Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows ~

We photographed another festive Halloween parade and following Halloween I think we maybe had two weeks of true fall weather before we were pushed right into winter with full force. 

Halloween 2012

All of a sudden it was time to gear up for the fall/winter season; taking our classic Adirondack chairs from the garden to storage, taking the outdoor furniture cushions and placing them in storage as well and lowering the patio umbrellas... time to batten down the hatches so to speak!

The Rogue Valley offers 4 distinct seasons; each one ideally perfect. When its fall the colors are stunning and when its winter you pull out the hats and scarves and gloves and jackets and.... yep, it's cold!  But it's a fun cold if you will, you can take crisp walks in Lithia Park and then head home for a cup of steamy hot chocolate with those wonderful mini marshmallows floating on top.

We get the best snowfalls.  Most often we'll awaken to one or two inches of moist snow that will melt quickly away once the sun hits it.  At times, if it is particularly cold and the sun doesn't come out, the snow can stay for a day or two, but we've never had to take out a shovel or put on chains; it's the best kind of snow.  My absolute favorite snow happens in the darkness and stillness of night when the snow falls silently in beautiful graceful flakes, it's magic!

The winter season is peaceful, the crowds of tourists and play-goers have gone and a lovely calm has settled over the valley, along with the layers of fog.  Sadly, many travelers do not recognize the year-round playground that is the Rogue Valley.  The boutique shopping, casual and fine dining, and wine tasting are more accessible and if you're a snow skier, Mt. Ashland is the local ski destination and offers not only great skiing but absolutely panoramic views of southern Oregon and northern California.  And the Oregon Cabaret Theater offers highly entertaining dinner theater in an intimate setting where there are no bad seats.

When you're looking for that peaceful winter get-a-way, look to Ashland and come experience the serenity for yourself. We'll have the hot chocolate and marshmallows waiting!