LURAY, Va. — A local vacation retreat is among 46 tourism programs receiving state grants to attract visitors during Virginia’s slower travel seasons.
Earlier this month, Governor Abigail Spanberger announced $205,300 in matching grants for tourism marketing programs across the state.
Local partners will contribute more than $273,130, bringing the total investment in marketing to more than $478,400.
The 46 programs will benefit 276 tourism partners statewide and support more than 130 full-time and 250 part-time jobs, according to the governor’s office.
Shadow Mountain Escape, owned by Ralph and Karen Riddle of Luray, was recently awarded a grant through the Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Microbusiness Marketing Leverage Program.
“Virginia’s tourism industry is driven by the small businesses, local attractions, and welcoming communities that make our home such an incredible place to visit,” Spanberger said. “I’m proud to help support these communities by making sure they have the resources to thrive even during slower months.”
The grant program helps small tourism businesses and organizations collaborate on marketing campaigns that encourage visitors to stay for multiple days and explore more of Virginia.
Each campaign brings together at least six Virginia partners.
Eligible partners include local governments, tourism organizations, chambers of commerce, museums, attractions, cultural events and other tourism-related businesses.
Funding will support efforts to attract visitors during the holiday, late winter and spring break seasons.
Shadow Mountain Escape is located on the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop, near restaurants, vineyards and distilleries, and sits on 15 wooded acres in Jewell Hollow, bordering Shenandoah National Park.
The property features cozy, timber-framed cabins with unique touches designed to make guests feel especially welcome.
Romantic stay packages are available for couples celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary, a vow renewal or even an elopement.
Virginia recorded $36.2 billion in visitor spending in 2025, supporting nearly 232,000 jobs and generating $10.6 billion in wages and salaries, according to the governor’s office.
The Virginia Tourism Corporation plans to offer additional marketing grants throughout 2027.
More information is available at vatc.org/grants.
A full list of current grant recipients may be viewed HERE.
For more information about Shadow Mountain Escape, visit their website HERE or follow them on Facebook HERE.
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