Culture

The ultimate Virginia LOVEworks road trip

Take the ultimate Virginia road trip with these standout LOVEworks that showcase the heart, soul, and quirks of communities across the state.


Take the ultimate Virginia road trip with these standout LOVEworks that showcase the heart, soul, and quirks of communities across the state.

From a towering stiletto in Lynchburg to Adirondack chairs you can climb into on Chincoteague Island, Virginiaโ€™sย LOVEworksย sculptures are more than roadside photo opsโ€”theyโ€™re bold, creative homages to the communities they call home.

This 20-stop statewide road trip highlights some of the most distinctive and Instagram-worthy LOVEworks across the commonwealth.

LOVEwork in Brunswick County

Location:ย 13516 Christanna Hwy., Lawrenceville, VA 23868

Theย LOVEwork in Brunswick Countyย serves as a symbol of what makes the county special, with each letter representing a unique Brunswick feature.

The โ€œLโ€ features a wood texture because of the forest industryโ€™s significance to the county. Shaped like a pot, the โ€œOโ€ obviously represents the countyโ€™s status as the home of Brunswick Stew. The countyโ€™s history as a producer of tobacco is represented by the โ€œV,โ€ which takes the shape of two tobacco leaves. Finally, the โ€œEโ€ is textured to resemble a brick, representing Lawrencevilleโ€™s distinctive brick downtown.

Two local manufacturers, Lawrenceville Building Supply and Lawrenceville Brick, donated materials for the sign. It can be found at theย Brunswick Byways Visitor Center.

LOVEwork in Narrows

Location:ย 101 Park Dr., Narrows, VA 24124

Theย LOVEwork in Narrowsย was a true community effort, with contributions from a local community group, the town, and high school students. The sign takes the form of a duck, which is appropriate given that itโ€™s located at the Duck Pond in the downtown district.

LOVEwork in Pennington Gap

Location:ย East Morgan Avenue & Bobcat Circle, Pennington Gap, VA 24277

Theย LOVEwork in Pennington Gapย is a tall and vivid display of what makes the Appalachian community special.

The โ€œLโ€ captures the features of the Lee Theatre marquee, the โ€œOโ€ represents the nearby Great Stone Face rock, the golden โ€œVโ€ captures the likeness of Lee Countyโ€™s heritage cropโ€”tobacco, and the โ€œEโ€ is a coal-dusted railroad track.

LOVEwork in Scott County

Location:ย US 23 Business, Gate City, VA 24251

Theย LOVEwork in Scott Countyย showcases an eclectic mix of what makes Scott County the one-of-a-kind place it is.

With an โ€œLโ€ mount out of a cowboy boot, an โ€œOโ€ from an innertube, a โ€œVโ€ from a violin, and an โ€œEโ€ out of both a bow and arrow and flyfishing rod, the sign proudly displays the countyโ€™s unique mixture of cowboy, river, music, and hunting and fishing culture.

LOVEwork in Bristol

Location:ย 629 State St., Bristol, VA 24201

When one thinks of Bristol, its musical heritage likely comes to mind. Luckily, theย LOVEwork in Bristolย doesnโ€™t disappoint. Located in the birthplace of country musicโ€™s Arts and Entertainment District, the sign features an assortment of musical instruments, including a keyboard, washboard, violin, and banjo.

The LOVEwork in Bristol spotlights the cityโ€™s musical heritage. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

LOVEwork at Claudius Crozet Park

Location:ย 1075 Park Rd., Crozet, VA 22932

Theย LOVEwork at Claudius Crozet Parkย is unique in that it is vertically oriented. The bright yellow structure can be found near the entrance of the park along a paved walking trail. While at theย park, check out some of the activities that are offered, includingย pickleball, fishing, and swimming.

LOVEwork at Humpback Bridge

Location:ย Midland Trail, Covington, VA 24426

Theย LOVEwork at Humpback Bridgeย is worth visiting on its own, but is enhanced by the scenic Humpback Bridge, a National Historic Landmark, that sits behind it.

Each of the letters holds a special meaning for the Covington area, with the โ€œLโ€ being made of historic bricks, the โ€œOโ€ made of a gear from an old paper mill, the โ€œVโ€ being made from a tree from the nearby creek bank, and the โ€œEโ€ being made of railroad ties.

The LOVEwork at Humpback Bridge features the iconic covered bridge in the background. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

LOVEwork at Natural Bridge State Park

Location:ย 6477 S. Lee Hwy.,ย Natural Bridge, VA 24578

Theย LOVEwork at Natural Bridge State Parkย offers a beautifully rendered artistic representation of the iconic Shenandoah Valley landmark. From the โ€œLโ€ all the way to the โ€œE,โ€ the water that flows through the bridge is depicted from Lace Falls until it reaches the James River.

LOVEwork in Roanoke

Location:ย Norfolk Avenue & Market Street, Market Square, Roanoke, VA 24016

Roanoke went all in on its railroad heritage for its 9-foot-by-5-foot metal sign designed by local artist Eric Fitzpatrick.

Those who visit the sign and want to learn more about the cityโ€™s past as a rail town should visit the nearbyย Virginia Museum of Transportation,ย where they can get up close to locomotives in the railyard.

The LOVEwork in Roanoke pays homage to the cityโ€™s past as a rail town. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

LOVEwork at All Belong Co.

Location:ย 100 C St., Lynchburg, VA 24504

Instead of just taking your picture at a LOVEwork, spend the night in one atย the LOVEwork at All Belong Co., an old school caboose thatโ€™s been turned into a rental. The painted sign is located along the James River in downtown Lynchburg, making it easily accessible to the cityโ€™s great dining and shopping offerings.

LOVEwork at Craddock Terry Hotel & Event Center

Location:ย 1312 Commerce St., Lynchburg, VA 24504

Itโ€™s hard to miss theย LOVEwork at Craddock Terry Hotel & Event Centerย given that itโ€™s an 8-foot-tall red and black stiletto. The sign is a nod to the hotelโ€™s former life as a shoe factory in the early 1900s.

Even if you donโ€™t want to stay the night at the hotel, you can enjoy a drink or meal atย Shoemakers American Grilleย after snapping a picture of the sign.

The LOVEwork at Craddock Terry Hotel & Event Center features an 8-foot stiletto. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

LOVEwork in Emporia

Location:ย 100 South Main St., Emporia, VA 23847

If youโ€™re a peanut lover, then theย LOVEwork in Emporiaย is for you. Crafted to look as though itโ€™s made from peanut shells, the sign is a send-up to one of the commonwealthโ€™s most iconic agricultural offerings.

The LOVEwork in Emporia will surely delight peanut fans. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

LOVEwork at Richmond Raceway

Location:ย 600 E. Laburnum Ave., Richmond, VA 23222

Theย LOVEwork at Richmond Racewayย will surely start your engine if youโ€™re a racing enthusiast. The sign is made of all of the symbols that make racing the unique sport that it is, including Goodyear tires, checkered vinyl flags, helmets, and sheet metal from actual NASCAR vehicles.

The LOVEwork at Richmond Raceway is made up of elements from the sport. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

LOVEwork in Mineral

Location:ย 81 Louisa Ave., Mineral, VA 23117

Mining runs deep in Mineral. It even has a miner on its town seal. This is why theย LOVEwork in Mineralย sign is made up of a pick, shovel, wagon wheel, train tracks, and rocks. Itโ€™s located in Elizabeth Trice Walton Park.

LOVEwork at Sky Meadows State Park

Location:ย 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144

Theย LOVEwork at Sky Meadows State Parkย is as rugged as the park itself. Set against the backdrop of the Crooked Run Valley, the sign is made from a tractor tire, as well as wood from ash trees. The use of the tree is significant given that they have faced difficulties in recent years due to emerald ash borers.

LOVEwork in Purcellville

Location:ย 200 N 21stย St., Purcellville, VA 20132

If you love wine, then youโ€™ll love theย LOVEwork in Purcellville. The sign is representative of Loudounโ€™s status as Washington, D.C.โ€™s wine country.

It features elements from local wine and beer offerings, including corks from the various wineries in the area. The sign can be found at the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park.

LOVEwork at Manassas Regional Airport

Location: 10600 Harry J Parrish Blvd., Manassas, VA 20110

Theย LOVEwork at Manassas Regional Airportย is a tribute to all things aviation. The sign, designed to spark an interest in airplanes and their parts, was crafted from donations from businesses at the airport. The airport itself is well known, as itโ€™s the busiest general aviation airport because of its 85,000 annual aircraft operations.

LOVEwork in Chincoteagueย 

Location:ย 4083 Main St., Chincoteague, VA 23336

While most people visit Chincoteague to see the famous ponies, theย LOVEwork in Chincoteagueย is also worth visiting.

Tapping into the Eastern Shoreโ€™s coastal elements, the sign is comprised of four larger-than-life Adirondack chairs. Each chair is 109 feet tall and weighs over 500 pounds. You can even climb into them for a great photo-op.

The LOVEwork at Chincoteague is comprised of four larger than life Adirondack chairs. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

LOVEwork in Cape Charles

Location:ย 21 Bay Ave.,ย Cape Charles, VA 23310

Theย LOVEwork in Cape Charlesย pulls from the areaโ€™s influences, including the sea, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and crabs, to spell out the word โ€œlove.โ€ The large waterfront sign is located next to a fishing pier and public beach, so be sure to bring your fishing rod or bathing suit.

The LOVEwork in Cape Charles is located at a public beach. (Virginia Tourism Corporation)

LOVEwork at HRBT Welcome Center

Location:ย 9410 4thย View St., Norfolk, VA 23503

One of the most iconic structures in the Hampton Roads area, the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, is celebrated in theย LOVEwork at HRBT Welcome Center.

The sign depicts the expansion the tunnel underwent. The โ€œLโ€ stands for Interstate 64. The โ€œOโ€ is the Tunnel Boring Machine cutterhead. The โ€œVโ€ is the crane that was used on the project. Finally, the โ€œEโ€ is representative of the logo used for the expansion. Be sure to look for Easter eggs in the sign, including a crab and a mermaid.


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Authors

  • Aila Boyd is a Virginia-based educator and journalist. She received her MFA in writing from Lindenwood University.