Summary
Initially developed on the Boston & Worcester Railroad, Ashland is an expanding town that has seen its population more than double since the 1980s.
In the town, there exist two significant water bodies, originally constructed as reservoirs for Boston’s water supply during the 19th century and subsequently repurposed as state parks in 1947.
Ashland State Park and Hopkinton State Park serve as remarkable outdoor centers, featuring extensive trails, swimming beaches during the summer, and optimal conditions for kayaking and canoeing.
Recently revitalized, downtown Ashland teems with vitality, hosting a thriving farmers’ market, a series of community events, and a historic tavern established by the railroad nearly 200 years ago.
Ashland lies along the Boston Marathon route, having served as the initial starting point in its early years until the course was extended in the mid-1920s to meet the new marathon standards.
1. Ashland State Park
The 157-acre Ashland Reservoir is part of a series of impoundments along the Sudbury River and its tributaries, created in the late 19th century as Boston’s secondary major water supply system.
This system became redundant by the end of World War II, after which the reservoir evolved into a favored area for recreational activities.
Throughout summer, Ashland State Park offers swimming opportunities at a spacious sandy beach, while the entire perimeter of the reservoir is enveloped by a continuous trail suitable for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
On the northern shore, the original dam and spillway from the 1880s remains intact and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For those possessing non-motorized watercraft, there is a gravel launch available on the southern side, accessible from Spring St.
2. Downtown Ashland
At the time of writing this article, the town was finalizing a multimillion-dollar revitalization project for downtown Ashland that aimed to create a new, pedestrian-friendly streetscape along parts of Main and Front Streets.
This development includes new ADA-compliant sidewalks, enhanced lighting, landscaping, wayfinding signage, trees, and outdoor furniture.
Divided by the railroad, Ashland’s center already exudes charm, boasting unique, longstanding businesses, small parks, historic architecture, and a vibrant food scene encompassing Italian cuisine, pub fare, pizza, breakfast options, and a bagel bakery.
All summer long, outdoor events take place at the Corner Spot, a platform for local entrepreneurs, while the farmers’ market attracts a crowd every Saturday morning.
3. Boston Marathon
From the event’s commencement in 1897 until 1923, Metcalf’s Mill in Ashland served as the starting line for the Boston Marathon.
This changed in 1924 when the starting line was relocated to Hopkinton Common, extending the course to the new standard marathon length of 26 miles and 385 yards, as established during the 1908 Olympics.
At the original starting line on Pleasant St, a sign reads “It all started here.” For over a century, the course has navigated through Ashland for approximately three miles along Route 135.
Arrive early on Patriots’ Day to secure a prime viewing location to watch the beginning stages of the world’s oldest annual marathon. Generally, the further you go down West Union Street, the better the viewpoint.
4. Ashland Farmers’ Market
Operating for more than a decade, Ashland offers one of the premier farmers’ markets in the MetroWest region.
This market is established on Saturday mornings, running from mid-June to mid-October, and occupies a designated grassy area alongside the downtown railroad tracks.
Regularly updated lists of vendors and seasonal events—ranging from Sustainability Day in July to Tomato Fest in August and Apple Day in September—are available on the market’s website.
On average, the market includes fresh produce from up to five local farms, alongside seafood, various meats, baked goods, gourmet cheeses, artisans, beverage vendors, pet supplies, diverse prepared foods, and occasionally, food trucks.
5. Hopkinton State Park
A substantial portion of this 1,245-acre public recreation area lies within the borders of Ashland. Similar to Ashland State Park, Hopkinton State Park is situated on the shores of a previously active reservoir repurposed for outdoor recreation in 1947.
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, this park provides an exceptional location for swimming or allowing children to enjoy the clean, shallow waters alongside two sandy beaches.
During the season, Boating in Boston operates within Hopkinton State Park, offering kayak, canoe, paddleboat, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.
The ample forested grounds surrounding the reservoir are laced with extensive trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.
For gatherings with friends or family reunions, the park features 12 shaded picnic areas, complete with 250 picnic tables and at least 165 charcoal grills.
6. Bay Circuit Trail
Ashland lies along the middle third of a vast trail system that spans 230 miles, connecting Boston’s surrounding suburbs from Newburyport in the north to Duxbury in the south.
Experiencing the natural beauty of eastern Massachusetts is best done by hiking, biking, riding, or skiing through these verdant communities, which provide ample access to nature.
For added convenience, there is always an MBTA station nearby, including in Ashland.
The trail crosses the Town Forest and links several undeveloped areas in Ashland, including the charming Mill Pond Park, which will be discussed in further detail below.
7. Stone’s Public House
This Irish-American gastropub is located adjacent to the tracks within one of downtown Ashland’s most distinguished and historical buildings.
Originally named Railroad House, this inn was constructed in 1832 with the arrival of the Boston & Worcester Railroad in Ashland. The shrewd proprietor, John Stone, managed the establishment until his death in 1858, leasing it to various innkeepers thereafter.
Over time, the building fell into disrepair before being revitalized as a public house in the 1970s, gaining a reputation for its ghostly tales.
The venue features a spacious patio, a welcoming fireplace, regional craft beers on tap, and a menu with traditional pub dishes such as shepherd’s pie, fish & chips, baked mac & cheese, steak and chips, and roasted half chicken.
8. Sri Lakshmi Temple
This is the first and largest temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sri Lakshmi in New England, consecrated in 1990.
The temple underwent expansions in 2005 and 2018, enhancing the complex with a commercial kitchen, dining area, library, boardroom, and new auditorium. Regardless of your religious beliefs, this site is worth visiting, not least for the intricate ornamentation on the main tower.
The temple is accessible to the public seven days a week, offering a simple yet delightful prasadam (vegetarian food offering for devotees) at its canteen.
9. Ashland Town Forest
Furthermore, in the northern area of Ashland, there exists a rugged natural landscape spanning over 660 acres, open to the public.
Acquired in 1942, Ashland Town Forest is contiguous with the smaller Cowassock Woods, which extends into neighboring Framingham.
In this serene terrain, visitors can explore upland and lowland swamps, mixed hardwood forests, vernal pools, historic open pit quarries, and numerous granite outcroppings.
Ashland Town Forest features a segment of the Bay Circuit Trail, part of a six-mile trail network located on the property.
During spring and summer, the undergrowth flourishes with wildflowers, while various fauna, such as red foxes, turkey vultures, red-tailed hawks, and the rare blue-spotted salamander, inhabit the vernal pools.
10. Warren Woods
On the eastern side of Ashland State Park, visitors can explore 120 acres of picturesque old farmland and woodlands, managed by the Ashland Open Space and Recreation Committee.
Warren Woods was formerly owned by Henry E. Warren (1872-1957), an inventor notable for numerous patents, most famously for the first synchronous electric clock.
The property was bequeathed to Northeastern University after his passing and later acquired by the town in 2012 following a grassroots initiative from local residents.
The area features a network of trails through open fields and deeper into the old-growth woods, including the Old Stone Trail, which extends across the town line into Holliston to the south.
11. Mill Pond Park
Often overlooked, there exists a beautiful linear park in downtown Ashland, located just off Myrtle St. From the small parking area on Pine Hill Rd, one can embark on a waterfront trail along the northern edge of the stunning Mill Pond and slightly further west along a segment of the Bay Circuit Trail, adjacent to the Sudbury River.
This tranquil setting offers a serene environment to spend a few peaceful moments, featuring a pedestrian bridge across the mill pond inlet, an observation platform, and several benches shaded by tall trees.
Given its proximity to the town center, Mill Pond presents secluded wooded shores that are particularly breathtaking in the fall. On warm days, visitors can procure lunch from a local restaurant to enjoy a picnic in the park.
12. The Corner Spot
In the location of a previously demolished home in downtown Ashland, there exists a charming public space that serves a variety of functions.
The Corner Spot features picnic tables beneath canopies, providing an inviting space for al fresco meals with friends and family.
This area is lively throughout the summer, thanks to outdoor music performances and an assortment of yard games.
As a community hub, it also serves as an excellent venue for businesses to operate temporary pop-ups, allowing them to engage with the local market at The Shed, which offers free Wi-Fi.
13. Puzzle Escape Ashland
Located within the Ashland Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) building is an escape room attraction known as Puzzle Escape Ashland. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it stands as a contrast to typical corporate escape rooms.
This venue features a single room, with themes that change every few months, ensuring that visitors can anticipate a new challenge with each visit.
For instance, at the time of publication, the theme was “On Your Mark – Get Set, Go?”, where participants and their teams had 45 minutes to locate the missing Boston Marathon before the inaugural race commenced in 1897.
14. Boston Paintball Ashland
Located in the eastern region of Ashland, this year-round paintball facility is renowned for its Apocalypse City arena.
Designed like a blockbuster film set, Apocalypse City presents a unique scenario on the East Coast, featuring at least 23 structures, including a city hall, an apartment building, a two-story hospital, and various vehicles such as an ambulance, a tank, a police car, and a downed plane.
Additionally, the facility includes a woodball field with a bridge and moat, as well as an indoor field equipped with inflatable obstacles, ideal for evening matches and smaller groups.
15. Modelville Hobby
Sure to evoke a sense of childhood wonder, Modelville Hobby (28 Eliot St) features an expansive slot racing facility.
Here, you will find five 1/24th scale tracks, some of which have a history spanning decades. The store has existed in various forms since 1965 and moved to Ashland in 1978, where it resided at 58 Union St for 32 years.
In 2010, Modelville Hobby transitioned to its current 70’ x 100’ space, where one of the tracks, the first Sovereign (220-foot track) ever constructed, can be found.
This particular track, over half a century old, was transported from Texas and restored to operational status. For regular scheduled races, as well as details on two regional race series visiting the facility, refer to the Modelville website.
