Southern Charm from the Heart of Virginia

Brookie Crawford's ('94) first exposure to the quaint Victorian town of Ashland, Va., was through the window of an Amtrak train during a business trip from Richmond to Washington, D.C., about four years ago. "I remember noticing the great number of historic homes and unique shops that lined the tracks," she says. Now it's Crawford's job to entice others to experience the "Southern charm" of Ashland. In April, she was named director of tourism for the Town of Ashland and Hanover County.

"Ashland (15 miles north of Richmond) is an authentic railroad town brimming with Civil War history," says Crawford. "It was originally developed as a resort for Richmonders, but the discovery of natural mineral springs made the town a popular regional attraction in the 1800s."

Ashland is also unique, according to Crawford, because it lies "at the heart of Virginia," centrally located in the state in Hanover County. "We have something to offer almost every tourist -- from the Civil War buff to the roller-coaster-riding thrill seeker," she says. "Ashland and Hanover offer lovely historic homes (including Patrick Henry's), four Civil War battlefields, vineyards and wineries, Randolph Macon College, and the 400-acre Paramount Kings Dominion theme park."

Ashland's close proximity to Virginia's capitol and Colonial Williamsburg make it a great resource for tour planners. "My job is to use those resources and let tourists know what Ashland has to offer," says Crawford, who is no stranger to "tourism." She was born into a military family in Indiana and grew up in six different states. "I never lived in the same place for very long, but I've enjoyed the Richmond/Hanover County area since 1996."

Crawford came to Ashland after serving the Leukemia Society's Team in Training program. She also served as director of training for a computer consulting firm and established her own bridal/wedding consulting business.

"The thing I enjoy most about my position with Ashland is the people," says Crawford. "They are the most altruistic that I've ever met. The Visitor Center is staffed almost entirely by volunteers, and the residents are naturally friendly. Ashland has a lot to offer any tourist --history, beauty and Southern hospitality. That makes my job much easier. My biggest challenge is just spreading the word about Ashland's assets."

Story by Karen Boxley ('01)