News

We have been reporting on a beer and wine trail coming to the Shenandoah Valley for several months.

The trail has taken one more step toward becoming a reality.

The trail was tentatively named "Barrels, Brews, and Byways," but, after much thought and collaboration, they have now switched the name to the Shenandoah Spirits Trail.

It will stretch through most of the Valley from Harrisonburg to Frederick County.

Leaders with Shenandoah County Tourism say the name makes more sense, and gives more of an identity to our area.

"It is easier for consumers to remember, it is simple, and of course Shenandoah sums up who we are here in the Valley, and is very recognizable. Not just within the Shenandoah Valley, but people all over the world," said Jenna French, the Director of Tourism for Shenandoah County.

There are still several things to be completed before their launch date near the end of September, but leaders say they are on track and excited.

The link below includes video footage of story coverage. 

Source obtained 9/1/16 via www.whvs.com - 
http://www.whsv.com/content/news/Shenandoah-Valley-wIne--beer-trail-gets-new-name-391799711.html 

Those taking the Valley by bicycle have helped the local economy, according to an economic impact analysis.

A Bicycling in the Central Shenandoah Valley Economic Impact Analysis was conducted by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission along with regional partners from Shenandoah County Tourism, Bryce Resort, Greater Augusta Regional Tourism, Harrisonburg Tourism, Rockingham County, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism, Massanutten Resort and the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition, a release said.

The study looked at the economic impacts of cycling within the region’s four counties and five cities and estimated the impact of bicycle tourism on the local retail, lodging and restaurant businesses, the release said.

“The results of this study show just how much bicycle tourism already contributes to the local economy and provide valuable information for evaluating and exploring new ways to showcase our bicycle-friendly amenities to a larger audience and grow this sector into the future," said Brenda Black, director of Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services, in a release.

The study also provided a profile of bicyclists visiting the Valley — why they are visiting, what they are visiting and how they are visiting.

Read full story... 

Source obtained 9/1/16 via newsleader.com -
http://www.newsleader.com/story/news/local/2016/08/30/cyclists-boost-tourism-and-business-according-study/89581248/ 

It’s quaint and historical, and it’s quietly becoming a weekend favorite for Virginians and out-of-staters alike. Lexington, the picturesque Shenandoah Valley city with a population of less than 8,000 and home to Virginia Military Institute and Washington & Lee University, offers a growing selection of hip cultural attractions like microbreweries, wineries, hiking trails and locally-made art. 

If you haven’t been, Lexington should be at the top of your list of places to visit. Why not go this weekend? Here are our picks to get you started.

Read more... 

Source obtained Sept 8, 2016 -
http://www.virginialiving.com/the-daily-post/the-weekender/

I decided to go on a multi-day nearly 30-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail in Virginia. 

Source obtained 8/26/16 via getawaysforgrownups.com -
https://getawaysforgrownups.com/hiking-appalachian-trail/

Rose River Falls is a waterfall and various cascades int he Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

Source obtained 8/26/16 via USAtoday.com - 
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/2016/08/18/swimming-holes-lakes-waterfalls-usa/88917960/

WEBINAR: The Impact of New Salaried Employee Overtime Rules on the Hospitality Industry

Join VRLTA and Martha Looney, owner of Restaurant Positive, for a webinar on how the U.S. Department of Labor's recent ruling on to the Fair Labor Standards Act. August 23, 2016 at 3:00pm Register for this event here.

The local economic impact of Virginia’s artisan industry was $572.2 million in 2014, according to a benchmark study.

Nearly 700,000 travelers visited Virginia's artisan attractions and businesses during the year, spending more than $250 million and supporting almost 12,000 full-time jobs throughout the commonwealth, the report says. The average visitor spent $260 per person, per trip.

Virginia artisans and associated businesses buy 47 percent of their supplies in commonwealth.

"This benchmark study validates what we have known for some time; that artisan entrepreneurship exists in abundance across the commonwealth and as a hard-working, talent-based industry made up of creative and agricultural businesses, is of growing significance on Virginia's economic landscape," Sherri Smith, executive director of the Artisans Center of Virginia, said in a statement.

The study found that one of seven Virginia visitors plan their trips around artisan trails. Artisan trail locations accounted for 59 percent of sales in 2014, and created a direct economic impact of $415,600 sales per day.  

The economic impact study by Richmond-based Chmura Economics & Analytics involved the Artisans Center of Virginia, 'Round Mountain: Southwest Virginia's Artisan Network and Virginia Tourism Corp.

"Virginia is a true destination for artisan culture and trails,"  Rita McClenny, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corp., said in a statement.  "Travelers are coming from all over the country to experience our vineyards, farms, lodging, cultural points of interests, and local artisans. Our artisan trails provide many opportunities for visitors to connect with artisan businesses. This helps make Virginia a premier travel destination with a diverse array of tourism product."

Source obtained 8/17/16 via VirginiaBusiness.com - 
http://www.virginiabusiness.com/news/article/virginias-artisan-industry-has-a-big-impact

Virginia Living is now accepting entries for our 5th annual Made in Virginia Awards!

This year, they celebrate Virginia craftsmanship and ingenuity in Food, Drink, Design and  Sport & Outdoors.

The awards are open to any Virginia-based business whose products are manufactured in the state and will be available through the end of the year.

For more information visit: http://www.virginialiving.com/submit-to-made-in-virginia-2016 

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) -- Destinations all across the Valley will soon be featured on a national PBS program called "Family Travel With Colleen Kelly" in a massive tourism effort that will span the entire Valley. 

Link to Full Article and Video on WHSV

Mimslyn Inn's Manor House & Cottages Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting

For Immediate Release July 18, 2016 Contact: 540-743-3915 events@luraypage.com   Manor House & Cottages Grand Opening Luray, VA - On Friday, July 22nd, the historic Mimslyn Inn in Luray, VA will have their Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting for their newest extension. The historic inn, located at 401 West Main Street in Luray, has added a newly refurbished Manor House, which can comfortably sleep 16, and 5 new cottages to complement the 5 historic cottages that were already on the grounds. The ribbon-cutting will be held at 9:00 AM and the event itself will continue from the cutting until 11:00 AM. Jim Sims, General Manager, has announced that the Mimslyn hopes these accommodations will bring in nearly $300,000 this year. Added to the traditional inn rooms, the inn is anticipating a combined total of $10 million to be added back into the local economy this year. This boom adds to the current revitalization efforts that are occurring in the downtown Luray area and around the county in general and show a bright future for the residents and business owners in Page County. The event is open to the public and Mayor Barry Presgraves has already agreed to come and lead the ribbon-cutting on behalf of the Town of Luray. The Mayor will be accompanied by Luray Town Council members Joey Sours and Ron Vickers, as well as Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce Board Members, Terry Martin of Andersen Doors and Kelli Bailey of the Page News & Courier. Additionally, the Mimslyn will be providing refreshments such as danishes, croissants, fresh fruit, orange juice, and coffee. There will be door prizes for attendees including an overnight stay at the newly-opened Cottages, a golf package for four, midweek-Cottage, Mimslyn Inn, and Bavarian Inn stays, growlers, and brunch certificates for two. Visit the Mimslyn Inn's website at www.mimslyninn.com for more details on the Inn, Manor House, and Cottages. Or, contact the Chamber at events@luraypage.com for more details on the Ribbon-Cutting.