Self Expressions' Grand Re-Opening

Downtown Ashland Association and the Town of Ashland celebrated Self Expressions’ Grand Re-Opening on Tuesday, June 8! 

From left: John Hodges, Steve Trivett, Matt and Olivia Chadinha, Ginny Eyler, Suzanne Edwards, Shannon McClure, Charlie Martin, Josh Farrar

The reimagined Self Expressions gift shop showcases apparel, jewelry, foods, and decor from local Ashland and Hanover artisans, plus customized vinyl decals and embroidery created by shop owner Ginny Eyler. The vintage-style shop stocked by local makers is a welcome addition to Downtown Ashland’s quaint and quirky vibe.

Ginny Eyler graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 2006 and never left! Now a married mother of four and local resident, Eyler opened the Self Expressions retail store in 2019 as a storefront for her successful online customization business. Ginny explains, “We just like the opportunity to get to meet more people in the community and show them all that we have to offer.”

In 2020, following the struggles of COVID lockdowns, Eyler expanded the store’s mission and began supporting more local artisans and makers with space in her retail shop. Self Expressions now showcases gifts and decor from 10 local artisans, plus the custom decals and embroidery created by Eyler herself. “We started trying to help local vendors during 2020, when there were no events and craft shows for their sales. As the partnerships grew, we learned that joining forces with these artisans makes the store more fun! The shop now appeals to many different customers for all occasions.”

Stop into Self Expressions gift store, under the bright turquoise awning at 109 England Street, to visit Ginny Eyler and see the expanded inventory of locally made gifts and decor!

A Note to Customers

Welcome back to Downtown Ashland! Join the recovery.

Local businesses worked to ensure our safety throughout the pandemic. They made adjustments and met new requirements with enthusiasm and determination.

Now that recovery has begun, it is our turn—as customers—to return the favor. Restrictions are lifting, but shortages of inventory and workers remain. Customers can strengthen the sense of community in Downtown Ashland as we return with positivity and patience.

We are all eager to move forward with the recovery. Please help local businesses make the transition by sharing the warmth of Ashland’s community with workers, visitors, and fellow customers.

Thank you,

Maggie Beal Longest
Executive Director

What's New?

Downtown Ashland is ready to welcome back customers, visitors, and neighbors! We spent 2020 preparing new products and services for you to enjoy.

What’s new in Downtown Ashland?

Self Expressions
Now featuring locally made crafts and gifts. Plus, customized vinyl decals for vehicles, promotional items, crafts, and clothing!

Huddle Up Sports Bar
New business opened in 2020. Stop-in for dinner and watch the game, or shoot pool with friends!

The Depot
Now serving coffee, wine, and beer from 7am to 7pm daily! Visit this historic location to share drinks with friends.

Ashland Haunted History Tours
Now booking for the all-new “Stranger than Fiction” walking tour! Walk through Downtown Ashland’s ethereal history and lore.

Jake’s Place
The swanky patio space welcomes weeknight diners or large groups. Catering available!

Origin Beer Lab
Same great beer, with lots more space! Enjoy the extended trackside patio and a full Beer Garden, with firepits, landscaping, and festive lights, in the rear alley.

The Henry Clay Inn
Dining Room is now serving a full menu Thursday through Monday on the front porch and by takeout. Plus, an extraordinary weekend brunch!

Refunkit
Now showcasing more than 60 local makers, plus small-batch, handmade goods from around the country. Shop for unique decor and gifts!

Caboose Market & Café
Try the new Spring menu for local farm-to-table options, including a new twist on pimento cheese.

RED VEIN Escape
The newest game, “Escape from 20,000 Leagues”, opened in 2020. Bring your team to navigate the ocean depths!

Center Street Intern Program

WANTED: Randolph-Macon College Student Interns

Downtown Ashland Association and Dominion Energy Innovation Center jointly sponsor the Center Street Intern Program for students at Randolph-Macon College to learn from entrepreneurs in our local economy.

Job Description

The Dominion Energy Innovation Center (DEIC) and Downtown Ashland Association are seeking two Bassett Internship Program interns for the summer of 2021 to serve as economic researchers, community liaisons, and entrepreneur supporters. 

The Center Street Internship Program was specially designed for R-MC students to explore the green economy and work within the community to support both local small businesses and high tech clean energy companies.

Within this summer academic internship program, participants will perform some, or all, of the following activities over a nine week period from June 1, 2021 to July 30, 2021 (dates are flexible with academic advisor approval):

• Design and execute a regional green economy business activity survey

• Survey local businesses for economic data

• Meet with local business owners and community leaders to learn more about entrepreneurship efforts in Central Virginia

• Write articles about local businesses and leaders to be published via blog, newsletter, and social media

• Photograph downtown Ashland architecture, shops, and restaurants

• Compile program impact data for annual reports

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R-MC Students are encouraged to apply now for Summer 2021 via the EDGE Career Connector.

We are also recruiting Fall 2021 interns. Please email braden@dominnovation.com to plan for the Fall.

Ashland Train Day Rescheduled to Spring 2022

Downtown Ashland Association announces the next Ashland Train Day will be held on April 30, 2022. The beloved street festival and celebration of trains will become a spring event, to be hosted the last weekend in April annually.

“We look forward to continuing Ashland Train Day’s long history of family-friendly fun in Downtown Ashland,” said Executive Director Maggie Longest. “By moving the event away from the busy holiday season and into the spring, we hope even more families and train lovers will come to Ashland and enjoy the festival.”

In 2019, the 17th annual celebration of Ashland’s love for trains drew more than 10,000 participants. The celebration included 17 model train displays, two kiddie train rides, a touch-a-truck area, arts and crafts, local foods, and live music.

Mark your calendar for the 18th Ashland Train Day on April 30, 2022! Event updates for railfans of all ages will be published on the website, ashlandvirginia.com, and social media channels, Facebook and Instagram.

JOIN THE FUN!

• Volunteers are needed to help with event planning. Please visit ashlandvirginia.com/volunteer.

• Sponsor Ashland Train Day to support a vibrant Downtown Ashland. Business sponsors benefit from high-profile media coverage before and during the event with thousands of visitors, residents, and community leaders. Learn more at ashlandvirginia.com/giving.