Bringing the Stars to Warren County – A Vision for Dark Sky Tourism
Imagine standing on a quiet hilltop in Warren County, looking up at a night sky so clear you can see the Milky Way stretching from horizon to horizon. No glare from big-city lights. No haze dimming the view. Just billions of stars above — and the kind of awe you can’t get anywhere else.
We have something special here: dark skies. And with them comes an incredible opportunity to grow our tourism economy while preserving what makes our county unique. That’s why I’m proposing a Warren County Dark Sky Weekend — an annual celebration of astronomy, nature, and community.
Dark sky tourism is already a growing travel trend around the world, drawing visitors who want to experience breathtaking stargazing events. Here’s how we could make it happen right here:
Host Guided Star Parties – Partner with local astronomy clubs to provide telescopes and expert-led tours of the night sky.
Astrophotography Workshops – Teach visitors how to capture the beauty of our skies through photography.
Local Business Tie-Ins – Restaurants, wineries, and shops could offer “Starry Night” specials to keep visitors engaged all weekend.
Family-Friendly Science Activities – Bring hands-on astronomy education to our schools, parks, and libraries.
Community Bonfire & Storytelling – Blend the science of the stars with the cultural stories they’ve inspired for centuries.
A Dark Sky Weekend wouldn’t just be a feel-good event — it could be a significant boost to our local economy. With the right marketing, we could attract visitors from across Virginia and beyond, increasing hotel stays, restaurant sales, and tax revenue.
The best part? This is sustainable tourism. Protecting our night skies from light pollution means protecting the natural environment, wildlife, and the very quality of life that makes Warren County so special.
We can either let these opportunities pass us by or take action to bring them to life. I’m not just saying “we should” — I’m offering a plan to do it. With leadership, vision, and community involvement, Warren County can become Virginia’s go-to destination for stargazers.
Let’s bring the stars — and the visitors — to Warren County.