IL Forno Brings the Taste of Italy to Ashland

Ashland has a new culinary gem, and it's called IL Forno Bar & Grill. Officially opened on July 16, 2024 in Ashland Town Center, this restaurant is the creation of Giuseppe Giambanco, affectionately known as "G," and his wife, Nadia. Rooted in a rich family tradition and inspired by Giuseppe’s childhood memories of his father’s bustling kitchen, IL Forno promises a dining experience like no other.

Growing up, Giuseppe was immersed in the world of Italian cuisine, learning the ropes from his father, a renowned restaurateur since 1976. "My dad's kitchen was my playground," Giuseppe fondly recalls. "Those early lessons in traditional Italian cooking have shaped my approach to food today." Now, Giuseppe and Nadia bring these cherished recipes to life at IL Forno, blending tradition with modern flair to offer what they proudly describe as a "Taste of Italy & A World of Flavor."

But what inspired Giuseppe to open IL Forno in Ashland? "First and foremost, Ashland has an incredibly supportive community," Giuseppe explains. "The people here have a genuine appreciation for local businesses and a vibrant spirit of togetherness. This supportive atmosphere is essential for any new venture, especially a restaurant that thrives on repeat customers and word-of-mouth recommendations." He continues, "Moreover, Ashland's dining scene doesn't have anything quite like IL Forno. Our restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional and innovative culinary experiences, centered around authentic, brick oven gourmet pizzas, pastas, steak, and seafood, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients."

At IL Forno, every dish is crafted with care, ensuring that each bite is a testament to Giuseppe’s dedication to quality and flavor. The menu boasts a variety of mouth-watering options, including the Steak Bruschetta, Crab Portobello Shrimp, Shrimp & Lobster Linguini, The Goat Pizza, and the Surf & Turf Burger. These dishes are not only delicious but also embody the essence of Giuseppe's culinary journey.

For those looking to unwind, IL Forno offers fantastic Happy Hour specials from Tuesday to Friday, 3:00-6:00 PM, with $2.00 off all cocktails, wine, and beer. Additionally, there’s a generous 10% discount for Randolph Macon students and first responders. Giuseppe is especially excited about their loyalty program, designed to reward repeat customers for their patronage.

So, what makes IL Forno truly special? "We aren't your typical Italian restaurant," Giuseppe proudly states. "We offer a variety of different entrees that you can't get anywhere else close to Ashland! We have a beautiful, full, huge bar, and we make 90% of everything fresh in-house. There's nothing like our business in this town." This commitment to freshness and uniqueness sets IL Forno apart, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Looking ahead, Giuseppe and Nadia have big dreams for IL Forno. "We want IL Forno to be a staple in this community and support the town of Ashland," Giuseppe shares. "We envision our restaurant as a place where all the locals come in and make our restaurant their home. We are very family-oriented, and our home is your home!"

IL Forno Bar & Grill invites you to pull up a seat and become part of their family. Experience the flavors they’ve been perfecting since 1976 and savor the warm, welcoming atmosphere that Giuseppe and Nadia have lovingly created. Welcome to IL Forno—where every meal is a celebration of tradition, innovation, and community.

Kick Off Your Weekend at Ashland Fourth Fridays!

Ready to jazz up your Friday evening? Ashland's Fourth Fridays are back on Friday, July 26, and we’ve got a night packed with family-friendly fun, food, and fantastic music! Here’s the scoop on what’s happening around town:

Groovin' Tunes and Dance Moves
The Ham Biscuits are serving up a hearty helping of New Orleans-style jazz, soul, and blues at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion. The concert is free, so bring your lawn chairs and your dancing shoes!

At 5 PM, the Ashland Dance Academy will dazzle us with their adorable dance numbers on the Town Hall Pavilion Stage. Stick around afterward for pictures with Bluey and free blue cotton candy! Inside 110 Thompson, glam up with free fairy hair extensions.

Delicious Bites and Cool Treats
Indulge your sweet tooth at the Farmview Creamery soft serve truck on the Town Hall Lawn. For those in need of a caffeine fix, Classic Coffee and Tea’s truck will be parked outside Ashland Dance Academy.

Art, Tattoos, and More!
Check out the original Ashland-inspired artwork sold by Immagine LLC outside of Ashland Meat Company. Feeling adventurous? Ashland Tattoo Company will have vendors set up outside with some cool gear. The award-winning Free to Read program is back outside the Ashland Branch Library giving away as many free books as you can carry.

Spooky Adventures
RED VEIN Escape is hosting vendors and games, adding an extra thrill to your evening. Plus, Ashland Haunted History Tours is celebrating five years of ghostly tales! Use the code BOODAY24 when booking online to get 20% off your tour through July 27.

Late-Night Local Flavor
Beloved Ashland spots stay open late and keep the good times rolling:

Calling All Songwriters!
Got a tune in your heart inspired by Ashland? Enter the Ashland Song Contest! The winner will perform at Ashland Fourth Fridays on August 23, win a recording session with Free Jambalaya, streaming on major platforms, a $100 Town of Ashland gift certificate, original cover art, and a spot at the Light Up the Tracks Celebration on November 23. The deadline is Sunday, August 18.

So come on down, bring the family, and let’s make this Friday one for the books. See you there, neighbors!

Ashland Swag Contest

Downtown Ashland Association is calling on creatives to design swag that celebrates the Center of the Universe. Submit your design to the Ashland Swag Contest, and your art could be showcased on apparel by TSI Promotionals just in time for the holiday season. The winner will be awarded a custom item of their choice, and your design will be available to purchase online. Buy in person during the Light Up the Tracks Celebration on November 23.

This is your chance to proudly represent downtown Ashland with style! From shirts and sweaters to hats —your creativity could light up our town!

Entry requirements

• Design must be graphic

• Design can use up to three colors

• Design must reference Ashland

• Design must be uploaded as a high-resolution file

• Square or circle designs are recommended

• Deadline to upload your design is Monday, October 7

Resources:

Need inspiration? Learn more of Ashland’s history and keep up with history in the making with these links below.

• Ashland Museum

• Hanover County Black History Society

• Ashland Haunted History Tours

• Downtown Ashland Association

It’s a Wonderful Life - The Podcast

The Whistle Stop Theatre Company is well known for their imaginative interpretations of classic works. This holiday season, Ashland’s theatre troop moves the American classic "It's a Wonderful Life" from the silver screen to your podcast stream in a heartwarming four-part series for the whole family. 

In this reimagining, audiences will experience the beloved tale through the unique perspectives of Uncle Billy, Mary Hatch, and Mr. Potter. The final episode, narrated by Clarence re-named Clara, the guardian angel striving to earn their wings, promises a fresh and uplifting take on this timeless story.

Before the final podcast episode is released free of charge on whistlestoptheatre.weebly.com, the Whistle Stop Theatre Company will host a special live performance at the historic Ashland Theatre on Sunday, December 15 at 3 PM. This event will be followed by a screening of the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life." In between shows, Ashland’s newest and hottest restaurant Ash & Olive serves a wonderful themed menu.

The Town of Ashland inspired Whistle Stop Founding Artistic Director Lou Keeton to adapt the cherished screenplay. “There are a lot of parallels between Bedford Falls and Ashland, Virginia,” Keeton muses. “It's a Wonderful Life advocates for community, charity, and togetherness. The Center of the Universe exemplifies those enduring themes daily.”

The theme of neighborly love is never brighter than during Ashland’s Light Up the Tracks. November through New Year's, downtown Ashland is illuminated with festive events, celebrations, and over ten thousand lights. The Whistle Stop Theatre Company’s adaptation of It’s a Wonderful Life aims to contribute by providing accessible festivities for all ages. 

“Telling the whole It’s a Wonderful Life story in four parts as a podcast allows anyone to tune in at any time free of charge,” explains Keeton. “Performing the fourth episode live at the Ashland Theatre invites our neighbors to come together and share the experience. After all, ‘No man is a failure who has friends.’”

It’s a Wonderful Life - the podcast will be available to stream in November 2024. Tickets to the live performance are available for $10 at AshlandTheatre.org

Dive into Summer Fun in Downtown Ashland!

Summer is here, and so are endless possibilities for fun and adventure in downtown Ashland. From artsy experiences to delicious eats, we've got your summer bucket list covered. So, grab your sunnies, gather your friends, and let's make this summer one for the books! Here's why you should head to Ashland:

🎨 Art Galore

Ashland is a canvas of creativity. Check out the vibrant public art, including murals and the iconic Secretariat Racing into History sculpture. For a deeper dive, visit the Flippo Gallery at Randolph-Macon College for contemporary exhibitions. And don't miss Fourth Fridays, where the streets come alive with music, performances, and late-night shopping every month through September.

🎶 Entertainment Everywhere

Ashland knows how to keep the good times rolling. Catch live music downtown every weekend with Saturday Soundtracks. Cool off at the Carter Park Pool or watch a blockbuster at the historic Ashland Theatre, where classic films and 75¢ reruns keep the nostalgia alive. Train enthusiasts, rejoice! Over 60 freight and passenger trains chug through downtown daily—perfect for a leisurely day of train watching.

🛍️ Unique Shopping

Stroll through our charming streets and discover one-of-a-kind finds. From boutique shops like Bell Book & Candle and Refunkit to specialty stores like Ashland Meat Company and Tiny Tim's Toys & Trains, there's something for everyone. Don't forget to visit the Ashland Farmers Market on Saturday mornings for the freshest local produce and handmade goodies.

🍽️ Delicious Eats

Downtown Ashland is a food lover's paradise. Indulge in farm-to-fork delights, from fine dining at Iron Horse Restaurant to authentic Thai takeout from Ban Thai. Savor Southern comfort food at Jake's Place or enjoy a refreshing pint at Origin Beer Lab. For a sweet treat, head to Sugar Fix Bakery for custom cookies and baked goods. Whatever your taste buds crave, Ashland has it all.

🏛️ Dive into History

Discover Ashland's rich history with a visit to the Hanover County Black Heritage Society, Ashland Museum, and Ashland Haunted History Tours. Explore the historic Ashland Train Station at the Ashland Hanover Visitors Center, where you can learn about local destinations, food, lodging, and more. And don’t forget to join a historic walking tour to truly immerse yourself in the town's past.

🚂 All Aboard for Fun

For a unique experience, hop on the Ashland Trolley Line Trail, a 2-mile trail along the historic Ashland-Richmond Trolley Line. And if you’re a cyclist, Ashland is the perfect starting point for exploring the U.S. Bike Routes 1 & 76, the only place where these two cross-country trails intersect.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into all that downtown Ashland has to offer this summer. We can’t wait to see you here! 🌞