Category: Virginia Tourism

Harrisonburg drives downtown strategy for electric charging stations

September 30, 2011

In October, Harrisonburg will become the first city in the Shenandoah Valley, and one of only a handful of cities in the state, with a public, Level II electric car charging station. Located behind Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC) in downtown Harrisonburg, the charging station will provide citizens with clean energy for their electric vehicles and … More Harrisonburg drives downtown strategy for electric charging stations

“If you don’t have anything else to do, dress up like a hotdog.”

August 24, 2011

Downtown districts hold events for a variety of reasons:  to raise the identity and up the energy of a district, to earn money for the  downtown organization and to boost retail sales in district stores.  All are good reasons, and the events promote the role of the district as the central convening point in a … More “If you don’t have anything else to do, dress up like a hotdog.”

Bike Virginia puts pedal power into Radford economy

August 22, 2011

For three days, 2,000 cyclists from Virginia and other eastern states encamped in Radford as part of the 2011 Bike Virginia Tour. And, to help the region make the most of the event’s economic impact – projected at more than $1.5 million over the complete five days – Main Street Radford was busy providing volunteers, information, a welcoming spirit … More Bike Virginia puts pedal power into Radford economy

Heartwood opens doors as regional gateway

June 29, 2011

Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway is now open.  The facility welcomes visitors to the region and connects lifelong residents with the artisans and musicians that surround them in the 19-county region of Southwest Virginia. Perched on a knoll adjacent to I-81 on the campus of Abingdon’s Virginia Highlands Community College, the unique structure, by Roanoke’s Spectrum Design, should attract curious … More Heartwood opens doors as regional gateway

Radford to Host Bike Virginia Tour 2011

April 25, 2011

Spring is on the way, and communities all over Virginia are welcoming it with outdoor athletic events. From 5Ks to marathons, every athlete can find something to participate in over the next several months. This June, Radford, a Designated Virginia Main Street Community, will be hosting one of the most unique events Virginia has to offer—the Bike … More Radford to Host Bike Virginia Tour 2011

Virginia Sesquicentennial Tourism Marketing Program

March 22, 2011

Organizations all over Virginia are preparing for the statewide 150th anniversary of the Civil War and Emancipation, the Virginia Sesquicentennial.  Historic Manassas, Inc., a Virginia Main Street program, in coordination with the City of Manassas, is gearing up for the commemoration with a four-day event, July 21 -24, 2011, featuring living history demonstrations, speakers, art, music, … More Virginia Sesquicentennial Tourism Marketing Program

Classic settings for classic films

January 31, 2011

Community members working to revitalize their downtown often reminisce of Saturdays when residents poured into the streets. Frequently the movies are part of those recollections, and the black and white photos show it to be the case. People crowd the sidewalks, and on the marquee above them: Double Indemnity, Singing in the Rain, Some Like it Hot.  These classic … More Classic settings for classic films

Martinsville Courthouse Historic Virginia Site of the Month

January 18, 2011

The Department of Historic Resources (DHR) posted a new slide show for their web feature “Historic Virginia, Site of the Month.”  This month DHR features images and highlights of the changing nature of the circa-1824 Henry County Courthouse, which found new life in 2010 thanks to grants from Save America’s Treasures and the local Harvest … More Martinsville Courthouse Historic Virginia Site of the Month

Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants at work

January 13, 2011

In the summer of 2010, Virginia Main Street (VMS) provided seven Downtown Improvement Grants (DIGs)  that allowed designated Main Street communities to undertake specific projects for which they did not otherwise have funding. The small grants, capped at $2,500, were awarded in a competitive process based on projected outcomes, committee and volunteeer leadership, and the capacity to successfully complete the planned project. While Virginia Main … More Virginia Main Street Downtown Improvement Grants at work