Get Outside And Go Hiking
Ashland has so much natural beauty in and around the city, so its a nature lovers paradise. There are a number of options to go hiking near Ashland, Oregon. Here are some popular trails to try:
- Pacific Crest Trail: This famous trail was made popular by the book and movie, Wild, and a section of it is very close by Ashland! The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is located about a one-hour drive from Ashland, so you can head over and hike a section of the trail.
- Grizzly Peak: This 5.2-mile loop offers epic views over Ashland and the nearby mountains!
- Acid Castle Rocks: This is a quick hike above Lithia Park with some really interesting, large boulders that offer a unique view and landscape to explore.
- Hobart Bluff: This trail is 2.5 miles long and is a great trail to see the wildflowers! It also has some excellent views of Ashland.
Visit Grizzly Peak Winery
Grizzly Peak Winery was started by Al and Viginia Silbowitz to push for their passion for winemaking.
Winemaking is a craft, and the Silbowitz have the belief that great wines are meant to be shared with family and friends in love, thereby creating a bond understood only by wine lovers.
Gizzly Peak Winery is an ample 40-acres of breathtaking natural beauty. The surrounding mountainous landscape of Mt. Ashland and Grizzly Peak add to the elegance of this location. It is also ideal for weddings and other special events.
Throughout the year, guests are treated to great music and entertainment, including Auto Europa a free classic European car show in Ashland. So, if you are looking for a place to sit and have a sip with a loved one, it should be at Grizzly Peak Winery.
Address: 1600 E. Nevada Street, Ashland, OR 97520.
Pace Yourself On The First Friday Artwalk
For whatever reason, cities usually showcase the majority of their artists within their industrial epicenters. And for whatever reason, a small town like Ashland is no different. From 5pm to 8pm, you can hike the First Friday Artwalk. It features an array of galleries throughout the Historical Downtown and Railroad Districts, featuring opening receptions for fresh monthly art exhibits. One of First Fridays most popular hosts is Ashland Art Works, a neighborhood confederation of local artisans, jewelers, and ceramicists. Expect paint, booze, and history — and be sure to wear sneakers.
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Belle Fiore Estate And Winery
When to go: Chateau tour and tasting, Saturdays at 12PM or 3PM, by appointment only Wine Pavilion tasting room is open from 12PM-8PM Wednesday through Sunday. Plan to go between 5:30PM and 7:30PM to enjoy live music.Where: 100 Belle Fiore Lane, Ashland Cost: Private chateau tour and tasting, $55 per person Pavilion Tasting Room, $19 per personWebsite:
You might forget youre in Oregon as you enter the grounds of the Belle Fiore Estate and Winery. The stunning and sprawling chateau is built in an exquisite French style and surrounded by immaculately landscaped gardens. Whether you tour the chateau, enjoy a meal, or sample their fine wines, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience at Belle Fiore. The beautiful location, breathtaking views of Ashland and the surrounding areas, live music, and culinary delights are a feast for all of your senses.
Check Out The Southern Oregon University Campus
You dont have to register for classes in order to experience and appreciate the communal, homey and simple yet beautiful campus of Ashlands signature college.
Southern Oregon University houses quite a surprising juggle of majors, exhibits, and architecture.
From their Oregon Center For The Arts publicly offering student-led productions and performances of theatre and music, to at least three student art exhibits throughout campus .
Dont miss the Universitys Hannon Library, where the surrounding grounds and gardens cultivate an environment for learning with joy and living in peace. Herds of wild deer can often be seen grazing on the grass here, so keep your distance and hold onto your food!
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Enjoy The North Mountain Park Nature Centre
The beautiful Bear Creek situates this North Mountain Park Nature Centre. This center has a playground, beautiful gardens, hiking trails, ponds, soccer fields, picnic areas, softball fields, and baseball fields.
You are going to have a great time, with various activities and areas available for you to enjoy. You will see ducks, fishes, turtles, and several other creatures at the creek. It is perfect for a nice summer picnic, swimming, and hiking
The nature center is open from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, during weekdays, while the grounds are open from dawn to dusk every day.
Exploring this Nature center makes what to do in Ashland for a fun time, for some outdoor time, this should make your list of things to do in Ashland, Oregon.
Address: 620 N Mountain Ave, Ashland, OR 97520.
Catch A Local Performance In Ashland Or
If you plan your trip between February and November, theres a good chance you can catch one of the amazing performances that happen around town as part of the award-winning Ashland Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Renowned for its high quality productions, dynamic and talented cast members, and expansive list of shows, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is a must-see. Whether youre a fan of theater or new to the experience, there are shows for everyone to enjoy, from traditional Shakespeare to modern musicals, comedies, dramas, and more.
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Sip The Water At Lithia Fountains
Lithia waters are believed to have healing powers. Early Native Americans used the waters for their sick and elderly. At one time, near the beginning of the 20th century, there was hope that the Ashland area could become the center of a healing spa similar to those in some European countries. Costs for the water pipeline became prohibitive, and along with WWII, such interest was lost. Stop at the Lithia Fountains in the Downtown Plaza to sip some of these acclaimed healing waters.
Take A Class At Gathering Glass Studio
After viewing artwork at the Schneider Museum of Art, you may be inspired to create some art yourself! The Gathering Glass Studio is a popular studio and gallery that showcases unique and creative blown glass art.
They also offer classes for the public to get involved in, so you can try it out for yourself! Visiting a studio like this one is a great place to get to know some local artists in the city.
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Be The Next Big Playwright
No festival will ever quite meet the weight of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in terms of feeding the local economy, but that doesnt mean other festivals cant hold their own. The Ashland New Plays Festival, unlike the Shakespeare Festival, gives contemporary playwrights the mic. During the New Plays Festival flagship events in mid-October, four plays are chosen from hundreds of national submissions to come alive each fall. Submit your play here.
Find Out What Dick Hay Pie Is Eat Slice After Slice
If you are a human person who has lived on Earth for some time, youre probably familiar with ice cream cake. In Ashland, ice cream cake has some stiff competition in the form of Dick Hay Pie, which is ice cream pie. Its a splash of vanilla ice cream, peanut butter , and a thick drizzle of hot fudge. Its served at the Oregon Cabaret Theatre, which brings us to…
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Enjoy Fine Wine At Dana Campbell Vineyards
Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Dana Campbell Vineyards is one lovely feature of the Ashland community and Southern Oregon. The first vines were planted under the expertise of some local vineyard managers in 2006.
Dana Campbell Vineyards produces a nice selection of distinctive wines. The land is meticulously prepared before planting operations of the vineyard to make sure that the best-quality grapes are grown.
In February 2013, Dana Campbell Vineyards had their tasting room opened, and they continue improving so as to give their valued wine connoisseurs and patrons the warmest welcoming experience.
Address: 1320 N Mountain Ave, Ashland, OR 97520.
The 9 Best Things To Do In Ashland Oregon
If you want to spend a few days attending a Tony Award-winning theater festival, exploring art galleries, strolling through vineyards, hiking, rafting, and skiing, youll probably have to visit several different destinations. Or, you can visit Ashland, Oregon. This beautiful town in Southern Oregon is equally big on art, culture, and adventure. Add in fantastic wineries, breweries, and restaurants and youve got yourself the making for a perfect getaway. To help you plan your time there, here are the best things to do in Ashland, Oregon.
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Where To Stay In Ashland
My personal favorite spot to stay in Ashland is the Ashland Hills Hotel and Suites.
Located conveniently off I-5 at Exit 14, this large hotel is modern, playful, and fun. There are several room options, whether you are traveling solo for work or with the whole family. There’s a large outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as an on-site restaurant – Luna Cafe – with merchant store full of local artisan gifts, food, and wine.
You can read my original hotel review and see more photos in my post on Ashland Hills Hotel and Suites.
Stay At Ashland Springs Hotel
This historic hotel dates back to 1925 and is located less than half a mile away from Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Oregon Cabaret Theatre.
Formerly named as the Lithia Springs Hotel, it is a well-recognised landmark in southern Oregon.
It is a three-star hotel offering scenic views of Ashland and the surrounding magnificent mountain ranges.
The rooms are exceptionally clean and aesthetically pleasing. Other popular places to stay in Ashland include Ashland Hills and Suites, The Winchester Inn, Plaza Inn & Suites, The Peerless Hotel, Lithia Springs Resort, and Best Western Windsor Inn.
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Where To Stay In Ashland Oregon
Whether its an Ashland bed and breakfast or one of the cozy boutique Ashland hotels, there are plenty of options for accommodation in Ashland, no matter your budget.
BUDGET
Flagship Inn of Ashland
One of the most popular budget hotels in Ashland, Oregon, Flagship Inn offers air conditioned rooms featuring floral decor and work desks. There is also a swimming pool and La Casa Del Pueblo restaurant on-site, serving up Mexican cuisine and cocktails. Only a 5 minute walk from Southern Oregon University.
MID-RANGE
Ashland Hills Hotels & Suites
I stayed at the Ashland Hills Hotels & Suites while I was in Ashland and was very happy with my stay. The hotel is situated a little ways outside of downtown, so best to stay at only if you have a car. Think 70s inspired decor that is clean and modern. Also features a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, decent breakfast, and panoramic mountain views.
Bards Inn
One of the most popular Ashland hotels to stay at for those who are in town for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Bards Inn is only a 6 minute walk from the Shakespeare festival, right in downtown, and offers both a pool and hot tub to soak in after shows. There is also a quality free breakfast included every morning.
LUXURY
Winchester Inn
Go Searching For Ashland’s Secret Waterfall
There are many hidden gems nestled deep within the Oredson-Todd Woods. Sprawling with 7 miles of various trails and an elevation of 900 feet, a simple hike will unearth Oregons only native orchid, the rich magenta calypso bulbosa, which grows naturally along this terrain and vaguely resembles a dragons head. If youre looking for waterworks and a slice of the Garden of Eden, youll want to follow the Oredson-Todd Woods Trail, which will take you to an ethereal waterfall of biblical proportions.
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Go River Rafting At Rogue River
Another great way to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of Ashland, Oregon is through river rafting! Noahs River Adventures has been running river rafting adventures down the Rogue River since 1954.
They have adventures for beginners or experts, with guides making sure that you are safe and secure the whole time.
Stay Hydrated With Lithia Spring Water
Lithia water is natural spring water rich in lithium salts. This mineral water is known for its healing benefits and bad taste.
It is made available to the public for through the water fountains installed in Ashland. There are two such fountains with Lithia water, one is located in the downtown Plaza and the other one in Lithia Park.
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Admire Architecture And Historical Buildings
The entire city center of Ashland is on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Admire the architecture of the IOFF building, also known as the Oddfellows building. The building dates back to 1879.
Pause also at the Carnegie Library, built in 1912 and restored in 2003. Of the 31 Carnegie Libraries built in the state of Oregon, only 11 are still in use. Ashlands Carnegie Library is one of these 11.
If you are strolling the downtown area on weekends March 15 through October 31, look for the Lithia Artisans Market, an outdoor arts and crafts market. You can meet local artists and craftspeople who sell their products from over 40 booths located along the creek.
Relax At Peerless Hotel Restaurant & Bar
Originally constructed in 1904, Peerless Rooms Building was a lodging house for the working-class, and this is where the Peerless Hotel Restaurant & Bar resides.
And in 2007, the Peerless Restaurant & Bar was honored with the Most Beautiful Restaurant in all of Oregon.
This favorite restaurant has a lively atmosphere and elegance in its garden seatings, two dining rooms, and a cozy bar. Aside from the charming garden, the Peerless Hotel provides guests the affinity of a boutique hotel blended with the sweetness of bed and breakfast.
Address: 265 4th St., Ashland, OR 97520.
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Enjoy A Cabaret Act At Oregon Cabaret Theatre
A visit to Oregon Cabaret Theatre is one of the best fun things to do in Ashland. This theatre stands out on the corner of a lofty Ashland landmark called First and Hargadine.
Originally constructed in 1911, this building was Ashlands First Baptist Church before it was sold in the late 1960s.
The building started falling into disrepair, and in 1982, Craig Hudson painstakingly began restorations in a bid to bring the building back to its former glory and even more.
This move led to the creation of the Oregon Cabaret Theatre. Renovations include the theatre accouterments and crystal chandelier rescued by Hudson from a movie house in Lansdale, Pennsylvania.
Turrently, Oregon Cabaret Theatre puts up an annual performance of five shows with some selections taken from their list of fifteen original productions.
Address: 241 Hargadine St, Ashland, OR 97520.
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Admire The Public Art Collection
Spend a morning admiring the public art collection, including sculptures, mosaics, murals, and fountains. Click . Three of my favorites are We Are Here, the bronze replica of the sculpture honoring the indigenous peoples of southern Oregon. The original is now located in the Library of Southern Oregon University. I also enjoyed the mural and story of Las Calles de Guanajuato, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Lithias sister city relationship with Guanajuato, Mexico. Look also for Street Scene, the 14-foot-tall bronze sculpture by Marion L.Young. It features 12 people and three Shakespeare characters. Local townspeople served as models.
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The 21 Best Things To Do In Ashland Oregon
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Ashland lies in Oregon southern region and has a reputation as one of the best cities for the arts in Oregon. There are so many things to do in Ashland, Oregon from theatres and galleries to endless outdoor recreation options. Ashland is a great year-round destination, so make sure you add it to your list when visiting Oregon!
Ashland is located just 16 miles north of the California border with a population of just over 21,000. But dont let its small size fool you there are tons of fun and unique things to do in Ashland, Oregon. This article is going to lay out some of the must-see things to see and do in Ashland.
A lot of people think of either Portland or the Oregon Coast when deciding where to go on vacation in the state. Both are amazing destinations and certainly worth a visit! Portland has so many fun, unique, and weird things to do and the Oregon Coast is simply beautiful perfect for a road trip. I have visited these areas of Oregon a few times and absolutely love it. While I have not yet made it to Ashland, its definitely on my list now! In doing research about all these Ashland attractions, I cant wait to plan a visit.
