Oregon is a great playground with its towering mountains, thick forests, rapid-running rivers and picturesque valleys. We recently explored the Rogue Valley in the southern part of the state and discovered a burgeoning food and wine scene in and around Ashland. Not what you find in Portland, but nonetheless, intense culinary and artisanal talents.
STAY
The Ashland Springs Hotel dates from 1925 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was originally named the Lithia Springs Hotel – a nod to the nearby springs of the same name. The spacious two-story lobby includes a stone fireplace, original terrazzo floor and oversized seating. The second floor balcony provides a bird’s eye view of the scene below. The intimate rooms have modern amenities (including a lavender bath sachet) with knock out views across downtown and the valley.
The Lithia Springs Resort, three miles from the center of town, is a verdant property with swimming pool and Jacuzzi spread over four lush acres of gardens. Set atop rich mineral springs, the entire resort uses the purified water, including in the soaking tubs to relax and detoxify.
PLAY
Lithia Park plays a prominent role in town as does Ashland Creek which runs through it. Restaurant patios line the creek's meandering banks and lead to boutiques and antique shops on historic Main Street. The Lithia Artisans Market sets up creek side on weekends from April – November.
DRINK
The historic railroad district is an up and coming neighborhood just a few short blocks from the center of town. Its refurbished industrial buildings are a magnet for commerce -- including Noble Coffee, a haven for locals. A stop here is essential to any Ashland visit. A husband and wife team are the passionate owners who roast the beans and maintain direct relationships with the worldwide growers. Thousands of pounds of organic, sustainable beans are purchased and roasted annually. Taste the difference in every cup.
Grizzly Peak Winery is about five minutes outside of town in the shadows of the towering peak of the same name. Enjoy fabulous vistas across their 40 acres as you sample prized estate wines like these 2012s: Rumor (46% Roussane/45%Marsanne/9% Chardonnay), Cabernet Franc and Syrah.
EAT
Pangea is a great lunch place serving gluten-free and vegan creations. Tasty wraps like the Indian spiced chicken curry and the 5 Spice Delight with grilled chicken and Asian slaw pair well with a Rogue Dead Guy ale.
Enter Kobe and become ensconced in its serene environment below street level near the banks of Lithia Creek. An oasis for serious Japanese cuisine, Chef Kenji will orchestrate a array of luscious dishes. The house Sakétini, Yuki No Bosha saké shaken with Kissui rice vodka served up, is perfect with the succulent Hamachi Kama (yellowtail collar).
The precisely prepared dishes keep coming: Yellowtail ceviche, nigiri sushi with albacore and British Columba Chinook salmon and house cured mackerel with freshly grated ginger. The cuisine is complemented by saké -- such as Juroushi “Black Bull” Omachi and Shinsei Junmai Daiginjo “Brewmaster’s Passion."
Thai Pepper offers restaurant seating that is either creek side or at the street level satay bar where we sat. We sampled chicken, pork, lamb and fish satays served with unique sauces like lemongrass shrimp. From the small plates, we tried the lemongrass vegetable stir fry, Thai style beef sliders with caramelized onions and crispy prawns with a sweet chili sauce.
