
W E L C O M E T O
A
S H L A N D
O R E G O N
Home of the Oregon Shakespeare
Festival, Ashland is full of cultural opportunities. There
are also various other theatre groups, featuring a wide variety
of performances, including musicals, comedy and experimental theatre.
Shakespeare and other plays are presented in the Oregon Shakespeare
Festival's outdoor Elizabethan Theater and the Angus Bowmer Theatre
and also the New Theater. Music is everywhere in Ashland, with
opera, bluegrass, folk singing and chamber music being only some
of the offerings for visitors.
Originally called Ashland Mills in 1855, the town of Ashland is located approximately 15 miles north of the
California border on Interstate 5. Ashland is is a short drive from Crater
Lake National Park, located at the headwaters of the Rogue River. Ashland
is also close to the southern Oregon coast. Everywhere you look,
there are reminders of the past, from pioneer vintage buildings
to Victorian houses. Ashland has many bed and breakfasts for the
weary traveler, several in fine old Victorian homes. The Ashland
B & B Clearing House (541-488-0338) and the Ashland B &
B Reservation Network (1-800-944-0329) both represent networks
of inns and can provide reservation information on bed and breakfasts
in the area.
In addition to the wide variety of cultural
offerings, Ashland has many forms of recreation. Skiing Mt. Ashland
is a popular wintertime activity. There are 23 ski runs, 80 miles
of cross country trails, and, best of all, it's only 15 miles
from downtown Ashland. Ashland, built on the banks of Bear Creek,
also has the Bear Creek Bike and Nature Trail. A favorite of bikers,
the trail runs along Bear Creek, then down the valley to Medford.
There is river rafting and jet boat rides on the Rogue and Klamath
Rivers, and many pristine mountain lakes for anglers to try their
hand at catching steelhead, salmon and trout.
Ashland also has a state-of-the-art interactive
science museum, the ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum. Amaze yourself
with over 80 interactive science exhibits, Science Live! performances
and hands-on activities. This exciting family attraction offers
a dynamic atmosphere great for explorers of all ages with frequently
changing shows and exhibits. Special events throughout the year
include indoor and outdoor festivals, lectures, school programs
and summer camps. Call for current hours (541-482-6767).
Mountain bikers will find the 28 mile Lithia
Loop Mountain Bike Route a pleasure and a challenge. Riding the
31 mile Siskiyou Crest Mountain Bike Route, you will see spectacular
views of the Siskiyou Mountains and Mt. Shasta. Golfers can tee
off at one of the five golf courses in the Ashland/Medford area.
Ashland also has two wineries that offer daily wine tasting. For culture, recreation or beauty, Ashland
is a special place, a treasure for all to enjoy.
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