Ashland

Ashland is a true gem, located 5-hours south of Portland in Oregon.  It’s famous for its award winning Shakespeare Festival, and mild sunny climate.  Enjoy boutique inns, spas, wine bars and outstanding restaurants. 

Ashland also has a range of options for outdoor enthusiasts.  Its 300 days of sunshine make it a popular destination for mountain biking, river rafting and golf.  Visitors can also ski at Mt Ashland during winter.

Things to do in Ashland

1. Ashland Shakespeare Festival:  Ashland’s historic downtown area is a renowned Center for the Arts, including the award-winning Shakespeare Festival running from mid-February to the end of October each year.  There is a small grassy square just off Pioneer Street, surrounded by 3 Theaters; the Angus Bowner Theater, New Theater and Elizabethan Stage.  Each season averages 11 plays; including Hamlet, Pride and Prejudice, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. 
2. Oregon Cabaret Theater:  The Oregon Cabaret Theater has a February to December season, including musicals, reviews and comedies.  The Ashland Independent Film Festival is another big event on Ashland’s Calendar.
3. Lithia Park:  Lithia Park is in the center of town, listed on the National Historic Register.  This 98-acre park has extensive walking trails, a creek, beautiful gardens, and historic features like the Water Fountain and Fountain Terrace.  There are also free musical performances at the “Butler Bandshell”. 
4. Ashland wineries:  If you’d like to take things at a slower pace, visit some wineries and tasting rooms in the local area; including “Weisingers, “South Stage Cellars” and “Paschal Winery”.
5. Science Works Museum:  If you have kids, consider a visit to the Science Works Museum.  Your kids will love the hands-on exhibits.
6. Skiing:  During wintertime, travel an hour outside of Ashland to the Mt Ashland Ski Area, with 23 trails accessed by 4 chairlifts.
7. Biking:  Get information and tours on the best bike trails from “Ashland Mountain Adventures”.
8. Rafting:  If you’re interested in whitewater rafting along the scenic Rogue River, review the table below for a list of tour guides.
9. Golf:  Or if you’d prefer a round of golf, visit Ashland’s Oak Knoll Golf Course.

Downtown Restaurants in Ashland 

The downtown core along “E Main Street” is a buzz of activity, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants.  The “Calle Guanajuato Lane” off E Main Street has creek side dining and a market during summer. 

Lodging

There is a huge selection of lodging, hotels, inns, rentals and bed and breakfasts in Ashland.  The most recognized hotel is the exquisite Ashland Springs Hotel on E Main Street.  Other options include:

• Winchester Inn Ashland Oregon
• Peerless Hotel
• Windmill Inn

Things to do near Ashland

Other options include:

• Crater Lake - 89 miles northeast
• Oregon Cave - 89.4 miles west
• Jacksonville Oregon - 17 miles northwest

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