Spend a Thursday in Downtown Ashland, KY
If you find yourself free on a Thursday and want to take a day trip, here are some suggestions for a jam packed day in downtown Ashland, supporting locally owned businesses by shopping, eating, and even getting some exercise. Download itinerary check list here.
You’ll find us located in the northeast corner of Kentucky, right on the Ohio River.
START WITH LUNCH AT THE MILL CAFE & BAKERY
Start your day with lunch at The Mill Cafe & Bakery located at 207 15th Street. Open from 11 am - 3 pm, you can enjoy indoor or outdoor seating, freshly made cold brew coffee, homemade pastries, and freshly made bread on all sandwiches.
SNAP AN INSTA-WORTHY PHOTO OP
Located on 15th Street, between The Mill Cafe & Bakery and the Delta Hotel is a brand new mural in Downtown Ashland. Walk half a block towards the hotel and snap a photo of yourself in front of the mural and tag us! #visitAKY
TOUR THE PORT OF ASHLAND
Next, walk across Greenup Avenue to the Port of Ashland and enjoy the river front park, the Port of Ashland Statues, flood wall murals, and the historic Ashland Train Depot.
Take your lunch from The Mill to-go and enjoy a river front picnic. There are a lot of photo opportunities at the Port of Ashland. Post your photos and tag us #VisitAKY @visitashlandky.
VISIT THE FARMER’S MARKET AT KDMC
Every Thursday through September, from 2pm - 5pm, you can take advantage of the farmer’s market located in the parking lot of King’s Daughters Medical Center at the corner of 24th Street and Bath Ave. Fuhrmann Orchards is a family-owned farm in Wheelersburg, OH. Beginning in 1958 with only a few apple trees, the farm has grown to 120 acres and specializes in 29 varieties of apples as well as other fruits and vegetables including peaches, nectarines, melons, pumpkins, corn, beans, peppers, berries, tomatoes, gourds, squash, and wild flowers. Vegetables are hand picked at the peak of ripeness!
ENJOY SHOPPING DOWNTOWN
If you enjoy boutique shopping, then Downtown Ashland is the place to go! We recommend checking out the following places, all within walking distance of each other and open until 5:00 pm.
A Boutique - 1616 Carter Ave
Christian Alexander Home - 1505 Carter Ave
Take a shopping break and enjoy a homemade dessert from Tipton’s Traditions located 339 - 15th Street, right around the corner from Christian Alexander Home.
Leander Blue Boutique - inside the historic Camayo Arcade 1536 Winchester Ave Suite 1
Pretty and Poised - 1601 Winchester Ave
With almost 30 locally owned shops in Ashland, KY, visit our website to see them all!
HAVE DINNER AT BOMBSHELLS & ALES
Enjoy dinner at Ashland’s newest restaurant, with plenty of outdoor and indoor seating and a World War II pinup theme. Operating hours are 11 am to 9 pm.
Bombshells & Ales sources their fresh ingredients from local farmers’ markets.
Their menu offers large portions of BBQ, Burgers, Salads, Pizzas and Bombwiches.
SAVOR DESSERT AT WHIT’S FROZEN CUSTARD
Brand new! Just opened July 20, 2020!
Located at 1525 Winchester Ave, two doors down from the Visit Ashland Welcome Center, Whit’s is Ashland’s first frozen custard stand. Frozen custard is different from ice cream and is made from fresh cream, pasteurized eggs and premium toppings.
Check out their menu and flavors of the week.
LEARN TO PLAY PICKLEBALL AT CENTRAL PARK
If you are looking to learn a new sport and get a little exercise, the Ashland Pickleball club offers free lessons for beginners every Thursday from 6 pm - 7 pm at the Central Park tennis courts. The tennis courts are located on Central Avenue next to the Boyd County Public Library.
Extend your stay and book a room at the Delta Hotel by Marriott
TURN YOUR DAY TRIP INTO AN OVERNIGHT TRIP
We recommend staying at the Delta Hotel by Marriott in Downtown Ashland and end your evening with a nightcap at the hotel either at the Guitar Bar in the lobby or the Bourbon Bar at The Winchester.
If you are a bourbon lover check out the extensive lists of bourbons on The Winchester’s menu. If you are willing to splurge The Bourbon Bar offers a flight Pappy Van Winkle in half ounce pours of 12, 15, 20, and 23 Years for $425.00.
start with Breakfast at The Winchester
Have breakfast at The Winchester located on the second floor of the hotel.
Their extensive menu offers three egg omelettes, eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, breakfast tacos, as well as, waffles, pancakes and creme brulee french toast.
Don’t forget the donuts
As you leave town, stop by 2000 Winchester Avenue for a baker’s dozen donuts, served up in a Pirate’s Treasure Box, from long-time, local favorite Jolly Pirate Donuts. We recommend getting at least one powdered sugar covered, chocolate cream filled donut.
Jolly Pirate offers a drive thru, indoor and outdoor seating. We recommend going inside to see all the freshly made donuts and to pick out the ones you want.
