A Local Tourism Rebrand and Website Design
Who is Trolley Tours?
Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg, established in 1994 by Butch Wimmer, offers an unforgettable way to explore the rich history of Fredericksburg, Virginia. A family-owned and operated business, Trolley Tours provides entertaining, informative, and historically immersive tours aboard iconic, charming trolleys. The company prides itself on offering both visitors and locals a memorable, educational experience. Led by Nancy Wimmer, Butch’s daughter, the company continues its tradition of exceptional service. Today, Trolley Tours plays an integral role in showcasing Fredericksburg’s history while providing fun, informative rides that are enjoyed by people of all ages.
The Branding Project
When Trolley Tours approached our graphic design team for a brand refresh, the objective was clear: to modernize and enhance their visual identity while staying true to the historic, welcoming, and family-friendly nature of the business. This project included creating a new logo, developing a vibrant mascot, redesigning the website, and creating a suite of marketing materials. The goal was to reflect the company’s unique mix of fun, history, and community while ensuring the brand stood out in the competitive tourism market.
Logo Design
Our approach to redesigning the logo was rooted in the history and energy of the brand. The new logo features the iconic Fredericksburg trolley as a central design element, symbolizing both the historical richness of the city and the modern, fun experience Trolley Tours offers. The dynamic, lively colors of the logo—red, yellow, and blue—were carefully chosen to exude warmth, energy, and friendliness, inviting tourists and locals alike to hop on board. The playful, rounded typeface complements the trolley’s inviting design, ensuring the logo is both legible and memorable.
The goal was to create a logo that could be used across various platforms—whether on a trolley itself, promotional materials, or the website—while maintaining its vibrant appeal. The new logo reflects Trolley Tours’ commitment to providing an engaging and exciting experience for all its visitors.
Mascot Design
To further solidify Trolley Tours’ friendly and approachable brand identity, we developed a mascot based on the Fredericksburg trolley. The trolley character was designed with a retro, whimsical personality that appeals to children and adults alike. The character is featured in various materials, such as merchandise, brochures, and the website, enhancing the brand’s presence and engagement with customers.
Website Design
For the website redesign, we focused on creating a user-friendly, visually engaging platform that would highlight Trolley Tours’ rich history while making it easy for customers to book tours, learn about the company, and explore Fredericksburg.
Comprehensive Marketing Materials
To complement the website and logo redesign, we developed a variety of marketing materials, including brochures, stickers, and tshirts. Each piece was carefully designed to reflect the updated branding, with the mascot and logo integrated into the designs to create a cohesive visual identity.
The Full Re-Brand Result
The rebranding of Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg has successfully revitalized the company’s visual identity while staying true to its roots as a fun, family-oriented business with a deep connection to Fredericksburg’s rich history. Through thoughtful design and a collaborative approach, we helped create a logo that reflects both the charm and vibrancy of the company, a playful mascot that brings the brand to life, and a website that enhances user experience and facilitates easy booking for tourists.
