We love exploring little pockets of Nebraska that are close enough for an easy afternoon, but different enough to feel like a true getaway. This time, we pointed the car toward Ashland, about 30 minutes southwest of Omaha, and somehow packed a whole lot of charm into just a couple of hours.
A quick history of Ashland (and why it feels like stepping back in time)
Ashland’s story starts long before the cute storefronts and brick street vibes. The area was a key crossing point along Salt Creek, where travelers used a natural limestone ford known as Saline Ford. That crossing helped route people and supplies across Nebraska during the era of historic trails and westward travel. Over time, the settlement grew, and the town’s early names included Saline Ford and Flora City.
In 1866, the Nebraska Legislature changed the names of Saline Ford and Flora City to “Ashland.” The community was formally organized in 1870, and that same year the railroad reached town, helping Ashland develop into an important stop between bigger cities. Ashland also served as the first county seat of Saunders County until 1873. It is the kind of place where history feels close, not locked behind glass.
Getting there and first impressions
We headed out around noon, and the drive itself was part of the fun. It’s open and relaxed, with plenty of water, rolling land, and wide Nebraska skies. When we rolled into town, parking was easy, and the downtown area immediately gave us that “small-town main street” feeling. The street texture and older buildings make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Our downtown stroll: shops, coffee, and a very nostalgic ice cream stop
Stop 1: Postscript
Our first stop was Postscript, a charming boutique for paper, books, and lettering arts. We picked up a cute children’s book for our granddaughter and grabbed coffee for the walk. If you love notebooks, pens, stationery, cards, or just beautifully made “writing things,” this place is a dream. They also host creative classes, which makes it even more fun if you want a reason to come back for something hands-on.
It also gave me one of those “I should write more letters” moments. Postscript keeps that art alive in a way that feels modern and cozy, not old-fashioned.
Stop 2: The Spare Closet
Next up was The Spare Closet, a packed thrift store with the kind of random treasures that make you want to keep digging. It felt like a place where you could stumble into vinyl records, sports memorabilia, and items that would make any eBay seller’s eyes light up.
One quick heads up from our experience: they were cash or check only when we visited, and their open hours can be a little unpredictable. If you have your heart set on browsing, it’s smart to call ahead.
Window-shopping: Cheri O’s and Salt Creek Mercantile
With coffee in hand, we took our time strolling the sidewalks. A lot of shops were closed (we were there on a Sunday), but that honestly just gave us an excuse to plan a return trip.
We window-shopped at Cheri O’s (a cozy coffee-and-ice-cream stop that always seems to have something going on) and Salt Creek Mercantile (a beautifully curated shop for home goods and gifts). Even from the windows, you can tell both places are the kind of businesses that make a downtown feel alive.
Stop 3: Bluejays Ice Cream & Candy
Then it was time for what we originally came for: ice cream at Bluejays Ice Cream & Candy.
Wow. This place is pure nostalgia in the best way. There’s a candy wall that immediately grabs your attention, plus candy displays that make it especially fun for kids (or adults who still act like kids around gummy candy). The ice cream case is impressive, with a big variety of flavors ranging from classic comfort picks to more distinctive options.
We ordered an ice cream flight (four flavors), and it felt like a great way to sample without committing to just one. Our picks were Eggnog (our favorite), Tipsy Peach, Cappuccino Crunch, and Better Brownie Batter. There was a steady stream of customers coming in, but the line kept moving. The staff were friendly, helpful, and patient, even with people taking their time choosing flavors.
If you like a classic main street paired with a genuinely fun dessert stop, Bluejays is worth the drive by itself. Below are some pics I took.
A slow drive through neighborhoods and older homes
After ice cream, we did what we always do in a town like this: we drove around the neighborhoods. Ashland has streets and homes that feel like they have barely changed in decades, in a comforting way. It’s a quick reminder that there are towns between Omaha and Lincoln that you might miss if you do not intentionally take the exit and explore.
Tips for planning your own Ashland afternoon
- Go when shops are open: If you want the full downtown experience, aim for a day and time when more storefronts are open (Saturday can be a great bet).
- Bring a little cash: Some smaller shops may have limited payment options.
- Give yourself 2–3 hours: That’s plenty for browsing, coffee, and ice cream, plus a slow neighborhood loop.
- Check hours before you go: Especially for smaller stores and on Sundays, hours can vary seasonally.
Want to turn it into a full day?
If you have more time, Ashland is also close to some of the biggest attractions in the area, including Eugene T. Mahoney State Park and the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. That makes it easy to pair a downtown stroll with something outdoorsy or museum-based.
Quick directory (places we visited or mentioned)
Postscript
1434 Silver St, Ashland, NE 68003
Phone: 402-944-2625
Hours: Mon–Fri 10am–5pm; Sat 9am–5pm; Sun 12pm–4pm
Website: postscript.press
The Spare Closet
1430 Silver St, Ashland, NE 68003
Phone: 402-944-3377
Hours: Varies; call ahead
Note: Payment options may be limited (our visit was cash/check only).
Cheri O’s Coffee House & Ice Cream Parlour
1404 Silver St, Ashland, NE 68003
Phone: 402-944-9499
Hours: Mon–Sat 7am–5pm; Sun 11am–5pm
Website: cherioscoffee.com
Salt Creek Mercantile
1502 Silver St, Ashland, NE 68003
Phone: 402-944-2008
Hours: Mon–Fri 10am–6pm; Sat 9am–5pm; Sun 10am–4pm
Website: saltcreekmercantile.com
Bluejays Ice Cream & Candy
101 S 14th St, Ashland, NE 68003
Phone: 531-240-4706
Hours: Typically daily 12pm–9pm (check before you go)
Website: bluejaysicecreamandcandy.com
Final thought: If you love charming main streets, easy parking, small shops, and a dessert stop that feels like a throwback, take the drive to Ashland. You might go for ice cream, but you’ll leave with a whole list of reasons to come back.
