Ashland Oregon short trip report
 

Recently returned from a quick trip to the Shakespearean Festival in Ashland. It was my first time there although I just live 3 hours up the freeway.

Ashland is a charming town in the mountains which is famous for its Shakespearean Festival.
We stayed at the Lithia Springs Resort which I highly recommend. It is a short drive to the theatre area at the edge of town. We stayed in the English cottage which was very charming, had our own little English garden patio to enjoy coffee in the AM and watch the humming birds.

The Resort is built over a mineral spring and mineral water is pumped into the units which are equipped with a large jetted soaking tub for soaking in the mineral water. The room price includes afternoon tea, a welcoming glass of wine and a breakfast in the AM. The grounds are beautiful with many gardens, a coy pond, grape arbor, outdoor seating areas.

At check out we were given a package of home made peanut butter cookies for our trip and a coupon for $100 off for the next time we stay there.
It really is a beautiful spot to stay and we do plan to return using our $100 off coupon.

Ashland has several theaters in which the plays are presented.The first night we saw an excellent production of Pirates of Penzance in the outdoor theatre which is patterned after
an Elizabethan theatre. We enjoyed so much we decided to see if we could get tickets to another play the next day in the afternoon. We managed to get tickets for Measure for Measure in the Bowmer Theatre on Tues afternoon which we also enjoyed very much.

Followed the theatre by a stop at an English pub called the Black Sheep - traditional English pub with traditional English food - like bangers and mash and no one blinked an eye when we ordered a shandy. Nice way to end our visit.

If you ever are planning an Oregon trip, I highly recommend a stop in Ashland. The tickets to the plays sell out quickly but it is possible to get a last minute ticket for some and certainly worth a stop if you can. There are many nice restaurants and shops in the downtown area, and a beautiful park to visit.

So as you are traveling I-5, consider a stop in Ashland- I don't think you will regret it.

I've been telling you guys that for years! :)

For anyone who wants to see Bend and Shakespeare.
First time ever! http://www.visitbend.com/Bend_Oregon...Nights_Dream_0
One thing that Bend has that I don't think Ashland has-brewpubs!

don't be silly, tom. we have standing stone and caldera, in addition to so brewing in medford. the ashland hate on this board will always amaze me.

sunbum1944

I enjoyed reading your trip report. Sounds like you had a lovely time. Oregon is on my short trip wish list.

Take care.

Sandy

What is there to hate about Ashland? It's a pretty town in a beautiful area and there are good restaurants everywhere. Top it off with the theater and it's a great short trip.
I love Bend, too. That high desert air and the beautiful ponderosa pines make me happy.

sunbum- thanks for a nice post. Ashland is lovely and I enjoyed reading about your Resort. I'd love to stay there sometime. Glad you enjoyed your trip.

tomfuller- actually, Ashland does have brewpubs. Bend just has more of them. Both Bend and Ashland are good travel destinations.

We always enjoy our time in Ashland, we stayed at Country Willows Bed and Breakfast this year. A lovely Bed and Breakfast a little ways out in the country. ***kim*** ((#))

A bit off topic, but concerning Ashland. Any thoughts on Ashland as a place to attend college, specifically Southern Oregon University (about 5,600 undergraduates)? Just wondering as a parent how it might be to go to school here, mid way between San Francisco and Portland. Obviously school activities would be of primary focus, but otherwise how is the town and general area? Thanks.

I don't know anything about the school itself- but I think it would be a nice area to go to school especially if person likes outdoor activities- hiking, rafting, skiing etc- it would be great.

There is no major airport close by - Medford has one but not very big-
Downtown area is nice, clean- I didnt see anything to not like.

Thanks sunbum! Most of the schools my son is looking at are in metropolitan West Coast areas, Seattle, Portland and LA. Somehow SOU has piqued his interest, not sure how or why.

hey CG, SOU is filled with California kids.
A great school with lots of winter activities , especially if he's a snowboarder.

Thanks bbqboy, I wasn't aware a lot of CA kids attend the school, so that's good to know. My son is into music, how is the scene in Ashland? I know the Shakespeare festivals are popular, wondering what other youth oriented things are in town? Thanks again.