Ashland and Surrounding Area

Downtown Ashland

Historic downtown Ashland centers on Main Street, a walkable corridor of restored brick buildings that house independent shops, restaurants and services. The streetscape blends small-town charm with year-round community events and seasonal displays. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, downtown Ashland showcases architectural character and local history around every corner. 

Among its landmarks is the Essex House, once home to the Home Company, an early department store, standing on the site where city founder William Montgomery built his original cabin. Movie fans may also recognize downtown from The Shawshank Redemption: the film’s famous bank scene was shot in the former Huntington Bank at 19 West Main Street, a building designed by noted architect Vernon Redding and now home to Crosby Advisory Group.

Main Street (East and West Main) runs through the heart of downtown and connects the university area with parks and neighborhoods. Strollable blocks feature storefront windows, public art and regular sidewalk activity that make the area a hub for students and residents alike.

Shopping and Restaurants

Downtown offers an eclectic mix of locally owned shops and eateries. Notable stops include Uniontown Brewing Co., a brewpub on West Main Street; Fig & Oak, a boutique that emphasizes give-back brands and local makers; and Ashley’s Candy & Nut Shoppe, a long-running downtown ice cream and candy shop. These businesses, along with bakeries, gift stores and specialty food shops, make Main Street a lively place for dining and retail.

Coffee Shops and Quick Stops

For coffee and casual meetings, Goldberry Roasting Company and Downtown Perk are favorites. Goldberry, just a few blocks from campus, operates a local roastery and often hosts events; Downtown Perk is a convenient Main Street café that draws students and downtown workers.

Nature and Parks

Brookside Park and the Guy C. Myers Memorial Band Shell anchor outdoor recreation and summer concerts in the city. Freer Field, a county park of about 78 acres just minutes from downtown, offers hiking trails, multi-habitat woods and paved loops popular with walkers, runners and students looking for green space close to campus.

Cultural Life

Arts and performance venues give Ashland a rich cultural life. The Ashland Theatre hosts films, concerts and community events; the Ashland Symphony Orchestra presents seasonal performances both indoors and at the Myers band shell; and Ashland Regional Ballet and local dance schools support performances and classes year-round. These organizations bring classical, contemporary and community arts to downtown audiences.

Larger Employers and Internship Opportunities

Several major employers in and near Ashland regularly recruit interns and entry-level professionals. Charles River Laboratories operates a preclinical research facility in Ashland and is one of the area’s largest employers. Ashland City Schools is an important local employer and partner for education-related placements. Local professional firms such as Whitcomb & Hess and regional cultural attractions and institutions in the broader Northeast Ohio region, like the Canton Pro Football Hall of Fame, also offer professional and experiential opportunities for students. Ashland University maintains employer partnerships and employer resources to help connect students with internships and local hiring partners.