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    Home » Travel » Pacific Northwest

    The Best Things to Do in Ashland, Oregon

    Published: Jul 12, 2018 · Modified: Mar 2, 2023 · by Renée B. · This post may contain affiliate links.

    One Day in Ashland, Oregon | The Good Hearted Woman

    Ashland, Oregon is a small town with a big reputation! There culture runs deep, local cuisine is celebrated, creative inspiration is bountiful, and thespians are the coolest kids in town.

    Front of Angus Bowmer Theater, Ashland: Empty stage, ready for 'Beauty and the Beast.'

    Ashland, Oregon is more than just a touristy little town with a world-class repertory theater and a pretty park. It is a place where culture and memories run deep, creative inspiration is bountiful, local cuisine is celebrated, and Shakespeare reigns.

    Jump to:
    • Stroll: Lithia Park
    • Rejuvenate (or maybe not): Lithia Water
    • Discover: Downtown Ashland
    • Nosh: Greenleaf Restaurant
    • Flashy Photo-op: Guanajuato Mural
    • Fancy-Pants Eats: Larks
    • Out on the Town: Shakespeare & Beyond
    • Southern Oregon Travel

    I still remember the first play I attended in Ashland, many years ago in the Angus Bowmer Theater. It was “Our Town,” Thorton Wilder’s 1938 classic play-within-a-play, set in fictional Grover’s Corners around the turn of the 20th century. I went with my favorite aunt, who had been raised in a small town not unlike Grover’s Corners, adding yet another layer to Wilder’s theatrical onion and offering us abundant fodder for our post-theater conversation.

    That weekend, in addition to strolling the shops and lunching in Lithia Park, we attended Shakespeare’s “Taming of Shrew” and George Bernard Shaw’s “Major Barbara” as well. I recall the three days we spent in Ashland as some of my fondest times with my Auntie.

    Recently, I’ve had a number of opportunities to revisit Ashland, and while much has changed in the years between my first play and my most recent, much remains the same: the beautiful scenery, the vibrant arts scene, and above all, the cheerful, welcoming community.

    Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer stay, here's our list of must-do things to do in Ashland, Oregon.

    Stroll: Lithia Park

    "One touch of nature makes the whole world kin."
    – from Troilus and Cressida

    A young person sitting in the grass reading a book.

    With ninety-some acres of well-maintained paths, lush green lawns, two duck ponds, a Japanese garden, a formal rose garden, wide open spaces, tennis and badminton courts, and picnic areas, Lithia Park has something for everyone.

    Set in the center of Ashland adjacent to the theater area, this 125-year city park is daily from dawn until 11pm.

    People on the walking paths in Lithia Park.
    Stream running through park. Deciduous trees and large river rocks line the stream bed.
    Wooden foot bridge across the stream in Lithia Park.
    Stairs going up to a large fountain.
    The Butler-Perozzi Fountain in Lithia Park.
    Fountain with boy holding duck on top.

    If you are the sort of person who likes to have a plan, I suggest that you check out the Lithia Park Trail Guide online. Printed guides are also available for purchase at the following locations:

    • Ashland Parks & Recreation Office, The Grove, 1195 E. Main St.
    • Ashland Chamber of Commerce Kiosk, on the Plaza in Ashland
    • Ashland Chamber of Commerce Office, 110 E Main St
    Detail of fountain base.

    Rejuvenate (or maybe not): Lithia Water

    "Glory is like a circle on the water, which never ceaseth to enlarge itself, till, by broad spreading, it disperses to naught."
    – from Henry VI, Part 1

    In the early 1900s, the residents of Ashland discovered that their town sat smack next to a lithium-rich spring. At the time, lithium was being touted as a health tonic, and the city tried to capitalize on this trend by building a health spa. Soon however, plans were abandoned as the lithium fad faded.

    Lithia water fountain in downtown Ashland.

    You can try lithium water today at the downtown Plaza at the northern most tip of Lithia Park, where a multi-spout “Lithia Water” fountain still stands.

    Pro-Tip: Be forewarned – [in my opinion] Lithia Water tastes terrible, kind of like that egg salad you left in the fridge a couple too many days.

    Discover: Downtown Ashland

    "I like this place and could willingly waste my time in it."
    – from As You Like It

    Interior of yarn shop, with many colorful skeins in cubbies on wall.

    Downtown Ashland streets are lined with bright, cozy boutique shops offering a wide variety of goods, including home décor, artisan pottery, handcrafted jewelry and clothing, gourmet foods and wines, and art by both local and internationally recognized artists. Oh, and yarn. Lots and lots of beautiful yarn.

    Round woven baskets hanging on a wall.

    Nosh: Greenleaf Restaurant

    "Tis an ill cook that cannot lick his own fingers."
    – from Romeo & Juliet

    The Greenleaf Restaurant has offered delicious vegetarian, vegan, organic, gluten-free, & carnivore dining options on Ashland's Plaza for more than three decades. It's a great place to pick up a fresh, locally sourced salad or tasty sandwich.

    Everything on the menu is available to go, and if you ask them nicely, they will even pack you a marvelous picnic lunch to take to Lithia Park!

    Women standing in front of the Greenleaf restaurant.

    Flashy Photo-op: Guanajuato Mural

    "Live a little; comfort a little; cheer thyself a little."
    – from As You Like It

    Travel Oregon writers group, standing in front of a large, brightly painted wall mural.

    Dedicated in 2016, "Las Calles" ["The Streets"] was created to honor Ashland’s sister city of Guanajuato City, Guanajuato, Mexico.

    Located in downtown Ashland on the exterior side wall of Sesame Asian Kitchen restaurant facing Calle Guanajuanto, it represents a “kind of peace wall. A wall that connects two cultures, two cities, two nations.” (- Barry Thalen, mural patron)

    Maybe we need more murals.

    Marlynn [UrbanBlissLife.com] practices her cheer moves. She's still got it, baby!

    Sidelight: A mural depicting the highlights of Ashland was dedicated June, 2018 in Guanajuato, Mexico.

    Fancy-Pants Eats: Larks

    "Dost thou think, because thou are virtuous, there shall be no more cakes and ale?"
    – from Twelfth Night

    Front desk and lobby of the Ashland Springs Hotel.

    Surprisingly, Ashland is a little like the theater district in Manhattan, in that before showtime, restaurants fill up with well-heeled theater-goers out for a night on the town, and empty once the show doors begin to open.

    One of the most popular places in Ashland for a before-the-theater meal is Larks, located in the beautiful, historic Ashland Springs Hotel.

    Exterior of the Ashland Springs Hotel

    Larks offers diners a truly authentic Farm-to-Table experience. With seasonal ingredients delivered daily from local farms, Larks’ kitchen, under the direction of Executive Chef Franco Console, creates fresh, flavorful, innovative, regionally-inspired dishes that are the hallmark of fine Pacific Northwest cuisine.

    Lark's Restaurant; menu and images of food.

    One of Chef Franco’s guiding tenets is “know our farmers,” and he is passionate about creating a connection between his restaurant’s guests and local farmers, ranchers, distillers, and winemakers.

    Larks pork chop, plated with squash and greens.

    My halibut dinner at Larks was succulent and perfectly cooked. So good - I can't believe I ate the whole thing!

    Larks Restaurant {at Ashland Springs Hotel}
    212 East Main Street
    Ashland, OR 97520
    541.488.5558

    Martini in the fading light.

    Out on the Town: Shakespeare & Beyond

    I wonder if Angus Bowmer had a glimmer, when he put on Ashland's first three-day Shakespeare Festival back in 1935, of what his vision would become, and how it would someday shape everything – from pop culture to politics – for his town and far beyond.

    “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."
    – from Hamlet

    Visiting Ashland during Shakespeare Festival season and not seeing at least one play is like visiting Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. It simply isn't done. But don't worry if Shakespeare isn't your jam, because the Festival puts on a broad selection of productions - everything from classic, long-bearded tragedies to fresh, provocative comedies to political activist dramas, and everything in between. There is sure to be something on the lineup that will bring you to your feet.

    Allen Elizabethan Theater exterior

    With a season that now stretches from February to October, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is the largest repertory theater in the United States. Visit the OSF website for information about tickets and plays.

    Front of Angus Bowmer Theater, Ashland: Empty stage, ready for 'Beauty and the Beast.'

    Southern Oregon Travel

    Southern Oregon offers a broad variety of travel opportunities for travelers, from artisan chocolates and cheese to music festivals to wine country tours.

    • Interior of bedroom in McCully House. Carved bedpost in foreground.
      McCully House Inn (Jacksonville, Oregon)
    • Wine glasses with tasting pours lined up on a table.
      Applegate Valley Wine Trail (Southern Oregon)
    • Close-up of old train tracks with fall colors in the background.
      Where to Stay, Eat & Play in Jacksonville, Oregon
    • Rogue Creamery, Southern Oregon Artisan Corridor | The Good Hearted Woman
      Rogue Creamery & 24 Delectable Blue Cheese Recipes

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    My dinner at Larks and ticket to Beauty and the Beast were complimentary as part of a Travel Oregon press trip. As always, all opinions and images are my own. 

    Thank you for visiting the Good Hearted Woman. Remember to bookmark this site, and come back soon!

    More Pacific Northwest Travel, Hikes, Food & Events

    • Metal sculpture of a mermaid, resting on a bed of river rocks and holding a bottle of wine.
      Westport Winery Garden Resort & Mermaid Museum (Aberdeen, WA)
    • Newport Seafood & Wine Festival: 11 Tips to Know Before Your Go
    • Short, easy, family-friendly wildflower hike - Camassia Nature Preserve {West Linn, Oregon} | The Good Hearted Woman
      Camassia Nature Preserve: Wildflowers & Family-friendly Hiking
    • NW Handmade Instrument Exhibit, Marylhurst University 2018 | The Good Hearted Woman
      NW Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit
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    About Renée B.

    Renée is self-taught home chef with a penchant for creating healthy(ish) comfort food recipes, and adapting vintage recipes for the 21st century cook. In her spare time, she writes unfinished novels and songs about cowboys.

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    1. Edward says

      July 16, 2018 at 8:18 am

      Great photos. The fountain us what I really like the most. Oregin is truly a place that has alot to offer

      Reply
    2. Aashima says

      July 16, 2018 at 7:39 am

      Adorable pictures. Seems like a beautiful city to visit. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    3. Jessica Taylor says

      July 16, 2018 at 6:58 am

      Lithia park sounds amazing! I bet it is even more beautiful in person! I have never been to oregon before.

      Reply
    4. LavandaMichelle says

      July 15, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      What a wonderful post! I'd love to travel to Oregon some day. THanks for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
    5. Echo says

      July 15, 2018 at 8:45 am

      Oregon is definitely on my list and even though, it's a little touristy, I would totally spend a day in Ashland!

      Reply
    6. berlin | Momi berlin says

      July 15, 2018 at 2:05 am

      I haven't been to Oregon. I could see a very different place from ours. I could sense people there are disciplined enough to make their place clean and well-maintained.

      Reply
    7. Nadine Richardson says

      July 14, 2018 at 2:58 pm

      First of all your pictures are amazing! I can feel the charm pouring out from Ashland. This is the perfect spot for a relaxing family vacation. Thanks for all the tips. Ashland is definitely on my radar.

      Reply
    8. Harish says

      July 14, 2018 at 12:55 am

      That's a great read. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    9. Sondra Barker says

      July 13, 2018 at 6:33 pm

      I love how scenic Oregon is. I want to check this place out really bad.

      Reply
    10. LiveLoveAndAdventure says

      July 13, 2018 at 2:18 pm

      This looks like such an amazing little town! I've never been to Oregon but love exploring new places when I am out of town. Ashland sounds like quite the find and I love the photos of the stage area for the show! It's beautiful all lit up.

      Reply
    11. Terri Beavers says

      July 13, 2018 at 11:06 am

      I've never thought of traveling to Oregon before and now I'm wondering why. I didn't realize just how beautiful it is there. And I'm always a fan of places that have great food as well.

      Reply
    12. Natalie says

      July 13, 2018 at 10:36 am

      I would love to explore more of the US west coast! I've only been to Nevada and Arizona out west. Ashland sounds like a great getaway!

      Reply
    13. Erin @ Platings and Pairings says

      July 13, 2018 at 8:47 am

      Aww - What great memories! I can't believe that was almost a year ago!!! Absolutely loved everything about Ashland. Cannot wait to go back for a longer visit.

      Reply
    14. sara says

      July 13, 2018 at 7:13 am

      What a gorgeous town! This is going towards the top of my to see bucket list!

      Reply
    15. Charli Bruce says

      July 13, 2018 at 3:19 am

      I've never been to Oregon but it looks absolutely beautiful. Definitely a place I have to visit x

      Reply
    16. Olga Zak says

      July 13, 2018 at 3:01 am

      Wow it's really nice. It's sounds very nice. Lovely pictures. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    17. Emma Riley says

      July 12, 2018 at 10:09 pm

      I haven't been to Ashland, Oregon but with this post you've given us a very good glimpse of the place. Every place you've post is really awesome and stunning also the food looks yummy. Hope to visit this place in the near future.

      Reply
    18. Kitty's Life says

      July 12, 2018 at 9:32 pm

      Those pictures makes me want to go there... I really love to explore new places.. I would definitely mark this in my bucket list 🙂

      Reply
    19. Tara Pittman says

      July 12, 2018 at 3:06 pm

      I grew up in a town that did outdoor shows of Shakespeare. My best friends dad made a lot of the props.

      Reply
    20. What Corinne Did says

      July 12, 2018 at 1:42 pm

      Aww it looks like such a lovely place to go for a day! never been to oregon! Ashland sounds fantastic!

      Reply
    21. Amber Myers says

      July 12, 2018 at 12:47 pm

      What a cool area! I've never been to Oregon before. I hope to go though. I know it's gorgeous there!

      Reply
    22. Marlynn | Urban Bliss Life says

      July 12, 2018 at 11:35 am

      So many fun, fond memories of Ashland! It really is a lovely, relaxing place to visit. You've captured the spirit of Ashland so well!

      Reply
    23. doniree says

      July 12, 2018 at 9:54 am

      It's been YEARS since I've been there and now I really want to go back!

      Reply
    24. Jade Helm / Tasting Pour says

      July 12, 2018 at 8:27 am

      Truly one of Oregon's gems - especially for theatre nerds like me.

      Reply

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