Warren County’s Tourism Strategy Ignores the Town—And That Hurts Us All

In recent weeks, there has been increasing concern regarding the direction of Warren County’s tourism strategy and the notable absence of the Town of Front Royal in its planning and representation.

A cursory glance at the County’s website and promotional efforts reveals that the site is based only on county information. The Town’s events, amenities, and community identity are being overlooked in this public information, and this growing divide between “County” and “Town” serves no one.

Tourism is not just about attracting visitors—it’s about telling a cohesive story of who we are. By promoting the county in isolation and excluding the Town’s rich history, outdoor assets, and vibrant community events, we are doing a disservice to the area as a whole. Visitors don’t recognize municipal boundaries—they want seamless experiences, unified messaging, and well-organized attractions.

Further deepening the concern is the recent push for County-hosted events (notably, the lack of recognition of our Festival of Leaves, the County’s largest and most award-winning event) to be held outside of town limits on County property. This initiative appears to be moving forward without community input, logistical planning, or consideration of long-term impact. When public funds—especially grant money—are involved, transparency must be the standard, not an afterthought. We cannot afford to spend simply for the sake of spending.

And let’s be honest: throwing grant money around without a long-term plan is like buying a hot tub with your tax refund—it feels great for five minutes, and then the power bill hits.

Behind-the-scenes decision-making and a lack of communication from our Board of Supervisors have become increasingly troubling. If the County truly wishes to grow its tourism base and strengthen the local economy, it must collaborate meaningfully with the Town and, more importantly, listen to its citizens.

We need the re-formation of a joint Town-County Tourism Committee—a formal, cooperative body focused on strategic planning, shared events, and cohesive marketing. Such a group should include representation from both municipalities, business leaders, and community members. It’s time to move past the division and work together toward a vision that serves all of Warren County—Town and County alike.

(Just to add, the Parks and Recreation sitcom went off the air in 2015. There is no need to recreate it; remakes are usually never better.)

Sue Laurence
Front Royal, VA

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