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Film buffs should check out Petersburg, one of Virginia’s oldest cities, which is rich in history and remarkable architecture. This city played a key role in both the Revolutionary and Civil War, and it has an incredible African American heritage. For over 30 years, Petersburg has been a favorite location for movie production. You may recognize buildings from “Lincoln,” “Harriet,” “Dopesick,” “The Walking Dead,” and more!

Prior to the Opening Plenary, there is plenty of time to explore the surrounding region. Visit Gloucester and hear the story of the only self-supporting Main Street under the Main Street America umbrella in the nation! Learn the story of the Gloucester Village through murals and see one of the oldest court circles in Virginia. Enjoy a $10 voucher to do some downtown shopping and a drink at Gloucester Brewing Company, while also networking with fellow downtown revitalization nerds. You’ll leave inspired by the many ongoing initiatives contributing to Gloucester’s vibrancy!

If you’re fascinated by train towns, make sure to visit Ashland. This tour will provide attendees with an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of place-based economic development and tourism promotion. Downtown Ashland is focused on bringing exciting, new life to an old, charming southern town. Spend the day visiting the reimagined storefronts, the renovated historic theatre, and the community’s central attraction, the still active railroad tracks.

On the final day of the conference, take a short trip to nearby Hopewell, a city at the confluence of the Appomattox and James Rivers. Hopewell is one of North America’s oldest, continuously inhabited English-speaking communities. The area served as General Grant’s headquarters and one of the world’s busiest seaports during the Civil War. However, Hopewell did not become a “boom town” until the arrival of DuPont and other manufacturing plants. The revitalization of the downtown is a major element of the City's overall strategy to redefine and improve the City's connection and industrial relationship with the Appomattox River. Learn about how the local Main Street program is working to champion Hopewell as a healthy, vibrant, and prosperous waterfront community “where friends and rivers meet” and what strategies are being used to attract young entrepreneurs and small-scale producers to the area. Enjoy some locally roasted coffee, locally brewed mead, historical sites, gorgeous river views, and fare from our up-and-coming restaurant scene. Hopewell is a small but hidden gem!

Church Hill, one of Richmond's most charming neighborhoods, has its origins in American history, including as the site of Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death" speech. Since that time, and similar to many traditional urban American neighborhoods, its economic and community vitality has waxed and waned as a result of redlining, urban renewal, more automobile-centric development patterns, and other matters. Disinvestment led to decades of decline and significant increases in serious crime rates. Historic preservation efforts that began in the 1950s reversed much of this decline, but now the neighborhood faces challenges in balancing economic vitality and market forces with the need for affordable housing and social equity, especially for neighbors who had been - and in many cases continue to be - marginalized. Come learn more about the neighborhood and hear from individuals and organizations who continue to advocate for the best interests of the entire community!

Take a day to celebrate Black History in Richmond’s Jackson Ward, once known as Black Wall Street for the many financial services, cultural icons, and entrepreneurs who made it thrive. Led by Gary Flowers, an eighth-generation Virginian and fourth-generation Jackson Ward resident, this guided bus and walking tour includes an overview of the Ward’s culturally historic past coupled with a sample of modern, delicious cuisine from a variety Black-owned restaurants, all within walking distance of the conference.