James River Nurseries spruces up England Street

James River Nurseries supports Downtown Ashland Association and the community. Owner Mike Hildebrand served on the Association’s board of directors until 2021, and donated the twelve planters along England Street to help unify the streetscape between Ashland Theatre and nearby businesses.  Recently, he donated plants and flowers from James River Nurseries farm on Ashland Road to replenish the planters. 

Pictured below: James River Nurseries’ horticulture specialists bringing the streetscape back to life on Friday, November 18, 2022.

“I love Ashland, it’s a great place” says Hildebrand. “There is so much going on, and things are really changing. Downtown is headed in a great direction, and I’m proud that we could help out a little bit.”

Hildebrand founded James River Nurseries in 1983. The company continues to be a family-owned landscape design and horticulture business, located on Ashland Road outside of the Town of Ashland in Hanover County. James River Nurseries grows all of its trees, shrubs, and plants here and on a nearby farm in Montpelier.

The company’s landscape designs include hardscapes for patios, walls, outdoor kitchens, driveways and walkways forboth residential and commercial customers. James River Nurseries provides turnkey service with designs that transform outdoor spaces.

Hildebrand explains the company’s customer-focused approach, 

“We will work with you one-on-one. We will update you and keep you part of the process from the initial meeting all the way until we finish the project. We will answer all questions regarding future maintenance. We stand behind you and our work, as we only use quality materials that have helped us build our customer loyalty and dependable reputation.”

James River Nurseries serves many commercial business customers. You’ll find their horticulture at Randolph-Macon College, Innsbrook, Windham, Wellesley, Hanover Airport, Virginia Capitol Square, and Dominion Energy’s headquarters in downtown Richmond. James River Nurseries takes pride in nearly 40 years of customer service that has brought many repeat customers.

Hildebrand is a well-known horticulturist across Virginia. He is recognized as a leader by Virginia Tech, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Virginia Agribusiness Council. A native of Winchester, Virginia, Hildebrand studied horticulture at Virginia Tech and is a leader in the agricultural community across the state.

Downtown Ashland Association is fortunate to have the support of Mike Hildebrand and James River Nurseries. Mike’s expertise has shaped the vision of Downtown Ashland, and we are fortunate to have his ongoing support.

Nightfall Concert Series

Light Up the Tracks event series invites you to visit Downtown Ashland for the holidays. See the mile-long light display and enjoy quaint and quirky celebrations. See the full event calendar here.

Don’t miss Huddle Up Sports Bar's Nightfall Concert Series each weekend in November and December! Enjoy hot local bands and regional acts in a fun, casual setting. All Nightfall Concert Series events begin at 8:00pm and require a cover charge.

Saturday, November 19th, Inside Out plays Huddle Up. Inside Out Band’s musical influences include Chicago, Tower of Power, Blood Sweat and Tears, Earth Wind & Fire, and Kool and the Gang. Also artists like Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Luther Vandross, Prince, the Time and too many more to list.

Friday, December 2, Bombshell plays Huddle Up. Bombshell is a female fronted 80's & 90's rock cover band. They take the greatest hits from these two decades and add a "little" love and extra R&R to bring these songs to the next level. High energy, huge fun, great sound!

Saturday, December 3, Teaze plays Huddle Up. Look what the cat dragged in! It's the tunes, moves, spandex, hair and metal of the 80's.

Friday, December 16, The Deloreans play Huddle Up. The Deloreans are a seasoned showband comprised of 6 distinct vocalists that cover the most memorable artists and nostalgic songs of the ‘80s. Each band member is featured throughout the show, making this band’s most notable attribute its unmatched variety. The Deloreans are known for their dynamic ‘80s costumes, unstoppable energy, and their ability to bring down the house EVERY time.

Saturday, December 17, Buckshot plays Huddle Up. Buckshot is a rockin' country band based out of Virginia Beach, VA.

Saturday, December 31, both En’Novation AND Inside Out bands play Huddle Up’s New Year’s Eve Bash! En'Novation is made up of extremely well-seasoned singers and musicians that have decades of combined experience performing on the biggest stages of the eastern United States. Inside Out Band’s eclectic 11-piece band spans the genres of pop, rock, and R&B.

These rocking shows by local bands are sure to keep you dancing! Find details on all Light Up the Tracks festivities here.

Holidays at Thrill of the Hunt

Saturday, November 12, Thrill of the Hunt welcomes you to the showroom at 315 England Street for a Holiday Open House.

With an ever-evolving selection of painted furniture by Lyden Home, home furnishings, local goods, artisan gifts, bespoke lighting, and vintage finds. The shop will inspire your home’s interior design.  

For the holidays, Thrill of the Hunt features many Christmas trees and holiday displays, each in a different theme. Owner Kristina Lyden explains, “we feature new and fun design trends, alongside our Lyden Home style of refined, handcrafted décor.” As your local Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Stockist, they also have you covered for the next project—big or small. 

Throughout this holiday season, Thrill of the Hunt invites customers to revisit the showroom and find something new.

UPCOMING EVENTS

For sneak peeks of the showroom and for upcoming events, follow Thrill of the Hunt on instagram.

Light Up the Tracks in Downtown Ashland

Beginning Saturday, November 19th, Downtown Ashland will transform into a vintage Christmas village with Light Up the Tracks, presented by Dominion Energy. A light display and special events will welcome visitors for a unique small town holiday experience.

“Light Up the Tracks invites visitors to enjoy the quaint setting of our historic downtown,” said Maggie Longest, Executive Director of Downtown Ashland Association. “Customers will find excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment with friendly, small town charm.”

Downtown buildings are outlined in twinkling white lights, along with historic homes and Randolph-Macon College. Ashland’s entire 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 season long.

“We are proud to be a part of this one-of-a-kind celebration in Ashland,” said Hunter A. Applewhite, president of the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation. “It’s a great opportunity to support the community and spread holiday cheer.”

Visit Downtown Ashland throughout November and December for holiday events and specials. The calendar of events includes:

You are invited to stroll Ashland’s main street and enjoy an old fashioned holiday. Find handmade gifts and decor at local shops, and warm up with a glass of wine or hot chocolate at Downtown Ashland’s many restaurants.

“Whether it’s family fun or a grown-up getaway, Light Up the Tracks makes your holiday season merry and bright,” Longest said.

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

Insider Tips for Ashland Halloween

The season of ghosts and goblins is upon us! Don’t miss any of the fun events planned in Ashland for Halloween.

  1. Lantern-lit Ghost Tours led by professional storytellers. Walk with the Spirits of Railroad Avenue led by Ashland Haunted History Tours, beginning on Robinson Street and lasting about an hour. Pair a tour with the 10-minute Phobia game at RED VEIN Escape for a special thrill!

  2. Ashland Theatre hosts a series of classic spooky movies. Featured movies include Friday the 13th, Gremlins, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and even The Addams Family! Try the signature cocktail for each movie, if you dare.

  3. Off the Rails Craft Beer Festival serves up boos, brews, & BBQ. Enjoy autumn on the lawn of Hanover Arts & Activities Center with barbecue by Ashland Meat Company, 12 craft brews on tap, and live music all afternoon. Get your tickets before they sellout!

  4. Downtown Ashland restaurants host seasonal menus. It’s not just about frights, but also the season of all things delicious. For instance, apple cinnamon donuts are now on the menu at FoodiO!

  5. Kids Trick-or-Treat in all Ashland neighborhoods. You won’t want to pass up the traditional evening of collecting candy. New this year, a scavenger hunt map will lead you around town for special candy stops and the chance to win a prize.

Ashland Halloween will be October 28-31, 2022. Visit ashlandhalloween.com for more information about all of the events and activities planned.