Established in 1855 on the former site of a Shasta Indian village, Ashland, Ore. — home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival — is 6.5 square miles of art, history, culture, cuisine and active diversions. Just 15 miles north of the California border, it lies at the foot of the Siskiyou mountain range. Scholars believe various Native American tribes lived in the area as far back as 6000 B.C.

Skilled hunters, these tribes built trails that white explorers and trappers used from the early to mid-1800s. Wagon trains began traversing the trails in the early 1850s, bringing American settlers by the droves.

Over the ensuing decades, Ashland became known for gold mining and its lumber and flour mills. To support the growing population, a central business district opened, including a blacksmith, meat market, cabinet shop and livery. Dubbed the Plaza, it remains one of the town’s busiest gathering places.

For travelers seeking Pacific Northwest charm and cheer, Ashland is an irresistible option.

Getting There

Fly to San Francisco or Portland, Ore., and connect to Medford. Ashland is a 20-minute drive from Medford Airport, where rental cars, taxis and shuttles are available.

Accommodations

» Opened in July 1925, the nine-story, 70-room Ashland Springs Hotel (www.ashlandspringshotel.com) is the most prominent building in town. Architectural highlights include a conservatory with glass doors that open to a walled courtyard with a gazebo, fountain and garden.

» Ashland’s Bed & Breakfast Network (www.abbnet.com) is an association of 24 inns, four of them on the National Register of Historic Places. Ashland Mountain House (www.ashlandmountainhouse.com), Coolidge House Bed and Breakfast (www.coolidgehouse.com), McCall House (mccallhouse.com) and the Winchester Inn, Restaurant & Bar (www.winchesterinn.com) all date to the 1800s.

» A five-minute drive from Ashland, the Flying L Ranch (www.equestrianvacations.net) is a working horse ranch with accommodations in three cottages and a four-bedroom, century-old farmhouse. The ranch offers trail rides, horse camps and four- and seven-day vacations, including tickets to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Attractions

» Established in 1908, Lithia Park meanders over 93 acres. Its name comes from the lithia water (mineral water containing lithium salts) discovered in nearby springs in 1907. This water purportedly helps heal ailments from arthritis to depression.

The park encompasses two ponds, a Japa­nese garden, tennis courts, two large greens, a playground, picnic areas, more than a dozen trails, a band shell and, during the winter, an ice-skating rink. As the gateway to the 15,000-acre watershed that surrounds Ashland, it provides access to trails for hiking, biking, jogging and horseback riding.

Guides from Ashland’s Parks and Recreation Department lead free walks through the park from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays from May through September. Additional walks are scheduled on Saturdays in July and August. Call 541-488-5340.

» The ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum (www.scienceworksmuseum.org) features exhibits, demonstrations and activities focused on energy, anatomy, chemistry, perception, engineering, motion and more. Offerings change frequently to keep the experience fresh.

» There are 88 wineries in southern Oregon (www.sorwa.org), the majority of which are within a half-hour drive of Ashland. The family-owned Weisinger’s Winery (www.weisingers.com) offers a Vineyard Cottage vacation rental with a kitchen and hot tub.

Activities

Ashland records between 250 and 300 days of sunshine annually, making it a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy rafting, kayaking, jet boating, fishing, hiking, biking, golf and tennis. In winter the surrounding hills and mountains provide perfect conditions for snowshoeing, snowboarding, sledding and skiing.

The 200-acre Mount Ashland Ski Area (www.mtashland.com) is typically open December through April. Facilities include a lodge with a shop and food outlets. The nearest accommodations are 19-room Callahan’s Mountain Lodge (www.callahanslodge.com) and the Ashland Mountain House (www.ashlandmountainhouse.com).

Events

» On the first Friday of every month, art aficionados gather for First Friday Artwalk — music, refreshments, special exhibits and chats with artists and gallery owners.

» Oregon Cabaret Theatre presents musicals February through December in a former First Baptist Church built in 1911. The 2012 season kicks off with "Let’s Misbehave," which features more than 30 Cole Porter songs.

» Forty Oregon vendors will showcase a variety of fine chocolates and chocolate-inspired products at the Oregon Chocolate Festival, March 2-4. Planned are a four-course Chocolate Makers Dinner (chocolate will be an ingredient in every dish), a Chocolate Martini Spa Facial Party, presentations by chocolatiers and much more.

» April 12-16, the Ashland Independent Film Festival, in its 11th year, will screen more than 80 shorts, features and documentaries. Movie buffs will also appreciate daily panel discussions and nightly parties.

» A Taste of Ashland is an annual event celebrating the fine food, wine and art of southern Oregon. This year’s dates: April 28-29.

» Fourth of July festivities include a parade; crafts, food and entertainment in Lithia Park, and a fireworks show.

» On Halloween afternoon, residents of all ages parade through the streets in costumes ranging from fun to fancy, silly to scary. Merchants offer treats, and dance and musical groups perform at various locations.

» The Ashland New Plays Festival draws playwrights and theater aficionados from around the country for workshops, discussions and readings of four new plays. It will be held Oct. 24-28.

» The Food & Wine Classic, Nov. 2-4, features "Top Chef"-style cooking competitions and samples from more than 25 local food and drink artisans.

» Ashland kicks off the Christmas season the day after Thanksgiving with the Festival of Light. Entertainment is followed by Santa’s Parade and the Grand Illumination of more than a million lights in town.

Shopping and Dining

» EmzBlendz Soap Co. sells soaps, scrubs, lotions, candles, perfumes, aromatherapy oils and more–all handcrafted on site with fresh, natural ingredients.

» At Paddington Station, browse on two floors stocked with great gifts and souvenirs, including jewelry, apparel and books.

» Sip your choice of 25 beers along with delicious pub food at Caldera Tap House. A popular item is the flame-grilled mahimahi burger with lilikoi aioli.

» Cucina Biazzi presents Italian favorites in a quaint, cozy setting. During warm weather, many guests prefer dining alfresco on the lanai. When it’s chilly, the best seating is indoors, beside the blazing fireplace.

» Opened in 1946, Omar’s is Ashland’s oldest restaurant and cocktail lounge. It specializes in fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks, including a 20-ounce Porterhouse.

» Sesame Asian Kitchen delivers picnics to patrons in Lithia Park, right across the street. Think duck potstickers, crisp coconut calamari and char siu short ribs.

More information

Ashland Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau, 110 E. Main St., Ashland, OR 97520.

Call 541-482-3486 or email katharine@ashlandchamber.com. Website: www.ashlandchamber.com.