Ashland Spring 06

Late April/early May trip to southern Oregon, to our favorite regional theatre, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival of Ashland Oregon. Medford urban sculpture to the left, actually on the right in the picture, that is Carol on the left.



More buildings going up in the small downtown area, more houses in the surrounding area being rehabilitated, (see right) more really good plays being performed: four SOs in a row this weekend, three of them deserved.

Saw a lovely production of The Winter's Tale, which was much more memorable than the one 3 years ago. Maybe because it was inside rather than outside. The Diary of Anne Frank was difficult and only of average quality. Lots of kids there. UP was post-modern and so meant nothing, but was entertaining and thought provoking none the less. Intimate Apparel was probably the best newer play and of course featured a lot of magical stagecraft as well as a good story.








We flew from Billings to Portland, then on to Medford, but on the way back went from Medford to Denver and on to Billings. This latter combo is less desirable than the Horizon flights through Portland. Ashland was in early bloom. Had dinner at Alex's on the Plaza with Anne Sloan: very enjoyable, both food and company. Pizza Piatti was also memorable for food.


Porter's in Medford at the old train station was great. We had a seafood appetizer which was plenty for us.




We stayed at Lithia Springs Inn, just outside of Ashland on Rte 99 going toward Medford: Nice quiet place with good breakfasts and late afternoon snacks. Might be a good place for kids and grandkids to get together as they had clusters of suites that looked very pleasant. All the rooms had a large tub with the healing waters available. I might have been slightly less achey after a soak.





Visited the Rogue Creamery (see left) in Central Point I think, for some of their extra-special good blue cheese. At any rate, the next exit north of Medford, go left into the village.