[Ashland, OR, Sep 6, 2026]
The increasing cloud cover from the day before had brought in some rain showers overnight. Originally, the forecast called for rain on Sunday. However, the rain was all but done when we woke up. We were treated to incredible white fluffy clouds as we drove to Jackson Wellsprings for our soaking appointment.
Jackson Wellsprings is only 2.5 miles from downtown Asheville. The 30-acre facility includes a heated pool and a huge soaking hot tub, Finnish sauna, steam room and private jacuzzi tubs all drawing from the natural mineral water in the area. Because the forecast had called for rain, we had 12 pm reservations for a private indoor jacuzzi tub. But since it turned out to be a gorgeous morning, we arrived around 11 am and enjoyed the outdoor hot tub first. I loved starting the day with a long soak!
In the afternoon, we headed into the hills for a visit at Irvine & Roberts winery. The view from their patio was absolutely breathtaking, with the clouds still showing off. Sadly, it was quite windy, but we snagged a spot inside by the window.
I loved every single wine I tried and went home with 2 bottles! We also got the charcuterie board and the crab cakes, which were both fantastic. I loved that they offered food – more wineries should do that!
I got to chatting with our tasting room guide and she mentioned that she’d moved back to Ashland to take care of her mom. Having returned just 2 months ago from a 5-week incredibly difficult trip to Bulgaria to help my aging parents whose health had deteriorated in the last year, I could only sympathize. A lot of people around me, from close friends to strangers, seem to be in this season of life. On a happier note, she asked where we were having dinner. She was glad we had picked Nous because its head chef used to be the Vineyard chef at Irvine & Roberts!
We had noticed Nous on our walk around town before the Shakespeare play yesterday. The patio looked inviting but sadly, it was closed the next night. After our feast at Irvine & Roberts, we weren’t terribly hungry. I had the shrimp and beef tartar appetizers, and Ash had the German pasta.
For dessert, we headed to Zoey’s Cafe & Artisan Ice Cream, which we also picked the night before. The place seemed popular and I am always up for ice cream!
