A project that would include a small visitor and expo center, a more clearly defined village square with both public and private investments and other projects may be in the future for Meadows of Dan.
Sandra Belcher, director of tourism, said a $732,840 Transportation Alternative grant through the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) would pay improvements outlined in the 10 year plan.
No county funds will be used for the projects, she said at a recent meeting of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors.
The grant requires a local match, according to Belcher. She said in-kind contributions will be tapped to meet the amount required for the local match.
The improvement project is necessary, partly because the village of Meadows of Dan is a vital link in the county’s tourism program, Belcher said.
“The Blue Ridge Parkway runs right into Meadows of Dan. It is the gateway to the county,” Belcher said, citing a recent study conducted by the Parkway system that measured 16,000 Parkway visitors as of March.
Existing businesses like Poor Farmer’s Market, Nancy’s Candy Company and others attract visitors, Belcher said. She added more businesses are expected to open in the area soon, including Jane’s Country Cupboard.
The Meadows of Dan Community Association, a nonprofit organization, has received tentative approval for the VDOT grant, Belcher said.
Final approval of the grant is expected later this month, according to Belcher and Trinity Goad of the association.
When planning the project, the association “teamed up with David Hill from Hill Studios,” Goad said. “We explained our project area is everything inside the bypass. He then came up and took photos, met with business owners, etc., and prepared a spectacular project for us.”
The project includes conceptual drawings, as well as plans for other improvements, including signage and gateway improvements at the east and west gateways to Meadows of Dan as well improvements to the Parkway gateway; trail development and façade improvements.
“The overall plan could be completed in roughly 10 years, so it isn’t something that will happen overnight,” Goad said.
Karl Weiss, of the Blue Ridge District, was supportive of the initiative. However, he said the community association “needs to make sure they’re very cautious about buying any of the buildings up there” because gas tanks are buried under some structures.
Lock Boyce, chairman and of the Mayo River District, said he also supports the project.
Meadows of Dan “is not that dissimilar from the Smokey Mountains except it lacks” the several hours drive on an interstate that is in need of repairs.
The association expects to hear something final from VDOT on June 22.
