What’s Booming RVA: Train Your Sights on Ashland

By Annie Tobey | April 27th, 2023

Boomer’s top 5 picks for the week ahead


Incanto sculpture by Kate Raudenbush at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, Virginia. Image courtesy of LGBG. For What's Booming RVA: Train Your Sights on Ashland.

Trains take the stage with a free walking tour of the old Ashland Trolley Line and Ashland Train Day. Plus celebrate local booksellers, engage with a local author, learn about a legendary conservationist, and get a first peek at lyrical sculptures. In this week’s “What’s Booming RVA: Train Your Sights on Ashland.”


Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day!

April 29 at eight area bookstores – see website for locations

Visit the Richmond region’s independent booksellers for your next great read. Stock up on summertime books. Get recommendations from fellow readers. You can even download the day’s passport, visit 5 or 8 bookstores on Saturday, and receive swag. Support local!

IBDRVA.com 

Free Historic Walking Tour Highlighting Ashland Trolley Line

April 29, 9 a.m., at Virginia Union University, Richmond

Learn from local historians and experts how the trolley from Ashland to Richmond impacted communities in North Richmond, through Henrico and Hanover, to Ashland. Free, but registration encouraged.

Eventbrite.com

Ashland Train Day

April 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in downtown Ashland

There’s just something about a train! Immerse yourself in freight and passenger trains, touch-a-truck, model trains, railroad history, vintage railroad equipment, live music, kiddie activities, food, music, and shopping.

AshlandVirginia.com/trainday

Author Talk and Q&A with Dean King

April 29, 7 to 9 p.m., at Book People’s new location at 10464 Ridgefield Parkway, Henrico

Presenting “Guardians of the Valley: John Muir and the Friendship that Saved Yosemite,” about the legendary outdoorsman and conservationist who helped secure protection of many U.S. wildlands.

BookPeople.com 

Incanto: An Oasis of Lyrical Sculpture

April 29 to Oct. 29; evening hours begin May 3, Wednesdays through Saturdays, at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond

Immerse your senses and soul in five larger-than-life, intricate sculptures, custom made for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Each is paired with poetry to stir self-discovery and connections. Guests can enter some of the sculptures, and all will be lit from within for added glory during the Garden’s select evening hours. Exhibit opens April 29, with evening hours beginning on May 3 for the illuminated view.

LewisGinter.org

Check websites for more details, including prices and registration requirements.


More of What’s Booming in Richmond besides “Train Your Sights on Ashland”

Food and more fun to fill your plate

Boomer’s featured restaurant of the week:

The best tacos in Richmond? Lalo’s Pinches Tacos Bar and Grill

And lots more events to throw on your calendar:

April 27 to May 3, coming soon + Down-the-Road events

More from Boomer