Win Big in Ashland’s February Raffles!

Love is in the air, and so are your chances to win some incredible prizes! Downtown Ashland is “serving up” a month full of exciting raffles, each supporting the mission of the Downtown Ashland Association. For just $5 per entry, you could win gift cards, luxury experiences, and unforgettable entertainment. The lucky winners will be announced on Friday, February 28—will your name be on the list?

Check out the prizes and enter today!

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🍽 $100 Around the Table Gift Card

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$5.00

Purchase

Ashland’s soul-food destination is offering a delicious prize—$100 toward their comforting, flavor-packed meals! Whether you’re craving savory classics or sweet treats, this “sweetheart” deal is too good to miss.

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🕯 Sweet Heat Candles Gift Basket

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$5.00

Purchase

Cozy up with a collection of custom-crafted candles worth $80! These hand-poured beauties will “light up” your home with warmth and relaxation. “Candle” you believe how great this is?

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💆 Revival Spa Massage or Facial

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$5.00

Purchase

Treat yourself to the ultimate relaxation experience at Ashland’s premier spa. With a value of over $100, the winner gets to choose between a rejuvenating massage or a luxurious facial. “Spa” love is definitely in the air!

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🎭 2 Tickets to Wish You Were Here Variety Show

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$5.00

Purchase

Experience an unforgettable evening of live music, comedy sketches, and storytelling at the Wish You Were Here Variety Show—a mix of Saturday Night Live and A Prairie Home Companion! Win four tickets to this family-friendly event and enjoy a night of entertainment right in the heart of Ashland.

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💖 Enter now for just $5 per raffle and support Downtown Ashland! The more you enter, the better your chances to win—so why not “wish YOU were here” on the winner’s list?

Winners will receive an email from Downtown Ashland Association on February 28. Good luck! 🍀

Welcome XtraSuite Salon Studios!

XtraSuite Salon Studios is the sanctuary our Center of the Universe has been searching for. Inside their studios, you’ll find every variety of health, beauty, and production services you can dream of. Discover how XtraSuite elevates your self-care game with extra sweet offerings that leave you feeling fabulous!

Imagine sinking into a Heated Zero-G Massage Chair, where your stresses melt away like butter on a hot biscuit. For just $15, you can indulge in a 30-minute massage that’s kinder to your wallet than a trip to the grocery store! And for XtraSuite members, you can enjoy four monthly massages for just $35 - because regular pampering should be a piece of cake!

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! XtraSuite Salon Studios isn’t just about relaxation; it’s a full-on wellness wonderland! Whether you’re looking for a fresh haircut, stunning highlights, or rejuvenating skin care, they’ve got you covered. And for those who love to capture the moment, take advantage of their studio photography and videography services to create memories that last a lifetime!

Now, let’s talk about the fun part: PMS Parties. No, not what you might think! PMS stands for Paint, Massage, and Sip! Starting February 13, join the talented Katie Grottenthaler for a unique evening of creativity and relaxation. Enjoy painting while getting a neck-to-feet massage - what’s not to love? It’s the perfect way to unwind, unleash your inner artist, and sip on something delightful, all in one fabulous night! Sign up here!

So, Ashland, are you ready to embrace the extra sweet life? XtraSuite Salon Studios invites you to become a member of their pampering paradise and join the fun at their PMS Parties. Let’s make self-care a priority and celebrate beauty in all its forms. Swing by, say hello, and see how they can help you look and feel your best!

Welcome to XtraSuite Salon Studios - where your beauty journey begins and pampering is an everyday affair! 💖

The Golden Taste of Ashland

Dish by Ash and Olive

This February, downtown Ashland is spinning its own golden tale with the launch of the Golden Taste of Ashland, a delicious milk chocolate bar with a twist straight out of a storybook. Hidden inside five of these delectable treats are coveted Golden Tickets, offering lucky winners extraordinary prizes from some of Ashland’s most beloved businesses.

Like a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Golden Taste of Ashland is more than a chocolate bar—it’s a passport to a world of delicious destinations and brilliant businesses in the heart of historic downtown Ashland, affectionately known as the Center of the Universe.

“If you want to view paradise, simply look around Ashland,” says Downtown Ashland Association’s Director of Operations Lou Keeton. “The Golden Taste of Ashland captures the whimsy and wonder of our town while giving folks a literal taste of the exceptional businesses that make Ashland shine.”

Every bar purchased supports the Downtown Ashland Association’s non-profit mission to amp up Ashland from the Center of the Universe and out of this world! Bars will be available while supplies last at participating local businesses:

A custom-crafted cocktail experience at Cask & Stave

📸 Rick Kidd Photography

• The Caboose Market & Cafe

• Caravati’s Architectural Salvage

• Changing Reins

• Fin & Feather Pet Center

• refunkit

• 110 Thompson Street

• Thrill of the Hunt

• Classic Coffee, Tea, and Books

Golden Ticket Prizes

Each Golden Ticket unlocks a treasure trove of prizes, from artisan meals to family-friendly fun. Among the prizes are:

• Free farm-to-table dining at Caboose Market & Cafe

• A custom-crafted cocktail experience at Cask & Stave

• A $50 shopping spree at Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys

• Gourmet dishes from IL Forno Bar & Grill

• Hearty homemade meals from Homemades by Suzanne

• Concert tickets and beverages at Andy’s Restaurant & Lounge and Huddle Up Sports Bar

Wonka on the Big Screen

To sweeten the deal, Downtown Ashland invites everyone to a special screening of Wonka at the Ashland Theatre on Wednesday, February 12, at 6:30 PM. Golden Ticket holders can exchange their prize-winning bars for a free bag of popcorn to enjoy during the show. Buy tickets.

Sweet Thanks to Sponsors

The Golden Taste of Ashland wouldn’t be possible without the support of our generous sponsors: Minuteman Press of Ashland, Ashland Dance Academy, and the Downtown Ashland Association. Proceeds from the event will help Downtown Ashland Association continue its mission to create a vibrant and thriving community.

Get Your Golden Taste of Ashland Bar

Don’t miss your chance to experience Ashland’s golden magic. Treat yourself, support local businesses, and maybe—just maybe—find your very own Golden Ticket. Learn more at www.ashlandvirginia.com/taste

January Raffles

Jumpstart 2025 as a winner! Downtown Ashland Association is thrilled to introduce monthly raffles, where every $5 ticket is a chance to win incredible prizes while supporting our non-profit mission to amplify Ashland’s charm and vibrancy. This January, you can snag a $100 Thrill of the Hunt shopping spree, a luxurious Revival Spa massage or facial, or four tickets to You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Winners will be drawn on the final Friday of each month, so don’t miss out—check back each month for new prizes and even more ways to win big in the Center of the Universe!

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Raffle - $100 Thrill of the Hunt Shopping Spree

$5.00

🎉 Win $100 for a Shopping Spree at Thrill of the Hunt! 🛍️

Step into the Center of the Universe and discover Thrill of the Hunt, Ashland’s destination for stylish furniture, unique gifts, and home décor treasures. From handcrafted pieces and vintage finds to the full line of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® and DIY supplies, there’s something to spark your creativity and elevate your home.

Enter now for your chance to win $100 and start your shopping spree in this one-of-a-kind haven for design and inspiration. Let us help you uncover your hidden style and transform your space into a home you love! Raffle proceeds benefit Downtown Ashland Association’s non-profit mission.

The winner will receive an email from Downtown Ashland Association on Friday, January 31.

Purchase

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Raffle - 4 You're a Good Man Charlie Brown Tickets

$5.00

🎭 Win 4 tickets to You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown! 🥳

“Happiness is… winning tickets to You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown! For only $5, you could enjoy a night filled with music, laughs, and heart at the Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen’s glamorous theatre. The show runs between February 6-9. Make sure you run to get your raffle tickets before the curtain closes!

Raffle proceeds benefit Downtown Ashland Association’s non-profit mission.

The winner will receive an email from Downtown Ashland Association on Friday, January 31.

Purchase

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Raffle - Revival Spa Massage

$5.00

"Songs From the Center of the Universe" Now Streaming on Major Platforms

Ashland Song Contest winner Ginny Ray headlines the debut album Songs From the Center of the Universe

The 2024 Ashland Song Competition album, Songs From the Center of the Universe, is now available for streaming on all major platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. This compilation features heartfelt and inspiring tracks celebrating the rich history and vibrant community spirit of Ashland, Virginia—affectionately known as the Center of the Universe.

The album includes winning and standout entries from Ashland Song Competition winners, showcasing the incredible talent of musicians and songwriters inspired by the town’s heritage and charm. Local artists found inspiration in Ashland’s storied past, from its beginnings as a railroad town to its evolution into a vibrant hub of creativity. These songs pay homage to the sense of belonging, history, and resilience that define Ashland.

Downtown Ashland Association Director of Operations Louise Keeton expressed her pride, saying, “Local talent blew us away during the 2024 Ashland Song Contest. It is so heartwarming to see how inspired artists are by our historic hallmark town. It is even more special now that their songs can reach the whole world through these streaming platforms—perhaps the whole universe!”

Tracks such as Ginny Ray’s "Ashland Song," with its touching lyrics about a place “where the people are nice, friendly, and dear,” and Bruce Capofferri’s ode to the welcoming streets of Ashland remind listeners of the warmth and uniqueness of this small town. Gray Gurkin’s "In the Center of the Universe" captures the simplicity and charm of Ashland’s identity, while Aiden Hamilton’s "The Phoenix’s Rebirth" reflects its enduring spirit. Listeners are invited to start streaming from their favorite platforms today.

Celebrate at the Album Release Party

In addition to streaming Songs From the Center of the Universe, join us for the official album release party on Friday, January 24, 2025, from 5–6 PM in the private event room at Center of the Universe Brewing Company. Hear K101.2 POP Home of The Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharon Lizzy play the album over COTU’s rocking speaker system while you sip out of this world brews and enjoy dinner from Ashland food truck favorite Bikini Panini. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with fellow music lovers and support local talent!

2025 Ashland Song Contest: Submissions Open in May

The next chapter of this musical journey begins Friday, May 23, 2025, when submissions for the 2025 Ashland Song Contest open at the first Ashland Fourth Fridays event. The contest invites musicians of all backgrounds to compose original songs inspired by Ashland’s history and culture.

Contestants will vie for the opportunity to record their track at Free Jambalaya Studios, a top-tier recording studio in downtown Ashland and have their song featured on major streaming platforms. The winner will be announced at the final Ashland Fourth Fridays on Friday, August 22, 2025, and will also perform at the town’s annual Light Up the Tracks celebration in November.

Stream the Sound of Ashland Today

Celebrate the creativity of Ashland by streaming Songs From the Center of the Universe today. Let these melodies transport you to the heart of Ashland, where community, history, and artistry harmonize beautifully.

Start streaming at https://lnkfi.re/ashland