This Famous Oregon Mountain Town Feels Just Like New England in the Fall

When one imagines a classic autumn day in the United States, images of the Northeast typically come to mind, or, more specifically, New England. You may think of fiery fall leaves falling outside, books in bags slung over a shoulder, a crisp wind that ruffles the leaves of an apple orchard, stretches of farmland with pumpkin patches and white picket fences, and small towns with vaguely old-looking buildings proudly displaying their fall decor in preparation for the local harvest festival. In other words, you may think of anything seen in the television show "Gilmore Girls." And yet, New England isn’t the only place where one can enjoy this classic autumnal vibe. You’d be surprised how much Ashland, Oregon, resembles New England in the fall. 

The New England region of the United States comprises of six states: New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. It is named as such due to the British influence over the established colonies at the time in the 1600s. The name still carries over today and is a region known for its charm, especially during the fall, when every state becomes awash in bright colors as the leaves change. The area is also known for being a hub of American history, a place for literature lovers to gather, and general lovers of nature.

Sound familiar? Well, for those familiar with Ashland in the south of Oregon, it should. The town may not carry the same historical weight as New England, but there are still little touches throughout Ashland's downtown area, particularly in the historical railroad district. Additionally, the architecture isn’t dissimilar to the smaller towns of New England, as small businesses remain close to the city center and the outlying farmland stretching over the hills. Indeed, with orchards in the Ashland area’s vast valleys and forests full of trees that turn red and gold for the autumn, the area looks eerily similar to New England in the fall.

But, the similarities between the areas lie not only in how they both appear, but also in what the locations are known for. As mentioned, New England is a literary lover's haven, with famous authors like Poe and Emily Dickinson residents of the area, as well as famous stories like "Little Women" and multiple books from Steven King set there. Although Ashland might not have as many famous authors coming from its borders, it is extremely famous for its Shakespeare Festival, which has attracted thousands of visitors every year from around the world, starting decades ago in 1935. 

Two areas, both very different geographically and size-wise, but oddly similar in ways that make them both appealing to tourists in the fall. How much of this charm is due to the surrounding countryside with fall foliage and charming valleys with little creeks? Or maybe the charm is from the historical town centers with strong-knit communities that place an emphasis on supporting arts and culture. Who knows. In any case, both are strong contenders for a spot at the top of any must-visit list during the autumn months. It just depends on what side of the United States you want to be on!

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