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! 🌞

Strike a Chord in the Ashland Song Contest

Calling all musicians, songwriters, and melody-makers! It’s time to tune up your creative strings and add your voice to the Ashland songbook. This is your golden ticket to make some noise inspired by the legendary Center of the Universe. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a bedroom balladeer, this contest is your stage to shine.

The Ashland Song Contest is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of creativity, history, and local talent. We’re looking for songs that sing the praises of Ashland and weave its rich history into captivating melodies. And the rewards? Oh, they’re music to your ears!

Inside Free Jambalaya studios in downtown Ashland, Virginia.

Imagine kicking off your musical journey with a professional recording session at the renowned Free Jambalaya studio. This top-notch facility has been a launchpad for numerous artists across the U.S., offering everything from audio engineering and video production to live streaming and web development. It's the perfect place to bring your song to life with expert guidance and state-of-the-art equipment.

But that’s just the beginning. Picture yourself performing live at Ashland Fourth Fridays on Friday, September 27. This vibrant event attracts hundreds of guests to the heart of Ashland, offering an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your talent to a large and enthusiastic audience only Ashland’s neighborly enthusiasm could generate.

Your song won’t just echo through Ashland’s streets—it will reach listeners far and wide. Thanks to Free Jambalaya’s music label, your winning track will be streamed on major platforms, giving your music the global stage it deserves. Additionally, your song will receive a special spotlight with an original cover art designed by an award-winning local artist, ensuring it stands out in the digital music landscape.

The Town of Ashland celebrates your rock star status with a $100 gift certificate good to use throughout downtown Ashland. You can get the full-star treatment with a new style at Salon Valentino, sparkle at Tompkins Jewelers, and feast at The Caboose Market and Cafe - just to name a few!

The Light Up the Tracks Celebration, 2023

The excitement doesn’t stop there. You’ll also have the honor of performing at the Light Up the Tracks Celebration on Saturday, November 23. This magical event transforms downtown Ashland with dazzling lights and festive cheer, drawing an even larger crowd of thousands to celebrate the holiday season with music and merriment.

And for the ultimate encore, your song will be featured on the Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharon Lizzy. This popular syndicated radio show, based in Richmond, VA, reaches a diverse audience across the nation. Your music will air alongside engaging content and clean conversations, connecting you with new fans and industry professionals alike.

To enter, simply submit a recording of your original song by Sunday, August 18, 2024. We’re looking for family-friendly tunes that showcase your unique sound and spirit while celebrating Ashland’s vibrant heritage.

The Ashland Museum

Need some inspiration? Dive into Ashland’s storied past and present with these resources:
Ashland Museum
Hanover County Black History Society
Ashland Haunted History Tours
Downtown Ashland Association

This contest aims to amplify Ashland’s history and celebrate our local artists. We hope these tunes will become the earworms that remind listeners why Ashland is truly the Center of the Universe. And remember, you don’t need to be an Ashland resident to join the chorus—anyone inspired by our historic town can participate.

So, what are you waiting for? Pluck those strings, warm up those vocal cords, and get ready to make your mark. Submit your song by Sunday, August 18 2024, and help compose the Ashland songbook. 

Savor the Summer with Hanover Tomatoes

Ashlanders know summer isn't complete without the delectable taste of Hanover tomatoes. Their rich flavor and juiciness inspire Homemades by Suzanne to create some of the most delightful tomato dishes of the season. These local tomatoes, with their intense flavor, provide the perfect foundation for Suzanne's culinary masterpieces.

What makes Hanover tomatoes so delicious? It’s all about the unique environment in which they are grown. The coastal soil in Hanover County is sandy, with just the right pH level and water retention. This combination, along with the county's natural slope, creates ideal conditions for growing tomatoes. Hanover County’s climate contributes to the tomatoes’ flavor, offering the perfect balance of rain, sun, and soil to grow ripe, juicy fruits.

Inspired by these top-quality tomatoes, Homemades by Suzanne offers a mouth-watering menu featuring these local gems. The 2024 menu includes…

🍅 Hanover Tomato Pies

🍅 Chilled Gazpacho

🍅 Tomato Stuffed Suzanne’s Salads

One of the standout items is Homemades by Suzanne’s Hanover Tomato Pies. Each season, hundreds of these full-sized pies are baked, and mini pies are a hit at the restaurant’s afternoon tea parties. Advanced orders are already being placed, with an option for a gluten-free crust upon request. “The Hanover Tomato Pie sells out quickly, so ordering ahead is recommended,” Suzanne emphasizes.

The secret to Suzanne’s delicious Hanover Tomato dishes lies in the quality of the ingredients: real butter, the finest mayonnaise, and, of course, fresh-grown Hanover Tomatoes. “Some say it’s the sandy soil. I think God just likes Hanover best!” Suzanne says with a smile.

Ready to sink your teeth into these treats? Call (804) 798-8331 to place your preorder today.

4th of July Guide to Ashland’s Free Patriotic Party

Downtown Ashland, known affectionately as the "Center of the Universe," is gearing up for a star-spangled Fourth of July celebration that promises fun for the whole family. The Hanover Arts and Activities Center returns as the host for the 4th of July fun so mark your calendar and get ready to enjoy a day filled with community spirit and patriotic pride.

A Sweet Start: Apple Pie Baking Contest

The day kicks off with the Apple Pie Baking Contest. From 9:30 to 10:30 AM, bakers will drop off their entries, hoping to earn top honors. With awards for the most patriotic pie and the best kid’s pie (for young bakers under 11), this contest is a delicious way to showcase local talent. The judging will take place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, culminating in an exciting announcement of the winners at 12:30 PM. The winning pies will be auctioned off, with proceeds benefiting the Hanover Arts and Activities Center.

Registration

Lawn Party Extravaganza

At 12:00 PM, the lawn party begins in earnest. Attendees can indulge in a variety of foods, participate in games, and cheer on their favorite pets in the Patriotic Pet Contest. The contest kicks off at 11:30 AM, inviting all leashed pets—be they cats, dogs, or even donkeys—to compete for a prize worth barking about. The top three pets will be announced alongside the pie contest winners at 12:30 PM.

Step into the Parade

At 10:30 AM, participants will line up for the much-anticipated parade at Henry Clay Elementary School. By 11:00 AM, the parade will step off on Hanover Avenue, making its way to The Center. This year’s parade features patriotic bikes, pets dressed in red, white, and blue, the melodious Cacophony of the Universe Marching Band, and the famous Lawn Chair Brigade, known for their choreographed marches. There’s even a spot for you and your creative brigade ideas—just remember to keep it patriotic and submit your form to join the fun.

Join the Parade

Musical Moments and More

The patriotic vibes will hit a high note at 11:45 AM with the presentation of colors and a rousing concert by the Hanover Concert Band on the lawn. This performance is a perfect prelude to the day’s main event, offering a moment to reflect and celebrate our nation’s heritage.

Dress the Part

Don’t forget to dress for the occasion! An Ashland 4th of July t-shirt is the perfect attire for the day, with all proceeds from sales supporting the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. Show off your community pride and join in the festivities looking your best.

Order July 4th Fashion

This Fourth of July, Ashland invites you to be part of a community celebration that’s brimming with small-town charm and patriotic spirit. From delicious pies to a lively parade, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come on down to the Center of the Universe and make this Independence Day one to remember.

Downtown Ashland Association Earns Accreditation

Downtown Ashland Association is celebrating a significant achievement: earning Main Street America accreditation for the 11th consecutive year. This recognition underscores the association's unwavering commitment to revitalizing and promoting Ashland’s historic downtown through comprehensive programming and community engagement.

Main Street America supports communities nationwide through the Main Street Approach™ and a wide array of programs in economic development, historic preservation, urban planning, finance, and public affairs. Downtown Ashland Association’s accreditation is a testament to its excellence in these areas, as reflected in its near-perfect score from Main Street America representatives.

The accreditation process involved a thorough assessment using a national rubric that evaluates organizations in six categories. Downtown Ashland Association received an impressive overall rating of 4.5, excelling in areas such as broad-based community commitment, inclusive leadership, diversified funding, sustainable program operation, strategy-driven programming, preservation-based economic development, and demonstrated impact and results.

“We are very proud of our accreditation results,” said Downtown Ashland Association Board President E.G. Allen. “Our Executive Director Maggie Longest worked very hard in the 2024 fiscal year not only to comply with the Main Street fundamentals but to expand the reach of the Downtown Ashland Association into even greater opportunities for Ashland businesses through increased grant opportunities and even larger attendance at our Downtown Ashland events, and in combination with the efforts of our Board of Directors, the accreditation results confirmed those efforts.”

Since 2013, Downtown Ashland Association has been a recognized leader among over 1,200 neighborhoods and communities in the Main Street America network. Their success is rooted in the tireless efforts of volunteers, business owners, and community leaders who work collaboratively to enhance and promote Downtown Ashland. From marketing initiatives and special events to business engagement and economic development, the association’s initiatives contribute significantly to the town’s vitality.

Signature events like Ashland Train Day and Light Up the Tracks, along with community-building activities such as Ashland Fourth Fridays and Ashland Halloween, draw visitors and residents tens of thousands to the historic downtown, creating dynamic and memorable experiences. Marketing campaigns, such as promotions on behalf of Secretariat for Virginia, have garnered millions of media impressions, further boosting Downtown Ashland’s visibility.

The association also plays a pivotal role in supporting local businesses. In 2023 alone, it secured two grants totaling $175,000 from the Virginia Main Street Program, funding free workshops, business handbooks, pitch competitions, and mentoring programs. These efforts foster a business-friendly environment and promote local patronage through partnerships with organizations like Market Ashland Partnership and Hanover Chamber of Commerce.

Preserving Ashland’s unique character and history is another cornerstone of the association’s mission. Collaborations with the Ashland Museum and Hanover County Black Heritage Society ensure that the town’s rich heritage is celebrated and preserved for future generations.

To continue this impactful work, Downtown Ashland Association invites community members to become VIP members. By supporting the association, VIP members will help sustain and expand programming that makes Ashland a vibrant and thriving community.

For more information on becoming a VIP member and supporting Downtown Ashland Association, visit AshlandVirginia.com/VIP.