Right at the crossroads of Interstates 77 and 81, in the Blue Ridge Highlands of Virginia, you’ll find yourself in the charming little town of Wytheville, VA. Wytheville’s downtown is chock-full of locally owned shops, interesting museums and delicious dining. Just off of Main Street on West Monroe, you’ll find your fist LOVEwork. This LOVEwork honors the baseball and railroad history of Wytheville, highlights their Chautauqua Festival as well as the crossroads of the Interstates.

After visiting the West Monroe LOVEwork, hop on Route 21 just outside of town and enjoy the beautifully scenic ride down to Beagle Ridge Herb Farm and Environmental Education Center. Beagle Ridge is Southwest Virginia’s premier lavender garden and boasts gardens that display a variety of herbs and perennials! You’ll also find Southwest Virginia’s only walk through butterfly house and a shop full of locally crafted products as well as side by side excursions up to Buzzard’s Roost. The Beagle Ridge LOVEwork is a true representation of all they embody. Flowers, herbs, and butterflies!

Hike or Bike the many trails at Crystal Springs Recreation area or visit Fort Chiswell Animal Park to meet their newest addition, an adorable giraffe named Cheeto! Immerse yourself in the local history of Wytheville by touring one of their many museums including the Birthplace of Edith Bolling Wilson Museum, The Haller – Gibboney Rock House or the Thomas J. Boyd Museum.

In the Summer, check out Foster Falls at New River Trail State Park. Visitors can beat the heat with kayak and canoe rentals through the park. Bike rentals and a horse livery are also available.

Follow Route 52N out of Wytheville over the mountain and through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest to your Next LOVEwork at Big Walker Lookout! Big Walker Lookout sits atop Big Walker Mountain at an elevation of 3,405 feet and delights those with a sense of adventure with a climb up their 100 feet tall observation tower. Visitors can also enjoy Virginia-made Homestead Creamery ice cream while snapping that perfect picture with the Big Walker LOVEwork which represents the many talented artisans, authors and crafters of the area.

After finishing up at Big Walker, continue on over the mountain into Bland County where you’ll find the Wolf Creek Indian Village and Museum. 56 miles of the Appalachian Trail wind through the mountains of Bland County. Hike the moderate Trail Boss Trail in Bastian that forms a 4 mile loop with part of the AT! If you’re looking for a more strenuous hike, try the Seven Sisters Trail which spans 4.8 miles and passes through Rhododendron thickets and old growth pines. Be on the lookout for ruffed grouse, wild turkey and woodpeckers on this Virginia Birding Trail!

Step Back into the 1500’s and experience what Native American life would have been like with one of their informative guided tours. Keep your eyes open for the many native wildflowers that bloom on the trail down to the village. The Wolf Creek LOVEwork is inspired by Native American culture and features native symbols and tools.

This LOVEwork trip idea was submitted by the Virginia Welcome Center at Rocky Gap.

Check out our map of places where you can add more LOVE to your vacation. Be sure to share your pictures on social media by tagging @VisitVirginia using the hashtag #LOVEVA.