ILoveAshlandVA.com Launches as the Digital Front Door to Ashland

ILoveAshlandVA.com in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia.

There’s a brand-new way to plan, shop, and support Ashland first—introducing ILoveAshlandVA.com, a one-stop hub designed to showcase everything the Center of the Universe has to offer. The visionary behind the project is none other than Ashland-famous entrepreneur Charmain Fougnie of XtraSweet Digital, whose creative spirit has already brought our community everything from XtraSuite Salon Studios (complete with Heated Zero-G Massage Chairs!) to PMS Parties—Paint, Massage, and Sip nights that mix artistry, relaxation, and good company.

Charmain Fougnie at the ribbon cutting of XtraSuite Salon Studios

Now, Fougnie has turned her talents toward a new mission: connecting residents, visitors, and businesses with a single click.

“First, I am a resident of Ashland,” Fougnie shared. “My husband and I moved here in 2018, and we both agreed—we found the home and town that we love. But even more than the town, it’s the people who make Ashland so special. I wanted to create a space that celebrated Ashland’s unique charm and made it easier for small businesses to thrive online.”

More Than Just a Directory

At first glance, ILoveAshlandVA.com might look like an online directory—but it’s so much more. Think of it as Ashland’s own Etsy, OpenTable, Angi, Airbnb, and Craigslist rolled into one. Businesses can build custom profiles, showcase products and services, accept bookings, promote events, sell merchandise, and even list rental spaces. Visitors, meanwhile, can explore events, shop local goods, book appointments, and find trusted service providers—all from one convenient platform.

ILoveAshlandVA.com vending at Downtown Ashland Association’s Ashland Fourth Fridays

“Businesses have been spread across countless apps and websites,” said Fougnie. “ILoveAshlandVA.com brings it all together. Whether you’re a boutique, a salon, a venue, or a vendor, the tools are there to help your business grow.”

Building Community Connections

Since its early development, the platform has been working hand-in-hand with the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) to build free profiles for local businesses.

“At last! When my friends and neighbors ask me, ‘What’s happening in the Center of the Universe?’ I finally have one central place to send them to,” said Louise Keeton, Director of Operations for DAA. “ILoveAshlandVA.com is a hub where customers can shop, book, explore, and connect, and businesses can sell, promote, and grow—all in one place. It’s a dream for our neighbors and everyone hopping off the Amtrak train into our historic downtown.”

Kickoff Webinar

To help businesses and neighbors get acquainted with the site, ILoveAshlandVA.com is hosting a free online Lunch & Learn Webinar on Wednesday, October 1, at 12 PM. The session will demo key features, explain how the platform can save businesses money on costly subscriptions, and show customers how to plan their upcoming holiday season through the site. Registration is open now at ILoveAshlandVA.com.

A Vision for Ashland

For Fougnie, the project is about more than just convenience—it’s about pride of place.

“My goal is for ILoveAshlandVA.com to become the go-to resource for anyone wanting to explore, support, and engage with the Ashland area,” she explained. “I hope it boosts local business, drives tourism, and strengthens community pride. Ultimately, I want it to serve as a digital front door to our vibrant and growing community.” And judging by the early enthusiasm from businesses and residents alike, Ashland is ready to open that door. 

In addition to launching ILoveAshlandVA.com, Fougnie now serves as Publisher of Neighbors of Ashland magazine, a community publication delivered directly to local households. This dual role underscores her commitment to providing both print and digital platforms where businesses can connect with residents, share their stories, and grow. Community members and businesses interested in advertising opportunities or contributing to the magazine are encouraged to reach out.

Charmain Fougnie, Publisher – Neighbors of Ashland Magazine & Founder – ILoveAshlandVA.com
(804) 554-1819
cfougnie@iloveashlandva.com

Live From the Lawn: Ashland Neighbors Strike a Chord with Free Concert

Crowds gather to watch live music performed on the lawn of the historic Hanover Arts and Activities Center

On Saturday, September 27, neighbors and visitors are invited to gather on the lawn of the historic Hanover Arts & Activities Center for the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert, a free outdoor celebration of music, art, food, and community spirit.

Beginning at 11 AM, guests are invited to cheer on the Ashland Song Contest winners as they perform their original anthems live on the lawn. Each song will be recorded by Free Jambalaya for streaming on major platforms—and played on K101.2 POP Richmond for the whole region to enjoy. Visitors can picnic on the lawn with farm-to-fork flavors, shop for unique arts and crafts, and celebrate Ashland’s small-town creativity. Virginia Girl Scouts will also have the chance to earn their special Ashland Girl Scout Day patch.

“We hope the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert will not only entertain and educate everyone about our rich history, but also introduce them to incredible small businesses, artists, and chefs,” said Louise Keeton, Director of Operations for DAA. “You know we want to make earning an Ashland Girl Scout Day patch more fun than ever and show off why downtown Ashland considers ourselves the center in the Center of the Universe!”

Ashland Girl Scout Day patch

The day will also bring special partnerships and interactive fun. Amtrak Virginia will host a booth to meet Virginia Girl Scouts and highlight September as Rail Safety Month, reminding everyone: See Tracks, Think Train. Amtrak is also sharing tips for enjoying Virginia’s breathtaking fall foliage by train—and offering 15% off tickets with the Virginia Anytime Fare at amtrak.com/Virginia15.

Minute Man Press of Ashland is rolling in with their custom apparel truck, offering Songs from the Center of the Universe gear on demand. Not everyone can earn the official Virginia Girl Scout patch, but neighbors can still take home the commemorative patch design, printed right on site.

Colette Maranda teaches at Ashland Dance Academy headquarters - 110 Thompson St - during Ashland Girl Scout Day 2024

Downtown Ashland brick and mortars are offering even more ways for Scouts to earn their Ashland Girl Scout Day Patch with deals like Free Limeade and Chocolate Mint Brownie with a lunch purchase at Homemades by Suzanne, drop-in crafting at the Ashland Branch Library, cookie decorating at Sugar Fix Bakery, local history at the Ashland Museum, and free dance classes at Ashland Dance Academy. “We had a blast last year,” delights Ashland Dance Academy’s Colette Maranda. “It felt like 300 scouts came through 110 Thompson!”

While downtown Ashland prepares to host hundreds of Girl Scouts, Ashland Song Contest winners are warming up their vocal chords and tuning their guitar strings for a full day of original music. Community favorites like Tim Nelson, John Rock, and Brad Tuggle will play their Ashland-inspired tunes live before Victor Gottlieb leads the crowd through 10 new Ashland Songs, including one song titled “Welcome to Ashland: Girl Scout Cookies.”

Grand prize winner Tammy Hart Mosby kicks off the show with her song 1800-Ashland where she will be presented with an award and a $300 check. She expressed her gratitude during an interview on K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes, sharing, “Winning the Ashland Song Contest is the honor of my life.”

This one-of-a-kind event is made possible through the generosity of Ashland’s neighbors. From original songs inspired by Ashland’s charm to farm-to-fork food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and local businesses, the concert showcases the heart of the Center of the Universe. Thanks to the incredible support of the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA), donations from the community have funded a $300 grand prize for the Ashland Song Contest winner, ensuring that artists are celebrated and supported right here at home.

“Downtown Ashland is blessed to inspire artists and call so many neighbors,” added ‘Coach’ Antonio Miller, Executive Director of DAA. “Our community is literally paying them back with their generous donations. Now we’re not only able to offer a hefty Ashland Song Contest grand prize, but also invite and pay more musicians to play live at future free events.”

DAA invites sponsors to step in and make a lasting impact on Ashland’s cultural life. Sponsors receive exciting benefits—including their logo featured on Song Contest materials and marketing that reaches millions—while supporting future free artistic programming for everyone to enjoy.

✨ Grand Prize Sponsor ✨

$300.00

Step into the spotlight and power the Ashland Song Contest!
✔️ Your logo on our website + all contest marketing
✔️ Spotlight placement in our Get Centered newsletter
✔️ Complimentary vendor space at every DAA event including the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert (except Train Day) – reaching 15K+ in-person fans + millions of media impressions

Purchase

✨ Honorable Mention Prize Sponsor ✨

$100.00

Celebrate local talent and get noticed in the process with the Ashland Song Contest!
✔️ Your logo on our website + all contest marketing
✔️ Spotlight placement in our Get Centered newsletter
✔️ Complimentary vendor space at the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert – reaching 1K+ in-person fans + millions of media impressions

Purchase

✨ Album Sponsor ✨

$50.00

Put your business center stage at the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert!
✔️ Your logo on our website + all contest marketing
✔️ Spotlight placement in our Get Centered newsletter
✔️ A ticket to Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party

Purchase

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Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert
📍 Hanover Arts and Activities Center Lawn – 500 S Center St, Ashland
🗓️ Saturday, September 27, 2025
⏰ 11 AM – Free and open to all!

Buzz Bucks: Connecting Campus and Community

Image by Randolph-Macon College from move-in day 2024

The Town of Ashland is excited to announce the launch of Buzz Bucks, a year-round discount program designed in collaboration with Randolph-Macon College to connect the RMC community with the best deals at Ashland's restaurants, shops, and service providers.

Through Buzz Bucks, RMC students, faculty, and staff have a single, convenient source for exclusive local offers. By showing an RMC ID at participating businesses, members of the college community can enjoy savings throughout the year—encouraging them to explore downtown, discover new favorites, and support the businesses that define Ashland’s character.

Homemades by Suzanne in historic downtown Ashland

“Ashland takes pride in being a college town,” said Mayor Steve Trivett. “Buzz Bucks is a year-round welcome mat for Yellow Jackets, and an invitation to be part of our community’s daily life.”

Participating businesses display a Buzz Bucks window cling, making them easy to identify. Discounts are set by each business and may change throughout the year, creating fresh reasons for the RMC community to return.

“Living and working in the Town of Ashland is even better because of its local businesses,” said Beth Campbell, Vice President of Marketing at Randolph-Macon College.  “We’re grateful that this program will help make it easier for students, faculty, and staff to find—and keep supporting—these wonderful places to eat, shop, and get services just steps from campus.”

“This program is all about connection,” said Kelly Franke, Marketing & Events Coordinator for the Town of Ashland. “We want students to feel at home in Ashland, and we want our businesses to benefit from the energy, curiosity, and loyalty the Yellow Jacket community brings year-round.”

About Buzz Bucks:

• Who: RMC students, faculty, and staff

• What: Show an RMC ID at participating businesses to receive discounts

• Where: Look for “Buzz Bucks” window clings on storefronts

• Find Deals: visitashlandva.com/buzzzbucks

Whether it’s the start of the academic year or the middle of summer break, Buzz Bucks provides the RMC community with a year-round passport to local flavor, friendly faces, and a vibrant college-town atmosphere.

Happy Hour Vibes Brings Networking Parties to the Mic

First episode of Happy Hour Vibes with Take Away LLC, Hawaii Fluid Art, Healing Circle Counseling and Services, and Samantha Campbell Imagery

What do jalapeño grilled cheese sandwiches, local entrepreneurs, and mocktail-fueled networking games have in common? They all made a splash at the inaugural Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party, hosted by K101.2 POP Richmond in Farmer Company Media Studios on the final Monday of July.

Take Away LLC on K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes

Business owners and creative minds from across the region—including Take Away LLC, Hawaii Fluid Art, Healing Circle Counseling and Services, and Samantha Campbell Imagery—came together to sip, connect, and speak their brand into existence on-air. Fueled by Shaken Not Spurred’s mocktail of the month (July’s smooth Velvet Lasso) and gourmet grilled cheeses (The Trailblazer, anyone?), guests warmed up with networking games that got both brains and belly laughs going.

But these weren’t your typical networking games. Co-hosts Barry Farmer of the Farmer Company, Louise Keeton of Downtown Ashland Association, Karie Brooks of Shaken Not Spurred, and Chef Gianna Stanley of Gianna Does it All transformed the studio into a playground of entrepreneurial fun—where every guest had to deliver a 30-second business pitch on the mic... or face a “penalty.” Couldn’t beat the clock? You had to shout out another local business, give someone a compliment, or plug a community event that wasn’t your own. (Let’s just say, Downtown Ashland’s Fourth Fridays and Light Up the Tracks got a lot of love.)

Hawaii Fluid Art on K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes

Some guests took creative license with their pitch, including a memorable Katherine Hepburn impression that left the whole studio howling. Others, like Healing Circle Counseling, impressed with holistic, award-winning therapy services for all ages. Samantha Campbell Imagery shared how she captures true-to-life emotions with nostalgic warmth, while Take Away LLC gave a peek into Ashland’s new go-to shop for gifts under $20. Hawaii Fluid Art brought a splash of color from their Regency Mall studio where anyone—no matter the experience level—can try their hand at fluid painting. Even host Barry Farmer got in on the Hawaii Fluid Art fun and showed off his beautiful work at the recording desk.

🎥 Behind the lens, POWER UP Productions captured every candid laugh and powerful pitch. CEO Amy Garelick attends every Happy Hour Vibes event to document the magic with professional photo and video content. Thanks to her work, episodes can be released as a podcast, shared across digital platforms, and preserved in stunning imagery for guests and fans to relive and market the experience again and again.

Shaken Not Spurred’s mocktail the Velvet Lasso on K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes

Listeners at home didn’t miss out either. Shaken Not Spurred guided folks through mixing their own mocktail so they could sip along and play from their own kitchen, living room, or commute. And when it came time for Sip or Serve—a cheeky take on Truth or Dare—stories flew. From rage yoga to photo shoots in wild weather, the authenticity and energy were contagious.

🎧 Want in on the action? Tune in every Thirsty Thursday to Happy Hour Vibes on K101.2 POP Richmond, streaming live at
👉 farmercompanymedia.com/k1012pop

💼 Even better—be our next guest! Join the Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party at Farmer Company Media Studios, held the final Monday of every month. Meet fellow entrepreneurs, network creatively, and record content that could reach 1.3 million listeners—without lifting a finger beyond your cocktail glass.

🎟️ Next party: Monday, August 26. Ticket deadline: August 22.
Book your spot or secure a 30-second ad read by the Happy Hour crew at:
👉 ashlandvirginia.com/sponsor

Song Contest Winners Take the Stage for a Live Concert and Historic Recording

Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert on the front porch of historic Hanover Arts and Activities Center

Ashland has long inspired music in the hearts of those who stroll its picturesque streets—but now, the town’s unique charm will be immortalized in song. Join us for the Songs from the Center of the Universe concert on Saturday, September 27 at 11 AM on the front lawn of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, where the Ashland Song Contest winners will perform their original, Ashland-inspired anthems—live and on the record.

Bring your blanket or pull up a folding chair provided by the Center, and become part of history as Free Jambalaya professionally records each performance for distribution across all major streaming platforms and airplay on K101.2 POP Richmond. It’s a free celebration of music, community, and the stories that make Ashland sing.

Sarah Forti recording her Ashland Song Contest entry

🎤 Live Music from Ashland’s Brightest Songwriters
This hometown concert features the winners of the Ashland Song Contest, each of whom captured the spirit of Ashland through melody and lyrics. From laugh-out-loud tracks to soulful serenades, the lineup includes:

• Sarah Forti, whose humorous “Don’t Drive on the Tracks” warns:
  Please don’t drive down the railroad tracks, my friend /
  They won’t get you where you’re going, in the end /
  If you’re not driving a train…

• Kevin Fergusson, who sings of Ashland’s wonder in A Day and Night in Ashland:
  I saw the Center of the Universe on view, /
  Out here in the small and precious town of Ashland.

• Beloved local musician Victor Gottlieb, who says, “I got never-ending support and inspiration all the way through this fun contest.” Victor’s songwriting nearly became a full album dedicated to Ashland itself.

Vendors set up at historic Hanover Arts and Activities Center during the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert

✨ More Than a Concert—It’s a Celebration!
In true small-town style, the concert will be accompanied by:

• 🍽️ Farm-to-fork food trucks serving local eats

• 🛍️ Art, craft, and business vendors offering handmade and hometown goods

• 🎯 Lawn games and family-friendly fun
  
  

🚂 Arrive in style by taking Amtrak Virginia to the Ashland station—just steps from the concert—or crack open a cold one from Center of the Universe Brewing Company to toast to Ashland’s musical milestone.

Simultaneously, Ashland will welcome hundreds of Virginia Girl Scouts for Ashland Girl Scout Day, who will be exploring all the wonder the “Center of the Universe” has to offer—including this concert that adds melody to our history and helps share it with the next generation and beyond.

🎶 “We’re always delighted to discover how many people are inspired by Ashland,” says Louise Keeton, Director of Operations for Downtown Ashland Association. “It is our goal to provide a platform for these artists to be heard—not only in the Center of the Universe, but to pull everyone into our orbit. We’re so thankful to Free Jambalaya for bringing professional production to these original songs and sharing them with the world.”

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Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert
📍 Hanover Arts and Activities Center Lawn – 500 S Center St, Ashland
🗓️ Saturday, September 27, 2025
⏰ 11 AM – Free and open to all!