I boarded one of these boats a few weeks ago… it’s one of my favorite Southern Oregon things to do, and every time I get to this area of Oregon, I always book a trip.

Starting in the heart of downtown Grants Pass, we wound our way down an easy ramp to the water’s edge, where we boarded for our exciting ride. The water was moving at a pretty good clip, so I knew that navigating this current would require a lot of power. No worries! With a low rumble, the boat started and the engines roared to life. Ooooh, the power! I smiled and clamping my hat on, we were off.

The sun shined down and the fresh cool air of the river swept over us as we swooped our way down the river. The guide/driver expertly navigated the river, pointing out historic and natural features of our ride with aplomb and an almost encyclopedic knowledge. He also playfully carved some arcs on the river, with a few resulting waves splashing down on the delighted kids who had plunked themselves up in the front of the boat to get in the middle of the action.

Residents living along the river closer to town waved to us as we passed, and still others gave us smiles as they were fishing along the banks or on drift boats along the way. Our guide respectfully slowed down to not ‘wake’ those boats or the swimmers near some of the parks scattered along the shoreline.

Rumbling on, we slowed down so the driver could point out wildlife including some osprey hovering overhead. The scenery continued to get even more spectacular, especially when we entered the narrow chasm known as Hellgate Canyon. Toothy rock walls surrounded us and I could feel the energy of the river rise as it was channeled through such a narrow space. As it was pointed out, this particular section of the river was featured in the movie “River Wild” was filmed with Kevin Bacon, as was parts of “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” The light filtering into the canyon never fails to take my breath away, and is iconic in my mind to the beauty of Southern Oregon.

The thrum of the engines, wind in our hair and the warm sunshine was exhilarating. But the best was yet to come. Dinnertime took place at the OK Corral, which is owned by the jetboat company. Passengers disembark onto a dock and can either walk up the short hill or take a ride on a tractor wagon that shuttles everyone up to the corral. I decided to stretch my legs and was up at the lodge within a couple of minutes. There, a delightful spread of home cooking tempted our palates. Surprisingly, despite the fact that we hadn’t exactly been exerting ourselves on this ride, I was ravenous and enjoyed the barbeque favorites on the menu.

But one of the special treats of this place was discovered when I got up and spied a group of deer fearlessly walking up to one side of the outdoor seating area. Apparently, they knew it was dinner time too, and weren’t disappointed when some of the kids started tossing crumbs out. It was great seeing these graceful creatures up close.

But dinner was over, and the sun was starting to get low, so it was time to go. We piled back onto the boat, and the pilot driver wended his way up the river back towards town. Even within the span of a few hours, the light had again changed and the river looked entirely different, and there were new animals and things to see on the way back. This just proves that the ever-changing landscape is something to experience and revere, and this jetboat ride was just the perfect way to get to experience a sliver of it for myself.

Day three of On the Road with Oregon Bounty and we’ve made our way to Central Point in Southern Oregon to meet two culinary artisans.

Jeff Shepherd of Lillie Belle Farms Hand Made Chocolates is an artist whose medium happens to be chocolate. Jeff is equal parts Willy Wonka and savage Deadhead. He began his candy career selling four flavors of hand-dipped truffles out of the trunk of his Jeep at farmers’ markets throughout Oregon. Today he creates more than 60 exclusive flavors of chocolates, truffles, caramels, bars and toffee. Jeff also owns a small organic berry farm, which supplies the fruit he infuses into his ganaches and truffles.

David Gremmels of Rogue Creamery has turned a small, nearly extinct creamery into a world-renowned maker of blue cheese. In 2002, David discovered the fledgling creamery on the brink of closure. He loved their handcrafted blue cheese, so he did what any dairy-loving Oregonian with a dream would do: he and a partner bought the historic facility. Over the past seven years, the creamery has increased production, developed new cheeses, and garnered over 100 trophies and ribbons in competitions around the world. Most recently, their Rogue River Blue was named “Best in Show” at the 2009 American Cheese Society Judging and Competition.

David and Jeff are the artisan producer mentors in our Oregon Bounty “Cuisinternship” contest, which will give seven lucky people the chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Oregon for an ultimate foodie getaway (that’s right, you could spend a week as a winemaker, chef, brewmaster, cheesemaker and chocolatier, distiller, rancher or fisherman). Check out the videos about these two passionate foodies and learn how to enter the contest.

Southern Oregon has so many culinary gems, like the fresh-baked heirloom berry turnover in the cottage at Pennington Farms in the Applegate Valley, fabulous wineries like Abacela and Brandborg in the Umpqua Valley, and Grandma Nirene’s apple crisp at the historic Wolf Creek Inn north of Grants Pass. Go to Travel Oregon’s new culinary travel website to plan a Southern Oregon getaway.

Check back tomorrow… “On the Road” will be in Central Oregon to learn all about artisan distilling. Cheers!

Seski on the boat. But, where are the other passengers?

His first feat? A Hellgate Jetboat Excursion.

Seski looks carefree and relaxed, but we happen to know that he was a wee bit nervous about his jetboat ride. He sent us the following messages on Twitter.

Seski get nervous for Jetboat in Grants Pass. Not natural habitat and not like wet fur.

It turned out to be alright for Seski, after his ride, he told us this:

Seski survive… barely. Seski need nap from adrenaline rush. Lots of new friends. Content!

We’re proud of Seski for facing his fears and hopping on that jetboat! He’s fulfilled the Outdoorsy Stuff requirement and now only needs to go to four more places to be designated an Official Oregonian!

So, tell us.. Where should Seski go next? Want to follow Seski as he completes the rest of his challenge? Follow him on Twitter, or become his Friend on Facebook!

Brat, Brews and Blues Festival

Head to Klamath Falls to see four of the region’s best blues bands. Located on Klamath Lake, this festival features Texas, Chicago, New Orleans and Classic Blues. What’s more? A bratwurst dinner and locally brewed beers!

Britt Festival

This festival, in Southern Oregon is in it’s 47th year and features performers such as Portland’s own Pink Martini, as well as Elvis Costello, Crosby, Stills & Nash and Blondie. The concerts are held in a naturally-formed amphitheater, surrounded by ponderosa pines.

Music on the Halfshell

In it’s eighteenth year, Music on the Halfshell has attracted performers such as Kathy Mattea, Cowboy Junkies and the Dixie Chicks. What does this year’s lineup hold? You’ll have to check back on May 19th to find out! Music on the Halfshell concerts are always free.

Oregon Jamboree

Country music acts such as Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, and Montgomery Gentry headline this 3-day festival in Sweet Home, Ore. Want to attend all 3 days? RV and tent camping sites are available. But, act quickly, tickets are sure to sell out soon!

Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival

Catch the largest blues festival west of the Mississippi in Portland’s Waterfront Park this summer. Attracting over 100,000 blues fans, this festival features Etta James, Ryan Shaw and Johnny Winter. In addition to music, there is a Lousiana Pavillion, activities for kids and fireworks on the 4th of July!

Tell us… What are your favorite Oregon Music Festivals?

Hiking Oregon’s Rogue River trail with White Water Warehouse owner and trail guide, Bob Meister, is more than a trek; it is a history lesson. The 43-mile hike lasts for 4 days and 3 nights and winds through some of southern Oregon’s richest back country historical and ecological sites.

“The Rogue River-Siskiyou mountain range hike is not only stunningly beautiful but also home to some incredible moments in history. Hikers have a chance to live history by standing on sites where local Indian battles took place, they will discover the ruins of homes where neighbors shot and killed each other over gold mining claims, and even walk through old homesteads where home owners would spend winter months snowed in waiting for food and rations to arrive by wagons coming over the mountains,” says Meister. Even the start of the Rogue River trail is historic. The trail head is named after the grave of Martha Leland Crowley, a daughter of a pioneer couple. Martha was buried under an oak tree near the creek in 1846.

As the 40-plus mile trek continues, the trail often shadows the famous wild and scenic Rogue River. Scientists have described this area as one of the most plant diverse ecosystems in the United States–rivaled only by the Great Smokey Mountains. “This hiking experience is like no other…and I have hiked all over the world,” says guide Jim Jackson. “You walk through all the glories of nature on the Rogue-Siskiyou trail. The diverse ecosystems are incredible. Hikers see rocky, dry areas, rain forests that are home to some of the most sensitive plants in the world, eye-popping fields of wildflowers, and fragrant wild azaleas lining the riverbanks. It is breath-taking.”

The trail hiking season is May through mid-June (because of the moderate temperatures at this time of year). A chain of three rustic fishing lodges conveniently spaced a day’s walk apart along the Rogue River makes possible a style of hiking that’s the norm in much of the rest of the world but somehow not see in this country: inn-to-inn walking.

White Water Warehouse offers guided outdoor adventures in Southern Oregon. You can read about things to do in Southern Oregon on their blog, White Water Rafting, Kayaking and Hiking Blog.

Sunrise over Crater Lake

Editor’s Note: Serena Becker and Jeramy Vallianos are avid hikers who work for Walk for Wildlands, a company that raises awareness for preserving the environment. Serena and Jeramy have also participated in a program that educated troubled teens in the wilderness of Scio, Silver Falls State Park etc. Read below to hear about their hiking experience on the Pacific Crest Trail:

Our first stop out of Ashland was one of the most incredible places in the world, I believe. Crater Lake. Massive, peaceful and breath-taking. We were able to spend a day walking along part of the rim of the lake and spent the night on a bluff overlooking it. In the morning we woke as the sun was rising. One of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen. The clouds quickly moved in though and the rest of the day was spent getting glimpses of the lake through the clouds as we stood in the frigid wind.

Mt. Jefferson

The wind rippling across the water combined with the clouds and sunlight trickling through created a surreal picture. It was hard to leave that place but the cold wind kept us moving. We hiked on towards Mt.Thielsen, tall, rocky and pointed. We decided against climbing it as it was covered in clouds and probably about 30 degrees on top.

As we approached Central Oregon I began to think back to my childhood spent at Waldo Lake in the summers and Odell Lake in the winters. The PCT hits the south shore of Odell lake and we spent and evening at Shelter Cove Resort. The next day we hiked up to Willamette Pass were Jeramy had been hoping to get some pizza for lunch at the ski lodge. Unfortunately they weren’t serving food that day and we had to resign ourselves to eating the same old tortilla and cheese wraps for lunch.

The PCT does not pass directly by Waldo lake so I was unable to go swimming at one of most beautiful lakes in Oregon. However it does pass by a myriad of smaller lakes just east of Waldo that I had never seen before, the three Rosary lakes, Bobby Lake and others that I can’t remember the names of. Our hike between Odell lake and Santiam Pass (Highway 20) also took us past the Three Sisters. WOW! I had never hiked near those mountains before, only seen them from a distance. What gorgeous mountains. South Sister with its red rocks we were able to catch the best views of. It turned out to be quite cold and stormy as we hiked passed the Sisters, but still absolutely amazing. We saw a rather large coyote carrying what appeared to be a rabbit in it’s mouth, a huge buck running across a meadow and a grey horned owl.

Mt. Hood

Luckily we made it down off the Sisters before the worst of the storm hit. As we descended toward McKenzie Pass, sleet and small snow flakes began to come down. We stopped by the Dee Wright Observatory and checked out the few mountains that weren’t immersed in clouds than pressed on through the lava fields and passed Mt. Washington. We were on a mission to meet my mom at Santiam Pass that evening. The cold aided us in getting there, as it was too chilly to stop for long. Just long enough to stop at the 2000 mile marker and celebrate! I told her we would be there at 7pm and we rolled in at 7:06 pm. It was such a blessing to see her there walking out on the trail to meet us. We went into Bend for the night, got warm, ate some good food and got cleaned up. As seems to happen often in town we ended up staying longer than expected. We visited with some friends who lived there and Tuesday evening (Sept. 2nd.) got back on the trail.

This last stretch in Oregon we hiked passed Three Fingered Jack, Mt.Jefferson and Mt. Hood. All three mountains that I have also seen from a distance but never up close. Jefferson still had quite a bit of snow on it and we hiked over snow banks for the first times since we left the Sierra’s way down in California. I imagine there will be more of that to come in Washington as it was such a big snow year. Unfortunately when the snow sticks around so too do the mosquito’s. And there were a surprising amount of them for the Cascades in late August.

Our hike between Jefferson and Hood was relaxing and warm. The sun had decided to show her face again and we’re hoping to have a few more of these days as we finish this amazing journey though Washington. We stopped at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. You may remember the outside of the lodge from the movie “The Shining”. The inside is even more incredible, built some time in the thirties and still looking very much the same. Our good friends Jody and Eli met us up there, brought our food box and hiked out with us for a night, we had a huge feast. It’s always wonderful to have friends join us out here.

From there we hiked around Mt. Hood than began our decent to the Columbia River gorge. Down we went walking along the ridge with the wind whipping by as the sun set. It was a warmish wind but it was strong and camping was minimal and not too appealing with tall trees swaying above us. So we walked later than usual until we found a semi flat spot out of the wind to sleep.

The next morning we hiked into the gorge and took a detour from the PCT, down the Eagle Creek Trail. One of the most astounding trail in the gorge. Countless enormous water falls, some over 100 ft. tall splashing down into huge clear blue pools below. The trail itself in unbelievable. It was literally blasted into the side of a vertical cliff so at times you are walking next to a ledge that drops off 100 or more feet into the water. They have installed a cable to hold onto as you walk the most dangerous part. And the tunnel blasted through the rock behind a waterfall! Amazing. If you ever have the chance, check it out. And with that to finish up Oregon we hiked into the small town of Cascade Locks, where the Bridge of the Gods spans the Columbia River. Soon we will walk over that bridge and begin the home stretch of our hike: Washington. Only 508 miles to go.

For more information on hiking in Oregon, please visit our Outdoor Recreation section.

Willy Wonka

I learned everything I need to know about life from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” It’s all there: have a passion for what you do, set clear boundaries with consequences for your children, respect karma. The most important lesson though is that food can be filled with magic and wonder.

I met Willy Wonka today. He’s alive and well at a place called Lillie Belle Farms in Central Point, just north of Medford. It’s just a five-minute diversion off I-5 to a world of pure imagination.

Jeff Shepherd doesn’t wear a purple velvet jacket, but the Wonka spirit is surely there. At first glance you probably wouldn’t pick this big bearded and pony-tailed guy out of a line-up of candy makers as the artisan who crafts delicate, creative, wonderful handmade chocolates. But, when you walk into Jeff’s small chocolate factory/retail shop and see the spotlighted portrait of Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, you know you’re in for a special journey.

Jeff

Jeff started Lillie Belle Farms a few years back, after he bought a run-down two-acre organic berry farm here in Southern Oregon and realized he’d have to do something with all of those raspberries.

Nuts

He began by making a few berry truffles, which he sold at various farmers markets. They were a hit, people asked for more, and the rest, they say, is chocolate history. Jeff now produces more than 60 types of individual confections, and is constantly dreaming up new and different ways to expand on a craft that’s been around for centuries.

A Chocolate Mold

These are not your run-of-the-mill organic chocolates. In the rich wooden cases of his shop you’ll find such inventions as lavender and sea salt caramel, smoky bleu cheese truffle, and 74% cocoa gem called the Dark Star. His chocolate comes from Madagascar, but the rest of the ingredients – Rogue Creamery bleu cheese, berries from his own farm, pears from the surrounding valleys – are a litany of Oregon’s Bounty. Jeff’s philosophy? “I like to make teeny tiny things with my hands that make people happy.”

Plate of Chocolates

In addition to his small retail operation, Jeff sells his chocolates to over 300 stores and online. Feel like a fix? Check out the Lillie Belle website and see for yourself what someone with a little chocolate and a lot of passion and imagination can do.

Candy Case

Lillie Belle Farms is located right next door to the Rogue Creamery, a nice synergy of two artisans who are turning the world’s attention on Southern Oregon as a culinary destination. Throw in the wineries of the surrounding Rogue, Applegate and Umpqua Valleys and you have the full meal deal.

The Truck

The Oregon Bounty website is full of culinary attractions like Lillie Belle Farms… places where you can meet the people who make Oregon taste so good. Check back tomorrow when I meet another of Oregon’s food artisans: a goat cheese maker in Central Oregon. Cheers!

Mail Boat Slide

When planning our trip to the southern Oregon coast in August 2006, my niece Katie and I had only heard of the jet boat tours out of Gold Beach but had never had the chance to take a ride. But in a stroke of luck, a friend offered us a complimentary pass for two. So one morning in the middle of our trip we found ourselves driving to the Rogue River Mail Boats, not entirely sure of what to expect.

It was a beautiful summer day. We arrived a bit early as requested and were seated in the third row of the boat. We were given wool blankets to be used as seat cushions or as a cover from the wind. To sum it up, WE HAD A BLAST! We were treated to hours of beautiful scenery, wildlife viewing and jet boat fun. Jet boat fun includes going over the rapids several times just to “get it right” and turning around 360 degrees in the river in a variety of places. Our jet boat driver and guide was diligent in pointing out eagles and their nests, osprey, deer and even a bear. They have someone taking photos from one of the bridges and we came away with a great photo of us on the boat to remember the trip.

In the summer of 2007, we went to Gold Beach specifically for the 104-mile jet boat trip. The longer trip takes you clear up the Rogue River to the spot where motorized boats are prohibited and only rafting is allowed. It’s not hard to imagine where the beautiful scenery for the movie “The River Wild” was filmed. The scenery all along the river is very beautiful.

This time we took my sister along. Again, it was a beautiful summer day. We tried and lucked out in getting our same third row seats. My niece was anxious for her mother to get the splashing this time so we sat her on the end of the seat.

Not far from dock we rounded a bend and saw six or seven fishermen lined up and equally spaced all hoping to catch the big one. Again our guide pointed out many animals and birds, and this time we saw a family of river otters which was delightfully fun. Their antics were quite entertaining.

Both trips included a stop for lunch in the town of Agness. Each time we enjoyed a buffet of chicken, salad, potatoes, vegetables and an assortment of desserts.

And on an environmental note, the company has adopted a sustainable state of mind. They have re-powered all their whitewater boats to ultra-low emission engines. They are smaller in size and have 35% better fuel economy.

They have a good gift shop including sweat shirts, T-shirts, hats and assorted gift items to help remember the fantastic trip to Gold Beach. In the spring of 2007 we went on a similar jet boat ride in Alaska, but it didn’t compare at all to the fun we had on the original Rogue River Mail Boats. They are still delivering the US Mail to the town of Agness and have done so for over 100 years.

For more information on local river guides in Oregon, please visit our Guides and Packers section. Have a blast on the water this summer!

The band of mechanicals (Jeffrey King, Josiah Phillips, Ray Porter and U. Jonathan Toppo) are assigned their roles for the play. Photo by David Cooper.

“I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was.” ~William Shakespeare

This past winter, the Travel Oregon staff had the opportunity to see four plays during opening weekend of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. I have been to the festival two times before, and I have to say it gets better each year! This year, we saw “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “Fences”, “The Clay Cart” and “Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter”.

The snow was just starting to melt when we entered into Ashland, and the town had a very crisp, wintery feel about it. We even lucked out and had clear weather the entire trip, which made walking through downtown and Lithia Park even more enjoyable. And the food! I can’t even describe how delicious Ashland’s restaurants are- if you don’t go anywhere else, you at least have to try Pasta Piatti (it’s in an adorable red building- you can’t miss it). Try their squash ravioli- it has biscotti pieces and a brown-butter sage sauce on top. It literally melts in your mouth.

Titania (Christine Albright, left) wakes to find herself quite enamored of Bottom (Ray Porter). Photo by David Cooper.

Before you plan your own trip to Ashland, be sure to read our staff reviews below. They’ll make you want to plan a trip immediately! And stay tuned for our fourth review on “Welcome Home, Jenny Sutter” coming soon!

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Reviewed by Ashley Moran
Director: Mark Rucker
Angus Bowmer Theater
February 15-November 2, 2008

A Midsummer Night’s Dream was one of the best plays I’ve ever seen, hands down. Set in modern times (1960’s-70’s), this play combined the perfect amount of humor, romance, and suspense. Hermia (played by Emily Sophia Knapp) and Lysander (played by Tasso Feldman) are two lovers who flee to the forest to get married. Little do they know, Oberon (played by Kevin Kenerly), king of the fairies, his queen Titania (played by Christine Albright) and messenger Puck (played by John Tufts) will be joining them. You will see what happens when Puck places the juice of a magic flower on Lysander’s eyelids while he sleeps. Be prepared for surprises, exquisite sets, and of course humor.

This play is not to be missed. It is full of disco dancing, singing, and even the appearance of a brightly-colored volkswagon bus. If you are ready to laugh, this play will have you doing so during its entirety. Not to mention the stylish, funky costumes. Let’s just say that ballerina tutus, army boots and mesh tops make one of the most fitting fashion statements (you’ll love them)!

Note: This play may not be appropriate for children under 10.

Troy Maxson (Charles Robinson) in a lighter moment. Photo by David Cooper.

Fences
Reviewed by Ashley Moran
Directed by Leah C. Gardiner
February 16-July 6, 2008
Angus Bowmer Theater

Fences is an inspiring story that pulls on your heart strings as it touches such subjects as race, hard work, and infidelity. The play is filled with extraordinary actors, including Troy Maxson, played by Charles Robinson. He does an excellent job portraying the struggles of the working world, and finding a balance between his family and his past beliefs.

Troy has a love for the game of baseball, and can be seen happily swinging his bat in front of his house throughout the play. His son Cory (played by Cameron Knight) has a similar love for the game of football, but Troy would rather have his son focus on work rather than games. Troy also has a second son, Lyons (played by Kevin Kenerly) who constantly makes an appearance during the play to ask his father for money. Troy’s brother Gabriel brings a great amount of innocence and a lighthearted feeling to the play. He recently returned from World War II with a metal plate in his head, and can be seen wandering the streets selling fruit and ridding the area of “hell hounds” with his trumpet.

Rose (Shona Tucker, right) shares a laugh with Troy

This play is very easy to relate to, as it focuses so closely on family values, and the struggles many people encounter in their every day lives. I would recommend this play to everyone traveling to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Note: This play may contain strong language.

The Clay Cart
Reviewed by Linea Carlson
Directed by Bill Rauch
February 17-November 2
Angus Bowmer Theater

Vasantasenā (Miriam A. Laube) paints a portrait of her lover, Chārudatta;(Cristofer Jean). Photo by David Cooper.

On February 23, my boyfriend Troy and I sauntered through the quaint streets of Ashland to attend our second-ever Oregon Shakespeare Festival play, “The Clay Cart”. We had seen “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” the evening before and were very excited to see what the creative crew at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) had in store for us this evening.

I’ve always been fascinated with history and “The Clay Cart” is approximately 2,000 years old. As rapt as I am with the past, I was worried the play wouldn’t hold our attention. As I’m sure you know from attending school, history can be tedious at times, it all depends on the teacher, or in this case, the director and cast (caste?). OSF’s new artistic director, Bill Rauch made his splashing directorial debut with this play and, I must say, he’d be a great teacher. From props to scenes to costumes to cast, every facet had us spellbound. I was also worried about being able to relate to the play in any way. I mean times have changed, right? Wrong. I know it’s a cliché, but it’s true–the more things change, the more they stay the same. This play was reminiscent of an ancient Sanskrit version of “Pretty Woman”. To boot, Rauch’s “Cart” was full of characters that reminded me of friends, foes and acquaintances in my own life.

“The Clay Cart” is a romantic comedy set amidst problematic political times. It’s a humorous depiction of money, relationships and political revolts that bring a commoner to the throne with an overall Shakespearean, “all’s well that ends well” conclusion.

Masseur (Jeffrey King) massages the hand of Vasantasenā (center, Miriam A. Laube), explaining his gambling woes, as Madaniḱā (Eileen DeSandre) attends. Photo by David Cooper.

Our hero, Cārudatta opens the play, lamenting his loss of money and thus, his friends. His one true friend, Maitreya, is by his side consoling his losses. Suddenly, the sounds of a woman in distress interrupts their male-bonding moment. Vasantasenā, our Julia Roberts of Sanskrit times, is running from the unwanted advances of the scoundrel Samsthānaka. She is saved by Cārudatta, Vasantasenā’s secret crush. She leaves her jewelry with him for “safe-keeping” and returns home, revealing to us her deep devotion to Cārudatta.
A series of comical events draw the two star-crossed lovers together, just as some bungled arrangements may force them apart forever. Will love prevail? Can friendships endure? In ancient Sanskrit, much as today, you’ll just have to see for yourself! If you’ve never been to OSF, you have to GO! If you have been, go to experience a piece of olden history in action. You’ll be surprised how much we have in common with our ancient predecessors.

For more information on planning your own trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, please visit our Theater & Performing Arts section. And have a blast!

Bob and Kathy on the water

If you’re planning a trip to Oregon in the upcoming months, or you would simply like to learn more about the great things this state has to offer, be sure to check out GoSeeOregon.com. Each month we ask visitors and residents what sights, activities and places they recommend in Oregon. In February we are looking for recommendations for Bob and Kathy, a recently retired couple from San Francisco who are planning a trip to Southern Oregon. While you are visiting GoSeeOregon.com, write a tip or two about your favorite places in Oregon, and you may enter to win GoSeeOregon’s Tips and Treasures contest.

Judging from the many entries we received, it looks like the city of Ashland is one of the favorites: several Southern Oregon experts recommended the Ashland Springs Hotel, but if you come during the Shakespeare Festival, make sure to book your hotel room early, says Jenla.

Neuendrf on the other hand, was very pleased with the Lithia Springs Resort & Gardens.

Also in Ashland, thepiranha recommends getting the beer sampler at the Standing Stone Brewing Co and says: “Unlike some brewpubs that offer samplers, the Standing Stone labels their brews so you know which one you’re sampling.”

Other places that are highly recommended include the Hellgate Jet Boat Excursions and the Rogue Creamery . Visitors stated that “The wild part (of Hellgate Jet Boat Excursions) is where the captain floors it …”
They also had great things to say about Rogue Creamery: “I visited the creamery in January and was very impressed that such a small operation could produce nationally and internationally recognized cheeses.”

Skswanson has fond memories of Diamond Lake: “We rented a boat, brought a bottle of wine with us and toured around the lake all of the time looking at the beautiful mountain peaks.”

Further south in Winston, ktfern found the Wildlife Safari “amazing and you will not be disappointed.”

Southern Oregon also awaits with great seafood restaurants like the The Crazy Norwegians Fish & Chips, where moondog found that “the daily specials are very good value and the crab melt sandwich has 1/4lb. of crab with your choice of cheese.”

And not only history buffs should check out the Southern Oregon Historical Society Museum, which lgifford considers “a great small-town museum”.

But there is so much more to do, see, taste and experience in Southern Oregon. Which are the places you like and recommend? Share them at GoSeeOregon.com and enter our sweepstakes for a chance to win great prizes from Columbia Sportswear!