RUTHER GLEN
--Tourism in Virginia has many definitions. It refers to the remarkable history of our commonwealth of American Indian, Colonial, and Civil War eras. It is historic homes and the hallowed ground of Civil War battlefield sites. Beaches, mountains, golf courses, wineries, theme parks, antiques venues, and any number of offerings can all be included within the definition of tourism in Virginia.In Caroline County, tourism momentum has been building for years. Although the departure of the National Boy Scout Jamboree in 2010 will be felt by the tourism industry across the entire region, Caroline County's commitment to tourism has never wavered.
The historic towns of Port Royal and Bowling Green have long been recognized as notable communities and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Three unique golf courses--one providing a distinctive camping experience--have achieved national recognition and are a delight for golfers from Canada and all along the Interstate 95 corridor. The nationally known Virginia Sports Complex, which provides baseball fields and facilities for more than 150,000 youths each year,
The county has recently opened a new state-of-the-art visitors center at Interstate 95 (Exit 104) in Carmel Church. The 5,000-square-foot facility promotes Caroline's business base to regional visitors and the I-95 traveler. In addition, the visitors center displays the skeleton of a whale approximately 14 million years old, uncovered at the most active fossil site east of the Mississippi in a quarry located in Carmel Church.
And now, the inaugural opening of the Meadow Event Park--at the birthplace of the greatest racehorse that ever lived: the brand new home of the
Early in 2000, it became apparent that the State Fair of Virginia would require a new facility. After years of statewide assessment, the strong connection to the history of Secretariat and the owners of Meadow Farm continued to surface as the best match for the mission
With significant initiatives supported by the Caroline County Board of Supervisors, transportation improvements by the governor of Virginia, and a vision by the leadership of the State Fair of Virginia, the Meadow Event Park was born. It is a picturesque setting at a recognizable location neighboring the major tourist draw of Kings Dominion, all within 60 to 90 minutes of three international airports, several interstate highways, and rail service.
More than 100 additional programming days are booked for the facility in the upcoming 12 months. The 65,000-square-foot Farm Bureau facility located on site will provide ample space for trade shows and large conferences. On the heels of the State Fair of Virginia is the the phenomenally popular Highland Games and Celtic Festival in October. The Meadow Event Park will once again serve as the venue for the equine industry's most notable competitions and events, drawing elite equine athletes from all
For Caroline County's business base, the Meadow Event Park provides yet another opportunity to showcase goods and services on a national stage. For new businesses in the county, access to the Meadow Event Park and Caroline's additional offerings will provide prosperity in one of the most "business-friendly" locales on the I-95 corridor.
The significant investment made by Caroline County on the Meadow Event Park will raise revenues in the areas of meals taxes, sales taxes, additional business licenses, and employment opportunities. Plus, it will provide additional opportunities for the lodging industry.
For residents of Caroline County, we live here by choice and are proud of our beautiful, gently rolling countryside, as well as our agricultural heritage.
The Meadow Event Park continues that remarkable tradition through its mission of committing to youth, agriculture, and education.
Meadow Event Park and the State Fair of Virginia, welcome to Caroline County!
Kathy Beard is tourism manager |