Ashland Travel OverviewHome of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival; Ashland is full of cultural opportunities. There are also nine 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 or the Black Swan. Music is everywhere in Ashland; with opera; bluegrass; folk singing and chamber music being only some of the offerings for visitors. Located approximately 15 miles north of the California border on Interstate 5; Ashland is close to Crater Lake National Park; the headwaters of the Rogue River; and 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 traveller; 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. One place to consider for lodging is the Stratford Inn of Ashland. It is conveniently located and an easy stroll to most of the major town attractions including the Shakespearean theater. The buffet style breakfast is great and the kids will enjoy the pool. 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. Open Saturdays from 10 to 4; and in the summer open Thursday through Sunday; from 11 to 5. For a great view; take a balloon ride or ride in a vintage biplane and see Pilot Rock; Lithia Park; downtown Ashland and Emigrant Reservoir. 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. For Further information; feel free to visit the City of Ashland website: http://www.ashland.or.us/ | 