Abigail’s Bed and Breakfast Inn your Vacation Destination.

HELLO FROM YOUR INNKEEPERS AT ABIGAIL’S BED AND BREAKFAST INN.

It’s been a while since I have “put pen to paper”. In this case fingers to the keyboard. I cannot believe that another year has passed since Adam and I purchased Abigail’s in 2014. It has been a roller coaster of events especially since the Covid Pandemic of 2020 and the post-recovery years. 

Here’s a brief recap of 2023 here in Ashland, Oregon for those of you who did not manage to visit with us this past year. 

OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL.

OSF struggled to regroup and under the new Artistic Directorship of Nataki Garett failed to bring back its past audiences as well as its donors. With four plays promoted for the 2023 season with the addition of an end of season performance it would seem that 

there was not much to entice folk back to Ashland in the way of Theatre. Occupancy for our Bed and Breakfast lodging industry has been at an all time low, with figures way below that of last year. Losing our previous three hundred and fifty thousand yearly pre-covid visitors to Ashland has changed the landscape of our beautiful town, of that there is no doubt. On a bright note – with a new Artistic Director at the helm, it would seem that our donors are back ($6M plus). Our plays are back to ten and our OSF 2024 SEASON has been extended to mid October. Already bookings are trickling in, mainly for our June, July and September months to date. We have decided to partner once again with OSF and are offering 20% DISCOUNT CODE for those that book directly with us. This will only apply to C and B Seating but as I say, there are really no bad seats in our beautiful Theaters.  I would highly recommend that you don’t wait too long to book your favorite room and your favorite dates for next year!

OREGON CABARET THEATRE

It was good to see that THE OREGON CABARET THEATRE continues to shine like a beacon in the darkness of Theatre. With its exciting lineup of shows, it played to full

houses throughout the year. From “Kinky Boots” to “Poirot”, it would seem that they could do no wrong. Slowly but surely they are beginning to be noticed by our returning and new guests. Again, I highly recommend that if you have not yet seen a show there, make sure to purchase tickets for next year’s line up such as  “Little Shop of Horrors, Legally Blonde etc.”

ROGUE VALLEY WINE REGION

Our ROGUE VALLEY WINE REGION is producing some award winning wines. From  Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc our wines are improving by the year. We are probably still one of the most reasonably priced wine regions in Oregon when it comes to our Tasting Rooms and our wines. This “bubble” is about to burst I am sure as our wines gain notoriety. Adam and I discovered LONG WALK VINEYARD on our doorstep this past summer. Both an orchard and a vineyard, they are definitely worth a visit during the summer months when you visit. The Zinfandel is one of my favorites. One of our old time recommendations, ELIANA WINES are still located in the Ashland mountains, however Brian and Carien are busy restoring and converting an old Barn into a beautiful tasting

room at their new vineyard located nearby in the Medford area. Brians’ Merlot this year was definitely a taste catcher. Eric Weisinger of  WEISNGERS FAMILY WINERY has been busy this year and has added a Sparkling Wine to his cellar. I might add that it is quite delicious! I see that they have been busy revamping their Tasting Room. BELLE FIORE WIINERY did well at the Oregon Wine Experience, walking away with a medal or two for their wines under the guidance of winemaker Rob Folin. Remember that they have a beautiful dining option at the Chateau and most weekends are busy with local musicians playing on the patio during the summer months. If you don’t fancy driving make sure to contact WINE HOPPER TOURS and they will do the driving for you. Great for groups staying at the Bed and Breakfast. Remember we are more than happy to book the WHOLE HOUSE out for a family or a group of friends. We also have a private TWO BEDROOM SELF CATERING VACATION COTTAGE available for groups of four. Just give us a call and we can chat!

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Mountain Biking is becoming more and more popular in this small town of ours. Mt Ashland is “booming and blooming” in the summer months. With a MOUNTAIN SHUTTLE SERVICE running folk up to the top with their bikes, its trails are causing quite a stir.

Riding down is a challenge to say the least, but with the promise of a pit stop at SKOUT ASHLAND for a quick beer, wine or a snack it’s well worth the ride. For those who prefer a more leisurely ride, hire a bike from PICADILLY CYCLES and enjoy the outdoor bike friendly Ashland. 

ASHLAND HIKING TRAILS

Hiking trails a plenty. Ashland is becoming renowned for its HIKING TRAILS Each year more and more trails have been added to the hills surrounding the Bed and Breakfast Inn. ASHLAND LOCAL, JIM FALKENSTEIN has written a book based solely on our surrounding trails. It’s full of information and even has QR codes for you to access the trails on your phones. We have a few copies here in the BnB for you or you can purchase his new book on Amazon or in our local BLOOMSBURY BOOKS. They have a wonderful coffee shop on their premises and often have live music over the weekends and if you don’t want a coffee they are licensed to sell wine. They have a lot of gluten-free options that are delicious – I cannot say no to their quiche!

LITHIA PARK

ASHLAND PICKLEBALL – one of the fastest growing sports/games of the year so I’ve heard. Well Lithia Park has a couple of courts ready and available for a game or two … or more! Have fun when you come to Ashland. 

The JAPANESE GARDENS IN LITHIA PARK have been opened now for the past year after undergoing some amazing renovations. The Zen garden is a peaceful place to rest a while and the ponds have been stocked with graceful Koi that just add to the ambience and serenity of the garden. 

DOWNTOWN ASHLAND OREGON

The landscape of DOWNTOWN ASHLAND Oregon is constantly changing post-covid. Restaurants, shops and familiar faces have gone. Fortunately it would seem that as soon as a shop is vacated, another pops up in its place. Some great, some – so,so! Some of my personal favorite restaurants at the moment:

•  Cocorico
•  Blue Toba 
• Osteria La Briccola
• Hearsay
• Larks

We have new owners taking over the old Standing Stone location. It will be called Nobel Fox and will offer a retail shop, along with a brewery, whisky bar and restaurant.

ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS..

On that note ADAM AND I are looking forward to an Ashland, Oregon comeback along with our OSF Theatre. We are more than ready to welcome our past, present and future guests back to Abigail’s Bed and Breakfast Inn. Remember to book directly with us if you can and receive your discount code for 2024’s OSF Season.

We wish all the very best for the Holiday Season and the coming New Year!

Susan and Adam