As I travel to my next LOVE sign, my farmer’s daughter’s heart is in awe of the fields of corn, hay and soybeans that cover the land. The landscape is spotted here and there with farmhouses with metal roofs and silos that are ready to store the future harvest. I see churches that bring me images of a time when my mom, Nana and I would sing this song together. There is a quiet, laid-back sense in the area that reminds me of where I’m from, and it feels comfortable and good.
Amelia is a rural area located under an hour south-west of Richmond, and they have a LOVE sign located outside of The Jackson Building, where the Amelia County Historical Society resides. I had never been to Amelia so I was curious what I was going to discover in the small town.
The Amelia County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization with a mission to learn and preserve the histories of Amelia County. While it was closed the day I stopped by**, it was nice to see so much effort put into maintaining the town’s historical events. I hope to make it back so I can learn more about Amelia’s rich history.
A short walk away, you’ll find Jerry’s Now & Then, a custom framing and antique shop. When entering the store, you’ll likely be greeted by Jerry himself, who has lived around the area most of his life, and has been doing custom framing and antiquing for over 20 years. The shop offered a great selection of vintage finds at great prices, and the framing Jerry had on display were intricate and beautiful. I purchased a 40+ piece set of Oneida Cobalt Blue goblets and plates I’ve been looking at a fantastic price. It was a good reminder that you can likely find unexpected treasures in unlikely places.
Next door is Eazy’s Kitchen and Bar, a restaurant that primarily serves lunch during the week and is open for dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday. After reviewing the menu and hearing the specials, I think I could come back a dozen times to try each and every one. While I really wanted the Fried Chicken & Pimento BLT, the Lobster Grilled Cheese won out and it did not disappoint (the lobster was real – no imitations found here). They also serve a nice selection of beer, wine and cocktails. The staff is friendly and the chef takes pride in what they serve (the proof is on your plate) – a wonderful place to grab a bite to eat in town.
Another short walk away is Paisley Kate, a small boutique store that sells women’s/children’s clothing, jewelry, Swig products and home decor. It is a charming place that offers trendy options that would make a special gift for a friend or treat for yourself. The store has been in Amelia for about a year and provides the area a place they can go without having to ‘leave to town.’ Something that I can relate to given where I grew up on the Eastern Shore 🙂
On the way home I visited two additional places, one being Amelia Lake, “a 100-acre impoundment located within Amelia Wildlife Management” The lake is known for its fishing to include largemouth bass, catfish, black crappie, bluegill, and sunfish. As I walked closer to the lake I was drenched in the smell of honeysuckle and the variety of birds chirping in the trees sounded almost endless. In addition to fishing, there is a single lane boat ramp and three shooting ranges for the community to use. Almost any body of water brings me joy and the amount of nature surrounding it made this place no exception.
The final, and most important stop was at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery, one of three veteran cemeteries in the state. It is a peaceful setting where the flags always fly at half mast. – “A place of honor, dignity, respect, and remembrance.” In truth, I’ve never been to a veterans cemetery, and as I viewed the numerous gravestones, it reminded me of why we celebrate Memorial Day. While I left with a heavy heart, I also left with the deepest level of appreciation for the sacrifices these men and women have made. For those we have lost serving our country, thank you for giving all to protect our freedoms. Please know, I will always remember…
Amelia is a place to love…
Amelia is a town where if you overhear neighbors passing on the street, they’ll be talking about the barbecue they’ll be seeing each other at that weekend. Where customers walk in, the owners know their name and the ‘usual’ they order. At the same time, you won’t feel like a stranger – you’ll receive a welcome smile and a “take your time, there’s no rush” kind of feeling. It is also a town that remembers those that have sacrificed everything for our country – which is so very important. If you’re ever searching for a simple and peaceful kind of place, Amelia may be the exact spot you’re looking for.
This blog is dedicated to the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country. We proudly remember you, today and always.
**A friendly reminder that when you go to new places and towns, confirm hours of operation before arriving. Particularly in small towns, it may also help to make a phone call to confirm when they take visitors. An important lesson learned for me on this trip.
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Other points of interest in Amelia:
- Dogged State Diner and Distillery
- Amelia Thrift Store
- Journey Station Restaurant
- Black Forest Haus Restaurant
- Classic Touches Home Decor
Is this your first Leah LOVES Virginia blog post read? Thank you for taking the time to visit. If you’re wondering how this adventure got started, check-out my first blog post and my about page. Want to stay connected? It’s super easy and you’ll only hear from me when a new blog gets posted. You can also follow along by friending me on my Leah LOVES Virginia Facebook page.
Important note: I always do my best to ensure anything I include in my blogs is factual and that I also give credit and use quotations when pulling information from sources. If you believe there is something included here that needs to be addressed, please email me directly as I want to be sure it is fixed. Thank you and happy LOVE sign hunting.
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