Category: tourism

Stay Current On Issues That Affect Traditional Commercial Districts

February 1, 2019

In order to meet new challenges and ensure an effective Main Street revitalization effort, program participants need ongoing training.  Those participants – both staff and local community leaders – need different skills in different phases of the revitalization process.  For that reason, the Virginia Main Street program offers a robust training calendar tackling basic revitalization … More Stay Current On Issues That Affect Traditional Commercial Districts

Transform Ordinary Downtowns into Successful Destinations

January 10, 2019

How do you feel about free assistance to generate new ideas for attracting visitors to downtown? How about an added layer of resources to complement your Main Street America membership services and make it just that much easier to improve downtown? For 30 years, veteran Main Street partner Roger Brooks has helped thousands of people … More Transform Ordinary Downtowns into Successful Destinations

Walking in a Main Street Wonderland: Celebrating the Holidays in Virginia

December 14, 2018

If you are looking for the holiday spirit, look no further than Virginia’s Main Streets.  Whether a holiday shopping promotion, a tree lighting, or a downtown evening carriage ride, there is a special experience just for you and your family.  Our partners at #VirginiaTourism make sure you can plan this season’s special moments with the … More Walking in a Main Street Wonderland: Celebrating the Holidays in Virginia

Autonomous Transit Shuttle Service to Launch in Crozet

November 27, 2018

The Downtown Crozet Initiative, a DHCD Commercial District Affiliate community organization, is embracing cutting-edge technology to help make visiting downtown a convenient, zero-emission experience, shuttling customers from a parking area into the commercial core.  While it may sound more Jetsons than Main Street, this is the real deal. Crozet’s Perrone Robotics, Inc., JAUNT, Inc. and … More Autonomous Transit Shuttle Service to Launch in Crozet

Welcome to Downtown Harrisonburg!

July 3, 2018

Guest Blogger Andrea Dono, executive director of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, has extensive experience in Main Street revitalization and community-based economic development, including 10 years at the National Main Street Center.  Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance is thrilled to co-host the Virginia Main Street Downtown Intersections, July 16-18, 2018, and welcome you to our community in just a … More Welcome to Downtown Harrisonburg!

New Report Shows Historic Tax Credits Boost Virginia’s Economy

February 16, 2018

During an annual legislative reception hosted last week, First Lady Pam Northam highlighted the findings of two just-completed studies showing the sustained and substantial contribution that historic preservation makes to Virginia’s economy, specifically through the state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits (HRTCs) One study, conducted by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and … More New Report Shows Historic Tax Credits Boost Virginia’s Economy

Vote for America’s Happiest Seaside Town

February 2, 2018

COASTAL LIVING magazine recently announced its seventh annual top 10 list of America’s Happiest Seaside Towns.  The unranked list includes top beach destinations across the United States, from Michigan to Florida and from Oregon to…Virginia’s Cape Charles! Here’s your call to action!  You have until February 6 at 5 p.m. EST to vote for your … More Vote for America’s Happiest Seaside Town

The Destination Express: Enhancing the Visitor Experience with History

October 18, 2017

The Ashland Main Street Association and its local partners are dedicated to making downtown an amazing destination.  How?  By embracing their transportation history they are improving the visitor experience and creating memorable central gathering spaces. Executive Director Tom Wulf is our guest blogger with the details.     Earlier in 2017, mural artist Ed Trask and … More The Destination Express: Enhancing the Visitor Experience with History

Practical, Low-cost Ideas to Make Your Downtown A Destination

July 24, 2017

What can your Main Street program do to make downtown more of a destination for locals and visitors? Would a punch list of key actions be helpful?  With today’s market, Main Street communities are happily positioned for a resurgence.  As a Main Street advocate, having a plan to ride that wave and make your downtown … More Practical, Low-cost Ideas to Make Your Downtown A Destination