Location: Doswell
Top Things to do in Doswell
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Doswell, United States
Doswell is an unincorporated community in Hanover County in the Central Region of the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia. Originally called Hanover Junction, it was located on the Virginia Central Railroad, which later became part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad (C&O) at a crossing of the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad, a north-south route. Both railroads are now owned by CSX Transportation, although the former Virginia Central line is leased to a short-line carrier, Buckingham Branch Railroad. The area near the Doswell train station is a popular train-watching site for railfans.
Restaurants in Doswell
1. Kings Dominion
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Grab your friends and family and come to Kings Dominion - Virginia's ultimate 400-acre destination for summertime fun! With more than 60 rides, shows and attractions including the largest coaster collection on the East Coast, Planet Snoopy, our Peanut's themed children's area and WaterWorks, a 20-acre water playground which is included in your park admission. Kings Dominion is Virginia's only destination offering two parks for the price of one. We have everything you need for creating lifelong memories. Our 40th Celebration starts in 2014 and offers magnificent experiences you won't find anywhere else! While it's our birthday, this celebration is all about you! We've taken all of the thrills, chills, smiles and dazzling moments of our history and crafted them into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don't miss it! To end the day, stay for Dominion at Dusk - a KD40 Nighttime Celebration! Start off with the vibrant lights and sounds of Snoopy's Starlight Spectacular and the stunning water and lights display of our fully refurbished International Street Fountain. The party really gets going as the Grande Bandstand and the midways of International Street come to life with our all-new block party, Ignite the Night! featuring an impressive cast singing some of your favorite hits! And the party isn't complete without a magnificent display of fireworks lighting up the nighttime skies above the park. Open daily during the summer; weekends in the spring and fall.
Reviewed By shardog - maryland
After reading the reviews for opening weekend I was concerned about our planned visit for today (2 fast pass + combo @$100 per, 1 regular ticket, 90 minute drive from southern MD).
Our day couldn’t have been better:
lines were nonexistent until after lunchtime, most if not all restaurants/vendors were open, park was clean, all “key” rides were open (more details to follow), and last but not least, the employees we spoke with were all great (the young ladies working the photos at Twisted Timbers and Dominator, one young lady at the arcade, food vendors, ride operators, etc.)
The fast pass + is expensive but worth it : my son and his friend rode no fewer than 30 rides, many from multiple trips on the most popular ones.
Note on rides-reading previous comments makes me realize that preview days/ the first couple of days are to be avoided if possible. Twisted Timbers did open later than the others and had several operational delays throughout the day but my son and his friend still managed to ride it 6 times, same with I305 and Volcano. The only rides not open were Crypt, Whitewater Canyon and the log flume.
2. Scotchtown
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Built around 1720, Scotchtown is architecturally unique, and the house is surrounded by reproduction outbuildings and gardens. Since being acquired by Preservation Virginia in 1958, the house has been restored to its appearance during Patrick Henry’s life and is open for tours seasonally. Experience our dialogue based tour exploring Henry’s ideals of “Liberty, Human Rights and Revolution.” Also, explore the grounds, listen to a cell phone tour, enjoy a birding trail, shop in the museum store, eat lunch under our pavilion or participate in one of the site’s many hands-on classes and special events. Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown is also available for private rental. Visit our weddings section for more information about site rentals for reunions, festivals and feasts, photo shoots, TV/film shoots and of course, your special day!
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
Patrick Henry lived in several houses during the course of his noteworthy career. Scotchtown was one of them. Located at 16120 Chiswell Lane in Beaverdam, Virginia, 10 miles northwest of Ashland on Virginia Highway 685, it is a plantation that was owned and used as a residence by Henry from 1771 to 1778. At 93 feet by 35 feet, the house is one of the largest 18th century homes to survive in America. In its present configuration, it has eight substantial rooms on the first floor surrounding a central passage with a full attic above and English basement with windows below. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. This was the home of the noted orator and Founding Father of the American Revolution and America's fight for independence during his most influential period. He rode from Scotchtown to Richmond to deliver his famous "Liberty or Death" speech at St. John's Episcopal Church. It also was his residence when he was elected Governor of Virginia in 1776. Scotchtown has long believed to have been the childhood home of Dolley Madison, wife of President James Madison, who was a relative of Patrick Henry. Today, the house is owned and managed by Preservation Virginia, which has restored the house to its late 18th century appearance, including rebuilding outbuildings such as the icehouse, kitchen and law office.
3. Ashland Berry Farm
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By CouttsC8 - Ruther Glen, VA
It is a little far off of the interstate but close to Rt. 1. If you like country side roads you will like the drive to the farm. They have great other plants too but I especially like the pond plants. We also visit here other times a year especially the fall. Great pumpkin festivities for children and grownups. A little snack bar with farm foods and cider and coffee also donuts homemade. Highly recommend for a weekend outing. summer, or fall.
4. Ashland/Hanover Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Tim M - Halethorpe, Maryland, United States
This is like walking back in history! I appreciate that they have maintained the historical/cultural layout of this train station. It was interesting, if not a bit eerie, to walk through this place. Definitely made me think about how things were.... glad they are no...MoreIt's great that we can operate a visitor center in the old depot and still maintain the history of the Old RF&P train station. Thanks for the review.
5. Mt Olympus Berry Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Mount Olympus Farm is a family owned farm located between Richmond and Fredericksburg, VA. You can pick-your-own (PYO) strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. We also take pride in offering a large variety of high quality fresh vegetables including many heirloom varieties. Our garden center has many perennials, herbs, shrubs, etc. Can't make it to our farm? Look for the Mt. Olympus truck bringing fresh produce to several Northern Virginia producer-only farmer's markets.
Reviewed By ElizaP41 - Spotsylvania, Virginia
This farm is a convenient place along a well traveled highway. It offers limited fruits and vegetables in the small store. There are expensive plants and flowers for sale also. We have stopped here many times and have left empty handed, due to cost or produce sold out or picked over.
6. Meadow Event Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 19 reviews
Our "Hoofprints of History" tours of Secretariat's birthplace at The Meadow showcase the Virginia farm that produced an American legend. Author/historian Leeanne Meadows Ladin takes visitors to the historic barns and grounds, as well as through pictorial galleries and rare exhibits that illustrate the glory days of Meadow Stable and its immortal Triple Crown champion. Reservations required.
Reviewed By GrandpaX4
My wife and I were at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia for a Good Sam RV rally. We saw a signup sheet for a tour of the birthplace of Secretariat, the iconic Triple Crown winner, so we signed up. What a fabulous tour!!!
The tour is called the Hoofprints of History Tour. The tour is conducted by Leeanne Meadows Ladin, who makes it all come alive with her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm. You get to see where Secretariat was born and raised. You hear how Christopher Chenery transformed his ancestral homestead into a renowned Thoroughbred farm and how, after he fell ill, his daughter Penny took his dream to unprecedented heights, first with Riva Ridge, then with “America’s Super Horse,” Secretariat. Don't miss this tour.
7. North Anna Battlefield Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By akittynamedtabitha - Woodinville, Washington
This battlefield is sandwiched between Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor Battlefields as part of the Overland Campaign of 1864.
This is strictly a walking tour. First the Confederate side, then the Union and then the long walk back.
The Confederate trenches are as advertised, the best on display of any battlefield. There is a brochure on the nps.gov/ns/frsp/planyourtour website, which advertises the Union trail as rigorous. Gauge the first half of your walk and then imagine rigorous. In the heat. It is a long trail, but worth the walk if you can handle the trail. It is very dense woods and growth, but what is pointed out with the interpretive signs is very easy to see and you'll get a good sense of the battle. The main part of the action is 3/4 of the way through the Confederate side and sites 1 & 2 of the union side, which is where the main battle was fought.
Read about the battle ahead of time and the trail will make more sense. Very thick woods so dress appropriately to be safe from ticks. If you are an enthusiast, then this is a must trip/walk. No visitor center. There was a walking map at the main park entrance, which was helpful, but you can also download it from the NPS or Civil War Traveler site.
Perhaps take some alcohol and you'll get the same experience as the Union General Ledlie had...
8. Hickory Creek Antiques
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
One of Metro Richmond's largest and most popular antiques and collectibles malls. Voted a 2015 Best of Hanover County. Featured by Richmond Magazine as a cute place to shop in Ashland. Daily 10 - 6, Thursday 10 - 7, Sunday 12 - 6 We take pride in offering an ever changing selection of reasonably priced vintage, antique, and collectible items. Our shop is clean, charming, and welcoming.
Reviewed By duffey3700 - Richmond, Virginia
In my opinion this is one of the best antique shops in the area. Very easy to get to, convenient parking, well organized and no musty smells. Prices are reasonable. Lots of "goodies" to look at.
9. Virginia Sports Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By 2BEis2SKI - Charlotte, NC
This was our 2nd time and worth leaving a review. There are 8 fields (4 large fields and 4 smaller fields) along with an indoor facility that is part basketball and part baseball. We were there this 2nd time for a baseball scout workout. It was very cold outside but the inside, especially where the players were, was comfortable. It's a very spacious indoor facility. There are stands for parents on the 2nd floor and also a table and chair area at the entrance. It's very well thought out and though I was there about 8 hours in total over 2 days, I was comfortable. There is free wifi and a cafe that serves burgers and dogs (I did not sample anything).
Parking for the indoor facility and baseball fields is ample. The outdoor baseball setup is good. They have stands but also a nice large concrete pad if you want to use your own bag chair. It's about 5 minutes off I95, just north of Kings Dominion and about a 25 minute drive from Glen Allen where we stayed. There really isn't much around it so if you are there, you should plan to just stay.
It's a good facility overall.
10. Gallery Flux
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Since its opening late in 2011, Gallery Flux has showcased an ever-changing body of fine art in historic Ashland, Virginia. Gallery Flux presents art that excites patrons, artists, and art enthusiasts alike, that is ever-changing and always surprising: in flux. The original structure enhances the variety of fine art Gallery Flux has to offer with exposed beams, modern garage doors, and clean white
Reviewed By AmyTins - Hot Springs, AR
Really enjoyed the art in Gallery Flux. The wonderful young lady working there showed me around and talked briefly about the artists and their work. After I finished browsing, she told me about another part of Gallery Flux across the street. I went there next and met another super nice young lady that not only visited with me about all of the art.... but also recommended other cool places in Ashland and Richmond area to visit. I really appreciated their input and made it to almost all of the places on my list. :)
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