Ashland’s Newest Mural

Katie Grottenthaler stands beside Artistic Fusion Hair Company’s Mural at 109 England Street

Artistic Fusion Hair Company’s once bare brick wall is Ashland’s newest destination for art lovers and selfie-takers alike. For artist Katie Grottenthaler, watching reactions to her mural is part of the fun. “People are always walking by and trying to get their picture taken with it,” Katie laughs in an interview with Downtown Ashland Association. “The mural at 109 England Street is a really fun addition to an already very artsy town.”

Ashland is a welcoming destination for creatives, so when Artistic Fusion owner and master stylist Jane Morris Baker posted she was looking for a muralist on Facebook, Katie jumped at the opportunity. “I drew a detailed sketch of a steampunk-style locomotive for Jane and she really liked it,” says Katie. “So I ran with it, and the concept developed more and more and more.”

Over the course of several months, the mural transformed from a sketch, to a canvas painting, to a projection, to a freehand painting. “Each element creates the whole design,” said Katie. “Making art like this allows me to be patient and just enjoy the process of creating.” 

As you stroll through Downtown Ashland–whether it is during Ashland Fourth Friday’s monthly art fairs, Ashland Saturday Soundtracks weekly concerts, or downtown restaurants and shops open daily–stop by Artistic Fusion Hair Company’s mural for a picture perfect memento.

Run the Rails in Downtown Ashland

Now in its 46th year, the Ashland Railroad Run continues to innovate. On Saturday, May 13, walkers, runners, and racers of all ages are treated to a new route through Stony Run Trail, multiple courses, and even virtual options. All race proceeds benefit Hanover Arts & Activities Center, a community center and wedding venue with a historic building and vibrant programs in Downtown Ashland, Virginia.

The Ashland Railroad Run has established itself as one of Central Virginia’s favorite races for runners in the Center of the Universe and beyond. Runners have been attracted to the 10k for decades for the picturesque course which begins and ends along the railroad tracks. This year, the course includes the very first “RAILS and TRAILS” path, which directs participants along the tracks and through tranquil wooded trails before returning to The Center.

Accessibility continues to be a focus of the Ashland Railroad run. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome on the 5k course while virtual participation is provided by Hanover Arts & Activities Center’s partner Arenal Events. Virtual participants are invited to pick up their shirts at The Center or non-local participants may ask for shipping.

Guests can choose between a 10k, 5k walk or run, a Kids Fun Run, and the COTU Challenge where racers complete both the 5k and 10k. First, second, and third place are awarded for the 5k, 10k, and COTU Challenge, while every child in the Kid's Fun Run is presented with a prize at the finish line.

Following the race, participants are invited to unwind in Downtown Ashland with a plethora of dining and entertainment options. 

Sign up for the Ashland Railroad Run here before May 13. All proceeds will be used to benefit the Hanover Arts and Activities Center’s mission to be a vital center of enrichment for all, through cultural, educational and community events.

Wawa Brings the Volunteer Spirit to Ashland Train Day

Over 200 volunteers and first responders stream into downtown on Ashland Train Day. As The Official Sponsor of the First Responder Tent, Ashland’s Wawa works to provide volunteers working to ensure Train Day guests stay safe with meals and drinks, while bringing “Goose Pride” and fun to guests.

Ashland Wawa’s general manager Tammy Jarvis said in an interview with Downtown Ashland Association, “It is an exciting day for our team and has become an annual tradition for us to be part of something that touches so many people and makes a difference in their lives.”

Ashland’s Wawa brings a touch of local flair to their custom made salads, full service beverages, hot and cold hoagies, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options which they serve 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

The company’s commitment to the Ashland community extends to local partnerships and national partnerships including JDRF & LLS walks and events, Roc Solid builds, YMCA after school reading programs, and of course, Ashland Train Day. “We see it as a unique way for our associates to continue building relationships with our neighbors in the community,” say Tammy.

Under the sponsorship of Ashland’s Wawa, Ashland Train Day volunteers are gifted Wawa swag, coupons, and even a special visit from beloved mascot, Wally Goose. “Being a sponsor of the volunteer and first responder headquarters is a cause that we are honored to support,” says Tammy. 

“First responders are near and dear to us at Wawa as seen at every new store grand opening where we honor police and fire departments with our signature ‘Hoagies for Heroes’ sandwich building competition with $1,000 donated to each department’s charity of choice.”

Ashland’s Wawa is driven by their four guiding principles: Do things right, value people, embrace change, and delight customers. At Ashland Train Day, the company goes the extra mile. Tammy fondly recalls an interaction last year, “When an event guest complimented our Area Supervisor on a hat he was wearing which prompted him to take it right off his head and give it to the guest to brighten his day!” 

This year, Wawa plans to brighten the day with chances to win Wawa prizes and food at their booth, while Wally Goose gives away free hugs and photos. The generosity displayed to our Ashland Train Day volunteers makes Downtown Ashland Association proud to partner with our local Wawa store.

Huddle Up Announces Its Spring Concert Schedule

Huddle Up Sports Bar & Grill hosts their Nightfall Concert Series weekly from April through June. Popular local bands are booked to play live on Huddle Up’s huge dance floor. Groups like the KOS Band were especially excited to bring the party. “We are 1 part show band and 1 part party band,” said KOS member Bruce Swartz. “We love seeing folks enjoying themselves and dancing to the music.”

Enjoy yourself and dance to the music! Tables can be reserved by sending an email to huddleup407@gmail.com. All concerts include an $8-10 cover charge.

SPRING CONCERT SCHEDULE

• Friday, May 19 - Bombshell
  

• Saturday, May 20 - Josh Misner Band
  

• Friday, May 21 - LadySmyth Band
  

• Friday, May 26 - Main Street Station
  

• Friday, June 2 - LadySmyth Band
  

• Saturday, June 3 - Inside Out
  

• Friday, June 23 - Elixir
  

• Saturday, June 24 - En Novation
  

• Friday, June 30 - Monkey Fist

Newly Renovated Trackside Grill Hosts Ashland Train Day

Trackside Kitchen & Wine employees Dennis Oliver and Bella Moore

Ashland Train Day is FREE thanks to generous support from Trackside Kitchen & Wine. For owner Dominic Smith, sponsoring Ashland Train Day fulfills a mission. “We are blessed and fortunate. So, we always want to do more to give back, give more business opportunities, and provide charity to those who might be less fortunate.”

Trackside Kitchen & Wine’s generosity allows Ashland Train Day attendees to enjoy model trains, trolley rides, railroad history, a scavenger hunt, and much more–completely free of charge! Smith expects all the fun on April 29 will bring big crowds into the Center of The Universe. “We just hope that we can serve everyone that comes through Trackside,” Smith laughs.

Exterior of the freshly renovated Trackside Kitchen and Wine.

Fortunately, Trackside Kitchen & Wine is better equipped than ever to host visitors. The newly updated hotspot for dining and entertainment in Downtown Ashland showcases an expansive bar, plush booths, and gleaming tables.  

“Trackside is a centerpiece of the town of Ashland,” says Smith. “We renovated with the goal of giving people a downtown restaurant where they can embrace family, life, and happiness.”

The renovated and rebranded Trackside Kitchen & Wine is a modern wine bar with a full menu. Historic photos of Downtown Ashland deck the walls, reminding patrons of the connection between new and old in the historic building. The updated menu of fresh salads, rice bowls, and wraps showcases the fully stocked wine selection–while maintaining some fan-favorite dishes.

Trackside Kitchen and Wine’s newly renovated bar,

To top it off on Ashland Train Day, Trackside Kitchen & Wine will cohost a beer garden with Ashland Sportspage to offer railfans a menu of wings, wraps, and snacks with table seating and musical entertainment.

This hotspot is quickly becoming a crowd favorite! Make plans to visit the newly renovated Trackside Kitchen & Wine at 301 S. Railroad Avenue this weekend.