Tourism can help build our economy

“Consumable Tourism” is a term that I coined after a meeting in Sperryville with representatives of the Virginia Tourism Corporation in February. The meeting was hosted by the Rappahannock Rapidan Regional Tourism Committee. The RRR Committee works together to bring visitors to this beautiful Virginia Piedmont with Culpeper, Madison, Orange, Fauquier, and Rappahannock counties, along with Shenandoah National Park. The VTC representatives have a broad view of the Tourism opportunities in Virginia with a broad understanding of how Virginia as a whole competes with other states and geographies.

This was an excellent opportunity to ask a few questions about how we are perceived as a destination for tourists. Without exception, in talking with the representatives, we are doing things right. The Culpeper Department of Tourism is well respected and has a great sense of what we have to offer. More importantly, they are very good at developing the message and making it visible in the right places.

What are our “Consumable Tourism” highlights? We are, of course, known as a destination for history.

Culpeper is clearly a place where the chapters of American history have unfolded for more than 250 years. Visitors arrive in Culpeper ready to learn more and to see first-hand where historic events took place. They are thankful that we have preserved aspects of our history that are so important. Visitors are able to come back often to learn more and to take advantage of the ever present lectures and workshops that compliment the historic sites.

Another CT highlight is the natural beauty of the county. The four seasons are best seen and revered in the countryside of Culpeper. We celebrate the heritage and commitment to our farm community each year with the Farm Tour. This brings thousands of visitors to the area. Our rivers, fresh air, and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are a natural way to find refuge from the pace of life in the major metro areas within an hour of Culpeper.  This a great foundation for discovering the additional CT highlights of the community.

In addition, our treasured downtown is one of the most vibrant CT highlights. There are always events, concerts, and renowned shopping and dining experiences. These have been anchored by the vision to invest in the Depot renovation. To define “Consumable Tourism” — it is simply building on our strengths in tourism by continuing to develop complimentary and interesting venues that bring visitors back often. What is next on the horizon that will complement our strengths? The State Theater could strategically bring together many of the CT highlights by providing an additional and unique feature for our visitors to return often.

There is gold in the river of economic turbulence. It is up to us to find it.