A Spring Walk in Lithia Park

You should see the way my husband rolls his eyes when I tell him I want to go to Lithia Park and take pictures of the flowers. Can you think of a better way to spend a beautiful spring day? Want to know the trick? Promise him lunch at Louie’s of Ashland.

If you have never been to Ashland, this is a quirky and charming little town about 15 miles from the California border. It is the world-famous home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, but there is plenty more to show you. It is a college town, a hippie town, and a cultural hot spot ranked in the top ten of “The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America.”

We parked by the playground/wading area to walk down towards the restaurant. There was an artisan fair I was tempted to explore, but I think hubby was focused on food. Check out the beautiful scenery just walking down the sidewalk next to Lithia Park.

LOUIE’S OF ASHLAND

Our first stop today was at Louie’s where we sat out on the patio creek side. This little American Dipper kept us company while we waited for our food. It is so nice to sit outside enjoying nature and listening to the creek. This place a local favorite with a cozy bar area inside and the comfortable patio outside.

The staff is obviously well-trained in providing the very finest customer service available. I ordered a plate of hot wings, though mine were mild. They were excellent for me with the perfect amount of spice. Marty had a hamburger that looked mighty tasty, and it was too big for him to finish the whole thing. It came with some fresh potato wedges. At the end of the meal, we were relaxed in the fresh air, content, and completely stuffed with good food. It was time to walk off some calories.

LITHIA PARK

Once our stomachs were full, it was time to walk off some calories at Lithia Park. Lithia Park has been around since 1892 and covers 93 acres of forest that hugs Ashland Creek. As you mosey up the saw dusted trails you will find lots of grassy areas, two duck ponds, a rose garden, and a grove of sycamore trees. The Japanese Garden is under construction getting improvements so we will have to show you that one later.

One of my favorite areas of the park is the duck pond. The mossy waterfall drops into the pond which is always full of ducks eating, preening, or catching a nap. There are concrete benches situation around the water so you can sit and chill. It is one of my favorite places to sit and write.

I love the old fountain but I did not catch a picture so I will have to show you that next time. There is also a band shell where they have concerts in the warm weather and some tennis courts too. The best way to enjoy the park is in your bare feet, connecting with Mother Earth, or sitting in the soft grass watching the world wander slowly by.

If you find a quiet enough area, you will see a wide variety of birds wandering among the bushes, squirrels looking for food or playing, and even a family of grazing deer. This place is the perfect spot to gain some serenity when the world starts moving way too fast.

Ashland is a fun vacation destination that is not well known to the rest of the country. Besides Lithia Park and the Shakespeare Festival, you will also find Emigrant Lake, Mount Ashland Ski Area, and lots of other hidden gems, so we have lots to tell you about. If you head down this way, check out Louie’s and Lithia Park. In the meantime, we will have a blast showing your around.