My relatives have always lived in Ashland since I’ve been alive. Therefore, I’ve had the privilege of coming down here numerous times to visit them. Ashland is a wonderful city in almost many regards.

Although Ashland isn’t a large city (21,430 in 2006) it is a very walkable city. According to Walkscore.com, the downtown core scores a perfect 100/100 and it truly is so. Almost everything in the city is within 5 blocks of the Shakespeare theater.

And speaking of Shakespeare, this is obviously what makes the town so famous. The Oregon Shakespeare Festivial is fantastic. Ashland is a fantastic home base for seeing a bunch of plays. When the plays aren’t going on, there are many wonderful restaurants to eat at. Lithia Park provides a very relaxing, if not romatic setting for a nice walk.

Overall, I personally think that Ashland is the coolest small town in the United States. It’s got more than enough for a tourist, and knowing my relatives clue me in on all the local happenings.