The Artisans Center of Virginia announces development of the Warren County Artisan Trail

FRONT ROYAL, VA – The Artisans Center of Virginia (ACV), in partnership with community members, tourism, economic development and local government representing the Town of Front Royal and Warren County are kicking off the development of the Commonwealth’s newest artisan trail.

The Warren County Artisan Trail will be the 34th artisan trail in the Commonwealth and joins other popular trails on Virginia’s Artisan Trail Network such as the Loudoun County Artisan Trail and the overlaying Virginia Oyster Trail.

The Artisan Trail will encourage visitors to discover Virginia’s four regions by connecting artist studios, galleries, local farms, wineries, craft breweries, farmers markets, distilleries, cideries, restaurants, hotels, boutiques, and other artisanal and agri-tourism based businesses.

According to Richmond based Chmura Economics and Analytics, the total economic impact of the artisan industry in Virginia in 2014 was $572.2 million, providing $15.6 million in state tax revenue for the Commonwealth, and nearly 12,000 full-time jobs were supported by artisan visitor spending. Artisan tourist spending totaled more than $250 million, with the average tourist spending $260 per person, per trip.

“As a local Virginia Business in Warren County for 54+ years, we have seen the enchantment and charm our community has on the guests from both here and around the globe. Witnessing first-hand the talents of our artisans, Mother Nature in her glory, smiling faces, creative souls and the ardent fans of our homeland, has made us realize how very special we are. We open our arms, shake your hands and encourage all to see and feel our blessings. Virginia Is For Lover’s and Warren County invites you here to enjoy our Artisan Trail!”  – George McIntyre, The Apple House

“Our local creative and agricultural artisans, small businesses, and unique points of historical interest in our community make Warren County a special place to live and a great place to visit and explore. As artists and new business owners, we are excited to see the development of the Artisan Trail in Warren County.”  – Tiffany Budzisz, Art in the Valley

The Trail’s local action team- made up of local artists and arts advocates, hospitality and cultural businesses, and tourism and economic development representatives- represents a public-private initiative to further strengthen the relationships and connectivity of local businesses while emphasizing unique experiences, special places and locally-made products in the region.

“On behalf of tourism for the Town and County, we are excited to see this Artisan Trail come to fruition. This trail gives us another avenue to not only entice new visitors to our area, but to also remind our locals of all that we have to offer.”  – Felicia Hart, Director – Community Development and Tourism

The Warren County Artisan Trail Management Team (in alphabetical order):

• Michael and Tiffany Budzisz, Art in the Valley
• Niki Foster Cales, Front Royal/ Warren County Chamber of Commerce
• Alyssa Crump, Dance Educator and Arts Manager
• Kym Crump, Blue Ridge Arts Council
• Craig Laird, The Vine and Leaf and Front Royal Independent Business Alliance (FRIBA)
• Arline Link, The Kiln Doctor
• Holly Link, The Kiln Doctor
• George McIntyre, The Apple House
• Amber Mitchell, The Apple House
• Chris Pollock, Rainbow View Cabin

The team’s next steps include identifying potential participating artisans and local businesses, public awareness gatherings, a process to build consensus for the Trail’s distinctive name and the development of promotional materials and activities to support the program and its participants.

“As a 30-year-old arts organization, dedicated to building community through the arts by providing a wide variety of visual and performance arts programming, education, and experiences, Blue Ridge Arts Council is excited to partner in this exciting new project! Blue Ridge Arts Council understands the vital impact that arts and culture have on tourism and local business. The introduction of our Artisan Trail is a positive contribution to our ever-growing community, and we look forward to showcasing the vibrant creativity of local artisans, agri-businesses, historical attractions, unique lodgings and restaurants, and recreational experiences to those at home and far away.” – Kym Crump, Executive Director, Blue Ridge Arts Council

JOIN US for the First Artisan Trail Lunch & Learn! 

Each month during the enrollment period the Trail’s Management Team will host a public gathering for those interested in learning about the program. These informal gatherings will be held in different locations around the region. Anyone interested in learning about the Artisan Trail program is invited to attend.

• Date: Thursday, May 3, 2018
• Time: 11:30am-1:00pm
• Place: The Vine and Leaf, (124 E. Main Street, Front Royal, VA 22630)

Email trails@artisanscenterofvirginia.org to RSVP to join us for the First Artisan Trail Lunch & Learn