Free Entrepreneurial Boot Camps

In celebration of National Entrepreneurship Month, Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) and Pamunkey Regional Library’s Ashland Branch Library are teaming up to launch Entrepreneurial Boot Camps—a new, free monthly series designed to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs connect, learn, and grow.

Starting Wednesday, November 5, Entrepreneurial Bootcamps will take place from 6:00 to 7:30 PM on the first Wednesday of every month through September 2, 2026, in the Ashland Branch Library’s conference room. Each session will offer opportunities to collaborate, network, and discover resources to help local businesses thrive.

“Downtown Ashland is one of the top main streets in America because of the dreamers and innovators who set up shop on our historic streets,” said Antonio “Coach” Miller, Executive Director of Downtown Ashland Association. “It’s not only part of our mission to give these entrepreneurs the resources they deserve to thrive, but to pull everyone into our orbit, share what we know, and grow together.”

The view of historic downtown Ashland, Virginia, from the Ashland Branch Library.

Downtown Ashland’s business district is a true showcase of small-town entrepreneurship—made up almost entirely of local owners, makers, and risk-takers whose creativity and commitment keep the Center of the Universe vibrant. Entrepreneurial Bootcamps are an extension of DAA’s ongoing mission to strengthen this ecosystem through education, connection, and collaboration—while inviting entrepreneurs from across the region to join in.

And getting here couldn’t be easier. Participants can hop on Amtrak Virginia and arrive just steps from the Ashland Branch Library, making a quick and convenient trip for business owners and innovators from Richmond, Fredericksburg, and beyond. After the workshop, guests are encouraged to enjoy dinner at one of Downtown Ashland’s farm-to-fork restaurants located right along the tracks—an experience that pairs perfectly with the town’s entrepreneurial spirit and small-town charm.

Pamunkey Regional Library continues to be a trusted community partner, offering an array of free tools and resources for local businesses. With a Pamunkey library card, entrepreneurs can access business databases, market research, and professional development materials across all library branches.

For more information about these monthly events, visitAshlandVirginia.com/bootcamp.
If you have special physical or communication needs, please contact ask@pamunkeylibrary.org or call the Ashland Branch Library at (804) 798-4072.

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