Business Workshops

Downtown Ashland Association and Dominion Energy Innovation Center proudly offer a series of workshops for local small business owners February 24 through March 31.

WORKSHOPS

Join us for the Business Recovery Workshop Series intended to help local small business owners adapt, grow, and thrive in the post-COVID economy. Each of the free workshops will be presented by an expert in a collaborative environment to encourage discussion.

CONSULTING

Following each workshop, the expert presenter will be available for one-on-one appointments with Ashland businesses. If you own a business or commercial property in the Town of Ashland corporate limits, you are invited to schedule a virtual consultation with any of our six experts.

Light the Way to 2021

Welcome the New Year with a lighted walk in Downtown Ashland!

Ashland neighbors and visitors will walk South Center Street at 6pm on New Year’s Eve with lights of all shapes and sizes. Join the celebration! Bring a light—such as a candle or flashlight—and your favorite people. We will shine our lights and stroll the town in celebration of the new year.

Meanwhile, Light Up the Tracks is in full swing in Downtown Ashland, thanks to presenting sponsor Dominion Energy. White lights outline each building along the railroad tracks. Participants will at once enjoy and add to the spectacle!

This event is proposed by Hanover Arts & Activities Center as a creative option to build community in Ashland despite the global pandemic. Join us to bid adieu to 2020 and celebrate our town’s bright future in 2021!

To maintain everyone’s safety from COVID-19, please utilize face masks and social distancing during this event. If you are sick or exposed to someone who is sick, please stay at home. Walk on sidewalks and cross the tracks at designated crossings, as railroad and vehicle traffic remain open during this event. Battery-operated lights are highly encouraged and open flames are not permitted on public property. Maintaining these precautions can help our community to celebrate together safely.

See you on South Center Street at 6pm on Thursday!

Holiday Dining Specials

Light Up the Tracks is a month-long celebration in Downtown Ashland. In addition to the light display and special events, local businesses offer holiday specials. Visitors can find culinary treats in the midst of old fashioned holiday charm—all while maintaining COVID safety precautions.

Here are a few suggestions for dining in Downtown Ashland this month…

Afternoon Tea Party
Be our guest at Homemades by Suzanne in historic Downtown Ashland! Sip Lavender Earl Gray or Citrus Spice Herbal tea, while you chat with friends and family. Guests of all ages will enjoy a mix of savory and sweet menu items to include tea sandwiches and scones. Dine-in or takeout Tuesday through Saturday.

Biergarten
Enjoy the new outdoor Biergarten at Origin Beer Lab outfitted with personal firepits! This craft beer tasting room is the brewmaster's test kitchen for Center of the Universe Brewing. Open Wednesday through Sundays. Bonus! Get a free growler glass with any 64oz fill-up!

Family Pack
Jake's Place serves barbecue to feed a crowd! The takeout special features your choice of pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked whole chickens, racks of ribs, and all the sides. Fill the table, large or small, by ordering online or by phone.

Pay it Forward
Buy a meal for someone in need this holiday season with Canteen’s You Matter Community Meal Program. Your $10 purchase will send a gift card to one person served by a local social service non-profit. The recipient can exchange it for a meal and drink at their convenience.

Bonus Gift
The Iron Horse Restaurant’s holiday gift card promotion is too good to miss! Purchase a gift card in-person or online and receive a bonus gift card for 20% of your purchase. Enter promo code HOLIDAY2020.

Brunch Bunch
Henry Clay Inn is open for weekend brunch! Enjoy eggs benedict or chicken and waffles on the porch or takeout. The Inn also offers a full dinner menu Mondays and Friday-Sunday for outdoor dining or takeout.

Ribs Night
Tuesdays at Trackside Grill, pay half price for full and half racks of ribs! This mouthwatering deal comes with a full menu of classic American fare, suitable for all ages. Takeout, curbside, indoor and heated outdoor dining is available, and don't miss the signature cocktail menu!

A Universal Gift
Ashland Gift Certificates are redeemable at downtown shops and restaurants. Get yours today--and a few gifts too--at Ashland Town Hall or call (804) 798-1073 for mailing options. This Center of the Universe gift supports local business with zero fees!

Ashland Christmas Market

Downtown Ashland’s annual holiday celebration, Light Up the Tracks presented by Dominion Energy, begins this weekend with a mile-long light display and community events. Saturday, December 5 from 1-5pm, you’ll find Ashland Christmas Market in full swing!

Inspired by open-air markets of the world, downtown shops and businesses are taking their wares to the streets with sidewalk sales, displays, and specials. Plus, local artisans and crafters “pop-up shops” will be spread through Downtown Ashland.

While strolling downtown streets on Saturday afternoon, you will find holiday shopping that includes…

Thrill of the Hunt (315 England) celebrates a Holiday Open House with one-of-a-kind furniture, unique gifts, and home décor.

Plus, the shop will host local artisans Mel’s Pottery, Lucky Lotus, Pencraft + Post, and Angel’s Wings of Whimsy!

Hickory Creek Antiques (427 England) is one of metro Richmond’s largest antiques and collectibles malls. Offering holiday, vintage, antique, and collectible items from 40+ vendors.

re.funkit (120 Hanover) curates a unique selection of handcrafted art, gifts, and décor created by artists from Virginia and beyond.

Plus, the shop will host local artisan Caroline Cox Jewelry!

Ashland Museum (105 Hanover) offers handmade ornaments along with the selection of books, videos, and collectibles for sale.

Plus, the Museum will feature local children’s book author Corinne Luck and illustrator Jessica Bruce!

Canteen (100 N. Railroad) serves up great food, specialty beverages, and live music.

Plus, Mountain Road Soap Company and local artist Cece Wolf will host pop-up shops on the patio!

Center of the Yarniverse (100 N. Railroad) offers beautiful yarns in a variety of fibers and textures to knit and crochet, as well as patterns, kits, accessories, and gift cards.

Plus, a showcase of locally grown, spun, and dyed yarns, plus accessories and patterns by Virginia artists.

Ashland Meat Company (107 S. Railroad) offers high quality, locally grown meat and produce, plus Virginia’s Finest food products, beer, and wine.

Plus a sidewalk sale by local artisan, RVA Cutting Boards!

The Depot (107 S. Railroad) will host pop-up shops from a group of local artists, crafters, and makers in its coffee bar.

RED VEIN Escape (108 Robinson) challenges you to play Escaping Krampus, now through January 1.

Plus, find pop-up shops from local artists, Krampus and Friends and Maria Hargis!

Ashland Feed Store (120 Thompson) features gifts for dog, garden, horse, and wild bird lovers.

Plus, fresh evergreen wreaths and trees from local farms!

Wagner Jewellers (107 Hanover) is home to goldsmiths (aka elves!) specializing in custom jewelry design with precious metals, recreated heirloom pieces, and gems.

ReAwaken Spa (112 Thompson) offers relaxing massage, infrared sauna, facial, nail, and make-up services, plus a host of wellness products.

Self Expressions (109 England) creates personalized decals, apparel, gifts, stickers, posters, signs & more. Imagine the possibilities!

Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys (104 S. Railroad) offers a sidewalk sale for railfans and kids of all ages. Shop for stocking stuffers, games, puzzles, and much more!

Changing Reins (102 S. Railroad) specializes in equestrian equipment, apparel, accessories, home décor, art, jewelry, and vintage/antique items.

Bell Book & Candle (106 1/2 S. Railroad) features new and used books for adults and children, including works by local authors Nancy Ross Hugo, Kate Chenery Tweedy, and more!

Caboose Market & Cafe (108 S. Railroad) provides an extensive selection of beverages, locally made products, and imported and domestic cheeses. Stock up for your holiday celebrations!

Fin and Feather Pet Center (307 S. Railroad) carries a wide range of pet food and supplies, and an array of cute and cuddly small pets.

Light Up the Tracks

Light Up the Tracks in Downtown Ashland with holiday fun December 1st to January 1st!

Every December, Downtown Ashland transforms into a vintage Christmas village with Light Up the Tracks, presented by Dominion Energy — a mile-long light display welcomes visitors for a unique small town holiday experience.

“Light Up the Tracks, a signature event of Downtown Ashland Association, is a unique experience in our historic downtown,” said Maggie Longest, Executive Director of Downtown Ashland Association

Downtown buildings are outlined in twinkling white lights, along with historic homes and Randolph-Macon College. The whole of Ashland’s Center Street is illuminated, giving visitors a chance to step into a real-life holiday postcard. Plus, local merchants and community groups offer special events all month long.

“We are proud to be a part of this one-of-a-kind celebration,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. “Especially during this difficult year, we are pleased to support community building and spread holiday cheer in Ashland.”

Visit downtown Ashland throughout December for holiday dining, quaint shops, quirky entertainment, and more. Shoppers wanting to experience the charm of Ashland’s main street will find handmade gifts and decor at many of the local shops. Visitors are also invited to warm up with a glass of wine or hot chocolate and enjoy Downtown Ashland’s many restaurants.

“Whether it’s family fun or a romantic dinner followed by an arm-in-arm stroll trackside, Light Up the Tracks brings all things merry and bright to your weekends in December,” Longest said.

Please find visitor information and the events calendar at LightUptheTracks.com.