Day Trip

Looking for ideas on how to spend a day in Hanover County, Virginia? Just minutes from downtown Richmond, Hanover offers the perfect mix of farms, small-town charm, Revolutionary and Civil War history, and local flavor. Whether you’re here for a quick getaway or a slow-paced weekend, you’ll find that Hanover is ripe for discovery.

Morning: Farms & Small‑Town Charm

Start your morning surrounded by the beauty of Hanover’s countryside.

Hanover Vegetable Farm – Kick off your day at this working farm where you can browse famous Hanover tomatoes (in season), fresh produce, plants, and local goods. It’s farm-to-market at its most authentic.

Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown – Step into history at the 18th‑century home of Patrick Henry, where he developed the ideas behind his legendary “Give me liberty, or give me death” speech. Located just northwest of Ashland, this preserved estate offers an inspiring dose of Revolutionary-era insight.

Downtown Ashland – Wrap up your morning in the “Center of the Universe.” Ashland’s charming downtown is built around the railroad, so while you shop local boutiques or grab a coffee, you might catch trains rolling by just feet away. Don’t miss a photo stop at the Secretariat monument—a nod to Hanover County’s most famous native.

Lunch: Trackside Flavors in Ashland

When it’s time to refuel, Ashland makes it easy to dine in a casual and relaxed setting.

Homemades by Suzanne – Enjoy Southern comfort dishes, fresh sandwiches, and house-made pies—all with a front-row seat to the passing trains.

Iron Horse Restaurant – A local favorite offering elevated American fare in a lively, train-side setting.

Afternoon: History, Wine & a Historic Tavern

Continue your adventure with an afternoon that blends the past and present.

Hanover Courthouse & Museum of History & Culture – Visit one of America’s oldest active courthouses, where Patrick Henry argued the Parson’s Cause. The adjacent museum offers fascinating exhibits on local history.

Cold Harbor Battlefield – History buffs can walk the preserved trails and earthworks of one of the Civil War’s most intense battles, located about 15 minutes southeast in Mechanicsville.

James River Cellars Winery – Toast the afternoon with a glass of Virginia wine on the sunny patio at this conveniently located winery off Route 1.

Hanover Tavern – End your day with dinner at the 225‑year‑old Hanover Tavern, once a stop for George Washington and Patrick Henry. The menu pairs elevated comfort food with a historic atmosphere.