Ashland, Oregon

Ashland, where the palms meet the pines, may well be the classic prototype for the Great Towns of America. Favorable geography, thoughtful development, and good fortune combined to make this town an idyllic enclave of culture and recreation amid alpine grandeur.

Shielded by both a state line and a major pass through adjoining mountains, Ashland benefits from a nearby California's climate rather than the Northwest's more pervasive pattern of months of heavy rainfall. The remarkable transitional climate provides an ideal setting for luxuriant landscapes where exotic fan palms co-exist with mighty redwoods, and where flowers and fruit trees flourish. The heart of town adjoins Lithia Park, the archetypal village version of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. The park's gateway borders the cultural heart of Ashland, the much-loved award-winning theater triplex. Adding to the mix, prestigious Southern Oregon University further enhances the village's vitality. High quality restaurants and lodgings at all price points appeal to visitors here to enjoy theater, wine tasting, river running, skiing, and just relaxing in one of America's favorite great towns.