Nine Spots to Visit that Inspired Ellie Alexander's Bakeshop Mysteries

When you attend the Ashland Mystery Festival in October you can take a walking tour in downtown Ashland and visit nine different locations that inspired Ellie exanAlder’s — the author-hostess of the festival — Bakeshop Mystery series.

You will want to start with a walk through Lithia Park, where Jules would take her runs every morning. Discover 100-acres of beautiful trails, two ponds, a playground and more as you stroll this breathtaking space. Make sure to visit the new Japanese garden that was opened in the fall of 2022 and walk it counter clockwise as the designer intended for it to be enjoyed.

A two-minute walk from Lithia Park head into the Ashland plaza to visit the bakery that Jules' mother owns and the spot that is the inspiration for Torte, Mix Bakeshop. They have fantastic baristas making the perfect cup of coffee and their pastries and other baked goods are simply divine. We personally love their macarons, peanut butter bars and super buttery and flaky croissants. They also have wonderful sandwiches and an ice cream counter so that you can enjoy their goodies any time of day.

Next door you will find Manzanita Home & Flowers, the charming floral shop that inspired the flower shop that Thomas’ parents own and where Jules gets all of her flowers to decorate Torte. You will find a variety of jewelry, home décor, and art in addition to their gorgeous flowerss.

Just two doors down from the Manzanita you will find Oberon’s the whimsical and eclectic bar known as Pucks where locals met in Alexander’s books. Self-described as “Ashland’s most Ashlandiest spot”, Oberon’s serves fantastic cocktails The theme is based on Shakespeare’s character Oberon from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. There’s often live music and you will find yourself surrounded by a good mix of travelers and locals. They are only open in the evening so make sure to stop in for your nightcap.

One of two hotels in the series, The Bard’s Inn Hotel is located right around the corner from Mix. Known as Merry Windsor in Ellie’s books, this is the inn that Jules' main antagonist, Richard Lord, owns. It’s a Shakespearan themed inn where you can get a photo with a mural of the ‘Bard of Avon’, himself located on the wall on Helman Street.

You will then double back and head south down Main Street to continue your excursion up to your next spot. The world famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival is where Lance, one of Jules best friends, is director. There are three different theaters but the most intriguing and photo-worthy is the Allen Elizabethan Theatre, ‘America’s first Elizabethan Theatre’. During the day you might be able to go inside to see the court but if you get the opportunity to attend a play you will definitely have a life-changing experience enjoying a show under the stars.

Down the street you will find Paddington Station known as London Station in the books. The store is fun and quirky with lots of great gifts, clothing, a rather fun tongue-in-cheek sock section and upstairs a great kitchen shop. Ellie Alexander often has book signings here and if you are lucky there will be a cooking demonstration featuring a recipe from Ellie’s books.

As you continue down Main Street you will see the beautiful historic Ashland Springs Hotel. Enjoy a stay in this boutique hotel that was built in 1925 and has been restored to its original stunning architecture. The lobby alone is a romance novel set in Europe, stunningly decorated with a huge fireplace and cozy seating. If you don’t stay, make sure to reserve a place to dine in their farm to table restaurant Larks where you can get some of the best fried chicken you’ve ever tasted–I also highly suggest the butter cake for dessert.

Last but not least is the Oregon Cabaret Theater. Enjoy dinner (or brunch) and watch a show that is housed in an old Baptist Church that was built in 1911.  The shows are always wonderful including live music acts, Sherlock Holmes mysteries and our always favorite holiday shows. You must order dessert, the Dick Haye pie is unforgettable.