ASHLAND!!! Yes!!! Ashland is an amazing little town with international talent. I saw William Hurt in a play there many years ago, my first trip to Ashland for the world famous Shakespear Festival. The entire town invites creativity, and respects a wide variety of thinking. Its really a delight to visit, regardless of one's perspectives. I think that these towns that have colleges and the outside world connecting with them, such as Ashland, really do have that edge.

The southern coast line is truly beautiful though, and I wouldn't have missed experiencing it for anything. I think most of all, many of us are just encouraging you to focus your trip in smaller geography. Did you look into the Stuga place? It would be a nice home base camp. Also, there are great places in Lincoln city if you're thinking along those lines.