ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum was founded in 2001 with the mission to inspire wonder among children and adults, and stimulate creative exploration through interactive science and the arts. The year round curriculum is packed with education programs for students & teachers, public workshops, lectures, summer festivals and science camps during school breaks.

With ever changing activities, there is something new each visit… thankfully,  my favorite exhibits are there each time! The bubble room and the shadow wall are examples of interactive exhibits perfect for all ages!

Other exhibits include topics around energy, anatomy, chemistry, perception, motion, engineering, art and much more.

You can find ScienceWorks Hands-on-Museum at 1500 E. Main St. in Ashland
Hours: 10am-5pm Wednesday-Saturday and 12-5pm Sunday

541Live Tip: A family membership is just $60 and gives you unlimited access for 2 adults + all children in your household under 18. Best part of membership – free or reduced fee access to Museums like OMSI in Portland and other youth museums in the Northwest.

Connect with China promises to a glimpse into Chinese art, language, culture, science and music with hands-on exhibits to teach and demonstrate each component. This new exhibit is said to mirror the world-renowned Exploratorium exhibit at the Hanban Headquarters in Beijing, China.

The Grand Opening will be Saturday, February 20 from 10am-4pm. Schedule of events include 10am ribbon cutting ceremony, 10am-1pm paper cutting demo, 10:30am—1pm make your own abacus, sundial & Chinese lantern, 1pm traditional Chinese dance and music performance, 2pm-4pm face painting.

Admission: $5.00 for kids ages 2-12, $7.50 for teens and adults,  $5.00 for seniors 65+

Where to Begin:
Generally speaking, most people do not own snowshoes or cross-country skis, but have no fear; there is a solution! Ashland, Oregon is home to two great stores for either renting or purchasing cross-country skis and poles as well as snowshoes and any other equipment you may need.

Ashland Mountain Supply rents both snowshoes and cross-country skiing equipment for very affordable prices.
Snowshoes are just $10 for 24 hours
Cross-country Skis $12 for 24 hours

Ashland Mountain Supply also offers a Mid-week Special, due to the closing of the store on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, if equipment is rented Monday evening, the renter my keep the equipment until Thursday for the price of only 24 hours!
(541) 488-5402

Ashland Outdoor Store is also a great place for renting or purchasing your gear.
Snowshoe rental prices are $10 for the first day and $5 each day after.
Rental prices for cross-country ski equipment are $15 dollars for the first day and just $10 dollars each day after.
(541) 488-1202

Friday, 6:30pm – Enjoy a flavorsome four-course meal at the Chocolate Makers’ Dinner, presented by Damon Jones, Executive Chef of Larks Restaurant. Guest speakers Sarah Leoni, from Cocoa & Co., and Jared Rennie, from Noble Coffee Roasting Co., will be giving some “sweet talk” as well. Entry to this delectable evening is $47 (including tax and gratuity).

Saturday and Sunday, 11:00am to 4:00pm – Use this time to sample everything your palate can handle, from unusual spicy chocolate combinations to truffles, local fudge, and sauces. Be sure to try Lillie Belle Farm’s award-winning chocolates, or indulge in that special piece of dark chocolate with a glass of red wine.

Friday and Saturday, 4:30pm – Pamper yourself to the max at the Chocolate Facial Spa Party. Come on, who wouldn’t want a Waterstone Spa esthetician to give you a chocolate facial while you sip away at a chocolate martini from the martini bar…? $25/person.

Other festival events include an art walk, a messy, yet educational, hands-on event at the Science Works Museum, various yummy seminars, classes, and demonstrations, and Beyond Chocolates Gift Market. Cost for a one-day pass is $15. Tickets can be purchased at the Ashland Springs Hotel.

More events are being added every day, so click here for the full schedule!

Tip: The Oregon Shakespeare Festival will give a 50% discount to all tickets for plays being staged between March 5th – 7th, 2010. Just say the magical word, “chocolate”!

The park offers tennis courts, a Japanese garden, two duck ponds, buildings for community events, and, in the winter time, a tented ice skating rink. During the warmer days, two level lawn areas provide an excellent location for playing frisbee or reading in the sun. Be sure to pay a visit to the historic water fountains and formal rose garden to experience a relaxing atmosphere. Picnic sites are also available throughout the park.

A suggestion – if you’re out with friends, try a light lunch at Hana Sushi, located conveniently at 29 North Main Street. Have the kids? Treat them to something special from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory at 33 East Main Street, or pop into the Mix Sweet Shop at 57 North Main Street, all just minutes away from the park. Then head to Lithia Park’s large playground to let the kiddos run off all that extra energy, or make it a complete day of adventure and choose between the miles of family-friendly natural trails. Stroller-friendly paved paths are also available.

During the summer months, the Butler Band Shell offers a place to enjoy free local performances from bands such as the Ashland City Band, which holds concerts every Thursday evening at 7:30pm from late June to early August, or Ballet Rogue, which performs every Monday evening at 7:30pm throughout the month of July. Click here for a full schedule of 2010 events.

Tip: The Lithia Park Woodland Trail Guide to Trees and Shrubs can be purchased for $2 at the City of Ashland Parks and Recreation Department at 340 South Pioneer Street, or from the Ashland Chamber of Commerce at 110 East Main Street in the nearby Plaza area.

The season will be anchored by four plays by William Shakespeare, and in a nod to OSF’s first season, the two plays produced by Angus Bowmer in 1935 will be staged on the Elizabethan. for one week in October.

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, directed by Rauch, and TWELFTH NIGHT (open in June) Also playing in repertory outside is HENRY IV, PART ONE, directed by PENNY METROPULOS, a longtime veteran with OSF, former associate artistic director, and the first woman to direct this play at OSF. HAMLET, directed by BILL RAUCH, will open at the top of the season in the Angus Bowmer Theatre and run throughout the season.

Also opening in February in the Angus Bowmer Theatre is PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, based on Jane Austen’s hugely popular romantic tale of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. Artistic Director Emerita LIBBY APPEL will direct. Alongside this great British classic, OSF, after 26 years, will bring back Maggie, Brick, Big Daddy and Big Mama in Tennessee Williams’s great American classic CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF. CHRISTOPHER LIAM MOORE, director of this season’s Dead Man’s Cell Phone, will stage this turbulent tale of the decay of a Southern family. The fourth show to enter the repertory in the Angus Bowmer Theatre will be the delightfully frothy and romantic musical SHE LOVES ME (music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, book by Joe Masteroff) based on the Hungarian play Parfumerie — which also gave rise to the 1940 film The Shop around the Corner and Nora Ephron’s 1998 remake You’ve Got Mail. The production will be directed by award-winning artist REBECCA BAYLA TAICHMAN, a self-confessed lover of musicals and winner of the Harold Prince Award for Outstanding Direction of a Musical.

Staying true to his mission of bringing world classics to OSF stages, Rauch commissioned internationally recognized director and writer Ping Chong to adapt THRONE OF BLOOD, Akira Kurosawa’s 1957 film, for the stage. The film is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth set in feudal Japan. PING CHONG will also direct.

In the New Theatre, Lisa Kron’s WELL will open at the top of the season directed by OSF Associate Artist and actor JAMES EDMONDSON. The play follows a daughter’s comic metatheatrical journey to understand her mother’s illness. Opening in March is Lynn Nottage’s acclaimed new drama RUINED, about a tough businesswoman, Mama Nadi, and the women she protects and profits from amidst a bloody conflict that rages outside. OSF has also produced Nottage’s Crumbs from the Table of Joy in 2000 and Intimate Apparel in 2006. The final show to open in the New Theatre is the first of the commissions for American Revolutions: The United States History Cycle, announced in June 2008. AMERICAN NIGHT by Culture Clash will be directed by New York-based and Obie Award-winning artist JO BONNEY. The play weaves multiple narratives about ordinary people who, in extraordinarily difficult circumstances, resist the status quo and sacrifice their well-being for the benefit of others.

Tip: See our Tips for Attending the Shakespeare Festival

You know the saying… If you can ski Mt Ashland you can ski anywhere. Southern Oregon skiers are so lucky to have world class (yep, I like our mountain that much) skiing in our backyard. But can you guess how many locals don’t take advantage of it? Too many to mention here… it breaks my heart!

Here are a few helpful hints to get you on your way up the mountain:

Driving to Mt Ashland? You’ll need a 4-wheel drive or chains. Find directions here.  If you aren’t up for the drive, Ashland Mountain Adventures runs a shuttle up the mountain (up to 5 shuttles/day) Save your gas and nerves … jump in the van.

Tickets: Mt Ashland is affordable and has a very flexible schedule for the budget skier. A full day, all mountain, adult weekend lift ticket is $43… buy a twilight ticket (3-9) and your ticket is $23 or ski on a weekday for $36. All tickets come with a money back guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied after skiing Mt Ashland for 45 minutes, you get a full-refund voucher to use another day.

Need Gear? Best to be prepared and gear up before you head up the mountain. A few of our favorites are Rogue Ski Shop in Medford. They have a huge selection of all the top brands, specializing in downhill skiing and snowboarding… they ski the same runs you do, they get it and understand what you need.  The Ashland Outdoor Store specializes in backcountry skiing and snowshoeing gear. They have a small gear selection, but only carry products they love. They also carry my favorite ski socks along with hats and layers for all outdoor activities.  There’s a new ski shop in town, Shasta Base Camp just opened a new store on the south side of town (on Siskiyou, south of SOU) and carries everything you need for an outdoor mountain adventure. Their rental equipment is well priced at $20/day for a full ski adult package (that’s $5 less than renting on the mountain!)

Food: You will need some! You can always pack your meals and snacks and enjoy in the lodge. If you would like to buy instead, the lodge has a few choices: The Mountain Café is on the first floor and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks (hot & cold) and treats. The Balcony Bistro is on the 2^nd floor and open for breakfast and lunch serving sandwiches, soups, pizza, drinks and coffee. The T-Bar Lounge serves regional micro-brews, wine and cocktails. No matter the food choice, the lodge is the perfect place to warm up (fire place that fits many to boot!) after a day on the slopes.

With 4 lifts, 23 runs, 200 skiable acres, and the legendary summit bowl – it’s worth every minute and penny!

If you *must* try a new place to ski, Mt Shasta is 70 miles south and Willamette Pass is 80 miles north. But give Mt Ashland a try before you travel… you won’t be sorry.

So here’s the challenge part: If you find a great deal, new product line, perfect gift.. you get the idea… share it with us! Post it as a comment so others can benefit from your find and support our community.

Spending locally is more important this year than ever. Here are a few local businesses in our community that deserve more than a glance this holiday shopping season.

Gifts:
Self described as Ashland’s eclectic emporium, you can find something for everyone at Paddington Station. Their departments include gifts, kitchenware, jewelry, apparel, toys, and much more! In Medford Suzanne’s Gift Garden is a must visit! Suzanne’s is a European style home store. They carry soaps & lotions, Italian stationary, European & Asian linens, candles, furniture and is one of the few places you can find the complete line of Caldrea natural cleaning supplies!

Allyson’s of Ashland is devoted to the home chef and entertainer. You can find unique kitchen gadgets like a veggie peeler, must-have kitchen basics from pans to small appliances and luxury items like the aeroponic garden and espresso makers.

Clothing:
Urban Minx is the perfect solution when you need designer apparel but can’t leave the Rogue Valley.  Shop online or in their store and find brands like Diesel, Hale Bob, 7 Jeans, True Religion and linq. I know… I was excited when I found them too!

When Elise Peters opened Heart and Hands 19 years ago, her vision was to create a small retail gallery that serves as a marketplace for local artisans. Now you can find unique clothing, jewelry and art fashioned by artists of the Rogue Valley.

Books and Music:
We are lucky to have multiple local book stores in the Rogue Valley. On the hunt for a book, music or other media gift here are a few of our favorite local book stores: 541Live Local Bookstore List

Gourmet Food:
Gourmet food is often the perfect gift at the holidays. Whether you are sending it to faraway relatives or hand delivered for a holiday party, seasonal event or unexpected guests (you know there is always a name forgotten on your list!)

Naumes is a local family owned and operated fruit grower. Visit them online to order gift baskets packed with local fresh fruit and other treats.  For the espresso drinkers, Noble Coffee Roasting is the place! Noble has an extremely loyal local following and for good reason! The Noble team carefully selects their coffee, hand-roasts in small batches, then ships the coffee twice a week. My favorite gift is the recurring delivery. Imagine your gift recipients joy when their first pound of gourmet coffee is delivered… then their second.. and third. If coffee can be thrilling… this is exciting stuff! You can also choose from a few other favorites like a simple French press and coffee mugs.

Jacksonville Mercantile is a self proclaimed food lovers paradise. This gourmet market carry’s the world’s finest selections of specialty vanilla, olive oils, vinegar, salts, honey, dipping sauces, pastas and more. Buy your favorites individually, buy mix and match products to design your own gift basket or create gourmet pairings (with wine!)

Activities:
Gift certificates for local activities and attractions are perfect for those hard to buy for members of your shopping list.  With so many to choose from, these are just simple ideas to start you thinking…and all 3 of these venues offers gift certificates that allows the recipient to choose the show, time, etc…

Hot Pots in downtown Medford is a paint your own pottery place. Perfect for crafters, visionaries and inspired… no really pottery painting is a great activity and requires no artistic skill. A very fun activity for any age! Britt Fest is the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor summer performing arts festival.  The 2010 Oregon Shakespeare Festival schedule has been released and features some classics (looking forward to Hamlet and Cat on a Hot tin Roof!) And one more… Ashland Independent Film Festival was rated by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the “25 Festivals Worth the Fee” in the Spring 2009 edition. The 9th annual festival is scheduled for April 8-12, 2010.You can give a gift membership and get many great benefits as a Film Fest member (like advance ordering, early entrance, discounts)or order a gift certificate from Destination Ashland, redeemable at AIFF and many local restaurants and shops.

Have other suggestions, ideas or favorites? Share, post and recommend them!

Let’s. Go. Shopping.

“One of America’s top five regional theatres”

- TIME magazine.

OSF Mission Statement

The mission of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is to create fresh and bold interpretations of classic and contemporary plays in repertory, shaped by the diversity of our American culture, using Shakespeare as our standard and inspiration.

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s vision is to create theatre of extraordinary quality in which we proceed with daring to fulfill our artistic dreams. The 1959 Elizabethan Stage was designed by OSF Principal Scenic and Theatre Designer Richard L. Hay and patterned on London’s 1599 Fortune Theatre. The Allen Pavilion encircling the seating area and providing improved acoustics was completed in 1992.

The OSF season runs from late February through the end of October; you’ll find more to do mid-June through September, but tickets are less expensive from February through June and in October

2010 Playbill

Angus Bowmer Theatre

Hamlet Feb. 19 – Oct. 30

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Feb. 20 – Jul. 4

Pride and Prejudice Feb. 21 – Oct. 31

She Loves Me Apr. 21 – Oct. 30

Throne of Blood Jul. 21 – Oct. 31

New Theatre
Well Feb. 25 – Jun. 18
Ruined Mar. 24 – Oct. 31
American Night Jun. 29 – Oct. 31

Courtyard Stage
The Green Show Jun. 1 – Oct. 10

Elizabethan Stage
Twelfth Night Jun. 1 – Oct. 8
Henry IV, Part One Jun. 2 – Oct. 9
The Merchant of Venice Jun. 3 – Oct. 10

Backstage Tours

Daily at 10:00 a.m., reservations required.

Festival Noons

Lectures, concerts and other events. These ticketed events are held at noon, mid-June through September.

Park Talks
Informal Q and A sessions with OSF performers. Held at noon, mid-June through September, most Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in the Bill Patton Garden, outside Elizabethan Theatre Gate I.

Shakespeare’s First Folio
One of the world’s finest copies is on loan Microsoft executive Paul Allen’s collection. Viewable Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., mid-June through September. Tickets are required

OSF Information

Box Office Ticket Sales

541-482-4331Group Sales (15 or more)

Ph: 541-488-5406

FAX: 541-482-8045

Request Brochure
Phone: 541-482-2111