A lot has changed since 2019 so my old approach to dining updates simply is no longer relevant. Look for a brand new approach in 2023. In the meantime, enjoy some photos of a few currently available options.
ABC Insights
I had some great food in Seattle, and some not as great. Sharp’s Roasthouse — Multiple dinners here did not disappoint. Smoked meats and microbrews on tap are their specialty, but I’ve also had excellent entree salads. A short walk/drive from the Hilton. Spencer’s — It’s conveniently located in the […]
Dining update 2021 — Seattle edition
Changes: Morning Glory is now under new ownership. They have kept the previous cooks and recipes, although operations are scaled down due to Covid restrictions. Sesame is rebranded as Skout Taphouse and Provisions. Same owners, new cuisine & decor. Many new restaurants have opened during the pandemic. Takeout is now […]
Dining update 2021 — Ashland edition
On September 8, 2020 the Almeda Fire/Glendower Fire started in north Ashland near the wastewater treatment facility and was carried by strong winds along the corridor through Talent, Phoenix, and on to the south end of Medford. Hundreds of homes and many businesses were destroyed, agricultural land was damaged, and […]
Fire update 2020
This was the planned update I was working on when Covid hit. Between the cancellation of tourist season beginning in March and the wildfire in September a lot more has changed, and I hope to post more comprehensive updates as the situation evolves. My heart is with the people and […]
Dining update 2020
Karaoke Oberon’s Thursday 9:00 – midnight Wild Goose Bar Friday & Saturday Open Mic/Open Session Aqua Open Mic Wednesday 8:00 – 10:00 Black Sheep Celtic Music Open Session Sun 2:00 Black Sheep Open Mic or Poetry Slam Tuesday Oberon’s Open Mic Monday 9:00 – 11:00 Wild Goose Bar Open Mic Sunday […]
Entertainment options: small venues
If you’re a regular viewer of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, you’ve already seen episodes over the last few months featuring Sammich, Blue Toba, and Agave, a few of my favorite Ashand eateries. Openings: Aqua in old Caldera Taphouse Masala Bistro 285 A Street in old Playwright Public House Sakana Co. 145 E. […]
Dining Update 2019
Oregon is a wine lover’s paradise. The Willamette Valley wineries may grab most of the headlines, but southern Oregon’s where it all began. Tasting rooms abound throughout the Rogue and Applegate Valleys, so enophiles can always find one nearby. ABCers, feel free to share your experiences or recommendations in the comments. Ashland Chamber […]
Wine lovers rejoice
Ashland is filled with parks large and small. Some are kid friendly, some are dog friendly, and some have trails for walking, biking, hiking, or horseback riding. Wherever you go, you’re within a few blocks of a park (PDF maps of parks & trails available from Ashland Parks & Rec). Along with […]
A walk in the parks
Some of my favorite Ashland restaurants were filmed for segments on Triple-D this week. Guy and crew were spotted at Sammich, Blue Toba, and Agave. Need some new Mediterranean quick-food options in Ashland? This is your lucky year. Closings: Milagros Puck’s (Ashland location closed, Phoenix location is still open) Caldera […]
Dining update 2018
You may have gone on the Crescent City/Redwoods excursion on the ABC day off, but did you know you could also visit the beautiful southern Oregon coast and still experience the majesty of Stout Grove en route? That’s what I did over spring break. I began by heading north on […]
Self-guided tours (part 2)
Many changes have taken place on the Ashland foodie scene since last summer. Closings: Swing Tree Wylie’s Trattoria Home State BBQ Openings: Sweet Beet Station (in downtown Talent) owned and operated by Awna Zegzdryn Hiro Ramen Hearsay Plancha Ostras Tapas in old Salame location Little Tokyo Waffle Barn Ex Nihilo […]
Dining update 2017
Nearly 100 dining options in Ashland. There doesn’t seem to be much turnover since last summer. Most of the changes seem to be remodels, menu updates, and new staff. Closures since last year: Pita Pit downtown location Kelly’s Crepes appears not to have reopened after closing for the winter. I […]
Dining update 2016
Still over 90 dining options in Ashland. Explore them all or revisit your favorites. Do yourself a favor, though, and skip the national chains. You’ll thank me. Closures since last year: The Beanery Blue Greek on Granite Dragonfly Giseppi’s Pizza Mystic Treats Starbucks location next to SOU campus (downtown is […]
Dining update 2015
See my dining update from last year for recommended apps and websites to help you choose among the 90+ dining options in Ashland. Closures since last year: The Cupcake Daily (both the Ashland and Talent stores, pending possible sale) Boulton & Son Alex’s Happy Falafel Openings since last year: Salame […]
Dining update 2014
I use my iPhone all the time when I’m in Ashland. I have apps that help me as an ABC staff member, a musician, and a tourist. Here are some favorites. At ABC and WIBC I’m constantly running standard iOS apps like Calendar (with all my clinic and rehearsal details, […]
Awesome apps for Ashland
As always, Anna Eats Ashland (blog and Facebook page) is a great resource for the latest scoops. Foodspotting is my favorite foodie app, ideal in a food oasis like Ashland with 90+ restaurant options. Other apps I find helpful are Urbanspoon (which has a periscope view to show me what’s […]
Dining update 2013
Whether you’re traveling within Oregon or driving cross country to get here, unfamiliar roads and driving conditions might present you with unexpected challenges. The drive from Ashland to Crater Lake is sure to include snow from October to July. A couple of years ago I-5 was briefly closed north of […]
Safe travels
I’m experimenting with using Google Maps to build some self-guided tours for ABCers. Tour routes may take you out of cell service for a portion of the trip, so be sure to save all needed info to your mobile device or print out before departure. Flagship to Crater Lake waterfall […]
Self-guided tours (part 1)
ABCers often get together for outings before, after, or on their break in the middle of ABC. Many fine local companies provide tour guide services and transportation to local wineries and outdoor recreation options. I have to give a special shout out to two of them, though, because they have […]
Wining, dining, and whitewater
Our Medford performance venue—named for both the only National Park in the region and a long-time Rogue Valley resident—the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater hosts local productions and national tours year round. Historic Jacksonville is home to the Britt Festival. Throughout the summer world class musicians from all genres perform at […]
Entertainment options: DCI & concert venues
If your taste in food runs on the trendier side, Ashland has plenty to offer. Just a block from the Flagship, Morning Glory is a favorite breakfast spot for ABC staffers and clinicians, with treats like the smoked salmon scramble, sourdough blueberry pancakes with lemon butter (pictured above), or lemon […]
Ashland taste trends
There’s nothing quite like the classic tastes of Ashland. The town’s personality shines through in the food you find off the beaten path. Wiley’s World Pasta Shoppe & Eatery is the quintessential Ashland restaurant. Small and personal, they feature fresh organic house-made pastas, sauces, and a red onion-poppy seed salad […]
A taste of Ashland
Whether your interest in the outdoors centers around sports and recreation, history, photo ops, or just relaxing on a scenic drive, you’ll find something to love in or around Ashland. Today I’ll feature a few favorites. In Ashland you’ll find Lithia Park, a favorite downtown spot for both tourists and […]
Natural beauty
While you’re in Ashland, why not treat yourself to a night off from studying? Or send your family to a show while you’re in class? The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, located in downtown Ashland, is a Tony Award winning regional professional repertory company with a season running from February to November. […]
Entertainment options: cinema and live theatre
With the transition from SOU to SHSU, housing for ABC shifted to local motels. The down side? Because students aren’t all residing in one complex, they no longer have access to study lounges and the dorm lobby for study groups. The up side? They can now study poolside, in picnic […]