by Mallory Taylor

The Route 35 Bridge may be closed for construction, but the town of Courtland is open for business! From a hardware store, kayak shop, bank, library, museums, restaurants and more — Courtland is home to variety of businesses that need your support. It is important to always keep in mind that independent locally owned businesses recirculate a far greater percentage of revenue locally compared to big box retailers. This in turn creates more local wealth and jobs for our community. During the construction of the Route 35 Bridge, please keep this in mind.

If your routine route has been impacted by the bridge closure, please be sure to follow all detours and make your way to Courtland to support our local businesses. This seven-mile detour may be an inconvenience, but businesses in the town of Courtland are relying on your support to make it through this transition period.

Summer is just around the corner, and we sometimes forget or overlook great educational opportunities in our area. Have you thought of taking an art class at the Rawls Museum Arts? Participating in story time at Walter Cecil Rawls Library? Touring the Southampton Agriculture and Forestry Museum, or the Southampton Heritage Museum?

Make sure to keep these fun locations in mind and make your visit to the town of Courtland a memorable one.

Although the bridge closure may be trying to some, after the completion of the bridge infrastructure will be stronger and safer for those living in or traveling through the town of Courtland. The project has consistently remained on schedule and is to be completed in November of 2015. A Grand Opening event is being planned to celebrate the Route 35 Bridge’s re-opening — be on the lookout for more information. Until then shop local in the town of Courtland.

MALLORY B. TAYLOR is the marketing and research assistant for Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. Her email address is mtaylor@franklinsouthamptonva.com.