Greetings from Ashland. Ashland, is just 15 miles north of the California/Oregon border. A town of about 22,000 residents, Ashland is home to the world renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Southern Oregon University, Lithia Park (a 93-acre park in the heart of town), the Ashland Independent Film Festival, the awesome Rogue River, over 60 wineries and the list goes on.
Ashland
Although we are in essence a year-round playground, our primary tourist season begins in mid-February with the previews of the OSF productions until the season draws to a close in early November. Our busiest months of the year are May – October when our little community can swell to half a million tourists as they come and go throughout the season visiting the beautiful Rogue Valley. We have spectacular colors in the fall. Once the cold months are upon us we pull out our warmest coats and enjoy the serenity of winter in the Rogue Valley.
One of Twenty Best Small Towns
In May of 2012 Smithsonian Magazine named Ashland one of the best 20 small towns in America. Quite an honor for our town, don’t you think? You can read more about that here in the Smithsonian Magazine. Ashland was named #18.
Who Doesn’t Love a Parade?
We have called Ashland home for just a little over 18 months. We love the feel of a small town community where everyone is embraced and where there is always a reason for a parade! Because seriously, who doesn’t love a small town parade?
A Great Balance
The town is small enough to be comfortable but not so small that everyone knows your business. It’s a great balance when it comes to the quality of life. You can read more about how we came to Ashland here.
Tourist Season
Our tourist season is coming to a close, it’s been a great year with an abundance of awesome guests passing through our doors. We run on a different schedule than most in that we work every day (yes, I said “every” day) during spring, summer and fall. But now that winter is nearly upon us, it is time for us to hit the road!
We’re Hitting the Road
First stop, Bryce and Zion Canyons. Somehow, in all of our travels we’ve never made it to the two canyons. We’ve been to the Grand Canyon twice, but never to Bryce and Zion so we are looking forward to the adventure and I always love a good road trip. There is so much to see from the window of your car and you can stop just about any time you please. Although the views from an airliner can be something to talk about as well, it’s really hard to pull over and take a break!
So please stay tuned as we’ll be hitting the road in just a couple of short weeks. If you’ve been to Bryce and Zion and have some good tips for us, please share!
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Sounds like you very much deserve your break and that it will be a realchange of scenery for you. Even here in the land of Oz I had heard of Bryce Canyon but (like Amy) not Zion, so I will read your road trip story with interest. Those halloween costumes are amazing, clearly the people of Ashland do take it seriously. Enjoy!
Thanks! We are looking forward to the trip and to the upcoming Halloween Parade here in Ashland. I will post pictures of this year’s parade to demonstrate just how seriously Halloween is taken here. It’s great fun, cold, but very fun!
I’ve never heard of the Bryce and Zion Canyons so I’m looking forward to reading about your road trip. Ashland looks beautiful by the way, love the halloween costumes those guys are wearing!
Thanks Amy! Bryce and Zion are in the southwest corner of Utah, about 2 1/2 hours from Las Vegas, 2 1/2 days driving for us. We’ve been so busy with the inn that we haven’t really had time to make plans for once we get there, but I think that will be part of the fun, a bit more of an adventure!