Ashland’s hidden treasures

ASHLAND, Ore. – Say Ashland, and the word Shakespeare leaps to mind.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, in its 72nd year, offers an array of plays – old and new, Shakespeare and otherwise – on three main stages.

But veteran visitors of the charming Southern Oregon town find other words – shoe shopping, Class III rapids, pinot noir and tuna tartar – are also part of the Ashland lexicon.

Many plan the pilgrimage to the mecca of summer theater as a weekend getaway. In a three-day trip you can cram in four shows, maybe catch a free lecture and eat extremely well.

But if you’ve got a little longer, or have had your fill of theater, there’s lots more to discover. Here are some suggestions for a midsummer’s dream vacation:

•Go river rafting. The West Coast’s spring rains ensure the Rogue and Klamath rivers will be especially good this year. A number of rafting companies serve the area and offer everything from a half-day float down a lazy stretch for beginners to multiday adventures with serious white water, and maybe a little yoga on the side. Most companies provide transportation from Ashland hotels, and meals and wet suits are usually included in the price.

•Take a wine country tour. For the price of a couple of plays, a limo will ferry you on a choice of five-hour trips through the Oregon wine country. Ashland Wine Tours includes stops at three to four wineries in either the Rogue or Applegate appellations, plus a catered lunch and an engaging tour guide who can explain the history of the local wine industry and why you’re driving past so many llama farms. (541-552-9463, www.ashlandwinetours.com)

•Check out the Green Show. The Friday through Sunday pre-theater Green Show takes place on the lawn between the Bowmar and Elizabethan theaters. Shows are free and highly entertaining. Performances begin between 7 and 7:30 p.m. and last 30 to 45 minutes (allowing theatergoers time to get to their seats before curtain time). Bring a blanket and arrive early to get a good seat.

•Eat. Theatergoers love to eat well, and a gourmet ghetto has sprung up to accommodate with more than 40 eateries in downtown alone, some of which offer beautiful outdoor tables. The most popular get busy with the pre-theater crowd, so make a reservation for 8:15 p.m. and enjoy a leisurely meal.

•Do a spa day. Ashland’s setting in the green Oregon hills is relaxing enough, but there are also some lovely spas in the area. Relax between shows in a hydroptherapy bath at Blue Giraffe Spa, just a few blocks from the theaters (541-488-3335, www.bluegiraffespa.com). The African safari décor is a guy-friendly atmosphere, too – try a purifying back facial or the man’s pedicure. Another option: Waterstone Spa at Lithia Springs Resort is a three-minute drive from downtown Ashland (541-488-0325, www.waterstonespa.com).

•Shop. Since Oregon has no sales tax, you’re already getting an 8 percent discount on anything you buy. Otherwise, what’s most notable about Ashland shopping is the refreshing dearth of chain stores.

Specialty shops and boutiques include bookstores, galleries and clothing stores for young hippies and old bohemians alike. Earthly Goods carries the best selection of Dansko shoes this side of Denmark.

•Life in the cabaret. Oregon Cabaret Theatre is a block from the Shakespeare festival complex, but a world away in its style of entertainment. The place offers light, cabaret-style shows, along with dinner, if you like. It’s a respite from a long night of the Bard, and a fun way to spend a low-key evening. This summer, “Five Guys Named Moe” plays through Sept. 3. For details, see www.oregoncabaret.com.

•Off the beaten train track. Take the short walk north from downtown to Ashland’s historic Railroad District to find art galleries, 12 historic sites, some inns and a growing number of destination restaurants. Despite its historic claim to fame, this neighborhood has a decided New Age vibe and is a sure bet if you’re looking for a yoga class. Details, including a self-guided walking tour, can be found at www.ashlandRRdistrict.com.

•Park it. Adjacent to the theater complex is Lithia Park, where you can grab a bench by the pond to watch the ducks and swans, or follow Ashland Creek up into the mountain and a swimming hole. The 93-acre park also has a playground, tennis courts, a Japanese garden, a huge lawn perfect for Frisbee throwing and a bandshell featuring live entertainment. For a schedule of events, see www.ashlandchamber.com.

•Head to Jacksonville. Just 20 miles north of Ashland, the historic town may remind you a bit of California’s Columbia State Historic Park in Sonora, with wooden sidewalks, lots of old buildings, and gift stores. Breakfast is a source of town pride. You also can choose from 31 concert offerings at the town’s 2,200-seat outdoor Britt Pavilion with artists ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Chris Botti to k.d. lang, with classical offerings thrown in for good measure. For a complete schedule, go to www.brittfest.org.