Ashland University provides many activities for incoming students during orientation weekend. Students will unpack their things, say goodbye to their families and begin their first days in college. It’s always a whirlwind of meeting new people and hanging out on campus. For some, it’s exciting, but for others it can be scary and intimidating to settle in. 

This activities guide is for students looking to take their first steps outside of campus once the welcome events die down.  

Within Walking Distance – Under 10 Minutes 

For those without cars, some good options are Freer Field, Eva’s Treats and Lady Luna’s Spiritual Guidance.  

Freer Field is located near Clayton Hall and AU’s senior apartments, about a nine-minute walk. Its address is 1301 Park St. This is a spot known to students for playing sports during the warm seasons, picnicking with a book and for having photoshoots with friends. It’s an open, grassy area surrounded by trees.  

Eva’s Treats is at 601 Claremont Ave. The establishment serves frozen yogurt, soft serve ice cream and custard. The spot is well fit for team bonding and first dates. The patio overlooks the street and gives off a summery, small-town vibe.  

Lady Luna’s is right near Eva’s as it sits at 617 Claremont Ave. They are both about a nine-minute walk. Here, you can buy crystals, experience your tarot reading and become more in tune with your divine self.  

Driving Distance – Under 10 Minutes 

If you brought your car and don’t have any plans, this section is for you.  

Firstly, there is Yoder’s Red Ice Cream Barn at Brookside Park. The location is 575 Barney Rd. With over 50 different flavors of ice cream. Customers can purchase treats, along with a menu full of snacks and hangout in the park. Owner, Amanda Yoder, spoke on behalf of her establishment, 

“To be able to get an order of fries or deep-fried pickles and just be able to take a walk, get to know the people you’re going to college with . . . it’s really an awesome place.” 

Next to the ice cream shop is a putt-putt course that stretches across one side of the park. It’s open 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily to the public. The park has many picnic tables, a little library filled with books from community members, tennis courts and walking paths.  

Some more notable places to visit in Ashland’s downtown are Ashley’s Candy & Nut Shoppe and Masterminds Escape Room & Game Library. 

Driving Distance – 10 Minutes or More 

Past Ashland’s downtown, there’s still more to be seen and things to be experienced. Kelleys Vinyl Record Store, The Ashland Thrift Store and Grandpa’s Cheesebarn & Sweeties Chocolates are few of many.  

At 1200 Main St. Suite 7, Kelley’s Vinyl Record Store is filled with many different music genres to choose from. Known mostly for its oldies, this shop has lots of The Beatles, ABBA, old movie soundtracks and more. Kelley’s also sells T-shirts and similar memorabilia.  

“I’m always cutting deals,” said owner, Leah Carter. “I’ll give them 10% off if they bring cash, they can make me offers on stuff . . . it’s your cheapest and best entertainment value.” 

After finding all your favorite records, the vintage theme continues with The Ashland Thrift Store located at 75 Amberwood Pkwy. Selling furniture, kitchenware, and many things useable in university life, Ashley Schultz, owner, explained how this is a help. 

“We have a little bit of everything, we’ve even had a kitchen sink here once,” she said. “We have appliances, small appliances, especially for college kids just starting out. . . We have all the things to help them start their new journey.” 

Lastly on the guide is the well-known Grandpas Cheesebarn & Sweeties Chocolates located 668 US-250. This store is known for its unique cheese and palatable snacks. This is a good last stop because it goes over the ten-minute limit and will have food you’ll need to return to your fridge. Here, you’ll understand why Ashland is known as the Headquarters of Nice People and you’ll sample one of too many new favorite dairy products.  

End of Route 

With your 10-minute tour complete, you’ll have a new perspective on the town you’ll soon call home. When your family comes to visit, you’ll now know all the hot spots. This is just the start because next to each of these places is yet another place waiting for new experiences.  

With each new day, and each new venture out, Ashland will begin to feel more and more like your own.