Vote Downtown Ashland in the Heart of Hanover

Rick Kidd Photography of Ashland Train Day, 2025.

Hold onto your hats and hand fans, Ashland — we’ve got news that’ll light up the tracks!

The Downtown Ashland Association has been nominated for Nonprofit of the Year by the Heart of Hanover Awards. From now until May 16, you can vote once a day for the hometown heroes that keep our community running, thriving, and shining like the Center of the Universe that it is.

This honor is a big deal — not just for us, but for every neighbor, business, and supporter who makes Downtown Ashland such a special place to live, visit, and love. That’s why we’re encouraging you to vote for all your favorites in Hanover County’s business awards categories. While you’re there, we hope you’ll vote for Downtown Ashland Association as Nonprofit of the Year. Because when we win, everyone does.

🛤️ A Vote for Downtown Ashland Association Is a Vote for...

  • 🎉 Unforgettable events like Ashland Train Day, Light Up the Tracks, and Ashland Fourth Fridays

  • 🛍️ Small business support through free workshops, the Center Street Pitch Competition, immersive markets, and record-breaking tourism

  • 🏆 Award-winning advocacy from a Main Street America-accredited nonprofit with a nearly perfect score

  • ❤️ Heart-filled leadership from our dynamic duo: Director of Operations Louise “Lou” Keeton and Executive Director “Coach”  Antonio Miller

  • 🤝 Collaboration with other nominees like the Ashland Theatre, Manning Memorial Services, Center of the Universe Brewing Company, and more

Downtown Ashland Association’s dynamic duo, Executive Director “Coach”  Antonio Miller and Director of Operations Louise “Lou” Keeton

In fact, many of the Heart of Hanover nominees have been supported by or collaborated with Downtown Ashland Association in some way. We’re not just a nonprofit — we’re a network-builder, a cheerleader, and a catalyst for the very people and places you’re voting for. We’re thrilled to be nominated as Nonprofit of the Year—but we’re just as proud to share the spotlight with our neighbors, collaborators, and friends in every category. After all, Downtown Ashland is built on partnership, passion, and people-first business. Learn more about each category and the incredible Hanover-based nominees we’re rooting for.

Vote once a day, every day through May 16, and while we’d be honored to have your vote for Nonprofit of the Year, we encourage you to spread the love among this lineup of local legends. (Listed in alphabetical—not preferential—order!)

🎟️ Destination Business of the Year

Whether it’s movies, music, or mischievous goats—these local legends make Hanover a must-visit.

  • Ashland Theatre
     Lights, camera, community impact! Ashland Theatre is more than a historic venue—it’s a stage for live performances, epic films, and educational events that entertain and inspire. It also plays a starring role in Downtown Ashland Association events like the Center Street Pitch Competition and Demystifying AI. Talk about reel impact!

  • Meadowgate Alpacas
     We’re wooly excited to support our sponsors at Meadowgate, who blend cozy creations with hands-on farm visits. You’ve seen their smiling alpacas at Train Day and Light Up the Tracks, and their home farm offers an unforgettable agrotourism experience.

  • Rhythm Ranch Homestead
     Get ready to rock the barnyard! Rhythm Ranch Homestead is redefining agrotourism with cuddly critters, creative education, and overnight farm stays in the works. A fellow Pitch honoree and a GOAT-level community gem.

🧘 Health & Wellness Business of the Year

These nominees are tooth-tally committed to your wellness—inside and out.

  • Root Modern Dentistry
     Led by the dazzling Dr. Chriska Mustafa, Root Modern Dentistry turns dental care into a self-care ritual. Their affirming, modern space (and Downtown Ashland Association sponsorship!) proves that a healthy smile can be rooted in compassion and confidence.

  • Your Path Counseling Center

    Downtown Ashland Association’s sponsors offer private counseling and a variety of innovative techniques and approaches for mental health in all ages.

🍻 Manufacturer of the Coolest Thing Made in Hanover County

This category’s brewing with innovation!

  • Center of the Universe Brewing Company
     COTU thinks outside the can and delivers inside the community. From their presence aboard Amtrak Virginia’s bar car (with their Brewski beer!) to serving up drinks for Downtown Ashland Association’s New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball and Ashland Saturday Soundtracks, they’re always pouring into Ashland.

💙 Nonprofit Organization of the Year

This one’s close to our hearts—we’re proud to be nominated alongside these mission-minded movers and shakers.

  • Downtown Ashland Association
     We’re here to light up the tracks (literally and figuratively) by supporting local businesses, welcoming visitors, and preserving the charm and character of Downtown Ashland. We humbly ask for your vote so we can keep training our focus on making Ashland a destination for all.

  • The Arc of Hanover Thrift Store
     Their volunteer-powered mission promotes inclusion and independence for people with disabilities. A frequent presence at Ashland events and business workshops, The Arc of Hanover is the thrift that keeps on giving.

  • CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation
     With heart and hustle, CJ’s TU Foundation supports families in crisis with meals and financial assistance. Their volunteers have helped us bring the fun to Ashland Train Day—and their compassion is always thumbs-up worthy.

🛍️ Retail Business of the Year

Talk about shop stars! These local retailers keep our shelves stocked and spirits high.

  • Crimson and Clover Thrift
     Curated, charming, and located right here in downtown Ashland, Crimson and Clover is a treasure trove of vintage finds and stylish surprises.

  • Los Regios Tienda Latina
     From groceries to great food truck fare, Los Regios brings global flavor to Center Street. A proud Pitch Competition honoree and DAA partner, they’re the real dill.

  • RefunkIt
     Home to handmade gifts and reclaimed creativity, RefunkIt is a staple of Downtown Ashland events—and our go-to for unforgettable, locally made finds.

🍽️ Restaurant of the Year

Grab your fork—and your vote! These restaurants serve up serious flavor with a side of community spirit.

  • Ash & Olive
     With wood-fired pizzas, elegant collabs with mixologists, and events like launching the Golden Taste of Ashland, Ash & Olive is firing up the Ashland food scene.

  • The Caboose Market & Cafe
     A toast to The Caboose, whose wines and farm-to-fork fare have elevated everything from weeknight dinners to midnight celebrations at the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball.

🛠️ Service Business of the Year

These behind-the-scenes heroes keep Ashland running with care and craft.

  • Kristie Bradley Photography
     Kristie captures joy with every click. Whether she’s photographing families, seniors, or volunteering to deck the Ashland Town Tree, her creativity always shines.

  • Manning Memorial Services
     From headstones to historic preservation, Manning Memorial Services honors veterans and families with dignity, detail, and deep care. Their work reminds us to never forget the importance of legacy.

So while you’re showing the love across the board, we hope you’ll cast your Nonprofit of the Year vote for Downtown Ashland Association — because a vote for us isn’t just a vote for a team of two, it’s a vote for the entire Ashland community.

📅 Voting runs from May 5 through May 16, and you can cast one vote per day, per category. Help us keep the good vibes rolling and the town glowing!