Coffee Talk with Local Leaders

Join Ashley Kershner, Executive Director of Downtown Lynchburg Association, in our office as she sits down with local leaders (socially distanced, of course) over a cup of coffee. Guests include:

  • Geoffrey Kerhner, Executive Director of the Academy Center of the Arts

  • Leland Melvin, Astronaut, S.T.E.A.M., Explorer, Lynchburg Native

  • Marjette Upshur, Director of Economic Development for the City of Lynchburg

  • Reid Wodicka, Deputy City Manager for the City of Lynchburg

  • Beau Wright, Vice Mayor for the City of Lynchburg

⬇️ Scroll down to watch them all!


“I have always been so impressed with Downtown Lynchburg Association - and I’m not just saying this because Ashley’s my wife - but this is really true. There is a savvy of the organization in terms of understanding digital platforms, marketing, messaging, and communication. That is so important right now. I learn things every day from DLA that are not from Ashley telling me but because I see it on social media.” - Geoffrey Kershner

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Drinking: Mission House Coffee

One of the newest additions to Downtown Lynchburg, Mission House Coffee welcomes you to stop by their 722 Commerce Street location. You can even get the app and order ahead for curbside pick-up.


“Downtown matters because it becomes the pulse of the city. Downtown is the hub - it’s where things are going on.“ - Leland Melvin

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Drinking: Dublin 3 Coffeehouse

Dublin 3 is a coffee connoisseur’s dream. If that’s you, be sure to stop in at 1001 Jefferson Street for your next pour-over.


“We (Downtown Lynchburg) are the urban core. We are the arts & cultural core. Those are the kinds of things that keep people here and bring people here…right now, you need to give back. This is your city. It will be what you have it be and you need to support the small businesses here so that they are able to emerge strongly from this.” - Marjette Upshur

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Drinking: Nomad Coffee Company at gilded

Nomad Coffee Company at Gilded is the perfect place to sip and shop. Plus, you can order everything from a Lavender London Fog to a Chai A-Le Bouf from their online store for pick-up at 1103 Church Street.


“The great thing about our (City of Lynchburg) partnership with Downtown Lynchburg Association is that the DLA can be a little more agile sometimes and can go out and get it done quick.” - Reid Wodicka

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Drinking: The White Hart Cafe

“Community Happens Over Coffee” is their motto and The White Hart surely delivers. A Downtown Lynchburg staple, check them out at 1208 Main Street.


“I love the physical beauty of our downtown. We have a really gorgeous spot of land. And I always think that it is so beautiful, this community on the river.” - Beau Wright

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Drinking: Grains of Sense

Grains of Sense is located is an in-house roastery located inside the Lynchburg Community Market at 1219 Main Street. Offering both coffee and tea, they have something for everyone.


There’s still time to donate!

Donations can be made one-time or broken into four monthly payments. Proceeds support the Downtown Recovery Initiative, an effort created by DLA to actively support small businesses as they recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Donations made before August 10, 2020 are eligible for exclusive DOWNTOWN-A-THON merchandise.


Big thanks to Bank of the James for their support!