Q. What prompted you to start visiting the LOVEworks?
A. Our #LoveVA journey started in February 2017. Valentine’s Day was approaching and I recalled always wanting to stop to take pictures with the LOVEwork at the East Coast Gateway Welcome Center in New Kent; we’d driven past it several times in our travels, but never had time to stop. I looked up its address for a future visit and discovered there were many other LOVEworks all over the state. Our first LOVEwork road trip, nicknamed “Love Tours,” started with a local tour of several LOVEs near our home in Hampton Roads. From there, we visited each region until we eventually explored the entire state.Q. Have you met anyone new on your Love Tours?
A. Meeting locals has been our favorite part of this journey because they’ve taught us so much about their communities. Everyone we’ve encountered along the way has been welcoming and intrigued by our journey. We’ve met fellow LOVE travelers through social media who have been part of our journey from the start and become like family to us, sharing a love of our beautiful state.
Q. Have you discovered anything unexpected while visiting a LOVE?
A. Visiting LOVEworks has uncovered many hidden gems around the state. As a “Mountain Lover,” my favorite is Powell Valley Overlook. It is one of the most beautiful mountain overlooks – and doesn’t require a hike or driving up a mountain! I always plan a stop there when I’m in Southwest Virginia. Jai’s favorite is definitely the delicious popcorn at Northern Neck Popcorn in Kilmarnock. She’s the “Food Lover” in our family.Q. What are your three favorite LOVEs?
A. Beagle Ridge Herb Farm (Wytheville), Silver Hearth Lodge (Bent Mountain) and Liberty Mills Farm (Somerset) will always be our favorite LOVEworks. We cherish our time spent at these LOVEworks the most because of their amazing owners. We were welcomed with open arms and spent hours chatting with them. Each owner made our visit memorable and we will always appreciate their kindness. We left those visits feeling as if we have friends for life in Ellen, Bob and Farmer Kent. Not only did we find LOVE at their locations, but we also experienced it through them.
Q. How have you and Jai grown as a result of your travels?
A. Jai and I developed a stronger bond over the past two years as a result of our #LoveVA journey. We’ve discovered more of each other’s interests and aspirations through our explorations of Virginia. LOVE encouraged us to take risks and be adventurous. Now we feel we can take on any challenge that comes our way! Q. Last summer, you took a week-long trip to visit more than 30 LOVEs. What were some highlights from this trip? A. The scenic mountain views, friendly and welcoming locals, stunning lodging accommodations and kindness of LOVEwork owners! I highly recommend taking a week or more of vacation to Love Tour in Southwest Virginia. Every visit to a LOVEwork there will inspire you to experience more of that well-known Virginia charm.