ROCKBRIDGE (WSLS 10) - Major changes have been underway at Natural Bridge Park and hotel since new owners took over last year as they prepare to become a state park.
Hotel renovations, as well as new tourism efforts, are helping to increase the number of visitors to the area. Acting General Manager Paul Cooper says since the new ownership, the number of guests have increased by 30 percent.
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To help in the effort a new one $100,000 grant has been awarded to help re-brand the property to reflect the new direction natural bridge is heading.
The grant was awarded by the Virginia Tourism Corporation and matched by Rockbridge Area tourism.
After months of renovations in the main dining halls, guest rooms and even new landscaping out front, Cooper says historic natural bridge will now have a new marketing strategy
"Natural Bridge, it was one of the primary tourist destinations," Cooper said." It was Niagara Falls, and then it was Natural Bridge. So it's a huge part of the history of the state of Virginia."
New ownership and the transition to a state park is working toward securing a new future. It still remains one of the main draws to Rockbridge County.
Patty Williams with the Lexington Visitors Center says the says the re-branding will help turn what was once only a day trip at the bridge to an extended vacation.
"It is our largest attraction," Williams said. "Visitors can use the bridge as a home base and explore the activities in Lexington, Rockbridge and the surrounding areas."
New additions to hiking trails and hotel planned activities, especially for children are filling up guests agendas.
"We want it to be a premier destinations for families," Cooper said. "We will have more special events, more community sponsored events and we are really excited about that."
Guests will be able to soon see some of those major changes as room renovations will be completed by the end of April.