The Hunt Continues in Downtown Ashland ✨🍫

Downtown Ashland has officially entered its main character era, where the soundtrack swells, the villains don’t dare to even lurk in the shadows, and destiny arrives wrapped in milk chocolate. The Gonna Be Golden Chocolate Bar Hunt is unfolding like a K-Pop Demon Hunter saga — dramatic, joyful, and powered entirely by community love.

The mission is simple but the thrill is real: four Golden Tickets are still hidden somewhere downtown, waiting for the next hero to discover them. Each participating business is guaranteed to hold a Golden Ticket among their Gonna Be Golden bars, which means every stop is a new chapter. If you don’t strike gold right away, consider it an invitation to linger, explore, and fall a little more in love with everything Ashland has to offer.

Barry Farmer of The Barry Farmer Morning Show happened upon their Golden Ticket at Ash & Olive

Already, a few legendary moments have been written into Golden Ticket lore. Ashland Dance Academy sold out of their bars at lightning speed, where a tiny dancer with unmistakable star power uncovered the Golden Ticket and chose to exchange it for a $50 gift card to Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys. Ash & Olive set the trend, selling out completely on their first night when a crowd of neighbors poured into the delicious restaurant. When Barry Farmer of The Barry Farmer Morning Show happened upon their Golden Ticket and claimed the Ash & Olive gift card reward like fate itself had tuned in.

When Wagner Jewelers sold out of their chocolate bars, their Golden Ticket found a thoughtful home at Chirp, where the winner stocked up on bird seed to help feathered friends flourish through the winter months. Over at Miss Timmie’s, the Golden Ticket winner leaned fully into the moment, using their prize to select beautifully curated antiques that felt as timeless as the story itself.

Now, the spotlight shifts — because the hunt is far from over.

Miss Timmie’s Golden Ticket winner

At Homemades by Suzanne, a full basket of chocolate bars remains, along with a Golden Ticket waiting patiently among fresh fare, boxed lunches, catering favorites, gift baskets, homemade breads, and bakery treats made from scratch with love. Just down the street, RefunkIt hums with creative energy, offering carefully chosen funk, handcrafted art, and gifts from Virginia and beyond, plus a still-undiscovered Golden Ticket tied to a mystery prize guaranteed to be one of a kind.

Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys continues to feel like a wonderland straight out of a collector’s dream, filled with toys and model trains in Ashland’s historic downtown, and with a few bars still left, the next Golden Ticket reveal could happen at any moment. Chirp, beloved for its special formulas, feeders, and all things birding that support native species and backyard habitats, has already awarded its prize — yet its Golden Ticket remains hidden, quietly waiting for the right person to notice.

Adding a bold new beat to the story, Los Regios Tienda Latina has joined the hunt with their own stack of Gonna Be Golden Bars and a Golden Ticket just waiting to be found. A visit there promises far more than chocolate alone, with warm fresh tortillas, international candies, heavenly pastries, groceries, colorful piñatas, and festive party supplies filling the shelves. Their highly acclaimed food truck adds another layer of magic, serving authentic Mexican dishes that transport taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Ashland Dance Academy golden ticket winner

Once a Golden Ticket is discovered, the ending is yours to choose. Winners can redeem their ticket for a free month of dance classes from Ashland Dance Academy, the ultimate Homemades Snack Pack from Homemades by Suzanne featuring chicken salad, rolls, and chocolate chess pie, or a $40 basket of heartfelt treasures from Take Away, Ashland’s newest card and gift shop. Those drawn to the unexpected may find their way back to RefunkIt, where a mystery prize awaits — eclectic, thoughtful, and impossible to duplicate.

Joining the adventure is easy. Simply visit participating downtown Ashland locations, pick up a Gonna Be Golden milk-chocolate bar, and scan the QR code on the back of the Minuteman Press of Ashland wrapper to pay — or hand over cash if you prefer. Every purchase doubles as a donation to Downtown Ashland Association, supporting free community events, entrepreneur resources, and powerful media that continues to uplift Ashland’s Main Street.

This golden saga is made possible thanks to the generosity and creativity of sponsors Ashland Dance Academy and Minuteman Press of Ashland, who donated their talents to bring the Gonna Be Golden Chocolate Bars to life. With every bar purchased, shoppers become part of the story — champions of small businesses, believers in community, and heroes in a downtown worth celebrating.

The bars are disappearing. The tickets are hiding. The music is building.

The only question left is whether you will be the next to go golden in Downtown Ashland.

Funding Meets Fashion at Style Cents: Women’s Career Brunch in Ashland

Dr. Karen Totten White speaking at Women Building Bridges to Business

Funding meets fashion at Style Cents: Women’s Career Brunch, an empowering, thoughtfully curated experience designed to support women entrepreneurs in building confident, sustainable businesses—inside and out. Hosted in partnership with the Downtown Ashland Association, the brunch brings together financial strategy, personal branding, and community connection during Black History Month.

Buffet by Around the Table inside the Gathering Place

Taking place Saturday, February 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at The Gathering Place (155 Junction Drive, Ashland), Style Cents will feature holistic presentations from Dr. Karen Totten White of Emerge New Unlimited and award-winning wardrobe stylist and image consultant Anetra Byrd. Guests will enjoy a buffet brunch by Ashland’s soul food favorites, Around the Table, while engaging in meaningful dialogue, learning, and relationship-building.

“At every stage of entrepreneurship, women are balancing visibility, credibility, and financial responsibility,” said Dr. Karen Totten White, Financial Strategist and Business Growth Consultant. “Downtown Ashland Association understands how important it is to create spaces where women can grow confidently and strategically. This collaboration was inspired by a shared commitment to equipping women with real-world tools, financial clarity, and a professional presence that directly impacts business growth, leadership, and long-term success.”

Dr. Karen Totten White speaking at Women Building Bridges to Business

Dr. White’s session will focus on aligning financial decisions with business goals while strengthening confidence and leadership presence. “I want our guests to leave feeling confident, commanding, and committed,” she shared. “They’ll gain practical financial insights, mindset shifts, and style awareness that support stronger decision-making, increased income potential, and a more intentional personal brand.”

Central to the brunch is the powerful connection between money and image. “For entrepreneurs, our brand is our first impression,” Dr. White explained. “Financial literacy gives us the power to invest wisely in ourselves and our business, while fashion supports confidence, authority, and credibility. When we understand how to manage our money and present ourselves intentionally, we position ourselves for greater opportunities and sustained career growth.”

Anetra Byrd, Wardrobe Stylist, Image Consultant, and Lifestyle Architect

Joining Dr. White is Anetra Byrd, Wardrobe Stylist, Image Consultant, and Lifestyle Architect, whose work centers on authenticity, alignment, and intentional presence. “This partnership is a natural alignment of values,” Byrd said. “Ashland is a town built on authenticity, community, and intentional presence—the very principles at the core of my work.”

Byrd emphasized the importance of image in a close-knit community. “In a town like Ashland, your image is an extension of your credibility,” she said. “Whether you’re a shop owner, a professional, or a community leader, how you present yourself impacts how you’re perceived—and ultimately, how effectively you can serve and grow.”

Her presentation will guide attendees through a personalized framework for building a wardrobe that supports both professional goals and personal identity. “This isn’t just about what to wear,” Byrd explained. “It’s about creating harmony between your inner identity and your outer expression. My goal is to replace wardrobe stress with lasting clarity, so women can move through their day with confidence—whether they’re meeting clients, collaborating locally, or stepping into leadership roles.”

Both speakers highlighted the significance of hosting Style Cents during Black History Month. “Black History Month is a reminder that progress is built through knowledge, resilience, and strategic action,” said Dr. White. “The skills shared in this session—financial literacy, intentional planning, and self-presentation—help women define their futures on their own terms and build legacies for tomorrow.”

Byrd echoed that sentiment, noting the role of style in self-definition and legacy. “Style has long been a medium for claiming identity and space,” she said. “The skills we’ll cover are about curating a personal narrative with intention. In Ashland, where visibility and connection matter, how you present yourself shapes how you’re remembered and the opportunities you attract.”

Style Cents: Women’s Career Brunch invites women entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders to invest in themselves, connect with like-minded peers, and leave with actionable tools to support long-term success.

Event Details
Saturday, February 28
9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
The Gathering Place, 155 Junction Drive, Ashland, VA
  Free registration: https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/stylecents

Ashland Teen Bootcamps Support Entrepreneurs at Every Age

The Downtown Ashland Association continues its mission of cultivating a vibrant, entrepreneurial community with the launch of the Teen Entrepreneur Bootcamp and Pitch Competition, a multi-week program designed to empower young people ages 11 to 18 with the skills, confidence, and vision to turn ideas into action.

Hosted by Divine Assist Youth Center and Sisterly Sweets LLC in partnership with the Downtown Ashland Association, the Teen Entrepreneur Bootcamp offers hands-on workshops focused on entrepreneurship, leadership development, and confidence-building. The program culminates in a Pitch Competition where participants will present their business ideas for a chance to win a share of $2,000 in cash prizes—giving teens a real-world opportunity to practice innovation, public speaking, and strategic thinking.

Taking place February 4, 12, and 26, as well as March 5 and 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 106 S. James Street in Ashland, the bootcamp reflects the Downtown Ashland Association’s belief that entrepreneurship is not limited by age, but fueled by opportunity, mentorship, and community support.

“Entrepreneurship is about planting seeds early and nurturing them with the right tools and encouragement,” said Coach Antonio Miller of Divine Assist Youth Center. “When young people are given space to explore their ideas, build confidence, and be taken seriously as innovators, it changes the trajectory of their future. This bootcamp shows our teens that Downtown Ashland believes in them—and that belief is powerful.”

Divine Assist Youth Center has long been a cornerstone of youth development in the community, providing community service opportunities, mentoring, tutoring, recreational programming, and leadership-focused initiatives that help young people thrive both academically and personally. Through this partnership, participants are supported not only as aspiring entrepreneurs, but as whole individuals discovering their strengths and voices.

Sisterly Sweets LLC brings its own entrepreneurial spirit to the program. Known in Downtown Ashland for its from-scratch desserts made with fresh ingredients and thoughtfully combined flavors, the locally owned bakery embodies the creativity, dedication, and passion that define small business success. By opening its doors and sharing its experience, Sisterly Sweets offers teens a tangible example of what it looks like to turn passion into profession.

For the Downtown Ashland Association, the Teen Entrepreneur Bootcamp is a natural extension of its ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurs at every stage—from aspiring teen founders to established small business owners. By investing in youth-focused programming, the organization reinforces its commitment to economic vitality, workforce development, and inclusive opportunity in the heart of Ashland.

As the Center of the Universe continues to grow, initiatives like the Teen Entrepreneur Bootcamp ensure that the next generation of leaders, innovators, and business owners are not only welcomed—but actively championed.

For more information and to register, visit https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/teen

Your 2026 Ashland Vision Board

If you’ve ever wished your vision board could come to life, 2026 in Ashland is ready to deliver. This year’s calendar is filled with moments both joyful and meaningful—events that invite you to gather, reflect, celebrate, and return again and again to the heart of the Center of the Universe.

Untold Stories at Patrick Henry High School

The magic is already underway with Gonna Be Golden Milk Chocolate Bars, available now while supplies last. Only four golden tickets remain, each hidden inside a creamy milk-chocolate bar and redeemable for extraordinary downtown prizes. It’s a sweet reminder that in Ashland, even everyday treats can hold a little surprise.

On March 1 from 4–6 PM, the community comes together for Untold Stories at Patrick Henry High School. This powerful panel features local residents sharing oral histories centered on race, community, and segregation during the 1940s–1960s—an evening of listening, learning, and honoring the voices that shaped our town.

Starting in March and continuing through October, Ashland Fourth Fridays light up downtown on the fourth Friday of every month. These beloved street parties feature late-night shopping, farm-to-table fare, live music, dancing, photo-worthy moments, and the unmistakable buzz of Ashland after hours.

Ashland Fourth Fridays in historic downtown Ashland

History and hometown pride take center stage on March 28 during Secretariat Day, held at 1104 PM around the Secretariat Racing Into History monument in the Reynolds Family Plaza at Randolph-Macon College. Virginia’s only Secretariat monument comes alive with family-friendly fun, history talks, local vendors, food, merchandise, and horse-powered joy—made possible by @secretariatforvirginia.

Railfans and festival lovers alike will want to mark April 25 from 10 AM–4 PM for Ashland Train Day, the 22nd annual celebration of the town’s deep railroad roots. Expect a full day of festival fun, railroad flair, and community connection, with opportunities to get involved as a vendor, volunteer, or sponsor.

In May, big ideas take the spotlight at the Center Street Pitch Competition at the Ashland Theatre. Known as the friendliest Shark Tank in the Center of the Universe, this event champions local entrepreneurs as they pitch for major cash prizes and community support.

Light Up the Tracks through the lens of Robert Pfeifer

Summer sweetness arrives on June 6 from 10 AM–5 PM with the Ashland Strawberry Faire. A cherished tradition since 1982, this free, family-friendly festival overflows with strawberry treats, live entertainment, and activities—all while supporting scholarships and local nonprofits.

As the year winds down, Ashland turns up the glow with Light Up the Tracks, running November 21 through January 1, 2027. This mile-long holiday light display anchors six weeks of events, markets, music, and seasonal magic, powered by @dominionenergy and beloved by all ages.

In Ashland, planning your year isn’t just about dates—it’s about choosing moments. As you look ahead to 2026, we hope you’ll save space for the experiences that make the Center of the Universe feel like home.

Seize Your Space in the Center of the Universe

Vendors at Ashland Train Day in historic downtown Ashland

Entrepreneurs have been looking for the right moment to claim space, build brand awareness, and plan smarter (while saving money). Downtown Ashland Association is making it happen.

At the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA), supporting small businesses isn’t a one‑off initiative—it’s a year‑round commitment. From education and exposure to real, revenue‑generating opportunities in the heart of historic downtown Ashland, DAA is proud to offer meaningful pathways for entrepreneurs to grow, connect, and be seen.

Education First: Free Entrepreneur Workshops

Free entrepreneur workshops at 6 PM on the first Wednesday of every month

Every great business starts with knowledge—and community. That’s why DAA hosts free entrepreneur workshops at 6 PM on the first Wednesday of every month inside the Ashland Branch Library. These sessions are designed to empower local and regional entrepreneurs with practical tools, shared expertise, and connections that matter.

We believe informed entrepreneurs build stronger businesses—and stronger downtowns.

From Learning to Earning: High‑Impact Vendor Events

Education is only the beginning. DAA then helps entrepreneurs turn ideas into action by creating opportunities to vend at some of the most beloved events in the Center of the Universe.

Where Entrepreneurs Show Up—and Stand Out

Ashland Fourth Fridays (March–October) mark the rhythm of the seasons in the Center of the Universe. Hosted at Ashland Town Hall, these free, family‑friendly destination events welcome spring, celebrate summer, and awe in autumn with live concerts, picnic‑perfect vibes, and entertainment that invites people to linger downtown. From face painting and dancing to the most delicious picnic fixings Ashland has to offer, Fourth Fridays create the kind of relaxed, joyful atmosphere where vendors thrive—meeting customers who are ready to explore, shop, and support small businesses.

Ashland Train Day by Rick Kidd Photography

Ashland Train Day, now in its 22nd year, is nothing short of legendary. Known around the world, this downtown‑wide railroad extravaganza transforms Ashland into a living celebration of rail history and community pride. Model trains, touch‑a‑truck style vehicles, live entertainment, giveaways, immersive history experiences, and an entire kids’ zone—complete with On the Fly bounce houses, obstacle courses, and games—fill the streets. All the while, real trains barrel through downtown, creating unforgettable moments and unmatched foot traffic for vendors.

The Grand Illumination officially ushers in the holiday season in the Center of the Universe. Hosted at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion, this magical evening features live entertainment, traditional outdoor shopping, light‑up contests, prizes, and a breathtaking tree lighting. More than 10,000 twinkling lights outline downtown Ashland, made possible by Dominion Energy, turning the entire district into a festive marketplace where vendors connect with holiday shoppers in a truly memorable setting.

Amplification That Goes Beyond the Event

When you partner with DAA, your reach doesn’t stop at your 10x10 space.

Vendors and sponsors are amplified through a robust mix of media that extends far beyond event day. This includes digital storytelling shared locally and around the world, print features, and radio promotion on K101.2 POP Richmond, where brands are heard across the airwaves. Sponsors are also invited to attend Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Parties, creating opportunities to connect, collaborate, and hear their brand amplified in real time.

Select sponsors even see their brand light up the big screen at the historic Ashland Theatre, reinforcing visibility in one of downtown’s most iconic spaces.

It’s not just vending—it’s visibility.

One Sponsorship. A Full Year of Opportunity.

Silver Business Sponsor Silver Business Sponsor
Silver Business Sponsor
$500.00

Here’s where planning gets easier—and more affordable.

Rather than filling out nine separate vendor applications, waiting for invitations, and paying individual vendor fees throughout the year, businesses can secure guaranteed placement with a Downtown Ashland Association sponsorship.

Silver Sponsorship benefits include:

  • A guaranteed 10x10 vendor space at:

    • Every Ashland Fourth Fridays event (March–October)

    • Ashland Train Day

    • The Grand Illumination

  • A full year of visibility and support

  • Cost savings and simplified planning

  • Priority access to Downtown Ashland’s most high‑traffic events

That’s an entire year of vending opportunities—without the guesswork—in the Center of the Universe.

Now Is the Time to Claim Your Space

Downtown Ashland Association sponsorships are more than a marketing opportunity—they’re an investment in your business’s growth and a partnership with a community that shows up for its entrepreneurs.

Guarantee your place today and start planning smarter:

👉 https://www.ashlandvirginia.com/sponsor

Because when small businesses thrive, downtown thrives—and there’s no better place to shine than right here in the Center of the Universe.