The Town of Marion, Virginia

Like most towns, Marion has seen the effects of the Great Recession. But unlike a lot of towns, Marion isn’t waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel. This community is creating their own light.

Marion has been aggressively working to improve the historic downtown, with over $4.5 million dollars being spent renovating the sidewalks, saving an historic schoolhouse that is now a school of music and arts, restoring downtown facades, adding awnings and a stage area to the Farmers Market, and building a new downtown parking deck – all with an eye toward attracting customers to downtown. Town leaders have partnered to develop their own small business loan pool to assist getting entrepreneurs funded, bring in national retail and restaurant experts to assist small businesses, and have their own “One Stop Shop” to help entrepreneurs and existing business owners with every aspect of business, from planning to marketing to celebrating their Grand Openings and special events.

Known as "America's Coolest Hometown," Marion is working hard to maintain the tagline - offering a sense of complete uniqueness. Outdoor recreation, local shops and restaurants, artisan shops, and more!