Staying at Ashland Hills Inn & Suites

Posted on July 16, 2015 by Jamie

Disclosure: We received a Media Rate during our Stay.  All opinions are our own.

Ashland-Hills

During our trip to Oregon, we had many camping days, but now and again, we decided to splurge a bit on a hotel.  We knew we wanted to spend an extra day around the Ashland and Medford area, so when I ran across the Ashland Hills Inn and Suites, I knew it was the right place for us.

We booked our hotel way in advance, and we had no idea what we would be embarking upon once we arrived, but afterwards, we had nothing but good things to say about Ashland Hills Inn & Suites.

Located right off of Highway 5, for an easy night stay, whether you’re traveling further North into Oregon, and further south into California.  The Downtown Ashland area is a few miles from the hotel, but on the exact same road as the hotel, just more inland.

Upon Check In, at first, you will think the hotel is a bit confusing, but once you begin to explore, and learn where your room is, it gets a bit easier and easier to roam around.  There are 3 separate buildings all together within this hotel along with 100 spacious guest rooms at this property.

Hotel-Room

Upon first entrance into the room, I was blown away by how spacious our Junior Suite was.  With a small kitchen area with plenty of counter space, a refrigeration, and cabinet space, I instantly saw how this hotel could be a GREAT place for a few days.  You could easily go shopping down the road, bring in your favorite snacks, and be a-okay right in the hotel room.

Hotel-Tv-Room

The room had its separate living room area, so if someone wanted to take a nap, or sleep in a bit more, others in the family could come to this space to watch TV, make a meal, or play games without interrupting those that were sleeping in the other room.  Doors were in between the rooms that could easily be shut, if needed.

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And of course, they had their own beautiful, outdoor pool area.  If only there was more time in a day.  The temperatures were perfect that day for sunbathing a bit, or a nice hop in the pool.

In the morning, complimentary breakfast was served in their upstairs lobby area:

Ashland-Hills-Dining

Tables to dine at were available along with couches mixed in with coffee tables aligned the dining hall area making for a nice, relaxing morning.

Complimentary breakfast included: Pancakes, Bagels, Cereal, Eggs, Yogurt, and more.  A nice start to the day.

Complimentary Parking and Wi-Fi also came with your room reservation.  This hotel was absolutely perfect for us, and we’d highly recommend staying here when visiting the Ashland and Medford Area.

The Ashland Hills Inn and Suites has a sister property in Medford with the Inn at the Commons.

For more information be sure to check out the Ashland Hills Website.


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5 Great Date Spots in San Jose!

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Jamie

Disclosure: I occasionally work with Team San Jose on various Travel Stories.  All opinions are my own.

For a person in their 20’s or 30’s, San Jose is a GREAT place.  And often times, when we’re that age, we’re often looking for some new, great DATE spots.  San Jose definitely has their share of places.

When I visited this past May, a few new spots were brought to my attention, and I soon realized how awesome these places would be with a date:

1) South First Fridays

The First Friday of the month, the SOFA District comes alive in an entirely new way as Art Galleries open their spaces up to the public for live events, wild exhibits, and much more.  This EVENT always makes for a GREAT date night.

Street-Art

Street Art Outside Anno Domini Gallery in San Jose’s SOFA District

As you walk around the galleries, discuss deeply about the art around you, make a joke, or just appreciate your surroundings.

Nearby: Stop into the SOFA Market for a Quick Drink before the night gets started, a Burger at On the Flipside , or a cup of Joe, or stop into nearby bar: The Continental.  Be sure to hang out in their back patio area for a great start to the night.

2) AFK Gamer Lounge

So, admit it.  Have you ever had a dating partner that loved video games?  If so, the AFK Gamer Lounge is a GREAT place to bring such person.  A place where you can eat, drink, and you guessed it, play VIDEO GAMES on some of the most classic video game systems.  PlayStation, WII, XBox, and even classic Nintendo are available to play here.

AFK-Gamer-Lounge

Just make sure to follow their rules…

And for those that are more traditional, and prefer board games, guess what? They have those too.  And PS: if anyone is up for a Mario Kart partner, I know just the girl.

3) Japanese Tea Garden:

San-Jose-Japanese-Tea-Garden

For a more relaxing kind of date, grab a picnic basket and head to the Japanese Tea Garden.  Walk around the gardens for the day, enjoy each other’s company, and sit out on the lawn for a picnic that can last for hours.

4) CREAM

best-ice-cream-sandwich

Needless to say, no matter what YOU HAPPEN to be doing on your Date Night in Downtown San Jose, the perfect date needs to end with a stop at CREAM for some of the BEST Ice Cream Sandwiches ever.  Seriously, EVER.

The best part is making your CREATION with all the cookie varietals, then you just have to add the ice cream.  Which part is harder?

5) Take in the Theater or Concert!

City-National-Civic

Of course, lets be honest.  With 4 Theaters right in Downtown San Jose, it’s hard not to realize all the DATE options available year round.

Take in an amazing concert or show at The City National Civic, Take in a Broadway Show at The Center for the Performing Arts, or some Opera at The California Theater.  And then, of course, all the performances happening at Montgomery Theater.

Check out the schedule of events and plan your perfect date night.  There are some pretty GREAT hotels all around Downtown San Jose too, just saying.


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Favorite Parts of the Rogue Valley, Oregon!

Posted on July 12, 2015 by Jamie

Just over a month ago, we ventured off to Oregon.  As it was my first time experiencing this beautiful state, I had no idea what to expect, but when I came back, I couldn’t stop talking about this place. Perhaps one day, we’ll even move there.

We started our Oregon adventure in the Rogue Valley (otherwise better known as the Ashland/Medford/Jacksonville/Grants Pass area of the state.   The first two days were spent along the Howard Prarie Lake Recreation area for a large Family Reunion, but one thing we learned is that this was a GREAT place to come camping.

Howard Prairie Lake Recreation Area:

This area has campsites that can be completely reserved for large gatherings, and they also have individual camping sites to rent out nightly.  A little something for everyone.  The recreation area typically opens up around the middle of June, sometimes earlier, and sometimes later depending on the weather within the area (think Snow, etc).  More info can be found at Jackson County Parks.

After our two day family reunion, we were off to explore more of the Rogue Valley and this is what we found:

Ashland:

Shop Boutique Shops: Walk along the main streets of downtown within Ashland going in and out of Boutique Shops.  Shop Costumes, Jewelry, Clothing and more while in town.

Lithia Park:

Spend some time within Lithia Park, and the creek that runs alongside it.  Head to the top of the park for your very own swimming hole, spend some time swimming with friends and family, and bring a picnic along with you making it a fun day outing right in Ashland.

The Shakespeare Festival:

Believe it or not, I NEVER KNEW THIS EXISTED before! But Ashland, Oregon was the home of the first Elizabethan Theatre created within the United States:

Ashland-Shakespeare-Festival

And since, every February through October, the Shakespeare festival takes place every year in Ashland!  Shows take place EVERY day except Monday (guess which day we were in town?)  Beautiful stage settings within theaters all around town, even outdoor performances taking place.   For any theater lover, this is a must stop at least one time in their life.

Medford:

After spending a bit of time in Ashland, head further North into the town of Medford for more fun.  A few must visits include:

Rogue Creamery:

Rogue-Creamery

If you love blue cheese, this creamery is a must stop.  They even serve amazing grilled cheese sandwiches now! After sampling the many cheeses, run next door to Lillie Belle’s chocolates, be sure to try her sea salt lavender caramels, or during the summer, her homemade ice cream sandwiches.  Then after, stop into Ledgar David’s tasting room for a glass of wine.

Harry & David:

A stop into Medford isn’t complete without a visit to Harry & David, one of the largest businesses within the area.  And yes, exactly where Harry & David manufacturers all of their products.  Be sure to stop into their Harry & David Village Center to try out a variety of treats, purchase your favorites, and if times allows, a visit to the Harry & David plant facility for a complete tour (just 5 dollars per person!)

Harry-and-David

Wine Tasting:

The Rogue Valley has a variety of Wine Tasting Rooms within the area.  Spend a day wine tasting and visiting the area wineries.  Find some new wines.

To get you inspired, read more about our Wine Tasting Adventures here.

River Rafting:

And yes, Oregon has tons of rivers within their beautiful state.  In the Ashland/Medford/Grants Pass area, there is the famous Rogue River where many go White Water Rafting Down. Take on your own White Water Adventure.

White-Water-Rafting

Historic Downtown Jacksonville:

My other half’s favorite part of this Southern Oregon area was stepping afoot into Downtown Historic Jacksonville.  This Small Town has a lot of history, and a lot of charm that has been kept restored.  If time allows, be sure to take the Downtown Trolley Tour (just 5 dollars per person!)

Jacksonville-Trolley

This Historic Small Town is also home to the annual Britt Festival where amazing concerts come to town every summer.   It’s also a great place to wine taste (4 tasting rooms within the downtown area) along with a great place to shop, many boutique shops still reside in the downtown area.

We fell in love with this part of Oregon and hope to be back in the future.  Stay tuned to learn more about where we stayed while in town.

 

 


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