Showcasing and Promoting the Northern Neck's Diverse Artistic Talent
NORTHERN NECK ARTISAN TRAIL
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About NNAT
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"Where water surrounds and creativity abounds" Bounded by the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay, and originally inhabited by eight Virginia Indian tribes who established villages along its shores, Virginia’s Northern Neck is a rural, history-laden peninsula settled by the English in the mid-17th century, after the first tourist, Captain John Smith, explored the area as early as 1608. Interested parties are invited to enroll now to begin being visible on the Artisan Trail Network.
Virginia’s Artisan Industry
As of early 2025, the Virginia arts and culture sector is a $19.3 billion industry, contributing 2.67% to the state’s GDP, supporting 119,011 jobs, and generating $10 billion in worker compensation.
Engagement: 53% of adults attended a live event, 56% created/performed art, and 81% consumed art via digital media (based on 2022-2024 data trends)
Artisan visitor spending in Virginia totaled over $250 million, with an average visitor spending $260 per trip. This spending is attributed to the nearly 700,000 travelers who visit Virginia’s artisan attractions and businesses. The popularity of these attractions is due to the authenticity, uniqueness, and local nature of the artisan products and experiences, according to Virginia is for Lovers.
Source: The Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA)