Center Your Universe

Small Town. Big Personality.

Ashland is a vibrant small town with big staying power that’s been here since 1858. Affectionately referred to by locals as the “Center of the Universe,” Ashland is situated approximately 15 miles north of Richmond and is less than two hours from Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Charlottesville, and Norfolk.

A small town with a big personality, Ashland is the perfect place to spend the day or weekend strolling our historic main street lined with shops, restaurants, and the campus of Randolph-Macon College.

Ashland-Hanover Visitors Center

Start your visit with a stop at the Ashland-Hanover Visitor Center! Centrally located along the train tracks in downtown Ashland, our Visitor Center is housed in a 1920s train depot and stocked with brochures, guides, and helpful staff that are always happy to point our visitors in the right direction!

112 North Railroad Avenue

(804) 752-6766

Open Daily 9 AM to 5 PM

Dining, Nightlife, & Shops

Ashland is thriving with independentlyoperated and unique local restaurants, shops, live music venues, and a historic theatre.

Start building your Ashland must-do list at visitashlandva.com

Accommodations

From boutique to brand new, Ashland has a wide variety of comfortable accommodation options. Whether you’re a solo traveler on business or a family of four out for fun, you’ll find your fit among Ashland’s collection of independently-run inns and highly-rated chains.

For a full list of lodging options visit visitashlandva.com/stay

Entertainment & Outdoor Recreation

No matter your interests, there is much to see and do in Ashland. Train-lovers have long flocked to Ashland to take in rail history, including Ashland Train Day – an annual celebration of all things rail. Additional festivals and special events held each year include the Ashland Strawberry Faire, Ashland Halloween, Ashland Fourth Fridays, and Light Up the Tracks.

For the recreation-minded traveler, Ashland is the northern trailhead for the future Fall Line Trail and contains a variety of well-maintained parks, including a public swimming pool (open seasonally), trails, and playgrounds for all ages and accessibility needs.

For a full list of annual and upcoming events go to visitashlandva.com/events

History & Culture

Ashland’s origin story is on full display in the heart of historic downtown thanks to the railroad tracks that run right through its middle. Developed by the railroad as a mineral springs resort in the 1840s, Ashland has continued to evolve and grow while maintaining its historic and quirky small town charm.

The Hanover County Black Heritage Society

The Hanover County Black Heritage seeks to uncover and preserve the history of African Americans in Hanover County and the Town of Ashland and to help enrich and promote stronger family and community unity through historical findings. Located within the historic Henry Clay Inn, the Society’s goal is to educate the public by increasing awareness and appreciation of Hanover’s legacy.

Randolph-Macon College

Founded in 1830 in Boydton, Virginia and the oldest Methodist-affiliated college in the U.S., Randolph-Macon College moved to Ashland in 1868. The campus has a National Register of Historic Places district, which includes several important 19th century college buildings.

Ashland Museum

Visit Ashland Museum and learn the story of Ashland, Virginia from its beginnings as Slash Cottage to the dawn of the 20th century. The Ashland landmark “Red Caboose” is next to the Museum and is available for tours during Museum hours.

114 North Railroad Avenue (804) 496-6350 / hanoverbhs.org

114 College Avenue

(804) 752-7200 / rmc.edu

105 Hanover Avenue (804) 368-7314 / ashlandmuseum.org

For a full list of attractions in Ashland and the surrounding area go to visitashlandva.com/attractions