Where to Find LOVEworks in Virginia

You’ve probably noticed them when stopped at a Virginia Welcome Center, outside your favorite hotel, or while lounging on the beach. LOVEworks abound in Virginia, with hundreds of signs spelling out L-O-V-E on display around the state. 

If you, like the Black Eyed Peas, find yourself asking “where is the LOVE?” — we’ve got good news. Use our guide to LOVEworks in Virginia to find the top LOVE signs in each region, plus more of our local favorites. Start a scavenger hunt or fuel up for a road trip to see iconic LOVEworks, and follow our recommendations for more things to do in the area. 
 

Explore LOVEworks by region

Central Virginia | Northern Virginia | Shenandoah Valley
Virginia Mountains | Blue Ridge Highlands | Heart of Appalachia
Southern Virginia | Hampton Roads | Eastern Shore | Chesapeake Bay
 

What Are LOVEworks?

It’s a simple message, but one we hold dear: We love LOVE. Although the iconic “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan has been around for over five decades, LOVEworks have a more recent history. 

The signs began popping up in 2013, first as striking white letters. You’ll still find these classic LOVEworks around the Commonwealth, but they’ve been joined by hundreds of colorful and creative variants. 

Since many LOVEworks were designed and constructed by community members, you may even happen upon LOVE where you least expect it (or at least, you’ll stumble upon a sign that isn’t even on our map). 

Here are some prominent LOVEworks in each region of Virginia, plus recommendations for what to do in the area.
 

CENTRAL VIRGINIA

James River Heritage Trail LOVEwork—Lynchburg

Hikers, bikers, paddlers, skateboarders, and all visitors to the James River Heritage Trail in Lynchburg can find themselves represented in the striking red LOVEwork near Percival’s Island. Local artist Paul Clements contributed to the piece, which is ideally located for a photo-op along the trail. 

Things to Do in Lynchburg

Discover historic treasures, fine dining, and stunning nature when you visit Lynchburg, known as the City of Seven Hills. 

• Check out 20+ fun things to do around Lynchburg.
• Get a feel for the different areas of Lynchburg with our trendy neighborhood guide. 
• Don’t miss dining at the best restaurants — use our Lynchburg dining guide. 
• Add these historical sites (including Thomas Jefferson’s private retreat and an acclaimed poet’s home and gardens) to your agenda 

More LOVEworks in Central Virginia

• Heel LOVEwork at Craddock Terry Hotel in Lynchburg: One of the most unique LOVEworks, this one lets you pose inside a spectacular, larger-than-life shoe. 
• Racing LOVEwork at the Richmond Raceway: Celebrate all things NASCAR with this auto-themed sign. 
• Kayak LOVEwork at Appomattox River Company in Farmville: Retired whitewater and recreational kayaks make up this sign on Farmville’s Main Street. 
   

NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Hurkamp Park LOVEwork—Fredericksburg

The colorful LOVEwork in Fredericksburg’s Hurkamp Park highlights different aspects of the city’s culture, from the arts to outdoor adventure to dining. The historic downtown park hosts the year-round Fredericksburg Farmers Market, so you can snag a picture and get some local shopping in. 

Things to Do in Fredericksburg

It’s easy to fill an itinerary in Fredericksburg, which features a charming downtown district, award-winning restaurants, and historic attractions. 

• Bookmark this complete vacation guide to Fredericksburg for must-see attractions.
• Explore historic sites, including stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail and the Washington Heritage Museums.
• Take a road trip from Fredericksburg to Virginia’s Northern Neck and trace LOVEworks along the way. 

More LOVEworks in Northern Virginia

• Reel LOVE at the Culpeper Train Depot: Inspired by film reels, the LOVE sign highlights the emerging arts scene in Culpeper. 
• Bourbon LOVEwork at A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg: Corn, copper, barrel staves, and bottles of bourbon make up the letters of this sign. 
• Metal LOVEwork on the W&OD Trail in Leesburg: A metal sculpture designed by Mike Clay, made out of recycled bicycle parts coated in bronze.
   

SHENANDOAH VALLEY

Seven Bends State Park LOVEwork—Woodstock

The LOVEwork on display at Seven Bends State Park stands on the site of a 19th century barn and is made from the structure’s original beams. If you look closely, you can spot hand-carved details on the beams from their previous life. 

Things to Do in Shenandoah County

Shenandoah County practically overflows with outdoor adventure and small town charm. 

• Bike, hike, fish, or paddle through Seven Bends, which covers the curving path of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. 
• Travel down Route 11 to and you’ll venture through several small towns with main streets you’ll have to pull over to explore — Mount Jackson, Edinburg, Woodstock, and Strasburg among them. 
• Find antique treasures at the Strasburg Emporium (and check out more of Virginia's top antiquing towns for your road trip) 

More LOVEworks in the Shenandoah Valley

• LOVE at the Front Royal Visitors Center: Stop by the bold letters at this visitor center, then explore shops, cafes, and art galleries along Main Street. 
• Urban Trout LOVEwork at Constitution Park in Waynesboro: Mark Cline designed and crafted this piece where the L is a wading boot, the O is a reel, the V is two trout, and the E is made out of oars. 
• Farmhouse LOVEwork at Stable Craft Brewing in Waynesboro: A tractor tire and larger-than-life cowboy hat stand out from this unique LOVEwork. 
   

VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS

Bedford Welcome Center LOVEwork—Bedford

You can use the colorful LOVEwork outside the Bedford Welcome Center to fill out your itinerary. Designed by local students, the sign depicts popular attractions in the county, including Smith Mountain Lake, the Peaks of Otter, the National D-Day Memorial, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Things to Do in Bedford

History lovers, outdoor adventurers, and small town enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Bedford, a charming county nestled in the mountains. 

• Visit the National D-Day Memorial, a moving tribute to the troops who laid the path to victory for the Allied Powers in World War II. 
• Tackle the Peaks of Otter, a trifecta of hikes that includes Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill. 
• Spend a day on the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” aka Smith Mountain Lake. 

More LOVEworks in the Virginia Mountains

• LOVEwork at Humpback Bridge in Covington: The covered bridge dates back to 1857; the LOVEwork isn’t quite that old. 
• Apple and wine LOVEwork at Peaks of Otter Winery in Bedford: A huge red apple forms the O of this sign made by local artists and orchard staff. 
• Industrial LOVEwork at Black Dog Salvage in Roanoke: Industrial elements and vintage materials come together to form this LOVEwork, crafted by the fabrication experts at Roanoke’s Black Dog Salvage. 
   

SWVA – BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS

Main Street LOVEwork—Abingdon

You’ll find this LOVEwork across Main Street from the Barter Theatre. The simple design includes a howling wolf in the center of the O, a detail inspired by American Revolution militia officer Daniel Boone’s nickname for the area, “Wolf Hills.” 

Things to Do in Abingdon

Discover hidden gem restaurants, entertaining theater, and outdoor opportunities in this Southwest Virginia town. 

• Rent bikes and cruise down the Virginia Creeper Trail.
• See a show at the Barter Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia. 
• Let us plan the trip for you with our Roanoke to Abingdon road trip guide. 
• Use our Southwest Virginia dining guide so you don’t miss any of the best restaurants in the area. 

More LOVEworks in the Blue Ridge Highlands

• LOVEwork at Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace in Abingdon: Pose for a picture outside the center that’s known for its artisans, crafts, and natural beauty. 
• Rock LOVEwork at Giles County Courthouse in Pearisburg: There are over 3,500 rocks, painted by local school kids, included on this LOVEwork.
• Country Music LOVEwork off State Street in Bristol: The “Birthplace of Country Music” has its own LOVEwork made from musical instruments. 
   

SWVA – HEART OF APPALACHIA

Burke's Garden Quilt Barn LOVEwork—Tazewell

Spot this quilted LOVEwork off of Virginia Scenic Byway Route 623 on your way to Burke’s Garden, a high elevation mountain valley community. The unique geology of the area has led it to being known as “God’s Thumbprint.” 

Things to Do near Tazewell

Plunge into all things outdoors when you’re in the Heart of Appalachia. 

• Plan a LOVE-filled road trip along The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail. 
• Ride the Back of the Dragon, a scenic road with more than 400 curves at 3500 elevation.
• Visit the Historic Crab Orchard Museum & Pioneer Park to delve into the cultural history of the area.  

More LOVEworks in the Heart of Appalachia 

• LOVEwork at Western Front Hotel in St. Paul: The stage behind this boutique hotel really feels the LOVE. 
• Rustic LOVEwork at Southern Gap Outdoor Adventures in Grundy: Breaks Interstate Park is home to this sign, which also features sweeping views of the mountains. 
   

SOUTHERN VIRGINIA

Clarksville LOVEwork—Clarksville

Typically located near the town entrance to Clarksville, this LOVEwork is actually mobile — so you may catch it if you go to an event around town. Each of the letters signifies a different aspect of life in Clarksville, from the lakeside living the town is known for to its Native American history. 

Things to Do near Clarksville

A day on the lake is just the start in Clarksville. 

• Buggs Island Lake, also known as Kerr Reservoir, is Virginia’s largest lake. Use Occoneechee State Park as a jumping off point for hiking, birding, fishing, and boating. 
• Head to Alton for an event at the Virginia International Raceway, a hotspot for racing lovers. 

More LOVEworks in Southern Virginia

• Peanut LOVEwork on Main Street in Emporia: Even if you can’t make the annual Peanut Festival, stop for a photo by the sign celebrating peanut LOVE. 
• LOVEwork at Caesars Virginia in Danville: Stop by the LOVEwork when you visit this luxury hotel and casino. 
• LOVEwork at Wayside Park in Pittsylvania: Bricks, steel, and railroad tracks make up this ode to the industrial history of Pittsylvania. 
   

HAMPTON ROADS

Waller Mill Park LOVEwork—Williamsburg

If you’re ever bored at Waller Mill Park, just look at the LOVEwork for an idea of what to do. Disc golf, kayaking, canoeing, and a dog park make up this sign, which is located right on the water. 

Things to Do in Williamsburg

You’ll find plenty of adventure, kid-friendly fun, and local restaurants when you visit the Colonial Capital — not to mention historic sites you won’t find anywhere else. 

• Use our complete guide to visiting Williamsburg so you don’t miss top attractions.
• Discover where our nation began when you visit Virginia’s Historic Triangle. 
• Check out our family-friendly guide to Hampton Roads to find activities your whole crew will enjoy. 

More LOVEworks in Hampton Roads 

• Nature LOVEwork at Judge Eileen Olds Courtyard Park in Chesapeake: A stately blue heron, a family of black bears, and a pair of river otters make this sign a must-see. 
• Down By the Waves LOVEwork on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk: Local eighth-grader Sophia Avellaneda was one of the winners of a contest to design creative LOVEworks inspired by Virginia Beach. 
• LOVEwork at Freedom Park in James City County: Check out this attraction-inspired LOVEwork, then head for the zip lines! 
   

EASTERN SHORE

Cape Charles Beachfront LOVEwork—Cape Charles

A longtime LOVEwork in the bayside community of Cape Charles, this beachfront sign incorporates several aspects of the town’s culture. Most are water-based — the L is a mosaic of seashells and seaglass, the V is formed by kayaks, and the E is made from crab pots. The tractor tire O is a standout, representing the agricultural plenty of Northampton County.  

Things to Do in Cape Charles

This beach town has plenty of charm all year long. 

• Consult our guide to 5 Small Towns on the Eastern Shore to find fun things to do and can’t-miss restaurants.
• Spend some time outdoors at the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge and at Kiptopeke State Park.
• Traveling with kids? Here’s our family-friendly guide to Cape Charles.

More LOVEworks on the Eastern Shore

• Adirondack Chairs LOVEwork on Chincoteague Island: Each chair making up this LOVEwork is 10 feet tall and weighs over 500 pounds. 
• Waterman LOVEwork on Kings Highway in Montross: Boots, oysters, a shark tooth, and wine make up this LOVEwork. 

CHESAPEAKE BAY

Osprey LOVEwork—Colonial Beach

One of the most LOVE-filled towns in Virginia, Colonial Beach is home to several fan-favorite LOVEworks. This sign honors the town’s signature bird, the osprey, and can be found on Town Hill. 

Things to Do in Colonial Beach

There’s only one stoplight, but there are plenty of antique shops, local restaurants, and annual festivals. Sounds like the ideal small town, right? 

• Spend a day relaxing on the beach and walking the boardwalk — don’t forget a scoop from The Pink Poodle Ice Cream.
• Explore our country’s history from a different angle when you visit sites like George Washington Birthplace National Monument and James Monroe’s Birthplace. 
• Consult our guide to see nearby Northern Neck towns you need to visit. 

More LOVEworks in the Chesapeake Bay area

• Maritime LOVEwork at Williams Wharf Landing in Mathews: Designed by Peggy Shifflett, this sign represents the maritime community and shipbuilding industry of Mathews. 
• LOVEwork at Kilmarnock Town Center Park: Find fishing, forestry, and farming are represented on this large LOVEwork. 
• Corn LOVEwork at Northern Neck Farm Museum in Heathsville: This giant ear of corn, designed by local student Jamel Brown, is actually made from iron.

With hundreds of LOVEworks around Virginia, we can't list them all. Use our map to plot your LOVEwork road trip and watch out for new signs popping up around the Commonwealth.