From off-road trail systems offered by Spearhead Trails to mountain biking, hiking, camping, river rafting, swimming, ziplining, horseback riding and more, the region has much to offer to visitors and locals alike. Southwest Virginia’s e-Region is host to the Breaks Interstate Park – aptly dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the South.” From its scenic vistas, the rugged beauty of the region is showcased. The e-Region is also host to the restored elk population where elk once native to the area now once again roam the mountains and valleys predominantly in Buchanan and Dickenson counties with elk viewing tours being a popular tourism activity offered through the Breaks Interstate Park and Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure.
The possibilities for building on all these natural assets in the region are virtually endless, and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) works with the region’s economic development and tourism agencies and officials to help grow and support this significant industry sector in Southwest Virginia.
One way VCEDA does this is through the VCEDA Tourism Capital Improvement Matching Fund, which is a loan and grant program designed to assist with the development of tourism-related capital improvements that are part of larger regional tourism initiatives enhancing the region’s economy. VCEDA recognizes tourism development is a part of economic development and in addition to attracting outside revenue to the region, it can add to the employment base.
VCEDA has also helped numerous creative tourism small businesses get started in the region through VCEDA’s Seed Capital Matching Grant program.
Whether you’re looking for heart pounding outdoor adventure or a peaceful, refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of life, we’ve got what you need. Come…play in our mountains, splash in our waterways, discover our wildlife, taste our spirits, dine Appalachian style, celebrate, shop and rest well in the heart of all things fun–the Heart of Appalachia, Virginia’s treasured southwest....
JESS HESS Executive Director, Heart of Appalachia Tourism Authority
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