The Inn and the Innkeepers

Letter from the Innkeepers

Spring 2003

Dear Friends of Anne Hathaway's Cottage,

Greetings from Ashland. The sweet smell of Daphnis Ordorata in the yard is making us swoon, the opening of the Shakespeare Festival season is stimulating our minds and the near completion of our winter construction project is pleasing to behold.

February found us welcoming some Valentine Day revelers, a few new members of the Snow Shoe and Cross Country Ski Club and two of Deedie's childhood friends - one of whom was commissioned by the Harrisburg, PA Patriot-News to write a travel story about Ashland and former Harrisburgers-turned-Oregon innkeepers.

In the last two weeks, we've previewed all four shows currently on stage and can guarantee you that provocative drama, fabulous acting and leading-edge theatre is in rich supply here this year. The San Francisco Chronicle says the Festival had its strongest opening weekend in years. Snippets from reviews are attached.

Artistic Director Libby Appel asked us to urge you to leave your expectations and preconceptions at the door when it's time for "Romeo and Juliet." Come instead for a feast of ageless drama, the light from which reflects much on our current day youth. "The Continental Divide," two plays by British playwright David Edgar, challenge each and every one of us politically and personally. "Mother's Against" and "Daughters of the Revolution" portray competing gubernatorial candidates in a mythical state of Jefferson, read California, and summon up for your faithful innkeepers types of behavior we thought we'd left behind in Washington, D.C. Add to this the perpetually lithe and lively Noel Coward's "Present Laughter" and you have Ashland's usual rich mix.

Aside from the construction project which has brought us a functional working kitchen and one of the largest dining rooms in town, we have a few other new developments to report that we hope will enhance your visit:

• Lunches - We'll be offering backpack lunches this year for those taking a day road trip or hike.
• Corner Cupboard, Ltd. - A small retail operation out of the little corner cupboard features pear marmalade and chutney made on the premises; cards from our favorite artist, Mary Hamilton; Wiesinger's prize winning Oregon wines; AHC tee shirts; JaneAnne's Fab Fudge and other perfect opportunities for acquisition therapy.
• Gourmet to Go - As you're packing to leave, you'll get a list of organic specialty produce grown by a former guest who decided to relocate here. Your choices will be picked the morning of your departure and packed for your trip.

Our calendar is filling up, so we hope you'll call while there is still room for you and your friends.

We trust this finds you well. With our best regards and thanks,

Deedie and David Runkel
Innkeepers

p.s. The new David Edgar plays close at the end of June.