Ashland has the best shopping in southern Oregon. Interesting and unusual shops line East Main Street, so when the curtains are down on the stages, check the windows of downtown.
Art galleries abound in Ashland, and on the first Friday of the month, many are open late. My all-around favorite place to check out works by local artists is at Ashland Art Works, 291 Oak St. (tel. 541/488-4735; www.ashlandartworks.com), an artists' cooperative of four separate galleries all housed in a collection of cottages on the banks of Ashland Creek. For contemporary art, check out the Hanson Howard Gallery, 82 N. Main St. (tel. 541/488-2562; www.hhgallery.com). Right on the plaza, be sure to check out the Ashland Hardwood Gallery, 17 N. Main St. (tel. 541/488-6200; www.hardwoodgallery.com), which is filled with fascinating works of art in wood. Davis & Cline, 525 A St., Ste. 1 (tel. 541/482-2069; www.davisandcline.com), which is located in the historic Railroad District about 8 blocks from the plaza, is another of our favorite contemporary art galleries here in town. This gallery even sells Dale Chihuly art glass. And for wearable art, stop by The Web-sters, 11 N. Main St. (tel. 541/482-9801; www.yarnatwebsters.com), a knitting and weaving store carrying beautiful sweaters, woven jackets, and accessories. Between the first weekend in May and the last weekend in October, be sure to stop by the Lithia Artisan's Market of Ashland (tel. 541/858-7187; www.lithiaartisansmarket.com) on Calle Guanajuato. The location is on the banks of Ashland Creek behind the stores on the north side of the plaza. Market hours are Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. For a well-rounded selection of wines and other gourmet treats, you can't beat the Chateaulin Wine Shoppe, 52 E. Main St. (tel. 541/488-9463), which is located next door to Chateaulin restaurant.
