Virginia Is for Lovers
More actions
“Virginia Is for Lovers” began as a tourism slogan in 1969 and grew into a familiar invitation to explore the Commonwealth’s history, food, music, outdoor places and communities. The slogan was developed by Richmond advertising agency Martin & Woltz for Virginia’s tourism campaign; today, the Virginia Tourism Corporation uses the brand to promote travel statewide.[1][2]
What the slogan means
The campaign’s early ideas highlighted Virginia’s mountains, beaches and history. Its message soon widened beyond romantic getaways: the state tourism organization now presents “Virginia Is for Lovers” as an invitation to find the experiences and places that matter to you.[3]
The phrase is also the Commonwealth’s registered trademark and official tourism slogan. It appears in statewide tourism promotion and in the LOVEworks installations visitors can seek out in towns and communities around Virginia.[4]
Find your kind of Virginia
Use the slogan as a starting point, then choose the experiences that fit your trip. Virginia’s official tourism site organizes ideas around activities such as history and heritage, food and drink, music, outdoor recreation, arts and events.[5]
- For historic places and stories, explore History of Virginia, Virginia's Historic Triangle or Virginia's Civil Rights Trail.
- For outdoor scenery and trails, browse Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and Virginia's State Parks.
- For coastal trips, consider Virginia Beach travel guide, Virginia's Eastern Shore travel guide or Virginia's Chesapeake Bay Region.
- For music, local flavor and smaller communities, start with The Crooked Road: Virginia's Heritage Music Trail or Virginia's Historic Small Towns.
LOVEworks
LOVEworks are large, location-specific LOVE signs created as public art and photo stops. Virginia’s tourism organization describes them as a statewide scavenger hunt; the individual designs reflect their communities. Look for current locations on the official LOVEworks listing before planning a detour, since installations and access can vary.[6]
A LOVEworks stop can make a convenient pause on a road trip, but it is best paired with nearby attractions, local businesses or a walk around town rather than treated as a destination in itself.
Planning a trip
Start with the places and activities you want to experience, then check the relevant local destination or attraction website for current hours, access, event dates and travel details. The state tourism site offers trip ideas and visitor-planning resources, including a downloadable visitor guide.[7]
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Virginia’s official tourism site provides information on events, lodging, arts and entertainment, food and drink, outdoor experiences and weddings. It notes that businesses self-identify as LGBTQ+ friendly, so visitors should confirm details directly with providers when planning a stay or activity.[8]
Official visitor resources
- Virginia Is for Lovers — Virginia Tourism Corporation
- LGBTQ+ Travel — Virginia Tourism Corporation
- Virginia Is for Lovers brand and trademark — Virginia Tourism Corporation Pressroom
Related books: Browse related Virginia books on Amazon
References
- ↑ Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Tourism Corporation Selects Creative Color LLC as Official Virginia is for Lovers® Licensed Merchandise Vendor, Virginia Tourism Corporation Pressroom, Virginia Tourism Corporation, May 1, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Tourism Corporation Selects Creative Color LLC as Official Virginia is for Lovers® Licensed Merchandise Vendor, Virginia Tourism Corporation Pressroom, Virginia Tourism Corporation, May 1, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- ↑ LGBTQ+ Travel, Virginia Is For Lovers, Virginia Tourism Corporation. Retrieved October 24, 2026.