Ashland - Best Small Art Town in Southern Oregon

Ranked as one of the Top 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations in the World by Wine Enthusiast in 2016, one of America’s Best Small Towns by Fodor’s Travel, the No. 1 Perfect Summer Getaway for Couples by datingadvice.com, and No. 2 in the Best Small Art Towns of America, Ashland has earned its reputation as a diverse and captivating destination. Affectionately known as the "People’s Republic of Ashland," this city offers something for everyone. This is all about Ashland, a town in Jackson County in Oregon.

Ashland is nestled in a picturesque region surrounded by mountains, rivers, rolling foothills, and historic gold rush towns. To the south, the majestic Mt. Ashland rises to 7,500 feet, while the Cascade Range frames the north and east.

Situated in the Rogue Valley, just north of the California border along Interstate 5, Ashland enjoys four distinct seasons and receives significantly less rain than most of Oregon, thanks to its position in the rain shadow of the surrounding mountains.

Ashland is also renowned for its abundance of hot and mineral springs, which have drawn visitors for centuries. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, the city aimed to develop into a mineral springs resort akin to Carlsbad or Baden-Baden, capitalizing on its natural resources.

A Southern Pacific Railroad flyer from 1915 described Ashland's unique appeal:

"Ashland is noted for three things - beautiful environment, matchless climate, and wonderful mineral springs. There are over forty known mineral springs in and about the city. They are classed as Lithia, Soda and Sulphur Springs. The Lithia and Soda waters are heavily charged with natural carbonic acid gas...".

Before settlers arrived in the 19th century, the area was home to the Shasta people. However, the enactment of the Donation Land Act of 1850, which offered land free of charge to settlers, brought white settlers into the area. This migration caused frequent conflicts and violent clashes with the native population.

The community that would become Ashland initially developed around the Ashland Flouring Mills and was known as Ashland Mills.

In 1871, the "Mills" was dropped from the town's name as it continued to grow. Over time, schools, churches, and businesses were established, and the Ashland Academy was founded.

The academy became Southern Oregon University in 1926, which remains the town's largest employer.

In 1887, Ashland began to thrive as a key point along the rail line connecting Portland, Oregon, and San Francisco, California. However, in 1926, the railway diverted to a new route that bypassed the steep Siskiyou Mountains. This, along with the Great Depression, caused a significant drop in jobs and population in the town. The Great Depression, which followed this change, caused a significant drop in jobs and population.

After World War II, the town transformed into a tourism-focused economy. Soon, it became a popular spot for retirees and a high-end tourist destination known today for its thriving arts scene, cultural events, and scenic beauty.

Living up to its reputation as Southern Oregon’s cultural center, Ashland hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. From Christmas celebrations and the Tony Award-winning Oregon Shakespeare Festival in winter, to a film festival, classical music events, and wine-tasting celebrations in spring, summer, and fall, there's always something happening in this vibrant town.

Beyond its festivals, Ashland has preserved and restored many of its historic buildings. With 48 structures on the National Register of Historic Places and two historic districts—the Ashland Railroad Addition District and the Downtown District—the town’s rich history is evident in its architecture and streetscapes.

A visit to Ashland isn’t complete without a stroll through its charming downtown. Walk along Main Street and the Historic Plaza, browse the local bookstores and galleries or enjoy a coffee at one of the cozy cafes.

Just a short walk away, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Lithia Park, with its peaceful ponds, wooded areas, and miles of hiking trails.

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

In 1935, the Southern Oregon University established the Oregon Shakespeare Festival under the management of drama Professor Angus Bowmer.

Today, this is the largest classic repertory theater in the United States, offering 11 classic and contemporary plays annually from March to October in three theaters: the 600-seat Angus Bowmer Theatre, the 1190-set outdoor Elizabethan Theatre, and the 300-seat Thomas Theatre. The total annual audience exceeds 400,000.