How to Have a "Lit" Spring Break in Ashland, Oregon

Spring break. The best of times, the worst of times. Best being fun nights, relaxation, and friends! Worst being the lingering feeling of dread knowing the amount of essays and midterms waiting for you as you return...

But let's not think about that right now!


As the bookish types of humans we are, Danielle and I found ourselves in one of the most literary spots imaginable this spring break: Ashland, Oregon, home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. It was heavenly.
Ashland is a magical place. Not only does it feature world-class theater, but there are book stores, antique shops, and coffee shops galore. It's basically English major paradise.

This was our third trip to Ashland, so we'd like to think we're what you might call experts on how to have a great time in this little corner of the universe. So here you go: our top 5 recommended stops to have the most "lit" spring break trip to Ashland ever. Like, ever.

1. The Bard's Inn

With so many fun places to explore in Ashland, you probably won't be spending too much time in your hotel room. That being said, staying at the Bard's Inn is crucial to really getting into the spirit of Ashland. The entire hotel is Shakespeare themed, with each building cleverly named to stay on brand: Verona, Sonnet, Juliet, and London. When you stay at the Bard's Inn, you truly feel like you've gone back in time and you can't help but feel just the slightest bit more cultured. Also, there's a free continental breakfast, so can't complain about that either. 

2. Oregon Shakespeare Festival

You literally cannot go to Ashland without attending the

Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Seriously, I think it's a law or something. 

I've had the opportunity to attend the Oregon Shakespeare Festival multiple times, and it never disappoints. One of my favorite things about this company is that they excel in putting Shakespeare and other classic plays in unique settings or helping you think about the text a little differently. This year, we got to see a production of As You Like It with a gender-bended twist (check out the Bad Ideas podcast for more thoughts on this adaptation!) 

3. Bloomsbury Books

If you're anything like us, you can't simply walk past a bookstore without taking a peak inside (just a peak, we swear!!) And once we're inside, we're physically incapable of leaving without a new book (or two, or ten). 

Bloomsbury is one of our favorite stops in Ashland for multiple reasons. It's got one of the best selections, with new releases and classics and gifty things for literature lovers (and an unbeatable Shakespeare section, of course). There's even a little cafe upstairs, so you can enjoy your new reads with some coffee and a scone, which sounds like a perfect afternoon, if I do say so myself (and I do).

4. The Mix

Speaking of coffee, we really can't say enough good things about this little cafe. The lattes are to DIE FOR. Since we are concerningly addicted to caffeine, we hit up the Mix multiple times throughout our trip. 

Also, the Mix has a super cool basement downstairs to chill and read, or catch up on homework over break (we know you're procrastinating on something; it's okay, you can tell us). Oh, and did we mention there's a fireplace?? Cozy vibes ftw. 

5. Lithia Park

Last but certainly not least, we have to include the beautiful Lithia Park. To really wrap up your literary adventures, make like the Romantics and lose yourself in nature! Lithia Park is riddled with fountains, ponds, greenery, and wonders galore. You'll feel like you're in a Wordsworth poem (and who wouldn't want that?!) 

So there you have it! Next time you're looking for something bookish to do for spring break (or a fun summer roadtrip) we highly recommend spending a few days in the lovely literary land of Ashland, Oregon!

What did you do (or are planning to do) for spring break? Let us know in the comments below!