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Get Your Ashland in Gear: The Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit in Oregon’s Quirkiest Town

The Gathering Glass Studio lets you watch the glass actually being made right in front of you. The Ashland Art Center runs 20 of the artists across painting, ceramics and the jewelry. 150. Local studios and galleries teach the classes in pottery and in painting if you want them too. And the Schneider Museum holds well over 4,000 works of contemporary art inside it.

Are you planning a trip to Ashland, Oregon and wondering what to do? This is where to start. This town in the foothills of the Siskiyou Mountains covers a lot of ground. From time outdoors to work made by hand, Ashland runs it.

If you follow festivals, you have timed it. Ashland runs festivals through the year, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival among them. But that is not all of it, because there is also the Ashland Independent Film Festival, the Ashland Culinary Festival and the Ashland New Plays Festival. Theater follower or food follower, there is a festival here that fits.

Looking for something slower? Ashland runs plenty for that too. Take a walk through Lithia Park, 93 acres in the heart of town, or take one of the wellness spas. And work Ashland’s shopping, which runs from artisanal crafts to vintage finds and turns up things you will not see twice.

Key Takeaways

• Ashland, Oregon is a charming town with something for everyone.
• Festivals abound in Ashland, including the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
• Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or a little relaxation, Ashland has plenty of options to choose from.

The Magic of Ashland, Oregon

Ashland, Oregon. This small art town is one most people drive past, and it should not be. With a population of just over 20,000, Ashland runs more than its size suggests.

One of the attractions Ashland is known by is the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This festival earns the trip for anybody who follows theater, and it runs over 800 different performances across multiple locations through the summer and fall. Shakespeare follower or not, the standard of what is on stage will land.

But Ashland is more than theater. The city also holds some of the strongest parks and outdoor spaces in the Pacific Northwest. Lithia Park in particular, with its winding paths, duck ponds and the mountains standing behind. It is where to take a walk, eat outdoors, or simply sit and let the day go.

And no trip to Ashland is finished without the local food and drink. The city runs a working restaurant scene, from serious dining to casual cafes. And if you follow wine, the Rogue Valley holds some of the strongest wineries in the country.

So if you want somewhere with real character that stays with you, Ashland, Oregon is the answer. With the culture, the country and the size of the place together, it is one you will come back to.

Festivals Galore

Ashland is known for the country around it, but also for its festivals. You cannot miss the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which runs from February to October every year. It is one of the attractions Ashland is known by, and it runs over 700 different productions. The festival runs plays by William Shakespeare along with work by other playwrights. The energy of the Elizabethan Theatre and the performers spilling out across Ashland puts something into the city you will not find in many other places.

If you want theater done differently, check out the Oregon Cabaret Theatre. This small venue runs musical revues, plays and cabaret. You can take dinner and a show, or simply the show. The theater sits in a former church building and the room holds you.

Alongside the theater, Ashland runs other festivals through the year. In July there is the Ashland Independent Film Festival, which runs independent films from around the world. The festival carries over 100 films, documentaries, shorts and feature-length among them. You get the chance to meet filmmakers and actors, take workshops, and join the Q&A sessions.

If you follow food, do not miss the Ashland Culinary Festival in November. The festival runs local chefs and restaurants, who put their work up and compete for awards. You can work the food and drink, watch the cooking demonstrations, and join the culinary workshops.

So Ashland will hold anybody who follows festivals. Do not miss the chance to take the culture of this city while it is running.

The Artistic Side of Ashland

You may not know this, but Ashland runs hard on art. From local galleries to festivals with international names, there is always somebody making something in this city.

Start with the galleries. You will find a deep set of art galleries in Ashland, running everything from contemporary work to traditional pieces. The Ashland Art Center earns the stop, with over 20 artists and a range of mediums, painting, ceramics and jewelry among them. And if you want something more mixed, check out the Ashland Artisan Emporium, which runs over 150 local artists and artisans selling everything from handmade soap to vintage clothing.

But it is not only the galleries, because Ashland also holds serious museums. The Schneider Museum of Art earns the stop for anybody who follows art, with a collection of over 4,000 works of contemporary art. And if you follow glass, stop by the Gathering Glass Studio, where you watch artisans build the work right in front of you.

And no account of the art in Ashland is finished without the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This festival runs multiple theaters and stages, and has been pulling audiences from around the globe for over 80 years. But it is not only Shakespeare, because the festival also runs contemporary work and new plays, which makes it earn the stop for anybody who follows theater.

So visual arts or theater, Ashland covers both. With its arts scene and the people making the work, this city is where to go if you want to make something yourself.

Outdoor Adventures Await

The outdoors. You cannot beat the air, the country and the chance to put everything down for a while. And in Ashland, Oregon, there is plenty of it to work.

First, the hiking. With the Siskiyou Mountains behind the town, there are more trails here than you will get through. From the easy walk through North Mountain Park to the harder Pacific Crest Trail, there is a walk here at every level. And if you want a run at something, take Mount Ashland. At 7,533 feet it is the highest peak in the Siskiyous and it opens the whole area out below you.

But maybe you want something with more in it than walking. White water rafting? With several rivers in the area, the Rogue River and the Klamath River among them, there is plenty to get your pulse up. Seasoned hand or first time in a raft, there is a trip here that fits.

If you follow winter sports, Ashland has that covered. The Mt. Ashland Ski Area runs skiing and snowboarding at every level, with 23 runs and four chairlifts. And if skiing and snowboarding are not for you, there is still snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

And if you want to take the country slowly, there is plenty for that too. Check out the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, which opens the mountains and valleys out around you. Or head to one of the waterfalls in the area, Mill Creek Falls or Barr Creek Falls among them.

And if you want to work the local flora and fauna, visit the North Mountain Park Nature Center. With exhibits running from birds to bugs, it is how to get close to what actually lives here.

So a hard day out or a slow one, Ashland, Oregon runs both. Get out there and work it.

Relaxation and Wellness Spots

After all the walking, it is time to stop. Ashland runs strong places to put your feet up and come out different.

Spas

Ashland holds spas running a range of treatments to get you back to yourself. Here are some of our favorites:

Waterstone Spa

This spa runs a broad range of treatments, massages, facials and body wraps among them. They also run a hot tub and a sauna.

Chozu Bath and Tea Gardens

This spa runs outdoor Japanese-style soaking tubs, along with a sauna and a steam room. And they run a tea house where you can take a cup after your soak.

Duck Ponds

If you want somewhere quiet with the country around you, head to one of Ashland’s duck ponds. These are where to eat outdoors or read for an afternoon. Here are some to check:

Lithia Park Duck Pond

In the heart of Lithia Park, this pond sits under trees and holds ducks along with plenty of other wildlife.

North Mountain Park Pond

This pond sits in North Mountain Park and is where the birdwatchers go. You may see a heron or an egret.

Swimming

If you want to cool off on a hot day, there are some spots in Ashland where you can swim. Here are a couple of options:

Daniel Meyer Pool

This outdoor pool opens through the summer months and runs a water slide and a diving board.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival runs from February right through to October, every single year. The Film Festival is in July and the Culinary Festival comes round in November. The ski area takes 265 inches of snow a year on average up there. The ice rink runs from mid-November through to the end of February. And Lithia Park works whatever the weather is doing outside of it.

Emigrant Lake

Just outside Ashland, Emigrant Lake is where people go for swimming, boating and fishing.

Massage

Sometimes all you need is a proper massage. Ashland runs plenty of options on massage therapy. Here are some places to check:

• Ashland Massage and Wellness Center: This center offers a variety of massage treatments, including Swedish, deep tissue, and hot stone.
• Healing Hands Massage Therapy: This massage studio offers a range of services, including prenatal massage and reflexology. They also offer couples massages if you’re looking for a romantic way to relax with your partner.

However you choose to stop in Ashland, one thing holds: you will come out better than you went in.

The Flavors of Ashland

You may already know that Ashland holds some of the strongest wines in Oregon, but did you know the wineries here are also known for their charcuterie boards? You can work the wine and the cured meats together with the Rogue Valley in front of you.

One winery not to drive past is the Weisinger Family Winery. They run a range of wines and also a tasting room and outdoor seating where you take your glass with the country in front of you. And if you want something to eat, their charcuterie board is the one to order.

But if you want somewhere nobody sends you, head over to Dana Campbell Vineyards. This boutique winery is known for small-batch wines made in numbers you could count and a tasting room you can actually sit in. And their charcuterie board earns the drive on its own.

And if you do not drink wine, Ashland runs plenty else. Head over to the Rogue Creamery for some of the strongest cheese you will eat. And if you want a run at something, take their blue cheese.

So serious about wine or simply after the local flavours, Ashland covers both.

Snowy Fun in Ashland

You might not think of Ashland in winter, but you would be wrong. The city has mountains on every side, which means plenty to do once the snow comes. Here are the strongest things to do in Ashland when it does:

Hit the Slopes

If you ski or snowboard, you have timed it. Mt. Ashland Ski Area is a short drive from downtown Ashland and runs 240 skiable acres, 1200 vertical feet and 44 trails. And the average annual snowfall is 265 inches, so there will be something fresh under you.

Take a Lesson

If you are new to skiing or snowboarding, or want to sharpen up, the snow sports school at Mt. Ashland is where to start. They run lessons at any age and any level, and the instructors will stay with you. And a lesson is how you end up with people to ski with.

Try Chute Skiing

If you ski or ride at the harder end and want something that tests you, the “Bowl” at Mt. Ashland is the answer. This steep, narrow chute is not for everybody, but if you take it, the run down is worth the climb.

Ice Skating

If you would rather stay on solid ground, head to Lithia Park for the ice skating. The Ashland Rotary Centennial Ice Rink runs from mid-November to the end of February, and it gets you moving with the winter around you. And children 5 and under skate for nothing, so it will not hurt.

Snowshoeing

If you want something slower in winter, try snowshoeing. There are plenty of trails in and around Ashland that work for it, and it gets you out into the winter country. And snowshoeing is easy to pick up and needs almost no equipment, which makes it work for families or groups.

Conclusion

So skier, snowboarder, or simply somebody after time in the snow, Ashland runs it. So grab your gear, or rent it, and take the slopes or the ice rink.

Historic Sites to Explore

Ashland, Oregon carries its history openly, and there are plenty of historic sites to work. Architecture, literature, or simply a sense of what this place was, all three are covered.

One of the historic sites Ashland is known by is the Carnegie Library, built in 1912. The library is a strong example of Beaux-Arts architecture and sits on the National Register of Historic Places. The library still works today, so you can go in for a book or simply for the building.

The other historic site to take in Ashland is the Ashland Creek, which runs through the heart of downtown. The creek was the water source for the city’s early settlers, and today it is where people eat outdoors and walk. You can also take a guided tour of the creek and work its history and what it meant to the community.

If you follow literature, do not miss the Ashland Library, which holds a deep collection of books and manuscripts on the works of William Shakespeare. The library also runs events and lectures on Shakespeare and other literary figures.

And no visit to Ashland is finished without a walk through the downtown, which holds historic buildings and landmarks across it. Check out the Japanese Garden, originally built in 1916 and one of the oldest public Japanese gardens in the United States. And take a walk through Lithia Park, which was designed by John McLaren, the same landscape architect who designed San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

So there are plenty of historic sites to work in Ashland, Oregon. Architecture, literature, or simply the local history, something here will hold you.

Educational Spots for Curious Minds

You may not be in school any more, but that does not mean you cannot come out knowing something. Ashland runs several places for it.

First is Southern Oregon University. This university is more than somewhere to take a degree, because it also runs events and lectures open to the public. So if you want to go deeper on something, check their events calendar and see what is on.

If you want to get your hands into it, ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum is the place. This museum works with children and adults both, running interactive exhibits on science, technology, engineering and maths. You can also sign up for workshops and classes if you want to go further on one subject.

And on workshops and classes, Ashland holds plenty of artists and craftsmen running classes on everything from pottery to painting. So if you have wanted to learn a skill, this is where to do it. Check the local art studios and galleries for what they run.

So Ashland is where to come out knowing something you did not. Get out there and work it.

Family-Friendly Activities

If you want things to do with the family in Ashland, you have timed it. This community runs plenty to keep everybody going.

First, the playgrounds. Ashland runs several across the city, the Lithia Park Playground and the Garfield Park Playground among them. Both run plenty of room for the children to move, with swings, slides and climbing structures.

If you want somewhere to eat outdoors, Lithia Park is the answer. With 93 acres of green space, there is room to spread out and eat properly. And there are picnic tables and benches across the park, so you do not have to carry chairs.

For something more active, check out Noah’s River Adventures. This company runs canoe and kayak rentals, along with guided trips down the Rogue River. It is how to get the family onto the water together.

If you want something you will not get elsewhere, try Moonbow Archery. This archery range runs a safe setup for children and adults to learn a bow properly. And they run a range of targets and games to keep it moving.

And if you want beach volleyball, check out the sand courts at North Mountain Park. They cost nothing to use and they will work you while everybody is enjoying it.

So there they are, things to do with the family in Ashland, Oregon.

Hidden Gems of Ashland

You have taken the main attractions, but have you found the parts of Ashland nobody sends you to? These are the spots the locals keep, and they earn the walk. Here are some of our favorites:

• Emigrant Lake: Sure, you could go to Lithia Park, but why not take a dip in Emigrant Lake instead? This beautiful lake is just a few miles outside of town and is perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. Plus, you’ll get stunning views of the Cascade Mountains while you’re there.
• Crater Lake National Park: You’ve heard of Crater Lake, but did you know that it’s just a short drive from Ashland? This stunning national park is home to the deepest lake in the United States, and it’s surrounded by the beautiful Cascade Mountain Range. Take a hike, go for a swim, or just soak up the views.
• Valley View Orchard: If you’re in Ashland in the fall, you have to visit Valley View Orchard. This family-owned farm is known for its delicious apples and pears, and they also make some pretty amazing cider. Take a hayride, pick your own fruit, and enjoy a slice of pie while you’re there.
• Long Walk Vineyard: Wine tasting is always a good idea, but if you want to avoid the crowds, head to Long Walk Vineyard. This small, family-owned winery is tucked away in the hills outside of Ashland, and it’s the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the views.
• Cascade Mountains: You can’t visit Ashland without taking a trip to the Cascade Mountains. Whether you’re skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, the mountains are a must-see. Just make sure you bring your camera – the views are incredible.
• Baptist Church: Okay, we know what you’re thinking – a church isn’t exactly a hidden gem. But hear us out. The First Baptist Church of Ashland is one of the oldest buildings in town, and it’s absolutely stunning. Take a peek inside and admire the beautiful stained glass windows.

So there they are, some of the strongest parts of Ashland that nobody points you at. Time outdoors or simply somewhere quiet, these will not let you down.

The Coffee Culture of Ashland

You cannot talk about Ashland without its coffee. A caffeine fix to start the day or a room to sit in with friends, Ashland covers both.

Here are the strongest coffee shops in Ashland to check:

• Noble Coffee Roasting: This local favorite has been serving up delicious coffee since 2007. They roast their own beans and offer a wide selection of drinks, including pour-over coffee and nitro cold brew.
• Case Coffee Roasters: With a sleek and modern interior, Case Coffee Roasters is the perfect spot to work or catch up with friends. They serve up tasty espresso drinks and have a rotating selection of single-origin pour-overs.
• Mix Bakeshop & Coffeehouse: This charming bakery and coffeehouse is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. Their coffee is roasted locally and pairs perfectly with their fresh-baked pastries.
• Rogue Valley Roasting Co.: Located in the heart of downtown Ashland, Rogue Valley Roasting Co. is a cozy spot to grab a cup of coffee and people-watch. They also have a selection of loose-leaf teas and kombucha on tap.

But the coffee in Ashland is not only about the drink. It is also about the room. Plenty of coffee shops in Ashland run comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi and a welcome that makes you stay longer than you meant to.

So serious about coffee or simply after somewhere to sit, Ashland’s coffee shops cover both.

Ashland’s Unique Shopping Experience

You have worked the country around Ashland, taken the theater, and eaten properly. Now it is time to shop. Ashland’s shopping runs its own way, with shops covering most tastes.

One of the must-visit shopping destinations in Ashland is the Ashland Artisan Emporium. This indoor marketplace is home to over 150 vendors, offering everything from antiques and collectibles to handmade crafts and artisanal foods. You can easily spend hours browsing through the different booths, discovering one-of-a-kind treasures and chatting with the friendly vendors.

If you’re looking for something a little more offbeat, head over to Paddington Station. This whimsical gift shop is a feast for the eyes, with colorful displays of toys, games, and home decor items. You’ll find unique items that you won’t find anywhere else, like handcrafted wooden puzzles and quirky kitchen gadgets.

For the fashion-forward, The Crown Jewel is a must-visit. This boutique carries a carefully curated selection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories from independent designers. You’ll find stylish pieces that will make you stand out from the crowd, whether you’re looking for a statement necklace or a show-stopping dress.

If you’re a plant lover, you can’t miss Bestow & Bloom. This charming boutique is filled with unique, hand-curated plants, pots, and other botanical delights. The staff is super knowledgeable and passionate about their plants, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice on how to care for your new green friends.

These are only some of the shopping options in Ashland, and there are plenty more. So go on, do the shopping and carry a piece of Ashland home with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with Lithia Park in Ashland? Is it really just a park or a magical fairyland?

Yes, Lithia Park is a real park, and it does its own work on you. It runs 100 acres with everything from hiking trails to playgrounds to duck ponds. But what sets Lithia Park apart is how it holds you. You end up under tall trees, beside running water, with green on every side. It is where to stop and let everything settle.

Are there any wineries in Ashland worth visiting or should I just stick to drinking water?

Skip the water and go straight for the wine. Ashland holds wineries that earn the visit. You can tour the local vineyards, work some of the strongest wines in the region, and meet the winemakers themselves. It is how to spend an afternoon, and you come away understanding more than you did.

Why is Ashland, Oregon worth visiting? Is it because of the world-renowned Shakespeare Festival or the abundance of unicorns?

It is true that Ashland holds the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but there is a great deal more to this town than theater. You get a working arts scene, food that holds up, and plenty to do outdoors. And while we cannot promise unicorns, the time here will stay with you.

What are some of the best things to do in Ashland besides attending the Shakespeare Festival? Are there any secret underground dance parties?

The Shakespeare Festival earns the trip, but Ashland runs plenty else to keep you going. You can work Lithia Park, take the local art galleries, or walk in the mountains nearby. And on underground dance parties, we can neither confirm nor deny.

How far is Ashland from the beach? Can I still wear my favorite beach hat in the mountains?

Ashland sits in the mountains, so there are no beaches nearby. But do not let that stop you wearing your beach hat. The mountain air runs cold, so bring a jacket, but you can still dress how you like.

What makes Ashland, Oregon unique? Is it the friendly locals or the fact that Bigfoot sightings are a common occurrence?

Ashland stands out for plenty of reasons, but here is the honest one: Bigfoot sightings are not actually common. What is common in Ashland is the people talking to you, the country around the town, and the sense that everybody here is part of the same thing. It is a place that stays with you.

Frequently asked questions about Ashland, Oregon

How big exactly is the Lithia park over in Ashland, then, really now, in the end?

A full 93 acres of it out there, right in the heart of the town itself. It runs all of the winding paths, the duck ponds and the mountains standing behind them. John McLaren designed it, and he is the same man who designed Golden Gate Park. Free.

What exactly is inside the Schneider museum of art over at Ashland, then, really now, these days?

Over 4,000 works of the contemporary art, and it earns the walk for just about anybody. The Ashland Art Center is the other one of them, with 20 artists all working in it. The Gathering Glass Studio lets you watch the glass being made right in front of you. Ceramics.

When exactly does the Oregon Shakespeare festival run over at Ashland, then, really now, these days?

February right the way through to October, and it runs over 800 different performances. The plays go across multiple locations right through the summer and the whole of the fall. It has been pulling audiences in from around the whole world for well over 80 years now. Shakespeare.

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