Ashland Travel Guide

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Nestled in the heart of the Kentucky region, Ashland is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its picturesque landscapes and friendly locals, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic American experience.

One of the highlights of Ashland is its rich history. The city is home to the famous Ashland Estate, the former residence of Henry Clay, a prominent politician and statesman of the 19th century. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved mansion and its lush gardens, gaining insight into the life and times of one of America's most influential figures.

For art enthusiasts, the Paramount Arts Center is a must-see attraction in Ashland. This historic theater hosts a variety of performances, from Broadway shows to live music concerts, ensuring there is something for everyone. The exquisite architecture and ornate interior of the theater only add to the overall experience, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to admire in Ashland. The city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the breathtaking Ashland Central Park. This expansive green space offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with walking trails, picnic areas, and even a lake for boating and fishing. It's the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the beauty of nature.

In addition to its historical and natural attractions, Ashland also boasts a vibrant culinary scene. From traditional Southern comfort food to international cuisines, there is something to satisfy every palate. Local restaurants and cafes pride themselves on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a truly authentic and flavorful dining experience.

Alternative names: Settled: 1786Population: 21.1 thous.Area: 10.77 mi²Elevation: 554 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°28'44"N, 82°38'41"W

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KentuckyUnited States

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Ashland Top Attractions

Ashland Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ashland offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Kyova Tri-State Mall, Paramount Arts Center, Highlands Museum and Discovery Center, Simeon Willis Memorial Bridge. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Shopping • Shopping centre • Department store
Kyova Tri-State Mall
Camp Landing Entertainment District is an enclosed shopping mall located outside the city of Ashland, Kentucky, United States, in Cannonsburg. Opened in 1988 as Cedar Knoll Galleria, the mall struggled to keep tenants for several years, eventually becoming a dead mall.
Concerts and shows • Performing arts • Theater
Paramount Arts Center
The Paramount Arts Center is a historic theater located in Ashland, Kentucky, in the United States. Listed as the Paramount Theatre on the National Register of Historic Places, this theater is an important part of theater in Kentucky.
Specialty museum • Art museum • Science museum
Highlands Museum and Discovery Center
The Highlands Museum and Discovery Center is a heritage center and science center located in Ashland, Kentucky, United States. The museum displays exhibits on local history and specialized science displays for children along with providing educational outreach programs.

Bridge
Simeon Willis Memorial Bridge
Simeon Willis Memorial Bridge is a bridge crossing the Ohio River connecting US 23 and in Ashland, Kentucky to US 52 in Coal Grove, Ohio. Opened in 1985, the bridge is named for Kentucky Governor Simeon S. Willis.
Bridge • Ashland City Center
Ben Williamson Memorial Bridge
The Ben Williamson Memorial Bridge, known locally as the Old Ben, is a cantilever bridge that connects Coal Grove, Ohio to Ashland, Kentucky, crossing the Ohio River. Completed in 1932, it is named for Senator Ben M. Williamson.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
First Christian Church
The First Christian Church of Ashland is a historic church building at 315 17th Street in Ashland, Kentucky. It was built in 1890 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. It was designed by architect Laura Rogers White. It has also been known as the Old Church of Christ. Scientist, of Ashland.
Church • Ashland City Center
St. James AME Church
The St. James AME Church in Ashland, Kentucky is a historic African Methodist Episcopal church at 12th St. and Carter Avenue. It was built in 1912 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Church • Ashland City Center
First Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church in Ashland, Kentucky is a historic church building at 1600 Winchester Avenue. It has also been known as Bethesda Church. It was built in 1858 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It was then the oldest structure still being used for a church in Boyd County.
38°28'51"N • 82°38'21"W
Nando Felty Saloon
The Nando Felty Saloon, at 1500 Front St. in Ashland, Kentucky, was built in 1895. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It was a three-story three-bay brick commercial building, overlooking the Ohio River and railroad tracks.
Church
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
St. Paul's Lutheran Church is a church located in Ashland, Kentucky and is affiliated with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.
Italianate architecture • Oakview - Blackburn
Culbertson House
The Culbertson House in Ashland, Kentucky is an Italianate-style house built in 1876. It is located at 1520 Chestnut Dr. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Cemetery • Valley View
Ashland Cemetery
Ashland Cemetery Company is a historic cemetery located in Ashland, Kentucky in the United States.
38°28'33"N • 82°38'33"W
Mayo Mansion
Mayo Mansion, also known as Fetter Mansion, is a historic mansion located in the Bath Avenue Historic District in downtown Ashland, Kentucky.
Neighbourhood • Victorian architecture
Bath Avenue Historic District
The Bath Avenue Historic District, in Ashland, Kentucky, is a 15 acres historic district which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It included 26 contributing buildings and two contributing objects.
Universities and schools • Oakview - Blackburn
Ashland Community and Technical College
Ashland Community and Technical College is a public community college in Ashland, Kentucky. It is an open-admissions college and part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
Neighbourhood • Ashland City Center
Ashland Commercial Historic District
The Ashland Commercial Historic District is a designated historic district bounded by 13th Street, Carter Avenue, 18th Street, and Front Street in Downtown Ashland, Kentucky.

Day trips

Ashland – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ashland, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Joan C. Edwards Stadium (Huntington), Heritage Farm Museum & Village (Huntington), Southern Ohio Museum (Portsmouth).

13 milesE
Arenas and stadiums, Sport, Football
Joan C. Edwards Stadium, Huntington
Joan C. Edwards Stadium, formerly Marshall University Stadium, is a football stadium located on the campus of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, United States.
12 milesSE
Museum, History museum
Heritage Farm Museum & Village, Huntington
Heritage Farm Museum and Village is an open-air living history museum in Huntington, West Virginia that focuses on Appalachian history and culture. Originally conceived as a location to house and display the private collection of A.
26 milesNW
Specialty museum, Art museum, Museum
Southern Ohio Museum, Portsmouth
The Southern Ohio Museum is located in Portsmouth, Ohio, and serves the south and southeastern parts of the state. It is located in the former Security Central Bank Building, which was built in 1918 in the Beaux Arts style. It has been open as a museum since 1979.
37 milesNE
Museum, State park, Regional park
Tu-Endie-Wei State Park, Point Pleasant
Tu-Endie-Wei State Park is located at the confluence of the Kanawha River and the Ohio River in downtown Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
23 milesE
History museum, Museum
Gen. Albert Gallatin Jenkins House, Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area
The Gen. Albert Gallatin Jenkins House — known historically as "Green Bottom" — is located on the east bank of the Ohio River about 7 miles north of Lesage, Cabell County, West Virginia.