The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has designated Buena Vista as an Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) community, along with eight other communities!
Buena Vista is a city of about 6,500 people nestled in the Shenandoah Valley. Founded in 1892, the city is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and a strong sense of community spirit. It has a storied past rooted in the region’s industrial boom, with its early economy driven by iron production, timber, and later, textile manufacturing. The Maury River, which runs through the town, was once the lifeblood of local industry and remains a focal point for outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, fishing, and river sports, contributing to the town’s reputation as a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Buena Vista’s recent history has been shaped by significant challenges, most notably the devastating floods of 1969 and 1985. The 1985 flood, in particular, had a profound impact on the community, leading to the loss of many factories that had been the backbone of the local economy. These disasters were a turning point for Buena Vista, highlighting the community’s vulnerability and forcing residents to confront the reality of economic decline. However, the town’s spirit of perseverance shone through as the community came together to rebuild and chart a new course for the future.
People visit Buena Vista’s Main Street district for its charming, small-town atmosphere and the sense of community it fosters. The district features a handful of quaint shops where visitors can find unique gifts, grab an ice-cream, and enjoy slow pace of small-town living. These small businesses add a personal touch to the shopping experience, attracting those who appreciate the warmth of a friendly, local store.
Established in 2022, Main Street Buena Vista (MSBV) evolved during its time as a Mobilizing Main Street community. MSBV enhanced its board of directors, fund development, and volunteer base to effectively implement the Main Street Approach to revitalize its downtown district. Specific initiatives that MSBV pursues include:
- Supporting Local Businesses: MSBV bolsters the economic vitality of its downtown by organizing collaborative “buy local” marketing campaigns, social media initiatives like the #VibrantBV hashtag, and its gift card program.
- Storefront Improvements and Public Space Beautification: MSBV partners with local businesses to enhance storefronts through facade improvements, signage upgrades, and public art installations. MSBV also works with the City of Buena Vista to maintain and improve infrastructure in the downtown experience such as streetscape enhancements, improved lighting, and pedestrian-friendly pathways make downtown safe, accessible, and attractive. MSBV promoted the River Walk’s trailhead in the heart of downtown, which connects people between the trail and the center of commercial activity.
- Hosting and Promoting Events: MSBV plays a key role in organizing and promoting events that bring its downtown to life. The Mountain Day festival, Labor Day Parade, and Maury River Fiddlers Convention are key events that bring the community together, filling the streets with festive energy and creating lasting memories for families. MSBV also collaborates with local historical societies and cultural organizations to preserve and promote the unique heritage of downtown Buena Vista to ensure that Buena Vista’s history and traditions at the heart of the ongoing revitalization of its downtown district.
- Collaborating with Educational Institutions: MSBV partners with Southern Virginia University and Mountain Gateway Community College to engage students and faculty with opportunities to volunteer, to support local businesses, and to infuse new energy and ideas into the community.
Virginia Main Street extends its congratulations to Buena Vista on achieving AVMS designation, and we look forward to continuing our support as the community progresses toward securing and successfully maintaining Main Street America Accreditation!
Image Credit (Buena Vista Aerial) – Only in Virginia
Image Credit (Downtown Buena Vista) – Virginia is for Lovers
Image Credit (MSBV Logo): Main Street Buena Vista
Image Credit (Downtown Buena Vista) – Virginia Outdoors Foundation
Virginia Main Street 