15 College Towns That Feel Like Stepping Directly into a Hallmark Movie

3. Ashland, Oregon (Southern Oregon University)

Ashland feels like a novel written in iambic pentameter. Surrounded by piney peaks and fueled by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, it’s both whimsical and woodsy. Tudor-style storefronts sell artisan soaps, while the town’s main plaza buzzes with theater lovers and latte drinkers. Trails hug the edge of town, and Lithia Park runs like a watercolor through the center. Ashland is where actors rehearse near rivers, bookstores double as cafés, and every season arrives with stage-worthy flair. It’s not just a setting—it’s a script, waiting for the perfect main character to wander in.