11 Romantic Places In Virginia To Take That Special Someone For An Unforgettable Time
By Anna Strock|Published May 01, 2015
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Anna Strock
Author
Virginia staff writer for Only in Your State, freelance writer and journalist. Even though Anna has lived other places, somehow Virginia is where she always seems to land.
You know the slogan – Virginia is for Lovers. Add in some beautiful weather, and suddenly it’s like the spring scene in “Bambi.” Everywhere you turn, couples are out and about, enjoying all of the romance Virginia has to offer. Virginia is full of romantic getaways, hideaways and quiet corners. In fact, there are so many amazing spots, it’s hard to choose just one. So, if you’re looking for a little romance this spring, we’ve come up with a list of our favorite places to help you plan a perfect moment with that perfect someone.
Maybe I’ve just watched "Bridges of Madison County" one too many times, but you’ve got to admit, covered bridges are pretty amazing. And for the record, I made my list of romantic places before I found out that covered bridges are also called "kissing bridges" – I guess it was just meant to be. Virginia used to have plenty of these romantic hideaways, but now only 5 are open to visit. Humpback Bridge in Covington, pictured here, is part of Virginia’s LOVEwork marketing campaign. Seems like the stage is set with this one – all you have to do is get that special someone there.
A glass of wine, a stunning view and plenty of room to "take a walk" make wineries and vineyards a perfect place to create the mood. Virginia has more than 230 to choose from, but why not start with Ankida Ridge Vineyards in Amherst. The view is beyond belief, the wines are internationally acclaimed and as a bonus, the word "ankida" is an ancient Sumerian word meaning, "where heaven meets earth." Or get away to Barboursville Vineyards in Barboursville, where you can take a walk beside the ruins of an 1800s mansion while sipping some of the finest wines in Virginia. It's a win-win.
With so many incredible parks in every part of the state, it’s not hard to find a romantic setting. All you need is the right person, then cozy on up with a beautiful view like this one at Great Falls in McLean, a bench like the one on a trail in Hampton or a perfectly placed gazebo like the one shown here at Maymont Park in Richmond.
There’s something about the quiet thoughtfulness of an art museum that allows you to stand a little closer to the one you’re with. Plus, there’s always a quiet alcove to duck into when the moment is right. The Virginia Museum of Fine Art is a great place to prove me right.
Whether it’s at a lake, river or the ocean, standing at the edge of the water is inherently romantic. And not that you need pointers from me, but a sunset helps. Just don’t get carried away and fall in.
Exquisite flowers, quiet greenhouses, hidden corners…basically, the garden does all the work for you. All you have to do is seal the deal. Find the perfect day, then take your "friend" to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond or Norfolk Botanical Gardens in Norfolk. You won’t be sorry…hopefully.
Make your "first kiss" story a good one. Why not Dinosaur Land in Natural Bridge? You’ll have a hard time finding anyone else who shared a first kiss in front of a giant purple squid or a T-Rex snacking on another dinosaur. And there’s always the overlook at the Mill Mountain Star in Roanoke. A giant neon star, the city lights below you…how could it go wrong? Just think of the wedding toasts that will be made…
You never know when a first date will go down in history – so start in the right place. Virginia has well over 100 places on the National Register of Historic Places and even more historic sites and towns to choose from. How about Old Cape Henry lighthouse in Fort Story? Or Gadsby’s Tavern in Old Town Alexandria? You won’t have to look far to find the right place.
There’s nothing like young love to inspire romance. And college campuses in Virginia are timeless in the romance department. The University of Virginia in Charlottesville and the College of William and Mary were ranked among the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in 2015 – so those are a great place to start. But I should warn you, William and Mary comes with a legend. If you cross the Crim Dell Bridge, then share a kiss, your love will last a lifetime. Should you break up, then sorry guys, if you want what’s best for your former love, you have to let her push you off the bridge or she will be alone forever. Please try to do the right thing.
Take a hike and make a little romance. Virginia trails offer endless possibilities for kindling…or rekindling…a spark. If you get lucky (no…not that kind of lucky, keep it clean), you might just find a waterfall along the way. Cue the romantic theme music now…
Maybe a hike is more than you’re up for, so try an overlook. But be careful. This one really depends on your desired levels of subtlety, because taking someone to a scenic overlook is about as subtle as saying your car ran out of gas. But, on the plus side, it’s a thousand times more romantic. Shown here are the overlook on Church Hill in Richmond and another amazing view from Afton Mountain.
Whether you’re looking for the right place for the first kiss or somewhere to rekindle the romance, these uniquely romantic places in Virginia are the perfect place to start. Speaking of which, there’s nothing like the first kiss. Sometimes it’s expected and sometimes it comes out of nowhere. Sometimes it’s all fireworks and romance. And sometimes it’s just plain awkward. But everyone has a story. And so we want to know about your first kiss with that special someone – at the very least, tell us a good story, even if the other person didn’t turn out to be “the one”!
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