Oregon Travel Council | Page 52

AGNESS Off the beaten path, this rugged and rural area is an excellent location for fishing, hunting, hiking, and taking in the great outdoors. Though small and somewhat remote, the area has vacation rentals, three lodges, a store, small library, and a museum. Agness is easily accessible by road, but more adventurous guests can also reach the quaint town by tour boat along the Rogue River. ASHLAND Located near Interstate 5 and the California state line, Ashland is home to just over 20,000 people. Perhaps best known for its internationally-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland is a regional repertory theater that puts on eleven plays during a season that lasts from February to October. The city hosts an annual film festival each April and has the world’s only crime lab dedicated to wildlife, The National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory. For more information, contact: Ashland Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1360 110 East Main Street Ashland, Oregon 97520 (541) 482-3486 www.ashlandchamber.com BANDON Scenic sandy beaches and a charming Old Town district welcomes visitors to this peaceful coastal community along Highway 101 at the mouth of the Coquille River. Shop for local artisan works and gifts or enjoy a bite to eat at one of many eateries in Old Town, then head for the pier for some fishing, crabbing, or boating. Bandon, the cranberry capital of the world, holds three annual festivals- the Cranberry Festival, the Festival of Lights, and the Seafood and Wine Festival. Bandon is also home to four world-class golf courses, a historical museum, and Sprague Community Theater. For more information, contact: Bandon Chamber of Commerce 300 Second St. Bandon, Oregon 97411 541-347-9616 www.bandon.com BARVIEW With plenty of crabs and clams to go around, this small community off Highway 101 is a great place to catch your dinner or go camping and beachcombing. BROOKINGS Due to its unusually temperate climate, Brookings, situated along Highway 101, is known as the “Banana Belt of Oregon.” The temperatures are mild, the coast is picturesque, and flowers bloom year-round. Recreation opportunities abound and several 50 events such as Saturday art walks, Rotary Duck Derby, Oktoberfest, Community Theater, and Nature’s Coastal Holiday mean residents and visitors alike have plenty choices. For more information, contact: Brookings-Harbor Chamber of Commerce PO Box 940 Brookings, Oregon 97415 541-469-3181; 800-535-9469 www.brookingsor.com CANYONVILLE The surrounding area of Canyonville has any lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails for fishing and water skiing. Annual festivals include Pioneer Days in August and the Pumpkin Festival in October. CARPENTERVILLE For a different view of the coast, come up above the valley and take a pleasant drive along the Carpenterville Road, a scenic drive that takes you through the community of Carpenterville. CAVE JUNCTION In the heart of the Illinois Valley and the gateway to the Oregon Caves, this small town has many botanical, historical, and water areas to enjoy. For more information, contact: Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce 201 Caves Highway Cave Junction, Oregon 97523 541-592-3326 www.cavejunctionoregon.com CENTRAL POINT This Southwest Oregon city is nestled among family farms and scenic forests. It offers several open spaces and community parks to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, and has easy access to skiing, boating, fishing, and hiking. The city is home to the annual Jackson County Fair, the Harvest Fair, Hot Air Balloon Festival, Christmas shows, and entertainment events. CHARLESTON Fishing charters, crabbing, clamming, dining, and gift shops delight visitors each year in this coastal community just south of Coos Bay. Charleston is also home to the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology. COQUILLE Tucked along the scenic banks of the Coquille River, this charming town has arts, outdoor recreation, historical tours, and open spaces to delight every visitor. Named “one of the top ten small best towns in America” by Travel Holiday Magazine, Coquille has year round fun and festivities, including the Chocolate Fantasy in January, its very popular Gay 90’s Parade in June, and Christmas in Coquille in December. OREGON TRAVEL AND RECREATION GUIDE