Luray Downtown Initiatve Blog

A little over four months ago, I began the Buy Local Challenge – a journey to reduce my carbon footprint and support local businesses by shopping whenever and for whatever possible in downtown Luray stores.  Over the course of the Challenge, I went back-to-school shopping, planned my daughter’s birthday party, celebrated Halloween and Thanksgiving, and conquered almost all of my Christmas shopping in downtown stores.  I’ve learned a lot about what I can – and can’t – find in local ...

I know I say this every year but I simply cannot believe it’s December already!

The holiday season officially kicks into gear today, and for a lot of folks that means it’s time to go shopping!  I like to take my holidays slowly, so I’m just getting started on my Christmas shopping.  My list includes stops at a number of my family’s favorite downtown stores.  But this year, I ...

I sure do love a good holiday tradition.  Like many Americans, I love to decorate my home with lights and greenery, make gingerbread houses, bake ridiculous amount of cookies, and spend as much time as possible with family and friends.  But I really love the traditions that are particular to Luray.  There is the Christmas parade where for one night every year I let my kids eat candy that has fallen in the street.  The elaborate holiday displays on West ...

Don’t worry, I’m not here to suggest that disgruntled consumers picket in front of the Town Office or camp out on the Luray Caverns lawns.  But I’ve been hearing a lot about this “Occupy” movement over the last few weeks and I can’t help but think that the solution to the problem – however you see the problem – can be accomplished more easily at a local level than by picketing faceless corporations.

Want to put a ...

Reader Jennifer Sanford recently posed a question on Facebook about the venues that are available for rent in Luray for those looking to throw a party.  If you are hosting a party in warmer weather, you can always take things outdoors and rent a shelter at one of Luray’s awesome parks.  But what about when the weather is less favorable?

I thought it would be helpful to start a list of potential birthday party locations that we can all ...