*Title is inspired by the lyrics of Love Train by The O’Jays. What an awesome song of peace and unity.
While I’ve driven through the town hundreds of times, the route I take this go-around is different. Instead of the sounds of cars driving past, I hear the clickety-clack of the train rolling on its tracks. I’m able to look out my window and see trees and homes from an angle I’ve never seen before. And my inner-child is giddy with the realization that this is my first real train ride…ever.
Ashland is a town located 25 minutes north of Richmond, and their Love sign can be found in front of the historic Ashland Train Station/Visitor Center. This trip was extra special for me because my sons got to join me AND we traveled via Amtrak from Richmond to Ashland…I mean, who doesn’t love a train, right?!
The Ashland Train Station/ Visitor Center is located in a train depot built in the 1920s which provides information on destinations, food, lodging and more in Hanover County (where Ashland is located). I can imagine this is considered a very unique train station and the staff will be ready to welcome you when you get to town.
What is great about Ashland is that you can walk to a lot of places, including The Ashland Museum – a great and quick way to learn about the history of the area (open on weekends or by appointment). Betsy was our greeter and shared that Ashland was created to be a ‘resort getaway’ for those that lived in Richmond (how cool!). You may also have a chance to go into the Red Caboose while you’re there, which started service in 1926 and was brought to Ashland in 1997. I loved how much history I learned about a town that I have visited often.
Speaking of trains, a great place to grab lunch is The Caboose Market and Cafe, just minutes from the museum. They not only sell a fantastic selection of wine, beer and specialty foods, they also offer delicious farm-to-table menu options. You may be served by Tristan, who recommended the Macon Bacon salad and the Caboose Sampler – both were very good. Those of you who know me also know I love wine…between the food and spirit selection, this is a place I will definitely come back too.
For those that like to shop, there are multiple places to choose from. Caravati’s, with its claw-foot bathtub sign, is Richmond’s “oldest supplier of architectural salvage”. You will be amazed to see the different types of items they have there – from beautiful stained glass windows, to almost any type of vintage/antique door you can imagine. They also sell other fun items that will likely peak your interest (it did mine).
Another fun spot is Tiny Tim’s Trains and Toys, which has been in Ashland for over 25 years. I have never been in a store like this – they are truly professionals in the model train industry. They also had a wonderful array of games, puzzles, and developmental learning items that would tempt many at any age. If you love trains and games, you’ll love this place.
And if you’re lucky enough to be staying overnight the Henry Clay Inn has everything you need. While the current structure was built in the 1990s, it still has a rich history. The “exterior of the inn is an exact replica of its predecessors”, going all the way back to 1858. They also offer dinner during the week, and brunch on the weekends. My family and I enjoyed a wonderful supper there over candlelight; it truly was a lovely way to close-out the day.
Ashland is a place to love…
Fondly spoken of by the inhabitants as the “Center of the Universe” Ashland is a place that still holds a lot of the same charm that it likely had when it was founded in the 1850s. It is rich with history and modern delights that will have you smiling as you walk around town. And being able to arrive by train put the icing on the cake. If you’re ever in the area and see signs for Ashland, I highly recommend you make the time to pay their LOVE sign, and town a visit.
| VA ♥️ Signs Now Visited | Official VA ♥️ Signs |
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Other points of interest in Ashland:
- The Iron Horse
- Origin Beer Lab
- Homemade by Suzanne
- Class and Trash
- Thrill of the Hunt
- re*funk*it
- Trackside Kitchen and Wine
- Remix Market of Central VA – they have an official LOVE sign too!
Is this your first Leah LOVES Virginia blog post read? Thank you for taking the time to visit. If you’re wondering how this adventure got started, check-out my first blog post and my about page.
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Important note: I always do my best to ensure anything I include in my blogs is factual and that I also give credit and use quotations when pulling information from sources. If you believe there is something included here that needs to be addressed, please email me directly as I want to be sure it is fixed. Thank you and happy LOVE sign hunting.
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