Want to experience a theatrical and immersive adventure? Hit the roads of Oregon to discover the legendary Ashland Shakespeare Festival, a cultural epic journey through sea, mountains, breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages, and standing ovations under the starry moon. It all begins with a road trip along the rugged coast of the American Northwest, filled with delicious, natural, and historical stops, culminating in the heart of Rogue Valley, where the “Broadway of the West Coast” resonates with the rhythm of verses and period costumes. Get ready for a journey that combines natural beauty, gastronomy, relaxation, and spectacle!
A Magical Route to Deep Oregon
Taking the road to Ashland is already inhaling the spirit of adventure. From Seattle, the majestic Mount Rainier stands like a king on his throne, inviting a detour to enjoy a breathtaking view at Crystal Mountain. What a panorama: fields of lush green, streaked with pristine snow, beneath a azure sky that would make an impressionist painter blush. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Nisqually Reserve unveils nearly 275 species of birds in its prairies and wetlands, providing a refreshing break for both young and old, just like the cheerful Great Wolf Lodge where budding pirates and slipper-clad mermaids enjoy water slides at 28°C.
Coastal Stops: Between Legends, Delicacies, and Fresh Air
It’s impossible to resist a stop in Astoria, the first American stronghold west of the Rockies, where culture vibrates in both the heart of Victorian homes and the extraordinary Columbia River Maritime Museum. Here, the history of the fearsome “Graveyard of the Pacific,” a hotspot for harrowing shipwrecks, leaves one speechless. A few nautical miles away, Ft. Stevens State Park refreshes minds with its secret beaches, hiking trails, a historic fortress, and the ghostly remains of the Peter Iredale, wrecked in 1906, a relic of forged iron and golden sand.
Further south, Gearhart attracts those who appreciate authenticity and silence. No traffic lights, wide avenues for biking, cottages in gray silhouettes, untouched beaches – the tranquil and cozy America. A pedal stroke later, and Seaside is bustling with family energy: kites, waves for boogie boards, an aquarium, bumper cars, and arcades bounce in the salty air. For panorama lovers, Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, a natural masterpiece celebrated by National Geographic, enchants with its lagoons, sea caves, and art shops.
The Culinary Delights on the Coast
It’s impossible to traverse Oregon without tasting the cream of its gastronomy: the Tillamook Creamery is a temple for taste buds, where one can directly discover the secrets of cheese-making, from cow to toast – with a free tasting included. Foodies will continue on to the Tillamook Air Museum, then the Cape Meares lighthouse for a romantic nod.
Final Escape: The Road to Ashland, Jewels and Surprises
Head south! But before reaching the grand finale, a final detour to Depoe Bay, the realm of whales and the stage of the phenomenal Devils Punch Bowl: a chasm carved into the cliff, where the waves dance in storm, impressing the young and old who come to witness the spectacle. The road then winds inland, revealing the golden hills of Rogue Valley, and the scenery changes dramatically: welcome to Ashland, nestled between the Siskiyou and Cascade mountains.
The Magic of the Festival: Ashland as an Open-Air Stage
It’s impossible to talk about Ashland without celebrating its iconic Shakespeare Festival. Here, art is alive at every corner: among the ancient trees of Lithia Park, ducks and carp play extra roles while visitors stroll to the Japanese garden. The main street vibrates with sweets, ice creams, melting chocolates, and the shop windows reveal a bohemian chic life, fed by artists and globe-trotting retirees who make the city’s heart beat.
The Ashland Springs Hotel, a historic monument, watches over the center, just steps away from three theaters, including the famous Elizabethan Theater, an open-air stage perfect for starry nights. Fine connoisseurs or simple curious souls flock to the festival, declared by TIME Magazine as one of the best regional companies in the country and a Tony Awards holder. With four Shakespeare plays on the bill, musicals, premieres, and classic plays, it’s a stunning cultural gala.
Between Resilience, Celebration, and Legend
While the festival is now a beacon for the performing arts, its sustainability was recently threatened: the pandemic nearly shattered this collective dream, with restaurants, shops, and stages plunging into torpor. Thanks to popular momentum and the arrival of a new artistic director, the Ashland miracle is reborn. Now, audiences find full houses, carefully crafted shows, and a festive atmosphere thanks to the “green shows”: songs, dances, and music in the open air to warm up the crowd.
Ashland’s notoriety has spread even among cultural travel lovers from around the world. For fans of alternative festivals, why not draw inspiration from the best music festivals across the globe (see here), writing events like the one highlighted by Sophy Roberts (learn more) or even indulge in a Japanese interlude through Japanese culture and its colorful festivals (read more)?
For Curious Travelers: Where to Sleep, Where to Feast, What to See?
The pleasure of Oregon is also to sleep well and savor! In Seaside, the Gilbert Inn Bed and Breakfast offers a cozy stay. In Ashland, choose between the prestige of Ashland Springs Hotel, the elegance of Peerless, or the hospitality of Plaza Inn and Suites. For foodies, stop at the Astoria Brewing Company, Doogers in Seaside, the Tillamook creamery, or Louie’s, Peerless, and Lark in Ashland – a special mention to Pomodori Bistro in Medford for Italian lovers.
Don’t miss the classics: the visit to the Maritime Museum in Astoria, the discovery of the wreck of the Peter Iredale, the tasting at the Tillamook Creamery, the contemplation of the Devils Punch Bowl in Depoe Bay, and of course, a poetic stroll in Lithia Park. For suggestions on festivals in France akin to this American adventure or to hesitate between Arles or Avignon for a festive getaway: this comparison will surprise you!
Set off for Ashland, feel the thrill before the red curtain, breathe in the scent of pines and live Oregon intensely – for here, adventure is not just a word.
