The Central Business District in Rocky Mount, Virginia, came alive recently with the inaugural “Putt & Pour” event—a lively, community-driven experience that blended food, drinks, shopping, and mini-golf into one unforgettable day. What began as a simple Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) event idea quickly grew into something more ambitious, thanks to the enthusiastic collaboration … More Rocky Mount Tees Off with First-Ever “Putt & Pour” Event to Strengthen Downtown Businesses

Over the summer, Virginia Main Street partnered with Friends of Southwest Virginia to launch a regional effort to help communities better understand and unlock the potential of their historic downtown districts. With support from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the Downtown Inventory + Real Estate Redevelopment Strategy Project provided critical insight and customized tools to … More Ten Communities, One Goal: Harnessing Data and Community Vision to Drive Downtown Revitalization

Throughout the month of July, you could wander into historic downtown Leesburg and find your favorite red and white striped guy all around town. The Find Waldo Local scavenger hunt is an annual, nationwide initiative organized by Candlewick Press and the American Booksellers Association that supports locally owned businesses, promotes family-friendly activities, and brings communities … More Find Waldo & Discover Downtown Leesburg

Virginia Main Street (VMS) invites you to participate in an engaging, half-day workshop focused on the essential role that zoning and design play in creating thriving, vibrant downtowns. Whether your community is just beginning to tackle design-related challenges or is looking to take its revitalization strategy to the next level, this session is for you! … More Shape the Future of Your Downtown: Fall 2025 Rev Up Workshop Registration is Open!

St. Paul Tomorrow recently completed an exciting public art project that was made possible through a FY24 Virginia Main Street Downtown Investment Grant. This initiative brought to life a dynamic piece of gateway art that now serves as a bold, beautiful welcome into the heart of downtown St. Paul. The project created a large-scale mural … More New Gateway Art Enlivens St. Paul

In the context of downtown revitalization, effective design doesn’t always require large-scale investments—small, strategic enhancements can have a significant and lasting impact. Whether it’s a splash of color, a place to rest, or a whimsical detail that sparks joy, small-scale projects can reinforce local identity, improve walkability, and foster a sense of place. These seemingly … More Simple Design Enhancements Encourage People to Linger Longer in Downtown Farmville

Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) took a playful approach to economic development by turning dog lovers into downtown ambassadors! Last year, HDR launched HBurg Hounds, which promoted downtown Harrisonburg as a dog-friendly destination by showcasing the community’s growing number of dog-friendly businesses. HDR complied a comprehensive guide to dog-friendly patios, shops, and services, and printed rack cards … More Harrisonburg Unleashes its First Dog Mayor

June 20 marked the official start of summer, and there’s no better time to be in a Main Street community — whether you are shopping, dining or simply taking a stroll. As the days grow longer and hotter, now is the perfect time to consider the pedestrian experience. Unfortunately, we don’t have the ability to … More Trees Are More Than Just Beautification Tools

Virginia Main Street (VMS) extends heartfelt congratulations to Kathleen (Kathy) Frazier, co-founder and Principal-in-Charge of Frazier Associates, on her retirement. For decades, Frazier Associates has served as the official architectural firm for the VMS program, playing a pivotal role in advancing preservation-based revitalization efforts across the Commonwealth. It’s been an honor to collaborate with such … More Passing the Baton: Celebrating Kathy Frazier’s Legacy and Welcoming the Next Chapter

Every community has something that sets it apart from all the others. For the Town of Marion in southwest Virginia, one of these unique assets is being the birthplace of the modern Mountain Dew recipe. In the 1950s, William Jones became president of the Tip Corporation in Marion and acquired the trademark for Mountain Dew, … More Leveraging Your Unique Assets: Marion Mtn Dew Museum