Ashland Thanksgiving TurkeyTango III
Fri-Sun, November 28-30, 2008

Topics on this page (click to go directly there).Ashland Milonga

Mission: [Back to Top]

After stuffing yourself with turkey and cranberry sauce, and before the hectic holiday season drives you crazy, come to Ashland for a soothing three day weekend of tango in a romantic, picturesque tranquil setting.

Ashland Description (pop 22,000): [Back to Top]

Located in the Rogue River valley at the foot of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain range and home of the well known Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Ashland is populated with quaint shops, fabulous restaurants, superb hotels, and romantic B&Bs. Numerous award-winning wineries are within easy driving distance. On Friday Nov 23 at 5:00p the city begins its Festival of Light celebration with a parade and live street entertainment. Because this is such a popular weekend, I recommend booking your room early (see suggestions below).

Festival Features: [Back to Top]

  • 9 Great instructors
  • 29 Classes from beginners to advanced
  • Outstanding world-class DJs
  • Free Practica
  • 2 Afternoon alternative milongas
  • 4 Evening traditional milongas including a Tango Grande Ball with performances
  • All-night milonga

Instructors (top to bottom): [Back to Top]Diego, Ana, Robin, Kyla, David, Mariana, Korey, Mila & Tara

DJs: [Back to Top]

Information for First-Time Attendees [Back to Top]

  • Opening Milonga: If you arrive in Ashland by Thursday Nov 22, come to the Thanksgiving Day Welcome Milonga at Ashley's Studio, 4th & B Street, Admission is $5. (Packets will be available for those who have pre-registered.)
  • Registration: Registration at 310 Oak Street will open starting at noon on Friday Nov 28. Before taking any classes you must obtain an admission badge. If you pre-registered, there will be a pre-registration packet waiting for you at the desk. If not, fill out a special registration form and present it along with payment by cash, check, VISA, MasterCard or Diner's.
  • Milongas: If you are not taking classes and do not wish to purchase a Full-Milonga Pass, then you do not need to register and you can pay at the door of each milonga.
  • Maps: All classes and most milongas are within a few blocks walking distance. Maps will be available in your pre-registration packet and in the registration area of MOJO Rising.

Driving and/or Getting a Ride to Ashland [Back to Top]

A blog has been created to help drivers and riders connect with one another. Please check out this blog to see if there are offers or request that meet your need. If not, post your own blog by following the instructions given there.

Also, Shaun has created a rideshare program from the Bay Area (round-trip is only $70/person). Click on link below for schedule.

Flying to Ashland: [Back to Top]

  • Nearest commercial airport (serviced by United, Horizon, Delta, and America West) is the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport (MFR) in Medford, OR, 12 miles north of Ashland. Other nearby cities which you could fly to and then drive through beautiful scenic mountains are:
  • Redding, OR--2 hours south
  • Eugene, OR--3 hours north
  • Sacramento, CA--4.5 hours south
  • Reno, NV--5 hours southeast
  • Portland, OR--5 hours north
  • San Francisco, CA--6 hours south

For additional information about travel, transportation, weather, maps, restaurants, hotels, B&B, vacation homes, shops, and other attractions, visit the Oregon Shakespeare Festival web site.

Hotels and B&B's (City Map): [Back to Top]

Three great resources for finding accomodations in Ashland are Orbitz, Ashland's Bed & Breakfast Network and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival Website. In addition you might try:

  • As You Like It Guest-room. Spacious and clean. Owner provides fresh baked biscotti, Dagoba chocolate, organic coffee and teas, and a warm comfortable bed with lovely sheets. (541) 488-0499
  • Ashland Commons. Patio with mountain views, off-street parking, on-site laundry, cable TV, wireless. $25/night per person-shared room. $35-$45/night per person private room. (541) 482-6753; cell: (541) 292-4484    
  • Ashland Hostel. 150 N Main. 5-minute walk to downtown. $28/night for dorm rooms and $36/night for private room. (541) 482-9217
  • Ashland Motel. Outdoor pool. Close to grocery store. 1145 Siskiyou Blvd. 1.5 miles (drive or walk) to downtown.
  • Cederwood Inn Motel. 1801 Siskiyou Blvd. 1.5 miles (drive or walk) to downtown. Ask for Tango Fest Rate. (541) 488-2000.
  • Columbia Hotel. 262 1/2 East Main St. Located in the heart of downtown Ashland, this is a small friendly hotel with traditional European style of innkeeping . (541) 482-3726.
  • EconoLodge of Ashland, 50 Lowe Road. Just off I-5 and about 10-minute drive to downtown and/or wineries. Free WiFi and breakfast. $71/double. (541) 482-4700
  • La Quinta Inn & Suits, 434 S Valley View Road. Just off I-5 and about 10-minute drive to downtown and/or wineries. Free WiFi and breakfast. $132/Double. Ask for Tango Fest Rate. (541) 482-6932.
  • Lotus Springs Guest Loft. Newly renovated loft 15 minute walk from downtown with 2 bedrooms, full bath, living room, breakfast bar, dining area and a fully-equipped kitchen. Sleeps 6 people. Two day minimum. (541) 488-5253
  • the Peerless Hotel, 243 4th St. Luxurious guest rooms with antique furnishings and hand painted motifs in restored 1900's boarding house. Located a few blocks from festival headquarters. (541) 482-1082.
  • SchoolHouse Retreat and Cultural Center in Talent. 10 minute drive from Ashland. Five bedrooms and small dance floor for practicing. $110 single, $135 double includes continental breakfast. Two day minimum. email or phone (541) 535-6350.

Guest Housing: [Back to Top]

Two blogs have been created to help Ashland guests and residences connect with one another (see links below). Please go to the appropriate blog to see if there are offers or requests that meet your need. If not, post your own request or offer by following the instructions given there.

Festival Venues (City Map): [Back to Top]

  • Ashley's Studio, 4th & B Street
  • Oak Room & Inner Child, 310 Oak St
  • Community Center & Pioneer Hall, 59 Winburn Way
  • The Grove, 1195 E Main

Private lessons: [Back to Top]

If you would like a private lesson with one of the instructors, you must first contact the instuctor yourself (click on their name above to obtain contact information) and set up an agreeable price and time that does not conflict with the workshop classes.

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