All About Ashland
Sunset Magazine characterizes Ashland “Where the town itself is the major attraction”. Money Magazine voted Ashland one of the best places to retire in America!
Ashland’s downtown is a town to stroll, where you can enjoy shops, restaurants and a beautiful 100 acre park downtown. The downtown district was listed in the National Historic register in 2000.
Behind the shops on the plaza runs the creek and the sidewalk is lined with tables and umbrellas. A great place to enjoy some of the finest food around!
In 1982 Ashland was started in the plaza with a flour mill. Ashland, at that time, was called Ashland Mills. It rapidly became one of the major towns in the area butJacksonville won since they had the gold. In 1893 Ashland built a Chatauqua building.
Chatauqua’s were popular in the 19th century where across the country; tents would be erected for the purpose of education and entertainment. The demise of Chatauqua’s started with the invention of autos and movies. But Ashland built a building above the plaza and it was later added onto in 1917. After the popularity ended, the building was torn down and only the foundation remained. In 1935 Agness Bowmer, used it to present two Shakespearean plays. In 1959, the now famous outdoor Elizabethan Stage was erected in the foundation of the old Chatuaqua building.
Besides the Shakespearean Festival, Ashland is home to the Cabaret Theatre, the Rogue Valley Symphony, Southern Oregon University, and the marvelous Lithia Park tucked away at the end of town.
Lithia Park has hiking trails, a play ground, a delightful pond where the ducks and geese live, all types of flowers, trees and a Japanese garden. In the days of Chatauqua’s, people would come and camp in the park .
Some say this park is reminiscent of Golden State Park and indeed John McLaren, superintendent of Golden Gate Park, had his hand in the development of Lithia Park.
Once you visit, you will want to stay! Call REDD MCCARTY REALTORS for your personalized relocation package, moving information or if you need help in any area, our concierge services are available for all of our clients!
Call toll Free: 1-800-641-3888
