Guest blogger Jen Carpenter has been the executive director of Main Street Buena Vista for almost two years. She is also a co-owner of a downtown bookstore, Leaf & Lore, and an author. Main Street Buena Vista hosted our own “Downtown Walking Tour” on Wednesday, Aug. 9, where community members had the chance to walk alongside our staff and … More Walk the Block: A Lesson Learned from Across the State
Many Virginia Main Street organizations operate as 501(c)(3) nonprofits, but nonprofit status alone does not exempt an organization from Virginia’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). During a recent Advancing Virginia Main Street Board Forum, Megan Rhyne, Executive Director of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government, explained that a nonprofit may be subject to FOIA if … More When Does FOIA Apply to a Main Street Nonprofit?
Governor Abigail Spanberger spent Friday, Aug. 14, experiencing the people, places, and partnerships shaping Tappahannock’s future. Following visits to James H. Cary Intermediate School and VCU Health Tappahannock Hospital, the Governor joined Historic Downtown Tappahannock (HDT) and Town leaders for a walking tour of downtown. Stops at Java Jacks, Tappahannock Art Gallery, the historic DAW … More Gov. Spanberger Shines a Light on Downtown Tappahannock
The first thing visitors notice when they arrive in downtown Clarksville is its character. Historic storefronts, welcoming sidewalks, locally owned businesses, and views of nearby Kerr Lake create an experience that invites people to slow down, explore, and stay awhile. While that charm may seem effortless, it is the result of intentional investment and strong … More Clarksville’s Façade Improvement Program Strengthens Downtown
Great downtowns don’t happen by accident. They are built through vision, partnership, persistence, and a community willing to invest in its future. This week, Downtown Colonial Beach and the Town of Colonial Beach were recognized for exactly that kind of leadership. The Virginia Main Street program is proud to congratulate Downtown Colonial Beach and the … More Celebrating Colonial Beach’s 2026 Holzheimer Award for Economic Development
Virginia Main Street (VMS) proudly recognized the outstanding achievements of local leaders and communities whose innovative projects are strengthening historic downtowns across the Commonwealth during the 2026 Virginia Economic Development Association Summer Meeting in Blacksburg. The 2026 Virginia Main Street Merit Award winners demonstrate the creativity, collaboration, and dedication that continue to strengthen Virginia’s downtowns. … More Celebrating the 2026 Virginia Main Street Merit Award Winners
Every successful downtown revitalization story begins with a community that recognizes its strengths, embraces partnership, and is willing to invest in its future. That’s why we’re excited to welcome the Town of Warsaw as the newest participant in the Virginia Main Street Exploring Main Street program. Located in the heart of Virginia’s Northern Neck, Warsaw … More Welcome Warsaw to Exploring Main Street
This summer, the Town of St. Paul reached an exciting milestone in its ongoing downtown revitalization and elevation of natural assets. The community was selected to participate in the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program, a nationally competitive initiative designed to help small towns harness the power of outdoor recreation as a driver of … More RERC Advances St. Paul’s Main Street Revitalization & Outdoor Rec.
Community surveys and market data only matter if people use them. Last month, Leesburg Movement hosted Downtown Decoded, an educational event that gave downtown business owners direct access to consumer and market insights and practical ideas they could implement right away. Through a short presentation and round table discussions, business owners learned that visitors spend … More Downtown Decoded: How Leesburg Informs Businesses Through Data
Every downtown has a story to tell. Whether it’s the businesses that have shaped the community for generations, the volunteers driving revitalization efforts, or the new investments transforming vacant buildings into thriving destinations, these stories help define a place and inspire others to become part of its future. This fall, Virginia Main Street invites community … More Rev Up Your Community’s Storytelling This Fall with Virginia Main Street
Virginia Main Street 