Ashland, Oregon, exudes a sense of laid backness and warmth. Perhaps it is the rich art scene here or the abundant natural spaces and sunshine that draws the crowds to Ashland. This city is often referred to as the cultural capital of Southern Oregon, which it certainly lives up to. After all, the city is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which has become an inseparable part of Ashland’s culture. Getting from point to point in Ashland is also easy, just walking or biking can get you through town. With such conveniences and this list of some of the best things to do in Ashland, Oregon, head out to discover this city where beautiful natural spaces and deep cultural history intertwine.
1. Admire the diverse art at Gambrel Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Gambrel Gallery is an art gallery and event space in a red barn in the Cascade and Siskiyou mountains. This gallery represents artists from Southern Oregon and California and features a working ceramics studio and wood shop. The gallery once featured Reminiscence by Anthony Adonis Lewis, showcasing life in the Caribbean. ‘No Mirrors in This House’ by resident artist Juan Miguel Santiago was also exhibited. If you’re fond of the arts, you may even purchase a piece to take home.
Gambrel Gallery
Address: 1980 E Main St, Ashland, OR 97520, United States
Website: Gambrel Gallery
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 2pm - 6pm (closed from Mon - Sat)
2. Go on an adventurous hike to Acid Castle Rocks
Acid Castle Rocks are large boulders on a hillside above Lithia Park. This spot is known as a popular spot to smoke and drink, but during the day, families with children do visit the place.
Do note that the 1-mi (1.61-km) hike is a bit steep. As the path is a little rough, there’s an option to walk through another trail down to the Acid Castles. If you’re adventurous, you can walk up Hitt Road, which leads you to the trail to the boulders.
Acid Castle Rocks
Address: Ashland, OR 97520, United States
Website: Acid Castle Rocks
3. Take your kids to ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum
As its name suggests, ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum is an interactive science museum where both children and adults can come to discover and learn more about the wonders of science through more than 1000 interactive exhibits. On top of that, visitors can wander in its outdoor garden and watch live science demonstrations, extending their learning beyond the classroom. To give students an avenue to learn and play together, ScienceWorks also offers educational programs for both students and teachers to be part of. There are also frequent workshops, lectures, birthday parties and camps held here.
ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum
Address: 1500 E Main St, Ashland, OR 97520, United States
Website: ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: 13 USD onwards
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4. Watch a play at Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Oregon Shakespeare Festival, a repertory theatre founded in 1935, puts up dozens of plays at its three theatres from late February to October every year. These theatres include the outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre and indoor Thomas Theatre and Angus Bowmer Theatre. With plays ranging from classic Shakespearean plays to contemporary pieces, you will be spoilt for choice! Simply grab a ticket, and let the actors, musicians and plot enthralyou.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Address: 15 S Pioneer St, Ashland, OR 97520, United S
Website: Oregon Shakespeare Festival
5. Go for a hike at Oredson Todd Woods
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
For a breath of fresh air and a place to stretch your legs, head down to Oredson Todd Woods, a dog-friendly park where the public can hike and bike on its many trails. Together with the adjoining Siskiyou Mountain Park, these two areas make up about 271 acres (109.7 hectares) in total and contain more than 7 miles (11.3 kilometres) of public trails. The park’s digital map can be found online, where it highlights the two main trails - the popular White Rabbit Trail and Mike Uhtoff trail. Along the way, look out for the forested canyons, waterfalls and the lush greenery all around. There is also sure to be plenty of photogenic spots, so do remember to bring your cameras!
Oredson Todd Woods
Address: Ashland, OR 97520, United States
Website: Oredson Todd Woods
6. Challenge your IQ at The Scottish Play
Located just a short walk from the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is Escape Ashland. “The Scottish Play” is a themed escape room designed based on the play “The Scottish Play” by William Shakespeare. The game can accommodate two to six people, making it a perfect stimulating and exhilarating group activity. As you try to beat the clock to find clues and solve a series of puzzles within a fixed time limit, have a blast working together as a team while learning more about the mystery of “the play that shall not be named"
Escape Ashland - "The Scottish Play"
Address: 509 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, Oregon 97520
Website: Escape Ashland - “The Scottish Play”
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 7pm
Price: 40 USD onwards
7. Participate in a host of activities at North Mountain Park
If you are looking for open spaces and trails for hiking and bird watching, the family-friendly North Mountain Park is one place that you can consider. Coming to the park, there are plenty of facilities to keep you occupied. Have friendly matches and games at the three soccer fields, two softball fields and two baseball fields or spend your time at the playground. If you are looking for something more laid-back, you can make your way to the covered picnic area (the pavilion can be rented for one-time events) and nature centre. At the nature centre, you can sign up for programs and workshops. Workshops are held in this building too. Next to the park is Bear Creek and Beach Creek, where hiking trails are.
North Mountain Park
Address: 620 N Mountain Ave, Ashland, OR 97520, United States
Website: North Mountain Park
8. Witness the wine-making process at Grizzly Peak Winery
Here at the family-run Grizzly Peak Winery, you will find carefully tend vineyards. These vineyards are the main source of grapes that are used in making the locally produced wine. To taste some of this award-winning wine, head to Grizzly Peak Winery’s tasting room. Besides, the scenic grounds of the winery also make it a great location to have a picnic and enjoy a warm summer night or host special occasions like weddings and festivals. The calm atmosphere of the winery grounds is sure to put you at ease.
Grizzly Peak Winery
Address: 1600 E. Nevada St. Ashland, OR 97520
Website: Grizzly Peak Winery
Opening hours: Apr - Oct: Thu - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed); Nov - Mar: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 4pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
9. Appreciate visual arts at Schneider Museum of Art
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Open all year round, Schneider Museum of Art welcomes visitors from both academic and the general community. Seeking to educate and engage the community in the visual arts. There is a free museum tour held every Tuesday at 12:30 pm. The museum’s permanent collection is primarily focused on works of contemporary artists of the twentieth century. On top of this, do check on the museum’s website for the latest exhibitions on display. With guides and thought-provoking pieces here, go beyond understanding the meaning and rationale of the art displayed here at Schneider Museum of Art.
Schneider Museum of Art
Address: 555 Indiana Street Ashland, OR 97520
Website: Schneider Museum of Art
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
10. Witness glass making at Gathering Glass Studio
Along with his wife Stacy Gabor, Keith Gabor’s long career of glassblowing has led him to set up his own glassblowing studio in 2006. Coming to this studio, you can get to catch live glassblowing demonstrations, take a class and even go home with a purchase of delicate glass art from the gallery of Gabor’s works. Take this chance to discover the fascinating art of glassblowing and the delicate techniques required to make such exquisite pieces.
Gathering Glass Studio
Address: 322 N. Pioneer Street (at the corner of “A” Street) Ashland, OR 97520
Website: Gathering Glass Studio
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 2pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
11. Relax and unwind at the stunning Lithia Park
In the midst of the bustling Ashland downtown sits the stunning Lithia Park, a tranquil park of about 100 acres (40.5 hectares) with lush flora and fauna. The park features Lower Duck Pond, Lithia Rose Garden, Butler-Perozzi Fountain, Japanese Garden, hiking trails and many more. If you are at a loss as in where to start, you can join free guided tours around the park by volunteers for at least 3 days a week at 10 am. As the largest and most central park of Ashland, it also consists of recreational facilities, including a playground, a sand volleyball court, an ice-skating rink, tennis and pickleball courts and plenty of resting spots all around. It is no wonder that in 2014, Lithia Park was designated as one of the top 10 Great American Spaces by the American Planning Association.
Lithia Park
Address: Winburn Way, Ashland, OR 97520, United States
Website: Lithia Park
Opening hours: 5am - 11:30pm (daily)
12. Indulge in winter sports at Mt. Ashland Ski Area
Head down to the Siskiyou Mountain range where Mt. Ashland Ski Area is located. With a peak elevation of 7,533 feet (2,296 meters), get ready to spend an exhilarating day up in the mountains. The slopes are suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers and rider, though that does not mean that beginners will not be welcomed. In fact, there are multiple instructors and lessons available that can introduce and guide beginners on the basics of skiing or riding. Additionally, a wide selection of skis and snowboards are also made available for rent.
Mt. Ashland Ski Area
Address: 11 Mt. Ashland Ski Rd Ashland, OR 97520
Website: Mt. Ashland Ski Area
Experience the beauty of the four seasons
With a mild climate and four seasons, part of Ashland’s charm is the ever-changing natural scenery that it is filled with. Each season comes with different activities to engage in, be it skiing in winter, admiring the changing colours of the trees or the ripening of grapes at the many vineyards and brewery. Wait no further - be there to experience a part of this seamless cycle.
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