A Weekend Getaway to Ashland, OR: Fun for the whole family
Located just 14 miles from California and home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland is a small town nestled in the Bear Creek valley. The similarities between Portland and Ashland are numerous, making it an enjoyable getaway from the City of Roses. Both are border cities along I-5, both are centers of arts and culture in their regions, and both have unbeatable access to natural beauty. Below are my suggestions to get you started planning your next family trip to Southern Oregon!
The Lay of the Land
Rising tall to the west of town are the heavily forested and rugged Siskiyou Mountains and to the east the Cascades. Bear Creek, slowly flowing from Emigrant Lake south of town, runs through Ashland into the Rogue River. It should take you approximately 5 hours to drive here from Portland.
Where to Stay
Given the thousands of tourists that come through the region during the summer months, Ashland has no shortage of lodging options from AirBnB to hotels to bed and breakfasts. The historic and beautiful Ashland Springs Hotel is the tallest building in town, recognizable from I-5, and the Stratford Inn is a family friendly option with a pool. There are more hotels located near the freeway exits.
Where to Eat
- Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market: Farm-fresh produce and wares on Saturdays, 8:30-1:30 pm at Oak St downtown.
- Deux Chats: Tantalizingly authentic French pastries and bread. Only open Fridays and Saturdays at 222 A Street.
- Morning Glory: Delicious breakfast at 1149 Siskiyou Blvd.
- Ruby’s and Gil’s: Neighboring shops serving burritos, sandwiches, salads, bowls, smoothies and beer all day on N. Pioneer St.
- Zoey’s Café: Ice cream and other edibles at 199 E Main St.
- Mix Bakeshop: Get your afternoon Stumptown fix and unbeatable pastries on the Plaza at 57 N Main St.
- Standing Stone Brewing Company: Local brews and food from a nearby farm at 101 Oak St.
- Ashland Food Co-op: There is something for everyone here at 237 N First St.
Where to Play
- Garfield Park: Volleyball, open grassy fields, and WaterPlay facility on the corner of East Main and Garfield Streets.
- Lithia Park: 93 acres of forested canyonland along Ashland Creek. Hike, play in the creek, explore the Japanese Garden, and enjoy the children’s playground. Located just beyond the Plaza downtown.
- Emigrant Lake: Swim in this large manmade reservoir, play in the Waterslide Park, picnic, and even camp! Located 6 miles south of Ashland along Hwy 66.
- Daniel Meyer Pool: Open swim is only about $3 per person. Located at 1705 Homes Ave, near Walker Ave on the south end of town.
- Step inside and read a good book at Bloomsbury Books (290 E Main St), Treehouse Books (15 N Main St on the Plaza), the Book Exchange (90 N Pioneer St), or the Ashland Library Kids Room (410 Siskiyou Blvd).
Where to Explore
- ScienceWorks: Rotating and permanent science exhibits offer fun indoor activities for the whole family. $8-$10 admission located at 1500 E Main St.
- NW Nature Shop: Get the low down on local hikes and natural history here. It is also a great place to pop in and browse on hot afternoons. Located at 154 Oak St.
- Family friendly hikes include Table Rocks near Medford, Grizzly Peak east of Ashland off Hwy 66, and Pilot Rock near Mt. Ashland south of town off I-5.
- The Bear Creek Greenway: Extending 20 miles north of Ashland, this is a wonderful paved trail along Bear Creek ideal for biking and walking. It starts at the Ashland Dog Park off Nevada St. and Alameda Dr. east of downtown.
- The Green Show: Free music and other performing arts six days a week at 6:45 pm. Occurring before The Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s evening shows at the Festival’s courtyard located on N Pioneer St.
