Ashland Oregon Bed and Breakfast

History

The area which is now known as Ashland, Oregon was originally inhabited by the Shasta native people group who lived on the banks of the Ashland Creek. In the 1820s, hunters and trappers from the Hudson’s Bay Company passed through the city as they followed the Siskiyou Trail on their exploratory mission. Later, in the 1840s, other American settlers followed the Applegate Trail and passed through Ashland. The Donation Land Claim Act brought many white homesteaders to the area, leading to often violent conflicts with the natives who lived there. These conflicts are collectively called the Rogue River Wars. Early settlers came in search of gold, abundant lumber and land. The railroad came in the late 1880s and was a popular junction point for those trains bound for Portland and San Francisco for many years.

Natural Features

Ashland, Oregon sits in the southern part of the state tucked away in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain range in Oregon’s Rogue Valley region. The city is just a bit north of the California border about halfway between San Francisco and Portland. The mountains offer seemingly endless opportunities for hiking and biking, with some hiking trails starting right in town and near some of the best bed and breakfasts in Ashland. Emigrant Lake is near town and the famous volcanic lake, Crater Lakeand its surrounding national park is within easy reach for a day trip. In winter, Mount Ashland has skiing and snowboarding available. In summer, the mountain resort offers other exciting outdoor activities to visitors.

Weather

Temperatures in Ashland vary greatly depending on the season. With high levels of humidity, the temperatures feel cold for approximately half of the year. The other half of the year has nice weather. Year round there is a fair chance of precipitation. The warmest time of  year to visit are the months of July and August. September also sees fairly warm temperatures. These three months are also the driest. December is the wettest month while January has the best chance of snowfall. Spring is the second busiest season for visitors coming to Ashland (after summer) due to moderate temperatures. Fall is comfortable but quite wet, and sees the lowest number of tourists.

Activities

Ashland, Oregon offers many activities to make your stay enjoyable. Since Ashland is very well known as the home to Oregon Shakespeare Festival,  you’d be remiss if you didn’t take in a show while you are in town. Why not attend one at the Shakespeare Festival one night and then check out dinner and a show at Oregon Cabaret Theatre the next evening? In the town center is Lithia Park, a 100-acre green space with sports courts, walking trails, and playgrounds. It’s a great place to go for a walk or have a picnic on a  nice day. The park flanks Ashland Creek where you can splash on a nice day. Other water features include duck ponds and fountains. In the winter, Mount Ashland Ski Area attracts winter sports enthusiasts from across the country. The mountain has 44 ski runs spread over 240 skiable acres. There’s a nice beginner area for those who are new to skiing or snowboarding.If you want to get out of town, Crater Lake is a popular day trip. The lake is about 2 hours away from town. It’s a  volcanic lake, famous for its deep, clear blue water. The national park surrounding the lake offers numerous activities for active travelers including hiking and biking trails.

Things to Do

One of the most popular things to do in Ashland is to take in a show at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, a professional theatre that hosts a wide range of shows each year. It is one of the most famous and respected Shakespearean festivals in the world. It runs from February to October each year and features numerous productions, workshops, and events.The Oregon Cabaret Theatre is another professional theatre company where you can enjoy dinner and a show. Ashland Art Center is home to a diverse range of art studios, galleries, and exhibitions. You can view and purchase works of art, attend workshops, and meet the artists themselves.Lithia Park, located just south of town is a 100-acre park is located in the heart of Ashland and features beautiful gardens, hiking trails, a playground, a duck pond, and more.Meanwhile, North Mountain Park to the town’s northeast is known for its themed gardens and educational nature center. Ashland is located in the heart of Southern Oregon wine country, and there are numerous wineries in the area that offer wine tastings and tours.Family travelers will find fun things to do around town including the ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum where kids can build and experiment at a variety of exhibits.

Food and Drink

Ashland has more than 100 different restaurants within its city limits, with cuisines from all across the globe represented. You’ll certainly be spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink. Local ingredients,  comfort food, and farm-to-table dining are the highlight of the Ashland restaurant scene. Breadboard and Brothers are all local restaurants that frequently make the list of best places to eat in Ashland. When you are looking to have a drink, Brickroom may come to mind first. It’s one of the town’s largest bars and offers a  casual environment with drinks, small plates, and entrees on the menu and live music on weekends.

Ashland Oregon Bed and Breakfast FAQ

Why Stay at a Bed & Breakfast in Ashland Oregon?

When you check-in to your Ashlandbed and breakfast, you’ll immediately notice a difference when compared to other types of vacation rentals. Bed and breakfasts are unique because of the people that run them - friendly innkeepers who know the area first hand and can help you discover the area as a local would. When you stay at a bed and breakfast, you’ll relax each evening in a comfortable room in a historic home. The interiors are truly one of a kind, decorated with Victorian antiques and other decor, hand-chosen for the property. Bed and breakfasts in Ashland are conveniently located near some of the city’s best attractions including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Lithia Park, the Oregon Cabaret Theatre, Southern Oregon University and outdoor activities such as Mount Ashland, Crater Lake and various hiking and biking trails.

What type of amenities can I expect when booking a Ashland Oregon Bed and Breakfast?

Bed and breakfasts in Ashland, Oregon offer plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable from check-in to check-out. You won’t have to give up technology during your getaway as wifi is standard both in the guest rooms and common areas. En-suite private baths are typical and usually feature luxury toiletries, towels and robes. Air conditioning is common throughout the property. Each day you’ll enjoy a full breakfast. Many of the gourmet breakfasts served at bed and breakfasts in Ashland are crafted with local and organic ingredients. Some are enjoyed in a dedicated dining room, while others are served in your guest room.

How can I get around Ashland Oregon?

Ashland is located about halfway between Portland, Oregon and San Francisco, CA and around 5 hours from either city. The closest airport is Rogue Valley International Airport (MFR) which is located in Medford, about 15 miles away. The airport is served by several commercial carriers including Alaskan, Allegiant Air, American, Delta and United. There are Amtrak stations around 70 miles away in Klamath Falls, OR and Dunsmuir, CA. Daily bus service is provided Greyhound-Trailways and Southwest POINT. There is a public bus service provided by Rogue Valley Transportation District in the area. However, the best way to get around is by personal vehicle. Rental cars are easily available at the airport.

What Are the Different Types of B&Bs in Ashland Oregon?

Ashland, Oregon bed and breakfasts range from sprawling country estates to smart properties in the city center.Country Willows Inn & Estate is one of the most romantic bed and breakfasts in Ashland, Oregon. The property occupies five acres on the edge of town, not far from Southern Oregon University. The sprawling grounds have everything you need for relaxation including a heated pool, hiking trails, koi ponds and a duck pond with a waterfall. All of this is just a couple of miles from the center of Ashland. Privacy and romance are paramount at the Oak HIllBed and Breakfast in Ashland, Oregon. This boutique inn is conveniently located about 2 miles from downtown Ashland, but far enough away that it is quieter and more private than downtown vacation rentals. Oak HIll is also close to multiple bike routes and trail heads, perfect for active travelers. The Stratford Inn sits right in downtown Ashland and boasts an on-site coffee shop that serves local and organic food and drinks. The Stratford Inn is one of the best pet friendly bed and breakfasts in Ashland, Oregon, welcoming up to two pets per stay in select rooms. Abigail’s Bed and Breakfast Inn occupies an American Craftsman home just blocks away from downtown and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. The home has 4 air conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms and period furnishings. Each stay at Abigail’s includes a delicious two-course, homemade breakfast.