The Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) is calling on neighbors, visitors, and fans of the Center of the Universe to support @AshlandVirginia on Instagram. With fewer than 3,000 followers needed to reach the 10K milestone, every follow helps amplify Ashland’s small businesses, artists, and community events—at no cost to the people who call this special town home.
“Whether we like it or not, social media is here to stay,” said Coach Antonio Miller, Executive Director of the Downtown Ashland Association. “Getting @AshlandVirginia on Instagram to 10K followers means we can amplify our community, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and dreamers well beyond our orbit.”
Downtown Ashland sparkles year-round with attractions, public art, and farm-to-fork dining experiences. Visitors can stroll historic streets adorned with over 10,000 holiday lights, explore cafes, bakeries, and restaurants, and shop for curated gifts, artisan goods, and unique treasures. Highlights include America’s Longest Train Mural and the bronze statue of Triple Crown champion Secretariat, celebrating Ashland’s rich history and creative spirit.
Transcend Paranormal, a community group dedicated to uncovering haunted stories in Ashland and beyond, shared their support, "I find everything I love on @AshlandVirginia,” they said in 2024, “Help them reach 10K followers and find all the fun you’re looking for in the Center of the Universe."
Ashland is easily accessible with Amtrak service that drops travelers directly into the heart of downtown. Downtown Ashland Association events and festivals, from Ashland Train Day to Light Up the Tracks and Fourth Fridays, offer family-friendly entertainment that brings residents and visitors together.
As a nonprofit, DAA invests directly back into the community. Through fundraising, grants, and event proceeds, the organization provides free business resources, workshops, and networking opportunities, supports local artists and makers, and fuels entrepreneurial growth. Past initiatives, such as the Center Street Pitch Competition, have awarded tens of thousands of dollars to local entrepreneurs with big ideas, while media promotion across TV, print, radio, and digital platforms gives downtown businesses a megaphone to reach wider audiences at no cost.
“Every follow on Instagram fuels a thriving, connected downtown,” said Miller. “It helps us shine a spotlight on the businesses, artists, and events that make Ashland extraordinary, while giving resources directly back to the community.”
Follow @AshlandVirginia today and be part of a movement that celebrates creativity, culture, and small-business success in the Center of the Universe.