5 Things You Can Do to Celebrate Business Appreciation Month

How we appreciate downtown Ashland businesses, let us count the ways! This month and every month, downtown Ashland is home to cute and quirky attractions thanks to bustling business owners. Use this list of Downtown shops and our business directory to celebrate Business Appreciation Month to the fullest!

🚂 Take a tour around the tracks:
Ashland’s historic district is hallowed and haunted! Revel over the railroad with historic walking tours by the Ashland Museum and Ashland Haunted History Tours. Keep an eye out for the Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park set to break ground downtown in the summer of 2024.

🎨 Discover locally curated crafts:
Ashland artists display their talents across a multitude of mediums. Uncover their original works in decor, craft, agriculture, and of course - trains!

🍽️ Dine downtown:
Fresh local ingredients and inventive chefs define dining downtown. Whether you’re tucking into a pot pie, taking out, or cheering on your favorite team from the bar, Ashland offers eats to satisfy all tastebuds. 

🎶 Play from patios at Ashland Saturday Soundtracks:
Popular musicians play live from downtown’s patio areas. Listen in while you enjoy farm-to-table fare from The Caboose Market & Cafe, Origin Beer Lab, Ashland Meat Company, and the Iron Horse Restaurant. Stay tuned to Ashland Saturday Soundtracks at AshlandVirginia.com/Soundtracks

🛍️ Visit the stores open late at Ashland Fourth Fridays:
Ashland stays open late every fourth Friday from May to September. While popular bands like The Sweet Potatoes and The Grandsons play from Ashland Town Hall Pavillion, you can get to know businesses like RefunkIt, The Shop at 112, and Wagner Jewellers and cool down with Farmview Creamery’s farm-fresh ice cream.
Keep up to date with Ashland Fourth Fridays at AshlandFourthFridays.com

Ashland Mompreneurs are Taking Care of Business

This Mother’s Day, let's shine a spotlight on the powerhouse moms of downtown Ashland! From bustling restaurants serving up culinary delights to charming boutiques offering curated selections of books and toys, these entrepreneurial mamas are the heartbeat of our community. They're not just managing businesses; they're juggling the demands of motherhood. 

In downtown Ashland, Mother's Day shopping takes on a whole new meaning. Skip the generic gifts this year and opt for something truly special and locally made. From handmade jewelry that sparkles with love to artisanal treats crafted with care, you'll find a treasure trove of unique gifts by Ashland mompreneurs.

This Mother's Day, let's celebrate Ashland moms in style by showing them we see and appreciate all the hard work they put into making our town thrive. After all, when we patronize the establishments listed below, we're not just making purchases – we're recognizing and valuing the hard work and dedication they pour into their businesses and families every day.

🔒 Kitty Barnes of Ashland Haunted History Tours and RED VEIN Escape

🩰Colette Maranda of Ashland Dance Academy

🕯 Pat Ewald of Bell Book and Candle 

🧶Stacey Williamson of  Center of the Yarniverse 

🏡 Carolyn Hemphill of Group Home Management Support Services, LLC 

🎂 Suzanne Wolstenholme of Homemades by Suzanne

📸 Jessica Robertson of Jessica Robertson Photographic Artistry

🎉Teresa Lopez de Ocanas of Los Regios Tienda Latina

📚 Meg McArdle-Kowar of McArdle & Associates Insurance Agency Inc.

🦷 Chriska Mustafa of Root Modern Dentistry

🎨 Wendy Doyle of Refunkit 

💇‍♀️ Susan Parsley of Upper Cuts 

🚂 Suzanne Hemingway  of Tiny Tims Trains and Toys 

🪑 Alicia Milton of Treasures on the Ni 

🧘‍♀️ Suz Morrison of YogaTown of Ashland,LLC 

🏠 Ederis Martinez-Cunion of Your Path Counseling Center

Celebración del Día del Niño Comes to Ashland Train Day

Ashland Train Day is set to welcome a vibrant addition this year – Celebración del Día del Niño! Thanks to Los Regios Tienda Latina, this collaboration promises a fusion of cultural richness and family-friendly fun on a grand scale.

In 1954, the Mexican government designated April 30th as “Día del Niño” to honor children and advocate for their well-being nationwide. Since then, this date has been synonymous with joyous festivities across Mexico, embracing children with love and celebration. Ashland Train Day, renowned for its wholesome entertainment, now joins hands with this tradition, offering a unique experience to attendees.

Teresa Lopez de Ocanas of Los Regios Tienda Latina

Celebración del Día del Niño is the brainchild of Los Regios Tienda Latina, a beloved family-owned tienda nestled in Ashland. Their generosity brings an array of enchanting activities to Ashland Train Day's lineup. From colorful dancers to playful clowns and mesmerizing magical juggling acts, the celebration promises to captivate the hearts of all ages.

Whether you're a train enthusiast or simply seeking a day of free family fun, Ashland Train Day on April 27 offers an experience unlike any other. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Día del Niño and indulge in a day filled with laughter, cultural exploration, and cherished memories.

Mark your calendars and join us at Ashland Train Day to experience Celebración del Día del Niño, an extravaganza where the magic of trains meets the warmth of Mexican tradition. Don't miss out on this unforgettable event!

Hanover Arts Sips, Savors, and Celebrates This Train Day

Hanover Arts and Activities Center prepares to raise the stein at the 20th annual Ashland Train Day! On Saturday, April 27, get ready to indulge in a brew-tiful experience like no other, as the Center unveils its newest attraction: a beer garden that promises to be the toast of the town.

"We are thrilled to introduce our very own beer garden on the lawn this year," shares Sara Wright-Holloway, Executive Director of the Center. "It's the perfect spot for adults to kick back, relax, and enjoy a cold one while soaking in the festivities."

Pouring on the charm, the beer garden offers a sudsy selection of craft brews that are sure to tantalize every palate. From hoppy IPAs to crisp lagers, there's a brew for every taste bud to savor. Plus, while the grown-ups sip and savor, the kids can frolic and play with lawn games set up nearby.

But the beer garden is just the foamy tip of the iceberg when it comes to the delights awaiting attendees at Ashland Train Day. Step inside the historic walls of the center to marvel at the intricate model train displays, where miniature worlds come alive with detail and imagination. “Hanover Arts has always loved hosting train models in the building,” says Sara. “We love to see the creativity and detail each year!”

Meanwhile, outside, the air will be filled with the lively melodies of the Hanover Concert Band starting at 11 AM, providing the perfect soundtrack to accompany your exploration of the event. And with six food trucks serving up delectable treats, there's no shortage of delights to discover throughout the day.

For the little ones, the Center offers a plethora of pre-school activities indoors on the historic stage, ensuring that every member of the family can join in on the fun.

So gather your friends and family, raise your glasses, and make tracks to the Hanover Arts and Activities Center for a train-tastic celebration that's bound to leave you feeling hoppy and full of cheer!

Ashland Sports Page Bar & Grill Goes to Bat for Train Day

In preparation for Ashland Train Day on April 27, Ashland Sports Page Bar & Grill stepped up to the plate to offer presenting support of the free, family-friendly festival. The restaurant’s donation ensures that this beloved event remains open to everyone, offering fun for kids of all ages.

Family-owned and operated since its inception in 2003, Ashland Sports Page Bar & Grill is more than a sports bar – a hub for sports enthusiasts, and a cornerstone of community camaraderie. With a vision of providing excellent service and delectable food, this establishment has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. With their vision of providing top-notch service and delectable cuisine, Sports Page Bar & Grill is the go-to family restaurant in Ashland.

It's this commitment to the community that makes Ashland Sports Page Bar & Grill the perfect sponsor for Ashland Train Day. Their generous support ensures that this beloved festival remains accessible to all, offering a plethora of activities and attractions completely free of charge. From model trains to trolley rides, from railroad history exhibits to scavenger hunts, attendees can revel in the festivities without worrying about ticket prices.

But it's not just about the trains and the tracks; it's about the spirit of togetherness that permeates every corner of Ashland Train Day. And as attendees gather to celebrate, they'll find themselves surrounded by reminders of Ashland Sports Page Bar & Grill's dedication to our community. From the images of local sporting teams adorning the walls to the welcoming atmosphere that permeates the venue, it's clear that this is more than just a business—it's a part of the fabric of Ashland.

So, as the countdown to Ashland Train Day on April 27 begins, there's no better time to show your support for both the festival and the community that makes it possible. Join Ashland Sports Page Bar & Grill in celebrating this milestone event, and make sure to stop by for a bite to eat while you're here. With their signature jumbo wings voted among of the best in Richmond and an array of screens showcasing local and national sports, it's the perfect place to fuel up for the festivities.

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to experience Ashland Train Day—free to everyone, thanks to the generosity of Ashland Sports Page Bar & Grill.