Downtown Ashland, Virginia, has been on track for ten years of boundless fun, imagination, and train-themed joy, all thanks to Tiny Tim's Trains and Toys. Since its grand debut, this charming store has been the heartbeat of Ashland's vibrant community, and owner Suzanne Hemingway couldn't be prouder of the journey.
"My mission was and still is to be the local toy store I went to as a child," Hemingway says with a smile. "I love kid chaos. Yes, there is stuff kids can touch in this Hobby Store. The more squeals the better." It's this infectious enthusiasm that has made Tiny Tim's Trains and Toys a favorite destination for families far and wide.
The story of Tiny Tim's begins with a personal touch: Hemingway named the store after her son Colin, who played Tiny Tim in Dickens' A Christmas Carol at Randolph-Macon College in 2005. What started with a simple train layout in 2007 evolved into a full-fledged business in 2014, thanks to the support of friends like Arthur Brill and Beth Royal, who helped shape the store into the whimsical wonderland it is today.
From the very start, Tiny Tim's Trains and Toys has been a treasure trove for both young and seasoned enthusiasts. Initially stocked with toys, games, and science kits, the store quickly adapted to meet the needs of its customers, expanding its offerings to include a delightful array of model trains. "I was open to being what my customers wanted," Hemingway explains. "Model train lovers came in, and I started carrying more trains."
The store’s success is due in no small part to its dedicated team. Sonja Myers, who joined the store over nine years ago, and Russell Youens, a lifelong model train collector, have become integral to its success. Hemingway notes, "I know of no other colleagues who would check in inventory at 11 pm or pack a van at 5 am for a train show." Their dedication ensures that Tiny Tim’s remains at the forefront of the toy and train world.
As Ashland has evolved, so has Tiny Tim's. The store has been a proud participant in the town's growth, from updated sidewalks to a new Amtrak platform. "We’ve personally invited thousands of families to visit us in the Center of the Universe," Hemingway says. With the addition of the VIRTUAL RAILFAN and sponsorship of the southbound cam, Tiny Tim's has become a key player in Ashland's rail enthusiast community.
Tiny Tim's is not just a toy store; it's a beacon of joy and community spirit. It offers an array of manipulatives, puzzles, and crafts designed to reduce stress and aid in cognitive and motor skill development. The store’s dedication to helping families through play is evident in its selection of games designed by therapists to target specific skills and enhance communication.
Hemingway’s vision extends beyond mere toys; it’s about creating magical experiences. The annual Ashland Train Day scavenger hunt and the enchanting Ashland Santa Train are just two examples of how Tiny Tim's creates enduring memories in the Center of the Universe. And for those looking to embrace the magic of the holiday season year, Susan Lowe’s picture book “Christmas Adventures at the Toy Store” is available for purchase.
In addition to toys and trains, visitors can find a variety of Ashland-themed merchandise, from hats to mugs to ornaments, making Tiny Tim's a perfect stop for souvenirs.
As we celebrate a decade of Tiny Tim's Trains and Toys, we tip our hats to Suzanne Hemingway and her dedicated team. Their passion for play, history, and community shines brightly in every corner of the store. "I am so glad I took a step, chance, crossed the tracks," Hemingway reflects. With ten years of delightful memories and countless more to come, Tiny Tim's is a testament to the joy and magic that a small-town toy store can bring.
Here’s to many more years of trains, toys, and endless squeals of joy! All aboard for another decade of fun at Tiny Tim's Trains and Toys!