By: KM Collins
Which city in Oregon is overflowing with mountainous outdoor sports like skiing, biking, hiking and rafting? Which city possesses access to pristine waterways, diverse nightlife showcasing locally grown gourmet dining, world-class theater, festivals and the rugged spirit of the wild west? Hint: It’s a trick question. You may think I am talking about Bend as it has received much attention for the attributes listed. In reality, I am thinking of Ashland. Though Ashland tends to fly under the radar compared Bend – that is exactly why you should plan a visit. If you like Bend, you’ll love Ashland, and here’s why…
Hometown vibes
As an Oregon born local, from time to time, I enjoy escaping to Ashland as a respite from the hustle-bustle atmosphere of Bend, where I keep my year-around home. Other Oregon locals and visitors echo this sentiment. The Ashland experience stands out in terms of population and tourism. In short Ashland is a smaller town than Bend and it’s noticeable. To boot, Ashland sees less tourists, season to season, year to year. But don’t take my word for it, check out the Bend Bulletin article, Between Bend and Ashland, which details visitor statistics.
Elevated lifestyle
Ashland, is nested between the Siskiyou and Cascade Ranges in a far wetter, lush and bio diverse climate than Bend. As a result, there’s a constant, passive sense of exploration. Travelers will experience mountainous terrain as a low hum while driving, dining and recreating. In contrast, in Bend, one has to travel to the mountains. In Ashland, one is cradled in a valley surrounded by rolling, elevated hills along seemingly touchable horizon lines. Almost every road is carved into a hillside of rock and geologic changes which tend to happen slowly over time appear more frequently and ever present in the Rogue Valley region. The enveloping, elevated terrain in Southern Oregon versus the expansive desert with a mountain visible here and there in Bend feels a bit more dramatic and promotes a sense of having adventure constantly at one’s fingertips.
Geopolitical culture hub
Situated nearly equidistant between San Francisco and Portland, on a main travel thorofare, for over a century Ashland has been the stop over spot for cosmopolitan travel between the mighty Pacific Northwest and the casual Cali coastline. Positioned on this trade route, Ashland has been influenced by top chefs, skilled vignerons, theatrical and performing arts gurus and even academic genius which is embodied in the deep roots of Southern Oregon University. The Ashland Springs hotel, first erected in the 1920s in service to travelers from major southern and northern metropolitan meccas reflects this geographic juxtaposition in their original tagline, where the palms meet the pines. Ashland has a surprisingly unique sophistication culturally unmatched by any other Oregon outpost.
Parks and recreation
If you look at the Rogue Valley region as a whole and compare it to the high desert, within the same distances, 1-2 hours driving, you can access an equally beautiful assortment of lakes, rivers and streams, alpine experiences, mountain bike, hiking and running trails and terrain for virtually every outdoor sport one can imagine. And while you are recreating, you will likely see far less people. For folks who want to stick to the city limits, between Lithia Park’s intriguing history and outstanding installation sculptures, the Japanese Gardens and the opportunity to walk around a quaint town full of Tutor architecture, there are distinctive unparalleled aesthetic touches around every corner in Ashland.
See you in Ashland where you can Live Your Daydreams!
