Ashland in late October is turning leaves in Lithia Park, a warm mug in your hands and a hot room to start the day. It's about 68 miles from Etna, 1 hour 15 to 20 minutes: Highway 3 through Fort Jones and on through Yreka, then north on I-5 over Siskiyou Summit (4,310 feet, the highest point on I-5) to Ashland exit 11, 14 or 19. Here's a plant-based day there, with my picks.
Start hot: Ashland Hot Yoga
Ashland Hot Yoga, 2455 Siskiyou Blvd. This is my hot yoga studio when I'm in Ashland: heated classes for every level in a 100-year-old building, booked through the Mindbody app. New students can start with two weeks of unlimited classes for $50. A class before lunch makes a good opener: you walk out warm, loose and very ready to eat. Check the schedule, book ahead and bring plenty of water.
Lunch and dinner
The Noble Fox
The Noble Fox, 101 Oak St. A restaurant and brewery downtown, in the former Standing Stone space, described at its 2024 opening as "family-friendly-yet-sophisticated." The menu lists vegan and gluten-free options alongside house beers, craft cocktails and whiskeys. It opened serving 11 am to 11 pm daily, so check hours before you go.
Cocorico
Cocorico, 15 N. First St. Everything is made from scratch, and the menu changes daily. A local dining guide lists vegan options, so when you book on Tock, say you're plant-based and ask what the kitchen is cooking that night. It's a dinner spot (5 to 8 pm on the day we checked) for parties of up to four, with a fully enclosed, heated patio and a six-seat bar.
Brickroom
Brickroom, 35 N. Main St. A deck over the Plaza, cocktails and live music on weekends. A local guide notes vegetarian options; ask which plates are plant-based or can be made that way, then stay for the music.
The splurge, with an honest note
MÄS, 141 Will Dodge Way. Chef Josh Dorcak's Japanese-style counter is my Ashland splurge. Its booking page is clear, though: the kitchen can't accommodate vegan or vegetarian diets, and no alternate menus are offered. Save it for a night off-plan or for the omnivores in your party, and book on Tock, Thursday to Sunday. Better you hear it from us than at the counter. His newer spot, NAMA, is an oyster and sushi bar (think dry-aged tuna, A5 wagyu and sake), so it isn't a plant-based night either, but the omnivores will thank you.
Coffee, tea and the Co-op
Noble Coffee Roasting. Organic coffee roasted in house. Ask about plant milks.
Dobra Tea. Teas from around the world and vegan snacks, for a slow hour between plans.
Ashland Food Co-op. A deli for lunch on the go, and picnic supplies to carry home for the rest of your stay.
On a Tuesday. The Rogue Valley Growers & Crafters Market runs 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. Last year's season ran to Nov 25, so check this year's dates.
Between meals: Lithia Park
Walk it off in Lithia Park: 93 acres of creek trails, a Japanese Garden, a rose garden and duck ponds. Fall color often arrives in late October.
Good to know
The drive is about 68 miles and 1 hour 15 to 20 minutes each way. In winter, Siskiyou Summit may require chains or traction tires: check TripCheck and Caltrans QuickMap.
Oregon has no sales tax, but Ashland adds 5% to prepared food, including restaurant meals.
On the way home, the California border protection station at Hornbrook on southbound I-5 may ask about fruit, plants or firewood. Keep the Co-op bag handy.
Reserve ahead and check hours before you go. Cocorico takes parties of up to four.
Drinking? Plan a sober designated driver. It's a mountain drive home, and there's no taxi or ride-share in Scott Valley.
EV charging is included at the house, so leave full. The round trip is about 140 miles.
Then drive home over the summit to a quiet garden and a sky full of stars. See open dates and prices for your stay at Blossom Sanctuary. Join the Sovereign Circle free through December 31, 2026 for the member rate and a gift with your first stay.
