Page 38 - 2026 VB Community Profile

QUALITY OF PLACE

Historic Downtown a Shopping, Dining Hub

The city’s unique blend of past and
present come together in Van Buren’s
historic downtown district. Classic buildings
demonstrate the area’s rich heritage, and
recent renovations and new additions to
the variety of businesses calling downtown
home represent the exciting progress
and investments being made to keep the
community vibrant and strong.
New businesses added to the historic
downtown in 2025 include Lil’ Bit O’ Sass
boutique, and the variety of shops, dining
establishments and entertainment options
continues to evolve. These and other
existing businesses have welcomed a
diverse group of new patrons to the area,
adding to the tax base and increasing the
foot traffic year-round.
Dining options have also expanded
downtown, with breakfast, lunch, dinner,
coffee, and dessert items among the varied Residents and visitors alike gather for a festival in Historic Downtown Van Buren. Photo by John Speck.
fare.
and Food Truck Days have also been added transporting passengers to shops, dining
The Old Town Merchants to the schedule in recent years. TOTMA establishments, and merchants along the
Association works year-round to promote its members route. The car is featured in the annual
The Old Town Merchants Association and provide unique opportunities for local holiday parade.
(TOTMA) is a driving force on Main Street. citizens and visitors to enjoy downtown. Operated by the Van Buren Advertising
The organization hosts a number of View TOTMA’s full event calendar on & Promotion Commission, the iconic trolley
festivals and community events, including page 18 or at www.oldtownvanburen.com. is a perfect fit in the downtown landscape.
Old Timers’ Day Steampunk Festival in Downtown Trolley Rides are free for all passengers. Regular
May, Downtown JunkFest in September, To have an authentic, historic downtown trolley hours are Wednesday and Friday from
Fall Festival, Halloween on Main Street, 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM and Saturday, 9:00 AM
and special Christmas celebrations. experience, visitors are encouraged to 5:00 PM. Narrated history tours are also
to ride the city’s custom trolley. The
Main Street Cruisin’ Nights, car shows available. Learn more at www.vanburen.org
vintage-style car runs along Main Street,

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38 Van Buren Chamber 2026 Community Profile vanburenchamber.org