Romantic ramblings in Virginia

For those seeking to celebrate Valentine’s Day all month long, why not create some romantic adventures in the state for lovers – Virginia. #VirginiaForLovers

Here are a few spotlighted in this year’s issue of Escape to the Southeast.

Find LOVE in the form of giant Adirondack chairs on Chincoteague Island. Each chair is 10 feet tall and weighs over 500 pounds. (Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org)

LOVEworks 

Did you know there are nearly 200 giant LOVE signs all across Virginia? These LOVE artworks, called LOVEworks, are found in all corners of the state, representing their unique communities while celebrating the iconic Virginia is for Lovers® brand. Start your #LOVEVA bucket list with these top-10 favorites!  

Airlie
Made of recycled wine bottles, a used tractor tire and reclaimed steal, the LOVEwork built by the staff at Airlie House & Farm in Warrenton shows their commitment to sustainable practices. Also inspired by the Pont des Art Bridge in Paris, couples and families are encouraged to bring their own lock to add their personal love to the LOVE. 

Black Dog Salvage
Truly a work of art, this LOVEwork was created in the Black Dog Salvage custom fabrication shop during an episode of the hit DIY Network series “Salvage Dogs.” The LOVEwork can be found at Black Dog Salvage, an architectural and antique warehouse and design center in Roanoke.  

Cape Charles
One of Virginia’s first LOVEworks can be found at the Cape Charles Beachfront on the Eastern Shore. Made of sea glass and seashells, a tractor tire, kayaks and crab pots — all collected and donated by locals —this LOVE truly embodies what LOVEworks are all about: community.  

Chincoteague
A small town with a big heart, Chincoteague on the Eastern Shore displays its LOVE on giant adirondack chairs, which can be found in the Downtown Waterfront Park.  

Colonial Beach
A beach lover’s favorite, this LOVEwork is located in the quaint coastal town of Colonial Beach and represents how most locals get around — by golf cart. Find the LOVEwork on the beach by the town pier, which overlooks the Potomac River. 

Farmville
Made of recycled kayaks, this LOVEwork is located on the Appomattox River Company warehouse and represents the many high adventure experiences you’ll find in Farmville. 

Massanutten
Standing over 11 feet tall, this LOVEwork — one of the largest — can be found at the winter wonderland and year-round playground of Massanutten Resort. The LOVE is located outside the Stonewall Terrace Recreation Center.  

Montfair Resort Farm
Composed of woven twigs and branches, this 7-foot-tall LOVEwork is located at the entrance to Montfair Resort Farm, overlooking Browns Cove, and is surrounded by the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains.  

Pearisburg 
Featuring more than 3,500 rocks painted by almost every child in Giles County, this LOVEwork is a true representation of a community coming together to create impactful public art. The colorful LOVEwork can be found in the town of Pearisburg near the Giles County Courthouse.  

Southern Gap
Keeping true to its scenic outdoor setting, the LOVEwork at Southern Gap Outdoor Adventures is a nod to a rich Appalachian heritage with logs that reflect the rustic setting and on-site cabins, as well as galvanized tin that heralds back to the chutes from earlier coal mining days. Visit at sunset to make the most of the mountain overlook! 

Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Resort 

Nestled on a family owned and operated farm outside of Farmville, Virginia, Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Resort offers lodging in cabins, a cottage and luxury “glamping” tipis. All properties are fully furnished, air-conditioned, heated and have kitchens. They also run a tree-top adventure and zipline course with over 60 high ropes obstacles and challenges ranging from easy to difficult. Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org

Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Resort is a one-of-a-kind outdoor lovers mecca, featuring the largest tree-top adventure park in Central Virginia as well as unique on-site guest lodging experiences. Over 60 high ropes obstacles and 20 zip-lines, suitable for ages 7 and up, traverse the family-owned-and-operated 23-acre farm. Guests can also enjoy meeting the farm animals, pick veggies from the seasonal garden and collect eggs from the resident hens. The adventure does not stop there; you also can paddle the tranquil waters of the nearby Sandy River Reservoir, or take a comfy trail cruiser bike out to the beautiful High Bridge State Park.  

Make your visit a unique getaway experience, and enjoy a relaxing stay in a comfy log cabin or in a luxury glamping tipi. All properties are fully furnished, air-conditioned and heated, outfitted with kitchens, Wi-Fi and grills. The unique glamping tipis look fairly simplistic (albeit large) from the outside, but as soon as you walk through the door, it’s safe to say your expectations will be blown away. The tipis each have a different setup, holding up to six people in the largest glamping tipi. Inside, you’ll find separate bedrooms, full bathrooms with showers, kitchens and even living room areas complete with TVs and couches. While you’ll have a campfire area right outside your tipi, you’re definitely not “roughing it” when staying at these swanky structures. 

Designed for outdoorsy, fun-loving people, a trip to Sandy River Outdoor Adventures is an experience the whole family will enjoy. 

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