presentation. It's a very special evening for anyone who appreciates inventive cuisine and a thoughtful dining experience. With only a handful of seats, reservations well in advance are essential.
2. NAMA: Another of our favorites when we're looking for something unique and a little more sophisticated. This intimate, Japanese-inspired restaurant specializes in incredibly fresh seafood, oysters, hand rolls, and beautifully prepared small plates, along with creative cocktails and sake. It's an interesting and memorable dining experience, particularly for seafood lovers.
3. Brickroom: One of our favorite casual spots! Located upstairs overlooking the downtown Plaza, Brickroom has a lively atmosphere, a creative American menu, excellent cocktails, and a great mix of locals and visitors. It's a fun place for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch, and an easy choice when you're in the mood for a relaxed evening out.
4. Bird & Rye: Another favorite for a casual and flavorful meal, especially if you love good fried chicken! This Southern-inspired restaurant is known for its fried chicken, comfort food, and an impressive selection of rye whiskey and creative cocktails. Great for lunch or a relaxed dinner.
5. Zi Spice: Just a couple of doors down from the house, this newer addition brings some wonderfully interesting flavors to the neighborhood. Inspired by South Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African cuisines, Zi Spice offers deliciously spiced dishes, creative breakfasts and lunches, house-made chai, chocolates, and pastries. The kitchen is also entirely gluten-free, making it a particularly good option for guests with dietary restrictions.
6. Hearsay Restaurant, Lounge & Garden: We love the atmosphere here! With its beautiful vintage-inspired interior, creative cocktails, and charming garden patio, Hearsay is a great choice for dinner or an evening out. It's also an especially convenient choice before or after a performance at the nearby theaters.
7. Chateaubriand 36: Our next-door neighbor! This intimate French-inspired steakhouse offers classic bistro dishes, beautifully prepared steaks, and creative cocktails in a warm and elegant setting. It's hard to beat having a lovely restaurant just a few steps from home.
8. Alchemy Restaurant & Bar: A longtime Ashland favorite housed in the historic Winchester Inn. Alchemy offers beautifully prepared seasonal cuisine, an extensive wine selection, and creative cocktails in a refined and intimate setting. A wonderful choice when you're looking for a more elegant evening.
9. Peerless Restaurant & Bar: Another of Ashland's established dining destinations, located in the historic Railroad District. The beautiful garden patio, seasonal menu, and excellent cocktails make it a lovely spot for a leisurely dinner or an early evening happy hour.
10. Morning Glory Cafe: A beloved Ashland breakfast and brunch institution, known for its inventive omelets, delicious French toast, pancakes, and generous portions. It's a longer but pleasant walk from the house, and a great excuse to explore another part of town. Be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends!
11. MIX Bakeshop: Perfect for morning coffee, fresh pastries, or an afternoon treat while wandering around downtown. MIX offers beautiful French-inspired pastries, cakes, tarts, and house-made ice cream. An easy and delicious stop whenever you're exploring the Plaza.

Wine Tasting

Southern Oregon has a wonderful wine scene, with an impressive variety of grapes, talented winemakers, and some beautiful vineyard settings. While the Applegate Valley offers extensive wine-tasting opportunities farther afield, we've focused our recommendations on a few particularly appealing places in and around Ashland.

Most of the estate wineries are a short drive from town, but you can even enjoy a tasting without getting back into your car!

1. Irvine & Roberts Vineyards: One of our favorites and a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. The contemporary tasting room sits high above the vineyards with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, and the wines, particularly the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling selections, are excellent. You can enjoy a leisurely tasting along with thoughtfully prepared food on the terrace. Located about five miles from downtown, it's well worth the short drive. Reservations recommended.
2. Resistance Wine Company: For a wine-tasting experience you can enjoy on foot, this downtown tasting room on North Pioneer Street is a great option. Sample small-production Southern Oregon wines in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where the people pouring the wines are passionate about what they produce. A fun stop for an afternoon tasting or a glass of wine before dinner.
3. Long Walk Vineyard: A beautiful boutique winery just a short drive north of downtown, offering spectacular views of the Rogue Valley from its hillside tasting room and terrace. Known for its Rhône-inspired wines, relaxed atmosphere, and welcoming hospitality, it's an especially lovely place to enjoy a tasting and a charcuterie board.
4. Grizzly Peak Winery: Set among beautiful gardens and oak trees with views of the surrounding mountains, Grizzly Peak offers an inviting and peaceful tasting experience just outside downtown. The winery also hosts concerts, theater, and special events, so it's worth checking the calendar.
5. Weisinger Family Winery: One of Ashland's longstanding wineries, located a short drive from downtown on Siskiyou Boulevard. Enjoy a relaxed tasting of locally produced wines with lovely hillside views and comfortable outdoor seating. A nice option for a low-key afternoon close to town.

Exploring Ashland on Foot

We really encourage you to spend time simply wandering around Ashland. One of the joys of staying on Hargadine Street is that you can set out without much of a plan and find yourself discovering a wonderful little shop, a beautiful park, an interesting gallery, or a lively café.

Here are a few places and experiences we especially recommend exploring.

1. Lithia Park: One of Ashland's greatest treasures and an absolute must during your visit. This beautiful park begins right near the downtown Plaza and stretches along Ashland Creek, with winding paths, towering trees, peaceful ponds, gardens, and picnic areas. We love that you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or spend hours exploring the trails. It's especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing.
2. Ashland Japanese Garden: Tucked inside Lithia Park, this beautifully landscaped garden offers a peaceful retreat with traditional Japanese design, lovely plantings, and a tranquil koi pond. It's a lovely place to spend a little quiet time, and admission is free.
3. Downtown Plaza and Main Street: Ashland's downtown is filled with independent shops, galleries, bookstores, cafés, and interesting little discoveries. Set aside some time to browse without an agenda, enjoy a coffee, explore the shops, and take in the atmosphere. It's one of the best ways to experience the character of the town.
4. Bloomsbury Books: A wonderful independent bookstore right on East Main Street. If you love books, it's worth a visit for the thoughtful selection, welcoming atmosphere, and the pleasure of browsing a real neighborhood bookstore. There's also an upstairs café if you'd like to linger.
5. Lithia Artisans Market: If you're visiting on a weekend during market season, make time to explore this charming outdoor market along Calle Guanajuato near Lithia Park. Local artists and craftspeople sell handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, and other interesting creations. It's a wonderful place to find something unique while supporting local artists.
6. Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market: Ashland also has a terrific seasonal farmers market featuring fresh local produce, artisan foods, flowers, baked goods, and handmade products. The Saturday market downtown is especially convenient for guests staying at the house, while the larger Tuesday market is held at ScienceWorks. A fun way to get a taste of the region's agricultural bounty.

Hikes and Outdoor Activities

Beyond downtown, Ashland is surrounded by beautiful mountains, forests, and lakes, with opportunities for everything from gentle nature walks to more challenging hikes. If you're feeling adventurous, here are a few places worth exploring.

1. Grizzly Peak Trail: A fantastic local hike with sweeping views of the Rogue Valley and surrounding mountains. The trail winds through forests and meadows and is especially beautiful during wildflower season. A wonderful choice for a few hours outdoors.
2. Mount Ashland: Just a scenic drive from town, Mount Ashland offers beautiful mountain trails, cooler temperatures in the summer, and wonderful views of the Siskiyou Mountains. In winter, it becomes a popular ski destination. The surrounding area also provides access to sections of the Pacific Crest Trail.
3. Pilot Rock Trail: For more experienced and adventurous hikers, this trail leads toward a dramatic volcanic formation with impressive views of the surrounding mountains. The final summit climb requires scrambling and is best suited to experienced hikers.
4. Upper and Lower Table Rock: Located near Medford, these distinctive volcanic plateaus offer moderately challenging hikes and incredible panoramic views of the Rogue Valley. Particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers cover the landscape.
5. Emigrant Lake: Just outside Ashland, this scenic lake is a nice option for a relaxing afternoon, with opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking. Water levels and recreation conditions vary seasonally.
6. Applegate Lake: A beautiful mountain lake surrounded by forests and rolling hills, ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or simply enjoying the scenery. You can also combine your visit with a drive through the Applegate Valley's wine country.

Greater Jackson County and Southern Oregon

If you're interested in exploring beyond Ashland, there are some wonderful destinations throughout Southern Oregon. From historic Gold Rush towns to spectacular natural landscapes, these are some of the experiences we think are especially worthwhile.

1. Jacksonville Historic District: One of the most charming towns in Southern Oregon and a favorite destination for an afternoon outing. Jacksonville is filled with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, independent shops, galleries, and restaurants, with a wonderful historic atmosphere. It's also a great starting point for exploring nearby wineries.
2. Britt Music & Arts Festival: One of the region's special summer experiences! Located in Jacksonville, Britt hosts an impressive variety of concerts and performances in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater. There's something wonderful about enjoying live music under the stars, and we recommend checking the concert calendar if you're visiting during the season.
3. Crater Lake National Park: An extraordinary destination and one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the country. The lake's intensely blue water, towering volcanic cliffs, and stunning viewpoints are unforgettable. It's approximately a two-hour drive from Ashland, so plan for a full-day adventure and check road conditions before you go.
4. Rogue River: The Rogue River offers some of Southern Oregon's most beautiful scenery, along with terrific opportunities for rafting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Whether you're interested in an exciting guided whitewater trip or a peaceful afternoon beside the river, it's a wonderful place to explore.
5. Rogue Creamery: Cheese lovers should make a stop at this internationally acclaimed creamery in nearby Central Point. Famous for its exceptional artisan cheeses, particularly Rogue River Blue, it's a great place to discover delicious local products and pick up something to enjoy with a bottle of Southern Oregon wine.
6. Oregon Caves National Monument: For a different kind of adventure, head into the Siskiyou Mountains to explore the region's fascinating marble caves. Guided tours offer a wonderful look at the underground formations and geology. This is a longer day trip, and reservations are recommended. The historic Oregon Caves Chateau remains closed for renovations.
7. Southern Oregon Lavender Farms: If you're visiting in early summer, the lavender farms throughout the Rogue and Applegate Valleys are beautiful. During the peak blooming season, several farms offer tours, special events, and locally made lavender products.

Ashland is a place we love returning to because there is always something to enjoy, whether it's discovering a new restaurant, seeing a wonderful performance, wandering through Lithia Park, or simply spending a beautiful afternoon downtown.

We hope you'll take advantage of our home's location, leave the car parked, explore at your own pace, and experience the many things that make Ashland so special to us.