Here’s a sampling of Ashland’s nonfranchise restaurants starting from Interstate 95 and going west on England Street.

Scotchtown, home of Patrick Henry 1771-1778. Restored manor house furnished with 18th-century antiques.

The Richmond National Battlefield Park protects more than 2,000 acres of land in its 11 units spread throughout Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico.  Other than a few small parking lots, tour roads and visitors centers, most of that land is essentially green space—protected nature preserve.

Hanover Wayside, a 36-acre park offering a picnic shelter, tot-lot, ballfield, and nature trail.

Pole Green Park, a 232-acre park on state Route 627, about four miles east of Interstate 295 and located behind Pole Green Elementary School.

Poor Farm Park in Hanover County has athletic fields, play equipment and excellent biking & hiking trails.

See Hanover Tavern, an historic landmark in Hanover County dating to 1791.

Hanover Courthouse was built around 1735 and lawyer Patrick Henry tried his first case there in 1763.

A SECRET IN HANOVER COUNTY
One of the oldest theater experiences in Richmond is also one of the newest. Depending on how you count, the Barksdale Theatre at Hanover Tavern is either 55 years old or 2½.

If lush green acres spread out over 471 square miles is what you are looking for, Hanover County is the place to be.

LIVING HERE
For the second consecutive year, Hanover County was named one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People in 2008. Last year it passed the 100,000 population mark.