What to Do, Eat & Explore This Week in Mechanicsville, Hanover, Ashland & the Upper Hanover Region

The Ashland Farmers Market is a Saturday morning tradition in Hanover County, set right on the historic railroad tracks at the Ashland train station. In mid-August you will find peak-season Virginia produce -- heirloom tomatoes, Silver Queen corn, peaches, watermelons, okra, and field peas -- alongside local honey, pasture-raised meats, farm-fresh eggs, artisan breads, and handmade crafts. The market runs every Saturday through October, and the train station setting with the Amtrak trains rolling through makes it one of the most charming market experiences in the region. Grab a cup of locally roasted coffee, chat with the farmers, and enjoy the small-town pace of Ashland on a summer morning.

The Commemorative Air Force brings the Flying Legends of Victory Tour to Hanover County Municipal Airport, featuring flyable World War II warbirds including the famous B-29 Superfortress "FIFI," a B-24 Liberator, and a P-51 Mustang. This is an incredible, hands-on living history experience -- you can walk through the aircraft up close, watch them take off and land, and even book a ride in these legendary planes. The tour is family-friendly, and kids of all ages will love seeing these majestic warbirds up close. The event runs from Thursday through Sunday, so you have several days to catch it. This is a rare opportunity that draws aviation enthusiasts from across the region. Check the CAF website for exact hours, ticket prices, and ride availability.

The Hanover Market CSA runs a weekly Wednesday evening market from May through October, offering a true community gathering in the Mechanicsville area. Pick up fresh local produce, pasture-raised meats, farm eggs, artisan bread, and seasonal specialties like late-summer tomatoes, fresh herbs, and cut flowers. The market operates on the honor system in many ways -- a reflection of the trust and community spirit that defines rural Hanover County. It is a great midweek stop to stock up on groceries while supporting local family farms.

For the freshest-picked produce in Hanover County, make a farm stand run this week. Pole Green Produce (6547 Pole Green Road, Mechanicsville) has an incredible selection of field-ripened fruits and vegetables straight from the farm. Agriberry Farm Store (6289 River Road, Hanover) runs a pick-your-own operation and farm store with berries, produce, jams, and baked goods -- you can pick blackberries and blueberries right now in mid-August. And Atlee Farm Stand (9177 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville) offers a classic roadside farm stand experience with whatever is in peak season. A farm stand hop is the perfect Saturday morning activity for families, especially with kids who love picking their own fruit.

The Water Lantern Festival is coming to the Richmond/Henrico area on August 21. This magical evening event invites families, couples, and friends to decorate lanterns with wishes, hopes, and memories, then launch them onto the water as the sun sets. Live music, food vendors, and a welcoming community atmosphere make this a memorable summer experience. It is a beautiful way to reflect, connect with loved ones, and create a shared moment of light on the water. Tickets are available online and include a lantern kit, markers, and entry to the festival. The event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

Charred Hanover is one of the highest-rated restaurants in the Mechanicsville area, and for good reason. This wood-fired American grill serves expertly prepared steaks, chops, burgers, and seafood in a warm, modern setting that feels both upscale and welcoming. The open kitchen lets you watch the chefs work the wood-fired grill, and the menu changes seasonally to highlight the best ingredients available. The bourbon selection is impressive, the cocktails are thoughtfully crafted, and the service is consistently excellent. Whether you are celebrating a home sale or a birthday dinner, Charred Hanover is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel like you have discovered something special in the Hanover County suburbs. Reservations are recommended on weekends.

The Iron Horse Restaurant is an Ashland institution, sitting steps from the railroad tracks on Railroad Avenue. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building with exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and warm amber lighting, Iron Horse serves modern American comfort food with a Southern accent. The menu covers everything from hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood to creative salads, sandwiches, and their famous crab cakes -- made with lump crab meat and minimal filler. The rooftop bar is the place to be on a summer evening, offering views of downtown Ashland and the trains passing through. Iron Horse has a loyal local following, and the weekend brunch is one of the best in Hanover County. The train-themed decor and railroad memorabilia make it a fitting tribute to Ashland's identity as a railroad town.

Bell Greek in Mechanicsville lives up to its name with authentic, flavor-packed Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. With a 4.6-star rating on TripAdvisor, this family-owned spot serves outstanding gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita, moussaka, and lamb dishes that transport you straight to a Greek taverna. The grilled octopus is a must-try, the tzatziki is house-made and creamy, and the baklava is the perfect sweet finish. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the service is warm and welcoming. Bell Greek is a hidden gem in the Mechanicsville dining scene that deserves way more attention than it gets.

Olde Towne Smokehouse is Mechanicsville's go-to destination for real Virginia-style barbecue. The pulled pork, beef brisket, and ribs are slow-smoked over hickory wood until they reach that perfect balance of smoky flavor and tender texture. The house-made sauces range from sweet and tangy to vinegar-based and spicy, and the Southern side dishes -- mac and cheese, collard greens, baked beans, and cornbread -- are just as good as the meat. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with picnic-style seating and a welcoming community vibe. Olde Towne Smokehouse is the kind of place where you walk in hungry and leave happy, with barbecue sauce on your shirt and a smile on your face.

Poor Farm Park is a 297-acre Hanover County park with hiking trails through mixed hardwood forest, open fields, a pond, and a charming one-room schoolhouse that dates back to the early 1900s. The main loop trail is a 1.5-mile walk through shaded woods with boardwalks crossing wetlands -- perfect for a morning hike with the family. The park also has baseball fields, a playground, picnic shelters, and plenty of open space for kids to run. The name comes from the area's history as a county poor farm in the 1800s, and the restored schoolhouse on the property offers a glimpse into rural Virginia education over a century ago. This park is a favorite among Mechanicsville locals for its peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained trails.

The Lake Hanover Nature Trail is a gentle 0.7-mile loop trail circling a serene lake in the heart of the Hanover County government complex. The trail is wide, well-maintained, and mostly flat, making it accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and young children. The lake is home to ducks, geese, turtles, and the occasional great blue heron, and wooden benches along the trail offer quiet spots to sit and take in the view. The trail winds through woods along Mechumps Creek and crosses small wooden bridges. It is a perfect lunch-break walk or after-dinner stroll that feels far more remote than its suburban setting suggests.

Cold Harbor Battlefield Park preserves the site of one of the Civil War's most famous and tragic battles, fought in June 1864 during Grant's Overland Campaign. Today the park offers paved walking trails through the historic battlefield, interpretive signs explaining the battle's significance, and a serene, contemplative atmosphere among the tall pines and open fields. The 2-mile paved loop trail is excellent for walking, jogging, or biking, and the park is dog-friendly. In late summer, the battlefield is lush and green, and the interpretive panels help bring the history to life. Cold Harbor is a meaningful stop for history enthusiasts and a peaceful outdoor space for anyone looking to walk the same ground that shaped the course of American history.

The Mattaponi River in northern Hanover County (near the Aylett area) is one of Virginia's hidden paddling gems. This calm, beginner-friendly river winds through forested floodplains, past sandy banks and towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. The water is generally flat with gentle Class I rapids at most, making it suitable for beginner kayakers and families with older children. The river is home to great blue herons, kingfishers, turtles, and the occasional bald eagle. Put in at the Aylett boat ramp on River Road and paddle downstream for a 2-3 hour trip through some of the most pristine river scenery in Central Virginia. Late summer water levels are typically low but still navigable, and the tree canopy keeps much of the river shaded. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

A short drive from Mechanicsville, Chickahominy Riverfront Park offers kayak and canoe launches, fishing piers, hiking trails, and waterfront picnic areas along the beautiful Chickahominy River. The park is a popular launch point for paddling the Chickahominy, a calm, dark-water river that winds through cypress swamps and hardwood forests. The hiking trails follow the riverbank and offer beautiful views. In summer, the park is a hub for families enjoying the water -- bring your own kayak or canoe, or just come for a picnic with a river view. The park also connects to the Virginia Capital Trail, making it a great starting point for a bike ride.

Gaines' Mill is part of the Richmond National Battlefield Park and preserves the site of the largest Civil War battle of the Seven Days Campaign. The park features a 1-mile wooded walking trail with interpretive signs, a historic bridge over Boatswain's Creek, and a quiet, contemplative setting among old-growth forest. The trail is well-shaded and cool even on hot August days. Gaines' Mill is less visited than Cold Harbor, which makes it a peaceful escape for hikers and history buffs alike. Admission is free, and the park is open daily from dawn to dusk.

The Commemorative Air Force's Flying Legends of Victory Tour offers discounted admission for active duty military members, veterans, and their families. The tour brings the B-29 Superfortress "FIFI" (one of only two still flying in the world), a B-24 Liberator, and a P-51 Mustang to Hanover County for a long weekend of living history. Military families can walk through these legendary warbirds, meet the pilots and crew (many of whom are veterans themselves), and experience the aircraft that helped win World War II. Ride-alongs on the B-29 and B-24 are available for an additional fee -- an unforgettable experience for any aviation enthusiast. The CAF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving WWII aviation history, and this tour is one of the most meaningful military family events of the summer in Central Virginia. Check the CAF website for military discount details and ticket information.

The Virginia War Memorial presents a free virtual program on August 19 titled 'Keeping the Peace: Colonel Samuel Nelson Drew and OPERATION JOINT ENDEAVOR in Bosnia,' presented by Dr. Clay Mountcastle, Director of the Virginia War Memorial. This livestreamed lecture explores the role of military peacekeeping in the post-Cold War era through the story of Colonel Drew, a Virginia native who served as a peace negotiator in Bosnia. The program is free and open to the public, and it is a meaningful educational opportunity for military families and history enthusiasts across the state. You can watch from home on the Virginia War Memorial's website or YouTube channel.

Fort Gregg-Adams (formerly Fort Lee) runs summer MWR programs throughout August, including youth activities, family recreation, and back-to-school support. With the new school year approaching, the installation typically hosts school supply giveaways, back-to-school bashes, and orientation events for military children. The MWR office at Fort Gregg-Adams is the best source for up-to-date information on these events. As PCS season continues, the base also offers newcomer orientations, housing office walk-throughs, and family support services for incoming soldiers and their families. Shannon is a certified Military Relocation Professional (MRP) who works with Fort Gregg-Adams families regularly -- call her at 804-803-1080 for help finding housing near base or navigating the relocation process. This week is also the start of back-to-school prep season for military families in the region, and Fort Gregg-Adams has resources to help make the transition smooth for military children changing schools due to PCS orders.

Team RWB's Richmond chapter connects veterans, active duty service members, and military families through group fitness events, social gatherings, and community service. The summer schedule typically includes weekly group runs along the Virginia Capital Trail and in Hanover County parks, social hours at local breweries (including Center of the Universe in Ashland), and volunteer projects supporting veteran causes. Team RWB is a national nonprofit that strengthens veteran communities through meaningful physical and social connections. The Richmond chapter is one of the most active in Virginia, with events happening almost every day of the week. New members are always welcome, and participation is free -- just sign up on the Team RWB website and show up. This is a fantastic way for newly arrived military families to meet fellow veterans and build a community in the Richmond area.

This week marks the start of serious back-to-school preparation for families across Virginia. Military children face unique challenges during PCS moves -- changing schools mid-stream, adjusting to new curricula, and making new friends. As a Navy veteran's wife and MRP-certified agent, Shannon understands this experience well. If your family is in the middle of a PCS move and you are looking for housing near Fort Gregg-Adams, Fort Eustis, or Joint Base Langley-Eustis, reach out -- Shannon can help you find the right home in time for the new school year. Also noteworthy: National Purple Heart Day was observed on August 7, honoring the over one million service members who have received the Purple Heart medal. If you know a Purple Heart recipient, this week is a good time to reach out and say thank you.