Ashland, Oregon is a place like none other. From the landscaped lawns, hiking trails and duck ponds of Lithia park to the hustle and bustle of the specialty shops on the Plaza, the small town nestled at the base of the Siskiyou mountain range is an adventure in and of itself. But on Saturdays from May to October, the Plaza takes on a whole new persona as it is transformed into the popular Ashland Saturday Market.
From fresh, locally grown produce, to honey and peanut butter, to handmade jewelry, candles and clothing, one could easily devote an entire morning flitting from one booth to the next. The vendors are friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to discuss how their product came to be. It is clear that they love what they do, and that love is even more evident in the pride they take in their particular trade.
The colorful tents and booths that line the path behind the shops of the Plaza on market day are only a precursor to the jewels that wait inside. It is common to see strolling musicians, or a band setting up a makeshift stage to entertain patrons. Many restaurants along the Plaza have seating available outside in the thick of the market, where diners can enjoy a wide variety of fares, including Greek, Mediterranean, and Japanese, as they watch shoppers pass by.
Unlike many “cash only” grower’s markets, the Ashland Saturday market is happy to accept credit and debit cards, as well as Oregon Trail, WIC, and Senior Nutrition. A central booth is set up to take electronic payments, which are then exchanged for wooden tokens that are used at the individual booths. The Ashland Saturday market even employs a bicycle taxi service that will return shoppers and their purchases to their vehicles at no cost.
While the Ashland Saturday Market is by far the most well known, Rogue Valley Growers and Crafters Market also operates at other locations throughout the week. On Tuesdays from March through the third week in November, they can be found at the Ashland National Guard Armory at 1420 E. Main Street. Shoppers in nearby Medford can find them on Thursdays at the Medford Armory, 1701 S. Pacific Highway. And new this year is a Saturday Market in Medford, at the Black Oak Shopping Center across from Rogue Valley Medical Center. Hours for markets may vary, so check out their website at www.rvgrowersmarket.com . The website is also a useful tool for determining what produce is currently in season and a good source for news regarding the markets.
A visit to any of Rogue Valley’s growers markets is an entertaining way to pass the morning and early afternoon hours of late spring, summer, and early fall. The atmosphere is always peaceful, relaxed and homey. The money spent stays in the community and benefits local growers and artisans, and the offerings are ever-changing.
One bite of a fresh, locally grown tomato, peach or pear tends to make a customer for life.