The Town of Vinton, Virginia, is taking bold steps to revitalize its downtown area with plans to build a new hotel, an initiative aimed at boosting tourism and supporting local businesses. Though still in its early stages, the town has already put out a call for developers to submit their proposals, with a deadline set for this Friday.
Town Manager Richard Peters emphasized the strategic importance of the proposed hotel, which would be located at the entrance of Vinton’s downtown area. Peters envisions a hotel with approximately 100 rooms, ideally positioned to accommodate the influx of visitors to the area. The hotel would serve as a hub for those exploring nearby attractions, such as Smith Mountain Lake, Explore Park, and the many wedding venues that dot the region.
“The goal of the hotel is to bolster the local economy by drawing more people to our town,” said Peters. “We have a lot of traffic from people visiting for sports events, weddings, and outdoor recreation. Having a hotel here would encourage visitors to stay overnight and, hopefully, spend more money in our local restaurants and shops.”
The idea of a hotel in downtown Vinton isn’t new. The initial concept was floated back in 2015 when town officials began searching for potential sites. Now, nearly a decade later, the vision is closer to becoming a reality. Peters expressed optimism that a new hotel would provide a much-needed boost to Vinton’s small businesses, especially as the town continues to grow as a destination for both tourists and locals.
Several business owners in Vinton share Peters’ enthusiasm for the project. Patrick Patterson, owner of Pollard Street Pawn and Gun on Pollard Street, believes the hotel will bring an influx of customers. “It’s more foot traffic coming down,” said Patterson. “People staying overnight or for the weekend at the hotel will come down, check out our restaurants, and visit stores like mine. It’s definitely a good thing for the area.”
Patterson’s sentiment is echoed by Marybeth Dudley, owner of Vinton’s Professional Hairstyling and Barber. Dudley highlighted the potential for the hotel to bring in out-of-town guests attending sports events and other activities in the region. “With the hockey arena up the street and the different sports going on in the area, I think we’ll see more people from outside Vinton. Plus, it could lead to bigger businesses like Rosie’s coming to town.”
While there is no concrete timeline for the hotel’s development, the interest in revitalizing Vinton is part of a broader effort to enhance the town’s appeal. One of the other significant projects on the horizon is the Gish Mill Project. This upcoming venture promises to breathe new life into the historic Gish Mill building, converting it into a mix of Airbnb-style apartments and two restaurants.
The Gish Mill Project is another example of Vinton’s dedication to fostering growth and economic development. Once completed, it is expected to attract visitors looking for unique lodging experiences and diverse dining options. Together with the hotel, these projects could reshape the face of downtown Vinton, providing more opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the charm of this small town.
Vinton’s vision for the future is clear. With its combination of historical charm, proximity to outdoor attractions, and a growing list of local amenities, the town is positioning itself as a vibrant destination for tourists and locals. By creating spaces like the new hotel and revitalizing landmarks such as Gish Mill, Vinton is working to ensure its downtown becomes a bustling hub of activity and commerce.
As the town awaits proposals from developers for the hotel, there is a palpable sense of excitement among local business owners and residents. Vinton’s commitment to improving its downtown area reflects a broader trend seen in many small towns across the country, where local governments and businesses are working hand-in-hand to build stronger, more sustainable economies.
The combination of these development projects is expected to provide a welcome boost to Vinton’s economy, creating jobs, attracting new businesses, and offering more reasons for visitors to extend their stays. Whether it’s enjoying a meal at one of the upcoming restaurants in Gish Mill or spending the night in the new hotel, Vinton’s downtown is poised for transformation.
With the proposal deadline fast approaching, the Town of Vinton is eagerly awaiting responses from developers. The future looks bright for this small town as it strives to balance its historical roots with modern amenities and opportunities for growth.