Northern Virginia’s rich history, delicious craft beverages, and expansive outdoor spaces make it the perfect place to explore and find the LOVE on your next road trip adventure. Just miles outside of Washington D.C., sprinkled with charming small towns, breathtaking views, and unforgettable Virginia-made craft beer and wine, visitors are sure to make some unforgettable memories on the road.

There is so much to do in NOVA so we narrowed it down to fit in a perfectly scenic and breathtaking 2-day itinerary - perfect for weekend getaways in Virginia. Don't have an entire weekend? No problem, just take a day trip and save the rest for later. There is plenty of food, drink, culture, and history to be had in NOVA. Add a little LOVE to your trip and make sure to visit the iconic Virginia is for Lovers LOVE signs throughout the area. 

Day 1

Start your journey in Lovettsville, a charming town founded in 1732 by Pennsylvania Germans who first called it “The German Settlement.” While there, sip some Virginia wine at Hiddencroft Vineyards where the main tasting room is in an 1850s German farmstead. After, visit the Lovettsville Historical Society & Museum to learn about the town’s German past, its pro-Union anti-slavery roots, and a myriad of colorful local characters.

Purcellville LOVEwork sign
LOVEwork in Purcellville, VA

Continue your quest to photograph all of Northern Virginia’s LOVEwork signs with a stop in Purcellville. Inspired by Loudoun County’s lush wine country, the town’s LOVEwork sign pays homage to the 40-plus vineyards throughout the region and features local wine labels, corks, and grapes. Sip your way through the Purcellville area with stops at Sunset Hills Vineyard, Adroit Theory Brewery, and the internationally recognized Catoctin Creek Distillery. After, explore Franklin Park Arts Center, which features rotating art exhibits and performances as well as 203 acres of outdoor space to explore.

The next stop on your Northern Virginia road trip list is Historic Leesburg. Located along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD Trail), the LOVEworks sign here was inspired by the countless bicyclists who ride along the 45-mile, car-free trail. Stroll the brick-lined streets of Historic Leesburg, filled with unique shops, art galleries, and Instagram-worthy stops like the “Discover Charm” mural. Stop for a cold brew at Crooked Run or a crisp cider at Wild Hare Cider.

LOVEwork in Vienna, VA
LOVEwork in Vienna, VA

Also located along the W&OD Trail, your final LOVEwork stop of the day can be found in Vienna, Virginia. This handcrafted LOVE sign is made from metal tubing and can be found at the entrance to Northside Park, evoking a sense of community pride. Afterward, you can kick back and relax while you sip on a cold craft beer at Caboose Brewing Company’s Caboose Tavern. Spend the early evening exploring Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, home to the stunning Korean Bell Garden, or catch a nighttime live performance at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, America’s only National Park dedicated to the performing arts, or at Jammin’ Java , one of America’s top small music venues.

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Day 2

Your first stop of the day will be at Aroma II Wine Tasting Room in Haymarket. This unique wine tasting room offers a vineyard experience in the heart of Haymarket. Serving a variety of Portuguese inspired wines, guests can expect to have a unique and memorable wine tasting at this modern and rustic wine bar and tasting room. Nearby, you can find a variety of upscale consignment shops to explore, Ax throwing at The Farm Brewery at Broad Run or more wine tasting adventures at the Winery at La Grange.

LOVE Sign

Take the scenic back roads to the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia. Spend some time exploring the grounds of this former prison turned arts haven, which is home to 60+ studio artists and hundreds more exhibitors. Stay for an event or class and browse the varied galleries or gift shop for unique and handmade finds. The colorful LOVEwork, found on the campus’ main quad, represents a melting pot of culture and uses a collage of facial expressions that communicate the feeling of love.

Plan a short hike at the nearby Pohick Bay Regional Park or Mason Neck State Park, spots that offer prime kayaking, wildlife viewing, and hiking trails, or enjoy golfing and a seasonal waterpark at Pohick Bay Regional Park. Just a short drive down the road you can find George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the home to America’s first president, George Mason’s Gunston Hall, the home to the Founding Father who inspired the Bill of Rights, and Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House – two sites on the National Register of Historic Places, one of which is a Frank Lloyd Wright home.

LOVEwork at River Mill Park
LOVEwork at River Mill Park

Next, head to the Historic Town of Occoquan, where you can find the LOVE at River Mill Park. This walkable small town is nestled alongside the Occoquan River where you can find an array of art galleries, shops, and independently owned restaurants. Penguin Paddling offers kayak and paddleboard rentals for those looking for a unique way to see the sights. If you want to spend more time outside, plan an afternoon visit to the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, an ecological treasure and natural habitat of rare plant, bird, and animal species in Northern Virginia.

Complete your search for LOVE in Woodbridge. Home to the largest Outlet Mall in the region, Potomac Mills Mall, which features more than 200 brand-name and manufacturer's outlets, you can take your photo with the LOVEwork at Potomac Mills. Explore Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, where you visit a variety of unique shops and restaurants like Brew Republic Beirwerks. Learn about American History through the eyes of a U.S. Marine at the National Museum of the Marine Corps or spend the afternoon on the water at the Julie J. Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve, where visitors can hike or bike along the Neabsco Creek Boardwalk.

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For more information on other LOVEwork signs around Virginia, visit Virginia.org/love. Have you visited any of these, or other, LOVEwork spots in Virginia? Tell us about your favorites in the comments below or on social media using #FXVA, #LoveVA, and @VisitFairfax.