Virginia Influencer Rallies Support for Hometown Devastated by Hurricane Melissa

Shanisse models ILoveAshlandVA.com apparel as an avid volunteer for Downtown Ashland Association

Shanisse Palmer, a beloved Virginia-based family lifestyle and getaway influencer with 58.4K followers on Instagram, is turning her platform into a lifeline for her hometown in Jamaica. Lethe, a small and often overlooked village, was left in ruins after Hurricane Melissa swept through, destroying homes, washing away roads, and displacing families.

Originally from Lethe, Shanisse now uses her voice and influence to shine a light on the urgent needs of the community she loves. Through her Instagram account, @mommiesjade, she shares real footage of the destruction, showing the world the human impact of the disaster.

Lethe residents walk the devastated road

“My hometown, Lethe, Jamaica, was destroyed by Hurricane Melissa. Families have lost their homes, their roads, and everything they’ve worked for,” Shanisse said. “It’s a small village which means it will be one of the last places the government reaches. But we can reach them first. If you’re reading this, I’m asking from the bottom of my heart: please help however you can. Even $1 can feed a child, repair a roof, or bring light back to a family’s life.”

Shanisse on @MommiesJade

Despite being hundreds of miles away, Shanisse’s Virginia neighbors and followers are rallying around her to support this urgent cause. To date, $800 has been pledged toward the $50,000 goal—a sum that will fund critical rebuilding efforts for families in Lethe.

The Hurricane Melissa Rebuild Fund aims to provide direct relief in three urgent areas:

  • Home repairs: roofing materials, lumber, and supplies to rebuild damaged houses.

  • Road restoration: repairing the main road that connects families to food, water, and work.

  • Food and essentials: groceries, clean water, diapers, and baby formula for households in need.

All donations go directly to trusted community leaders and church members in Lethe who are distributing supplies on the ground.

Shanisse continues to inspire hope with every post and plea: “Even if you can’t donate, please share, like, or repost. Every act of kindness makes a difference. Let’s show Jamaica that love travels farther than any storm.”

Support the Hurricane Melissa Rebuild Fund for Lethe, Jamaica: https://givebutter.com/9Wt5nH

Downtown Ashland Encourages Giving Through Local Food Drives

As we enter the season of giving, the warmth of community shines brighter than ever in Downtown Ashland. This year, the Center of the Universe hopes to pull everyone into their spirit of gratitude and giving that lasts all year long.

Downtown Ashland entrepreneurs are making it easy for residents and visitors to lend a helping hand. Non-perishable food donation boxes are now available at Miss Timmie’s (117 Hanover Ave.), Take Away (107A Hanover Ave.), Chirp (403 S. Center St.), Center of the Yarniverse (112 England St), and Root Modern Dentistry (250 N. Washington Hwy., Suite A). Each location features a bright “Food Donations” sign designed by AnnMarie & Company to help donors easily spot where to give.

In addition, donations can be dropped off anytime at the free food pantries outside Local Christian Church and Café 54 Brunch and Lunch in the heart of historic Downtown Ashland. For our Hanover neighbors, a full list of County food pantry services can be found at HanoverCounty.gov/1237/Hanover-County-Food-Pantries.

This collective generosity aligns with the Town of Ashland’s new initiative, Kindness That Counts, launched in partnership with the Ashland Foundation. The program promotes awareness of homelessness and directs donations to trusted local nonprofits through the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care (GrCoC). The Town’s $10,000 initial contribution is helping ensure that outreach, case management, and essential support services reach individuals in need throughout Ashland. Supporters can make donations directly at https://givebutter.com/kindnessthatcounts

Together, these efforts remind us that compassion takes many forms—from a can of soup dropped in a local box to a dollar donated to a community fund. Each act of kindness adds up to something greater.

Curated Holiday Market Experience in Ashland

This holiday season, Downtown Ashland Association and Thrill of the Hunt are collaborating to deliver a spectacular local shopping experience that brings together artisans, vintage lovers, and community spirit in the heart of the Center of the Universe.

As prices climb and holiday wish lists grow, Downtown Ashland Association reminds shoppers that the best way to deck the halls is to shop local. Thanks to the support of community partners like Thrill of the Hunt, this year’s England Street Christmas Market is shaping up to be a highlight of the holiday season — and a spotlight on small-town creativity and craftsmanship.

On Saturday, December 6, visitors can hop aboard Amtrak Virginia for a cozy, car-free journey straight into Downtown Ashland. Just steps from the train station, over 10K festive lights stretch across over two miles of historic charm, and walkable shopping. Start the day with a farm-to-fork brunch, then stroll past Secretariat Racing Into History, America’s Longest Railroad Mural, and a collection of locally owned shops offering everything from art to antiques.

The day’s main event unfolds at Thrill of the Hunt (315 England Street), where the England Street Christmas Market — formerly known as the Ashland Christmas Market — will spill into the Thrill of the Hunt courtyard, parking lot, and the Ashland Town Center parking lot starting at 11 AM. This beloved seasonal market, launched in 2020, features hand-selected vendors offering vintage treasures, handmade goods, and original art. Every vendor has been thoughtfully curated to ensure variety and quality — no competition, just creativity.

This year’s vendor spaces sold out back in August, a testament to the excitement surrounding this community celebration. Shoppers can also enjoy delicious eats from The Local Cup, Mama Vicky’s, and Bikini Panini, all while browsing gifts that are one-of-a-kind and made right here in Virginia.

“We’re thrilled— pun intended — to partner with Thrill of the Hunt to create one central shopping destination for a day in the Center of the Universe this holiday season,” said Downtown Ashland Association Executive Director “Coach” Antonio Miller. “Our hope is that this market serves as a launchpad for visitors to explore even more walkable shopping opportunities throughout downtown.”

After perusing the market, visitors are encouraged to continue their shopping crawl through Ashland Town Center at favorites like Hickory Creek Antiques, one of the region’s largest antique malls with over 40 vendors. Cap off the day with dinner and drinks downtown, then hop back on Amtrak Virginia — perhaps with a Center of the Universe Brewing Company Brewski in hand — to toast a day well spent.

This holiday partnership between Downtown Ashland Association and Thrill of the Hunt highlights the power of collaboration in sustaining small businesses and enriching the community. Together, they’re proving that the spirit of the season shines brightest right here in Ashland.

Learn more about this and all of Downtown Ashland’s lit holiday events at LightUptheTracks.com.

“Off the Rails” Craft Beer & Wine Festival Returns with Brews, Boos & BBQ

Off the Rails Craft Beer and Wine Festival in at historic Hanover Arts and Activities Center

Ashland’s most spirited fall tradition is back—and bigger than ever. The Hanover Arts & Activities Center (The Center), in partnership with the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA), will host the annual “Off the Rails” Craft Beer & Wine Festival: Brews, Boos, and BBQ on Saturday, October 25 from 3–7 p.m. This beloved community fundraiser combines craft beer, wine, barbecue, live music, and small-town charm, all in support of arts and community programming in the Center of the Universe. 

The partnership with DAA expands the festival’s footprint beyond The Center’s front lawn at 500 South Center Street. Visitors will enjoy food trucks, craft and business vendors, lawn games, and live music from Buckville Hootenanny. Families can join in a costume contest for all ages, and Ashland residents with heavy trick-or-treat traffic can come and get a free bag of candy from Downtown Ashland Association’s booth.

Festival Highlights include:

  • 🎃 $15 entry (advance tickets online); free admission for under 21

  • 🍺 Craft beer pours: $7 full / $4 half

  • 🍷 Wine Tent with James River Cellars: $8 pours / $25 bottles

  • 🍖 Local barbecue from Bourne Rogue + food trucks

  • 🎶 Live music by Buckville Hootenanny

  • 🏆 Costume contests + lawn games for all ages

  • 🛍️ Vendor market hosted by Downtown Ashland Association

To make the day even more accessible, Amtrak Virginia serves as the ultimate designated driver. Passengers can order a Center of the Universe Brewski on board, then step off the train in downtown Ashland—just steps from The Center. Amtrak will host a booth with giveaways and a chance to win free tickets. After the festival ends, the celebration continues with a downtown “after crawl,” featuring Caboose Market and Café, Origin Beer Company, Ash & Olive with Cask and Stave specials, the Iron Horse Restaurant, and the Henry Clay Inn.

“We are thrilled to once again bring neighbors and visitors together for ‘Off the Rails,’” said Brenda Clarke, president of The Center. “This partnership with the Downtown Ashland Association makes it even more impactful. Not only is it a celebration of community, creativity, and connection—it’s a vital fundraiser that helps sustain the arts and cultural programming the Center provides year-round.”

Event Details:
 What: Off the Rails Craft Beer & Wine Festival: Brews, Boos, and BBQ
When: Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 3–7 p.m.
Where: Hanover Arts & Activities Center, 500 South Center Street, Ashland, VA 23005
Price: $15 advance entry (online tickets) | Free for under 21
More Info: https://www.hanoverarts.net/events/off-the-rails-2025

Stars Hollow Has a Twin in the Heart of Virginia

Take a stroll down Thompson Street or hop off the Amtrak, and you might do a double-take. Neighbors and travelers alike are whispering the same thing: downtown Ashland feels just like Stars Hollow. From quirky shops to beloved eateries, this charming town exudes the warmth, humor, and community spirit that made Gilmore Girls’ fictional town so unforgettable.

Henry Clay Inn (114 N Railroad Ave)

Begin your Ashland adventure at the Henry Clay Inn (114 N Railroad Ave), where luxurious accommodations and friendly smiles make guests feel right at home. You might hear a playful request floating through the halls: “I’d like a cookie and a raise.” Much like Lorelai managing the Dragonfly Inn, the Henry Clay is a place where dreams meet hospitality—and every stay feels like a story unfolding.

Just a block away, Ash and Olive embrace the town’s sweet and savory side. With a menu built for comfort and delight, it’s easy to imagine a resident declaring, “It’s one of my four major food groups. Candy, popcorn, and pizza.” In Ashland, as in Stars Hollow, food isn’t just sustenance—it’s a reason to gather, laugh, and celebrate the small joys.

For those inspired to twirl, leap, or take a spontaneous jazz break, Ashland Dance Academy (110 Thompson St) is the town’s Miss Patty’s School of Ballet. Offering yoga, ballet, tap, and jazz, it’s where Ashland’s brightest stars shine, proving that “it’s moments like this that make life worth living,” just as the Gilmore Girls themselves would agree.

Ashland Meat Co (107 S Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005)

Over at Ashland Meat Co, every plate is a declaration of dedication. Guests might echo the sentiment, “It’s not too much food. This is what we’ve been training for our whole lives. This is our destiny, this is our finest hour.” It’s a reminder that, whether you’re enjoying a perfectly grilled steak or a casual dinner with neighbors, Ashland honors the art of savoring life’s best moments.

Sweet tooth enthusiasts and pastry admirers will find their heaven at Bravo Bake Company (278 N Washington Hwy), where the rule is simple: “If eating cake is wrong, I don’t want to be right.” From buttery croissants to decadent cakes, every bite is a little indulgence reminiscent of a Stars Hollow afternoon filled with conversation, laughter, and perhaps a dash of mischief.

Book lovers, rejoice—Ashland Library (201 S Railroad Ave) offers the perfect Lorelai-and-Rory moment: “I live in two words. One is a world of books.” Step inside, and each shelf feels like its own paragraph in the story of Ashland, a place where imagination, knowledge, and community meet. Like the Stars Hollow library, it’s a quiet haven, full of discovery, inspiration, and endless charm.

Classic Coffee, Tea, and Books (112 Thompson St)

For a taste of the town’s musical and seasonal spirit, the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion (121 Thompson St) provides rocking chairs, live music, and porch displays that could rival any Stars Hollow gazebo. Local sponsor Foliage LLC by Richard Harding transforms this space into an autumnal wonderland, perfect for spontaneous sing-alongs or a heartfelt “You’re the best” moment with a friend.

Foodies will be delighted at Caboose Market and Cafe (108 S Railroad Ave), where farm-to-table fare could easily make a diner jealous. Move over, Luke; the sandwiches are only the beginning. And just around the corner, Classic Coffee, Tea, and Books (112 Thompson St) invites visitors to linger with a steaming cup and a good read—a cozy nook perfect for an “I just want coffee” moment, reminiscent of Stars Hollow Books’ charm.

Venture to Hickory Creek Antiques (427 England St), a treasure trove of over 40 vendors, and you might find yourself declaring, “I’ll take that!” From antiques to local art, it’s a place that captures the delightful unpredictability of Stars Hollow’s town shops. And for Italian cuisine lovers, IL Forno Bar & Grill (435 England St) offers flavors so authentic you might hear Lorelai sigh, “I’m not a pastry chef,” in admiration of the homemade pasta and sauces. Finally, at Sugar Fix Bakery (105 B England St), cookies are the main attraction, and one taste may leave you in a playful, “I’m in a cookie coma” bliss.

From morning coffee to evening strolls, Ashland proves that small-town charm never goes out of style. As neighbor and Downtown Ashland Association Executive Director “Coach” Antonio Miller says, “You haven’t really lived until you’ve been Gilmored in Ashland!” Whether you’re discovering hidden gems, sharing a laugh with neighbors, or simply soaking in the quaint streetscape, Ashland is a town where every visit writes its own story—one filled with warmth, whimsy, and that unmistakable Stars Hollow spirit.

For more information about visiting downtown Ashland, Virginia, go to https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/