The small town of Ashland, located in the southwestern corner of the state of Illinois, is a charming community with a population of just over 7,000. Ashland is known for its proximity to two of the state's most beautiful parks: Shawnee National Forest and the Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge. It's also known for its historic downtown, which has an array of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and other attractions. Overall, Ashland is the perfect place to explore new places and enjoy a romantic date.
1. Ashland parks and places for a walk on a first date
Anyone looking to explore the great outdoors with their date should head to one of Ashland's two nearby parks. Shawnee National Forest is the larger of the two and offers over 280,000 acres of beautiful scenery to explore, including a variety of hiking trails, waterfalls, and creeks. The Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge is a smaller, but no less exciting option, with over 30,000 acres of breathtaking nature to experience. Both parks provide plenty of opportunities for a romantic stroll.
2. Places for a coffee date in Ashland
If a coffee date is more your speed, Ashland has several great options. The Bean and the Bough is a cozy café in the heart of downtown with a wide selection of espresso and tea drinks, iced coffees, and more. The Art House Coffee & Café is a great place to get creative with your date, as the walls are lined with art from a variety of local artists. And the iconic Corner Café serves up delicious breakfast dishes and freshly ground coffee, all served with a smile.
3. Ashland galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
Art lovers will have plenty of great places to explore in Ashland. The Vespers Gallery of Art is a must-see for its unique collection of sculptures and paintings by local and international artists. The Ashland County Historical Museum showcases the town's history with a variety of artifacts, photographs, and documents. And the Burpee Art Gallery is a great place to explore more modern works of art.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Ashland
For nights out on the town, Ashland has plenty of live entertainment options. The Nite Owl is a local bar with a variety of live music acts every night, including blues, rock, and country. The Ashland Opera House has been hosting live performances since 1897, ranging from plays and musicals to concerts and open mic nights. The Red Barn Jamboree is a family-friendly venue with plenty of concerts, standup comedy shows, and more.
5. Ashland pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
When it comes to drinks and food, Ashland offers a variety of great options. The Redwood is a quaint restaurant serving up delicious American fare with a side of country music. The Thirsty Turtle is a popular local bar and restaurant featuring a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as a menu of BBQ-inspired dishes. And Boulevard Bar & Grill is the perfect spot to indulge in a selection of craft beers and tasty bar food.
6. Other date ideas to try in Ashland
If you're looking for something more unique, there are plenty of other activities to do with your date. The Ashland Family Skating Rink is open year-round for some fun on the ice. The Ashland Antique Mall offers plenty of shopping opportunities for souvenirs and antiques. And the local movie theater features a variety of films and events year-round.
