Ashland, Virginia – The Center of the Universe
I decided to turn off Netflix and turn my life back on. This year, I went to the center of the universe. It wasn’t as hot as you would think. There aren’t any mean aliens; just kind townfolks, local cuisine that rivals a big city, and charm that captivates your imagination. The best part is you can also arrive there by car or train. No matter how you arrive, this is a place you should visit. Ashland, Virginia, is known as the center of the universe because it is in the center of Hanover County. It could be the center of your heart.
Why You Should Visit Ashland, Virginia!
Who should visit Ashland? As a mother and special education teacher, I find this an exceptional place to visit. Ashland, Virginia, is a train town with an active railroad running right through it.
They have the Ashland Theatre, which offers child-friendly content at wallet-friendly prices. This is the place where the community gathers, and memories are created.
Speaking of creation, we visited the most charming yarn shop, The Center of the Yarniverse, where imagination grows one stitch at a time.
I was also mesmerized by their toy store, the Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys. I grew up with a father who collected trains, and we went to train shows. This shop lets your family experience that tradition.
Our family has another tradition we enjoy: walking around college campuses. Randolph Macon College is a charming school located within walking distance from the town center. Seriously, what kid wouldn’t want to see a train and a toy store?
The kid in you should visit. Ashland, Virginia, also has numerous parks, and they even have a passport program to encourage you to visit them all. This community offers history as one of the stops on the Voices of Freedom Tour. You can also learn about the significance of Berkley Town. Ashland, Virginia, is also the proud hometown of the legendary Triple Crown-winning racehorse, Secretariat (“Big Red”). His breeder, Chris Chenery, grew up in Ashland. The town has a massive, you-can’t-miss statue that every child will want to see, touch, and possibly try to climb on.
The culinary diva in you should visit. I am pretty sure I had the best variety of desserts in Virginia at the Henry Clay Inn. The hotel’s namesake, Henry Clay, was born in Hanover, but he practiced law in Kentucky until he became Speaker of the House.
Ashland was named after his estate in Kentucky. I can easily drive to Ashland, but I am still considering a girls’ weekend in the historic Inn just so I can eat there more than once while in town. Speaking of eating. I am always speaking of eating.
The delightful lunch we enjoyed at Ash & Olive was perfect for anyone with food allergies. I usually try to avoid gluten and dairy, and that was easy to accomplish. Their fresh take on European/ Mediterranean food was evident in the dishes they prepared. The open kitchen lets you feel like you are in your favorite kitchen without the work. The staff was charming and helpful. The food was worth me driving back. The dishes everyone ate were made with the freshest ingredients. I had a watermelon gazpacho that reminded me of summer in a resort town. It was sweet, refined, with a hint of memories.
I am an appetizer girl. If you ever eat out with me, I like to order right from that portion of the menu. Luckily, our host understood the assignment. The appetizers were so good it took everything in my power not to grab the plates and run my finger along the edge to get every last bite.
I am scheduling a revisit in December because I was with colleagues and I didn’t want to embarrass myself, but that whipped feta. I can still taste it. I should have begged for some to go.
Last summer, my daughter and I toured Europe. We spent a lot of time and money. I feel foolish when there are towns like Ashland, Virginia, within driving distance. Ashland offers better food, friendly people, cute shops like Chirp, more charm, and American history. It should be in your GPS and on your calendar. I look forward to visiting again and bringing friends. Let’s get off our couches and live life!
Follow me as I explore Virginia in my series, My State, My Way.
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