“Why is a raven like a writing desk?”
– The Mad Hatter from
Alice in Wonderland
“Have you guessed the riddle yet?” the Hatter said, turning to Alice again.
“No, I give it up,” Alice replied. “What’s the answer?”
“I haven’t the slightest idea,” replied the Hatter.
If you didn't like the Hatter's
answer, try:
- “Because Poe wrote on both” – Sam Loyd
At the upper end of the Rogue River Valley, small town Ashland sits between the rural farms of the valley floor and forested mountains of the Cascades and Siskiyou ranges. World class attractions, year-round recreation, boutique shopping and yummy eateries make this an uncommon community.
The most famous cultural venue is the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, just a 15-minute walk from the Inn. Offering performances February through October on three stages (including one of the oldest Elizabethan theaters in America), the festival plays are not just from the Bard! Many of the season’s plays include modern and contemporary works, even a world or West Coast premiere or two. Other live theaters (Oregon Cabaret, Oregon Stage Works) and two movie theaters are located in town, as well as numerous art galleries. Nearby, the historic town of Jacksonville hosts the Britt Festival during the summer and the Craterian Theater in Medford offers a variety of dance, drama, and music.
Ashland’s primary outdoor attraction is Lithia Park – home of Ashland Creek, gardens, playgrounds, picnic tables, miles of trails and even an ice-skating rink in winter! Oak Knoll Golf Course is a 9 hole, par 36 course just east of town. Within a 90 minute drive, outdoor enthusiasts can find the Pacific Crest Trail, Mount Ashland Ski Area, high mountain lakes, white water rafting, fishing, three wilderness areas, Crater Lake National Park, and Oregon Caves National Monument. For more relaxed recreation, there is historic Jacksonville, the Southern Oregon Wine and Farm Trail, Science Works, the Rogue Creamery, and the world famous Harry and David.
In the boutique shops downtown, on the Plaza and in the Railroad District you can find anything and everything unique - from designer scarves and sinful chocolates to Spiderman comics and fishing flies.
Before a night at the theater or after a day exploring or shopping, be sure to have the Inn make a reservation for you at one of the town’s many, many fine restaurants. Falafel for lunch, Asian/Latin fusion dinner, French dessert, vegetarian, organic, al fresco- you name it, Ashland has it.
Ashland is also the home of Southern Oregon University, birthplace of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Did you know ...
- Ashland is a styrofoam free community?
- Vladimir Nabokov finished writing "Lolita" in Ashland?
- Lithia Park was designed by John McLaren who also designed San Francisco's Golden Gate Park?
