Ashland’s excellent culinary scene tempts a sophisticated theater-going crowd. For French-style pastries and Stumptown coffee specialties, head to Mix Bakeshop on Ashland Plaza before a stroll in Lithia Park or shopping downtown. For a heartier breakfast, sit down for omelets or lemon-ricotta stuffed French toast at Morning Glory, a cafe that greets diners with colorful murals decorating a bright blue and yellow interior.

Casual lunch offerings abound, and the local favorite Greenleaf tempts with seating along a burbling creek, where visitors can enjoy the restaurant’s diverse menu. Try a healthy grilled tofu and veggie wrap, salmon chowder or a traditional Reuben sandwich.

For dinner and drinks before a show, diners can’t go wrong with a traditional Indonesian feast at Blue Toba, where Sumatra-born chef Birong Hutabarat serves dishes such as beef rendang curry and coconutty grilled chicken, accompanied by drinks infused with Indonesian flavors. A relative newcomer to town, Bar Juillet has fresh, creative vegetable-driven small plates and house-made pasta with plenty of Oregon wines to pair. For sashimi and whimsical creations like Japanese-style hotdogs, try NAMA, an izakaya that bills itself as “elevated surf and turf,” headed up by James Beard Award semifinalist chef Josh Dorcak.

Wine lovers will want to sample a tasting flight of natural wines at Good Juice Wine Shop in town, or take a day or more to indulge in exploring the historic Rogue and Applegate valley’s viticultural areas. With a warmer climate than Oregon’s northern wine regions, this AVA has an exciting mix of warm-weather varietals influenced by Spanish and Italian winemaking traditions, cheerfully served at family-owned tasting rooms.

To experience the Ashland of yesteryear, arrange a stay in one of the unique rooms at the century-old Ashland Springs Hotel, a gleaming white building in the center of town. The top floors of the nine-story landmark offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, and the public is welcome at its luxurious spa and farm-to-table restaurant, Larks. Even if travelers are unable to stay, a visit to the grand lobby—with its cozy fireplace, restored woodwork and wraparound mezzanine—is a must.

For a quiet stay within walking distance of the theaters, check out boutique Ashland Creek Inn, which has 10 creekside suites with private entrances and decks. Northwest of downtown is the 38-room Lithia Springs Resort, which sits atop lithium-enriched hot springs deep underground. Here, slightly sulphurous thermal water is piped directly into your room’s soaking tub. Don’t miss the Wine Garden tasting room, where the host offers glasses and flights for an excellent introduction to Rogue Valley’s local wineries and even more relaxation at the on-site spa.

 Kid- and pet-friendly Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites is a popular affordable option on the eastern outskirts of town. This updated motorlodge has 200 suites on a property spanning 14 acres, with an outdoor pool and pickleball court. Thoughtful touches from colorful retro-modern decor to complimentary loaner bikes add to the fun.

Plan A Trip: For inspiration, information and deals for your next trip, download the AAA Mobile app and find maps plus discounts on restaurants, lodgings, and more. AAA.com/mobile.