Flowers bloom in Ashland's Lithia Park.

It is safe to say that spring has sprung in southern Oregon. The flowers are in bloom, the birds are singing and the local trails and parks are abuzz with people out for a bit of fresh air. Cruise through any neighborhood and you are bound to see someone digging in the dirt, the smell of cut grass hints that summer is coming soon.

Southern Oregonians, having been practically dormant throughout the winter, are in the mood for something a bit more upbeat, something that in no way involves being indoors. Something like the Pear Blossom Festival.

The festival takes place on Saturday, April 12, in the town of Medford located just north of Ashland. It begins in the morning with the Pear Blossom Run, or walk if you prefer. Four events are offered: the Mayor's Mile, a two-mile (five-kilometer) course or for those game enough, a 10-mile course! After the race folks can watch the Pear Blossom Festival Parade and wander around a street faire. The event attracts loads of people both locally and from out of town. For more information, visit their website.

Those interested in less strenuous activities the 14th annual "A Taste of Ashland" fills the weekend of April 26 and 27 with a veritable sensory extravaganza. Participants can purchase tickets for one or both of the days, which allow them to wander, map and guidebook included, from one art gallery to the next in Ashland.

"But where does taste fit into this?" you may ask; well this is where it gets interesting.

Located at each gallery are representatives from a local restaurant and, wait for it, they serve sumptuous samples while you peruse the art! But there's more, each gallery will also share their space with a winery, brewery or coffee roasting company offering a taste of their unique creations! How much does it cost? Tickets purchased in advance run $25 for one day or $40 for both days, and are available online at the Ashland Gallery Association. Tickets will also be available the weekend of the event, though the price will be slightly higher.

Looking for a way to work off "A Taste of Ashland?" Look no further than the annual Spring Thaw Mountain Bike Race. The race, scheduled for May 3 and 4, offers a cross-country race on Saturday and a downhill race on Sunday. The cross-country race begins in Lithia Park right in the center of Ashland. After climbing high into the watershed riders get to zoom all the way back down along miles of winding singletrack. The beginners course is 10 miles long; all others ride 25 miles.

On Saturday evening riders will meet at the Ashland Creek Bar and Grill for a post-race food and drink festivity named the Bikers' Bash. Two-dollar pints and discounted food make this the place to be after a long day of suffering.

Riders still coherent on Sunday morning will meet at Cat Walk, a 1.7-mile-long trail in the watershed, and site of the downhill race. The course runs entirely on singletrack and is filled with jumps, logs and technical sections. Racers and their steeds are shuttled from finish to start after each run. If you aren't the downhill type then this is the ultimate spectator race. Find a nice safe vantage point along the course and watch these amazing riders try to keep the rubber side down. Find more information and entry forms on their website.

Whatever your tastes, Southern Oregon offers a variety of unique ways to get out of the house and celebrate spring!

Questions?
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