National Virginia Day: LOVEworks

HAPPY NATIONAL VIRGINIA DAY!! September 14th was National Virginia Day since LOVE and Virginia go hand in hand, we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by exploring Virginia’s most unique and iconic programs - the LOVEworks signs! Check out Verity Group's adventures below!

LOVEworks Cape Charles, Virginia

What is LOVEworks

With over 275 LOVEworks signs sprinkled throughout the Commonwealth (and many more popping up every day), Virginia’s LOVEworks signs are essentially giant letters that spell out LOVE in a variety of creative, cute, and eye-catching designs, most of which are built to highlight their natural location and often symbolize important aspects of the local area, community strengths, and local history. 

LOVEworks Portsmouth, Virginia

History of the LOVEworks? 

Before LOVEworks became all that it is known for today, the campaign, which is a play on the “Virginia Is For Lover’s” slogan originally started as simple white letters that the Virginia Tourism Corporation took around to various Virginia Welcome Centers with the goal of highlighting Virginia as a family vacation destination with “love” at the heart of every vacation. Today the program encourages communities to design their own LOVE signs, which boosts awareness and serves as a powerful reminder that there is so much to LOVE about Virginia. 

LOVEworks Williamsburg, Virginia

Why are they called LOVEworks? 

Known for being one of the most recognized slogans in the country, “Virginia Is For Lovers” was originally the idea of David N. Martin and George Woltz of the marketing agency Martin & Woltz. In 1969, the Virginia Tourism Agency adopted the slogan just two years after the Beetle’s hit song, “All you need is love” was released. Originally the slogan was presented to reflect specific types of state love such as “Virginia is for History Lovers” or “Virginia is for Beach Lovers,” but over time was simplified to welcome all types of love to the Commonwealth. 

You can learn a lot about the Commonwealth through the LOVE signs, as they are a reflection of the great outdoors, artistic communities, and the personalities of the people that call Virginia home.

LOVEworks Smithfield, Virginia

To find the LOVEworks sign closest to you, click on the map below, or visit the LOVEworks website here! Happy exploring from the Verity Group!