Since we visited the Oregon coast three years ago we have dreamt of returning to explore more of what has become one of our favorite states. Ashland has long been a city on our must-see list, with several friends agreeing that it was a special place. Knowing that our RV buddies Laurel and Eric (Raven and Chickadee) were there when we arrived made it that much sweeter.
Once we settled into our site at Emigrant Lake Recreation Area, my first request was a visit to urgent care to ensure that Terry’s shortness of breath and near constant pain was nothing more than bruised ribs from an earlier fall. Thankfully that was the diagnosis so now we could move on to having some fun, albeit at a slower pace for a while. A lovely dinner that evening at Laurel and Eric’s home set the tone for a very relaxing week.
Although unexpected circumstances like bruised ribs and unseasonably hot weather that settled in later in the week changed our plans, as in no hiking or biking for several days, slowing things down a bit allowed us to become the typical tourists and enjoy some quality time with friends.
Laurel and Eric were gracious hosts to their home city, taking us on a lovely hike through Lithia Park, a beautiful city park that I would love to revisit in the fall when the maple trees are at their peak colors. Laurel also shared some of her longtime girlfriends with me, inviting me to a day of arts and crafts where I took away some colorful artwork to brighten up our little Fox.
First Friday found Terry and I wandering the downtown streets to explore interesting galleries, talk to the artists, and listen to the joyful music of Zimbabwe performed by Sonic Kaleidoscope…great fun! We enjoyed dinner and drinks at the Standing Stone Brewery, where Steel Cut Stout won for favorite brew.
We returned to downtown Ashland several more times, visiting the Saturday farmers’ market, the artisans’ market, and the Ashland Co-op. From the quaint coffee shops we visited in the Historic Railroad District, to the farmers’ market, the artisans’ market, and the wonderful Ashland Co-op, the welcoming nature of the locals confirmed our belief that there was something special about this lovely city. And the folks at Mix make some darn fine gelato. I loved the chocolate truffle and Terry the salted caramel but we both agreed that mixing the two was heaven in a cup!
Ashland may be best known for its Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which runs nine months of the year. We hoped for last minute tickets for the show Pericles, which we were told was a must-see, but unfortunately there were none to be had. What we enjoyed instead was a free performance at the Green Show, the last performance of the season by Sonic Kaleidoscope. It was a joy to watch these talented grade school and high school kids playing the marimba for their final performance of the season. The only downside was the temperature was hovering around 100°. One last stop to sample a flight at Caldera Brewery seemed to be what was needed to slake our thirst on a hot Ashland day. The Pilot Rock Porter seemed to win the taste-test for both of us.
The best part of our week, the gift that fed both body and soul, was enjoying a lovely dinner our last night in Ashland with Laurel and Eric, at friends Ted and Katherine’s home. We had met Ted and Kath at Anza Borrego this past winter and they are delightful.
Their fabulous home has breathtakingly expansive views, beautiful gardens, a lovely little vineyard, and some of the most spectacular sunset views right off the deck. Their generosity was so heartwarming, making our time in Ashland special indeed.
Paint Your Landscape 
What a bonus that you got to enjoy this area with Laurel and Eric! Sure glad Terry just had a bruised rib and nothing else. We love Ashland! So want to return!
Nina
It certainly was a bonus Nina. We hope to visit Ashland again when the weather is kinder, perhaps in the fall.
Emigrant Lake looks like a great place to kayak, LuAnn! Very pretty.
Jim
We agree with you Jim.
We loved having you guys here for a visit. I’m just sorry that our plans for showing you around town were cut short by my crazy allergic reaction to antibiotics. Haha, my insane rash doesn’t show up too badly in that photo!! :-((( You did a wonderful job of discovering many of the delights of our hometown. I’m looking forward to another visit together in Ashland when all of us are healthy and we aren’t having an unseasonable heat wave!
We loved Ashland, even with all the unexpected happenings. I’m just glad that your hives are now under control. See you again soon!
Sounds like you went from cold and wet to the extreme of hot and dry. No spring for the Oburns, but it appears you had a very enjoyable time in Ashland regardless of the heat. I’ve heard great things about the place. Sure hope Terry is feeling much better and you’re back to some back country exploring soon 🙂
Thanks Ingrid! Ashland is wonderful and we are back to hiking and even some spring-like weather. 🙂
Beautiful Ashland, beautiful people. 🙂
Yes indeed Amy! 🙂
Oddly enough even the coast is experiencing some unusual warmth for this time of year. Things are starting to dry up ahead of schedule with the drought settling in. It was before my time with hubby, but he helped with building the venue for the Shakespeare theater back in the 60s or 70s? He used to reminisce about it quite a bit. Then again he was in the midst of having something to do with Lithia park and the restoration of the old hotel in Jacksonville.
I had read that this part of the country is due for unseasonably warm heat this summer. 😦 Our friend Eric worked in Lithia Park and also was responsible for many of the beautiful trees planted there. It is a lovely city park.
Beautiful, like minded people getting together at beautiful Ashland. Never been to Ashland and between you and Laurel showing us how cool the town us, we might just drop by.
The picture showed Terry is looking great.
I think you two would enjoy Ashland. Terry is now mended and back to the trails. 🙂
What a beautiful stay! We love Ashland and have considered it one of our possible landing sites. Lithia Park in October is gorgeous!
We too love Ashland and could see us putting down roots some day. All the locals are so warm and inviting.
How great that Laurel and Eric were still in Ashland for your visit. That made your time there very special:) I’m sure you’re glad you’ll be joining them for a month for your workamping. Looks like a super place to spend time. We need to get back to Oregon and make a visit to Ashland.
So glad you got Terry checked out. Sure hope those ribs heal up soon. Take care, Terry!
Boy, these high temps aren’t any fun. We are having 90’s in Kansas and thank goodness the humidity isn’t oppressive yet, but it is much higher than the west. We haven’t seen condensation on things from the frig in a very long time.
We felt very fortunate to have Laurel and Eric around when we visited Ashland. It is a super place to visit. We would love to go back in the fall and check out some of the hiking trails and Lithia Park when the Japanese maples are dressed in golds and reds.
I’d love to visit there
It is quite lovely Bulldog. Hope all is well with you and Linda.
All’s good, just very busy
Very good.
I’m so glad you guys were able to spend some quality time in Ashland, LuAnn. It is all that you’ve written. A wonderful city and community, loaded to the brim with beauty and creativity. So glad Terry’s recovering from his mishap. Did you receive my response to your email awhile back? I didn’t hear back from you so wasn’t sure. Keep enjoying yourselves, all my very best, with lots of hugs too!
We did really enjoy Ashland Penny. Terry is just about fully recovered now and back to the trails and biking. No, I did not receive you email response? I would have most certainly answered. Hope all is well. Remind me again where you and Christina live please.
Hi, thats weird that you never received it, I sent it the same day I received yours, LuAnn. I just assumed you were busy. We live in the SW corner of Washington in Richland. One of 3 small cities aka Tri-cities, WA.
That is weird but it has happened with my email before. I am going to look at our travel plans again and see if we will be anywhere close to Richland. I will let you know. Hope you and your family are all doing well.
Oops, I meant SE corner of Washington, duh… I was thinking East and wrote West. 😕
Looks so beautiful LuAnn!
It’s a great city Nicole. We would love to go back in the fall.
I would really love to explore Oregon. The world is such a big place! 🙂
Oregon is so beautiful!
Another place to add to the list LuAnn!
We definitely need to visit Ashland one of these days. Sounds like you found some good beer!
Glad Terry’s ribs have mended.
The beer wasn’t as good as what you recommended, but not bad. We found better at our next stop…Bend. How is Jim’s back doing? Miss you two!
Shame you couldn’t get to see Pericles but free stuff is always fun as well. it sounds like you had a great time and I see you are getting closer to a certain blog family whom I have had the pleasure of acquainting myself in the best possible ways with.
Yes, it would have been wonderful to see Pericles. We talked to several who had and said it was the best play they had seen. And yes, I feel myself moving closer each day. 🙂
How I envy you that!
Wish you were here.
Ditto! I would be bouncing off the wall were I to be there.
I pray that you find a way to get to Washington soon.
When I do you will know first…well second.
🙂
Beautiful landscapes LuAnn and nice pic of the girls! Best to Terry and his ribs. Hope he’s breathing more easily now.
Thanks Carol! Terry is now fully recovered. I hope your healing is coming along quite well.
Glad to hear it, LuAnn. My therapy is a bear but I’m typing with nine fingers now!
Glad to hear!
A different tone from your usual spots but it seems like Ashland is perfect for that pace and atmosphere. IT seems you still managed to have see some nature eye candies, and fun with friends. Kids performing for the locals, The Sonic Kaleidoscope sounds intriguing.
Sonic Kaleidoscope was terrific, a very talented group of young kids.
Wow, your pictures are awesome. Yes, Oregon is always worth to get back there and explore more. I would do the same. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure and thanks for stopping by!
It looks like Tuscany, Italy. Gorgeous photos. Glad to hear all is back to normal for your hubby!
That house did remind me of Tuscany. Hubby is now back to his normal feistiness. 🙂
Sounds like Ashland is a place that stimulates all the senses. I enjoyed reading about it, LuAnn.
Thanks Lisa!
I’m glad it was nothing but an injury. And I’m glad you had fun in Ashland, a unique town in Oregon for sure!
Ashland is a lovely Oregon town, one of many in this state. Hubby is now fully mended.