At the 2025 Advancing Virginia Main Street (VMS) Executive Director Retreat, local program directors engaged in the Wonderwall—a self-directed facilitation exercise designed to spark reflection on public communication efforts. Rooted in Appreciative Inquiry, the activity invited participants to first celebrate “what went well” before considering “opportunities for growth.” The goal: to help executive directors sharpen … More Celebrating Success, Inspiring Growth

Last month, the Phoebus Partnership welcomed City of Hampton council members and department directors into their newly designated Advancing Virginia Main Street (AVMS) district for “Walk the Block.” Attendees were presented with Partnership swag (including t-shirts with their new logos), and the event served as an ideal platform for continued municipal support of their Main … More Local Leaders “Walk the Block” in Phoebus

If you’re part of a Main Street community in Virginia, you know how important it is to connect and amplify your community through its rich history and culture. Whether you’re planning a historic walking tour, a community storytelling event, or festivals that bring local heritage to life, Virginia Humanities can help provide a funding boost. … More Virginia Humanities Grants: Bring Local Stories to Life

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