Summary of Ashland, Oregon
Overview of Ashland
Ashland is a charming city that feels like a large town, known for its high quality of life. This community of approximately 21,000 residents is located in southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley, nestled below the impressive Mt. Ashland and just 10 miles north of the California border along I-5. The city hosts an immensely popular Gay Pride event called the Southern Oregon Pride Festival, held in early October each year.
Southern Oregon Pride features a lively Gay Pride Parade along Main Street, concluding at the lush Lithia Park, where the festival takes place. The afternoon is filled with entertainment, vendors, and community organizations, and the celebration continues with “Pride Hopping” in local restaurants, bars, and shops. While details for this year’s event are still pending, previous celebrations have included venues like Taroko Pan-Pacific Bistro, Black Sheep Pub, and Granite Taphouse.
What to See and Do in Ashland
The fall season in Ashland is stunning, making it an ideal time for a visit. The region typically enjoys sunny and mild weather, enhancing the festival experience. Known for its progressive atmosphere, Ashland offers a vibrant academic vibe, primarily due to the presence of Southern Oregon University. Additionally, it is famous for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, one of the most prestigious theater festivals in the nation, established in 1935. The festival runs from mid-February to early November, attracting thousands of theater enthusiasts with around a dozen plays each year, ranging from Shakespearean classics to contemporary works.
Ashland boasts a wealth of experiences beyond the theater, including excellent dining, exceptional wineries, and an abundance of outdoor activities. Additionally, it serves as a convenient base for visiting nearby attractions like Crater Lake National Park, which is just a couple of hours away. The city is increasingly popular among LGBTQ+ individuals seeking a welcoming community.
During your stay, consider exploring local attractions such as the charming Old West town of Jacksonville, known for its superb restaurants and shops, as well as the gay-friendly Touvelle House B&B. Other highlights include the numerous wineries, Ashland’s historic Lithia Park, the Schneider Museum of Art on the Southern Oregon University campus, and delightful dining spots like Morning Glory, a trendy breakfast venue. For sweets lovers, a visit to Dagoba Chocolates is a must, where you can indulge in free samples.
Getting to Ashland
For those traveling by air, Rogue Valley International Airport in nearby Medford is just a 25-minute drive from Ashland. The airport offers service from several major carriers with nonstop flights to key cities, including Denver, Phoenix, and Seattle, among others. Furthermore, the scenic drive from Portland spans approximately 300 miles, while the journey from San Francisco covers about 350 miles, making for picturesque road trip experiences.
Gay-Friendly Hotels in Ashland
Ashland offers a variety of inviting and distinct accommodations, many of which are LGBTQ+ friendly. The historic Ashland Springs Hotel, with its exquisite restaurant, Larks, is an excellent choice. Other recommended stays include the gay-owned Arden Forest Inn, the boutique Peerless Hotel, Country Willows B&B Inn, Shrew’s House B&B, and Cowslip’s Belle.
Resources for Ashland, Oregon
For prospective visitors, the Ashland Oregon Chamber of Commerce provides valuable tourism information and supports local Pride initiatives. Additionally, for those looking to explore other charming towns in the area, the Southern Oregon Visitors Association is an excellent resource.
