NORTHERN NECK—The Northern Neck Tourism Commission (NNTC) recently received $10,000.00 through Virginia Tourism Corporation’s DRIVE Tourism+ program, a promotion and development grant initiative to help communities enhance their competitiveness, boost tourism spending and extend visitor length of stay through targeted promotion and product development strategies.
To build on these strategies, NNTC used the funds for tourism promotion and product development projects that will have an immediate impact on the area’s tourism economy, reported Northern Neck Planning District Commission (NNPDC) economic development and tourism coordinator Lisa Hull. NNTC is a program of the NNPDC.
The funding created three public murals depicting aspects of Northern Neck history, and outdoor furniture for a seating area near one of the murals. Two of the murals are in King George County at the Dahlgren Heritage Museum on Route 301 and King Automotive on Route 3. The third mural is in the historic district of Heathsville at Kathy’s Korner on Route 360.
The murals were designed and painted by Melanie Stimmel of We Talk Chalk, which has painted numerous murals throughout the Northern Neck in Kilmarnock, Callao, Montross, Colonial Beach and White Stone. She was assisted by local artists Phil McKenney of Montross and Rain Eguiguren of Heathsville.
DRIVE Tourism+ builds on the DRIVE 2.0 Statewide Strategic Plan to enhance tourism development, assets and entrepreneurial opportunities within Virginia. Following their participation in the program, communities received the foundation for a competitive tourism promotion and product development plan, including specific action steps, success factors, timelines, priorities and identified partners to help with project success.
NNPDC executive director Jerry W. Davis, who oversaw mural projects throughout the region, said that public art installations are a proven strategy for revitalizing business districts, reinforcing community identity and attracting visitors.
“The Northern Neck’s recent designation as a National Heritage Area and the upcoming American Revolution Semiquincentennial create a unique moment to cement the region’s identity through public art,” said Davis.
“Tourism is about creating unforgettable experiences that inspire visitors to stay longer and engage more deeply with the places they visit,” said Rita McClenny, president and chief executive officer of Virginia Tourism Corporation.
“The DRIVE Tourism+ program will help these destinations take a more intentional approach to tourism promotion and product development, using data, planning and local partnerships to strengthen their visitor offerings and remain competitive in today’s travel marketplace,” she said.
The NNTC is coordinating regional events in honor of the 250th anniversary. Events planned for 2026 include a continuation of the Speaker Series, to be held this winter and spring at five sites throughout the Northern Neck. A Discovery Symposium is being planned for the fall, and several organizations will be hosting regional events and talks on topics relating to the 250th commemoration.
To explore more visitor offerings, visit northernneck.org.
