Kevin Charette

In this week's Tank of Gas Getaway I take you to a place many have heard about and many more have visited. It is perhaps best known for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. But for locals, Ashland is so that and so much more.  Join me as I give you a taste of this local getaway.

And when it comes to good eating, Ashland is the place to wet your appetite.  Two of my favorites are spins on traditional cuisine, with a modern twist.  The first is Pilaf.  This year Pilaf is celebrating its third year of fine cruising.  Inside you'll find a dining room full of color. Pilaf is a romantic venue with a fireplace that highlights the center of the dining room.  The restaurant also offers outdoor dining. But perhaps the best thing about Pilaf, is the food. The owners like to call it "Polyethnic Vegetarian Cuisine". But all you'll taste is mouth watering selections of with a Mediterranean influence.

Speaking of Mediterranean flare, if you haven't indulged in "tapas" cuisine, there's a place in Ashland that you can dig right into.  "Tabu" serves food with a Spanish twist. It serves many "Tapas" or little appetizers that you can make into a meal.  Also on the menu, fresh fish, fine meats and delectable desserts.  But if you're hungry, call ahead. "Tabu" takes reservations and is full on any given night.

After all that food, you might want to burn off some extra calories.  How about heading to the hills?  The hills above Mt. Ashland are bikers' and hiker's paradise. But if you're looking for something to cool you down, you might want to forego the elevation and head down to Emigrant Lake.   This year winter snows have filled the lake to full capacity... and makes for a great place to fish... boat and swim. It also offers the only water slide park in Southern Oregon.  Just remember if you are going to be boating..  Oregon requires all boaters under the age of 30 to have an Oregon Boaters Safety Card on them, I learned this, the hard way.

I hope you enjoy your Tank of Gas Getaway to Ashland as much as I did. But remember, in whatever you do...have fun but be safe. 

Kevin Charette

Story courtesy of KOBI http://www.localnewscomesfirst.com/ and Kevin Charette

Also be sure to check out Kevin's Tank of Gas Getaway for other nearby destinations  http://www.kobi5.com/tog/calendar.html