Valentine’s Day is coming up! Given the slogan that “Virginia is for Lovers,” Virginians should know how to do Valentine’s Day right.
Instead of celebrating the day with your loved one by taking the traditional dinner and movie route, try visiting one of the many romantic places Virginia has to offer.
Here are eight places you can take your loved one for a surefire memorable Valentine’s Day.
Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook
Location: Meadows of Dan
It would be difficult to think of a more perfect romantic place to go on Valentine’s Day than the Lover’s Leap Scenic Overlook in rural Patrick County. The view from the top of the mountain stretches for miles and miles.
The name comes from a 17th century legend about a young white settler and a Native American chieftain’s daughter who fell for each other despite the taboo nature of their relationship.
“With the beautiful rock and wildflowers as their backdrop, they jumped into the wild blue yonder ensuring they would be together forever,” according to the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
The Garden Maze
Location: Luray
The Garden Maze at Luray Caverns is the perfect place to go for a romantic stroll.
With over 1,500 evergreen hedges, the one-acre ornamental garden is the largest maze in the Mid-Atlantic states. The half-mile pathway diverges at over 40 points.
“Challengers must navigate their way through twists and turns while searching for hidden goals on a mission to discover the secret of the maze,” according to Luray Caverns.
If you become frustrated by all the dead ends, you and your loved one can take a break at the fountain in the middle of the maze.
Abbitt Observatory
Location: Newport News
Looking up at the sky often leaves one with a sense of awe and wonder. If you want to take your loved one stargazing for Valentine’s Day, you don’t have to be an amateur astronomer to do so because the Abbitt Observatory’s 16-inch Meade telescope is available for day, and occasional night, viewings.
Depending on the weather, you’ll get to see the sun, stars, planets, nebulae and galaxies.
Roanoke Star
Location: Roanoke
Perched on the top of Mill Mountain, the 88-foot-tall and 10,000-pound Roanoke Star is both captivating during the day and at night, when it is illuminated.
After sharing a kiss under the star, you and your partner can walk over to the scenic overlook and get an “incredible view of the region.” If you go after sunset, you’ll get to look out and see Roanoke sparkle in the distance.
Virginia Aquarium
Location: Virginia Beach
Even though the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is the ideal place for a family excursion, it can also serve as a striking backdrop for a romantic outing.
You can walk arm in arm with your partner through the moodily lit tunnels and look at the more than 10,000 animals from over 300 species that call the aquarium home.
To impress your partner, book them a behind-the-scenes tour, like the sea turtle or shark tour.
If you go during the day, you can stop by the Osprey Café for lunch afterwards.
Warm Springs Pools
Location: Hot Springs
If you’re looking for a unique romantic place to visit that is steeped in both luxury and history, the Warm Springs Pools is the place for you.
The pools reopened in December after a 14-month, $4 million rehabilitation to the 19th century bathhouses.
“The therapeutic benefits of soaking in these natural springs are remarkable. Each of the 15 minerals has health benefits from soothing your skin to boosting your blood circulation and relieving pain,” Mark Spadoni, managing director of The Omni Homestead Resort, said.
There are co-ed and gender-based soaking times Wednesday through Sunday. Those who have never taken the waters before may want to start with a 50-minute soak for $25.
Sandbridge
Location: Virginia Beach
Those in the eastern part of the commonwealth should consider taking a nice long stroll on the beach at sunset on Valentine’s Day. Although there are plenty of beaches to select from given Virginia’s expansive coastline, Sandbridge stands out from the rest.
Only 15 miles south of the Oceanfront District part of Virginia Beach, Sandbridge offers 5 miles of secluded “pristine sand dunes and dancing sea oats.”
According to Visit Virginia Beach, “It is a relaxing and peaceful community where you can truly slow down and unwind.”
LOVEworks signs
Location: Throughout Virginia
If you don’t want to travel for Valentine’s Day, an obvious romantic place to visit is the LOVEworks sign in your own backyard. As the Virginia Tourism Corporation put it, “LOVE can be found in every corner of the Commonwealth.”
With over 250 signs out there, you’ll surely find one nearby. You can stop by one of the signs and get a selfie with your loved one to commemorate the special day.
Aila Boyd Aila Boyd is a Virginia-based educator and journalist. She received her MFA in writing from Lindenwood University.
