When I'm Coming Home

February 16, 2012

JJ - Digital Media Manager - Ashland, Oregon

The place I always eat:

Ashland, Oregon has some of the most unique restaurants in the Northwest and the small, vibrant town has gourmet selections from numerous cultural cuisines. Every time I have the chance to score some time in my hometown the two restaurants I always take a bite off are Cucina Biazzi and Thai Pepper.

Cucina Biazzi is a cozy restaurant located at 568 E. Main Street and the menu includes some amazing Tuscan based Italian dishes and a terrific wine selection. Each time I have eaten at Cucina Biazzi the atmosphere, service, food presentation, and taste are all top-notch and never disappoint. The restaurant is a constant hit for both locals and tourists year round.

Thai Pepper is my second favorite place to eat when back in Ashland. The chef, Billy Harto, purchased the restaurant back in 1991 and has done an amazing job at expanding both the restaurant/bar space as well as expanding the Thai cuisine menu. The restaurant is located just steps away from Ashland’s Historic Plaza, and sits beautifully next to Lithia Creek. The service is always great, and when there you must try the Indonesian Grilled Lamb or their signature Pad Thai.

Where to stay for the night:

While most people when visiting Ashland stay at the historic Ashland Springs Hotel, I highly recommend the quirky and original Palm Motel. This eco-friendly Inn is located across from Southern Oregon University, and offers guests award winning gardens, newly remodeled pool and cabanas, as well as an array of luxury rooms. The Palm is perfect for visitors who want to have a unique and cultural experience in such a unique town.

The one place I take everyone:

Whenever I have guests come visit me in Ashland I make sure to bring them to the Railroad District. The district is off the beaten path of the more crowded Main Street and Plaza area of town, and a slew of new restaurants and shops have been opening all over this fun area. I always stop by Noble Coffee Roasting, check out Ashland’s terrific Food Co-op, then make sure to catch one of the legendary Southern Oregon sunsets while sitting on abandoned train carts on the railroad tracks. The district is a great way to spend the afternoon/evening before heading back up to Main Street and beginning the bar hops at night!

The best local product:

If you are a beer lover, then Ashland definitely has local breweries that will quench your thirst. Both The Standing Stone Brewing Company and the Caldera Brewing Company are local breweries that provide quality seasonal beers, and must be checked out when in town. Standing Stone Brewing Company is located at 101 Oak Street and has been a local favorite for many years, and constantly has a quality selection of seasonal beers. Caldera Brewing has a new popular tap house on Walter Street and is currently in the middle of a huge expansion that will include a state of the art 28,000 square foot brewery at the end of Clover Lane, which will provide locals and visitors even more selections of their popular ales and lagers. Both companies’ popular brews always have stellar quality and great taste, and will have a selection that will impress any avid beer lover.

The 2nd best kept secret:

Southern Oregon is nationally known for the copious amount of outdoor activities, and Ashland never disappoints visitors when it comes to the great outdoors. Many people however are not aware of Ashland’s Watershed Recreation Area. The Watershed provides guests with numerous hiking and biking trails that take visitors through lush forests, numerous creeks, the reservoir, and access all the way to the base of Mt. Ashland in the summer months. The outdoor area is a great way to spend a beautiful day and experience some true Southern Oregon natural beauty.

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