As we pull-off I-81 to find the next Virginia LOVE sign, our surroundings quickly change from busy interstate to one of large old trees, beautiful brick homes and 25-35 MPH streets. I see what looks like friends taking a stroll on the sidewalk to get a bit of sunshine while walking their dogs. While it looks like there is a lot to do and explore, it doesn’t feel cramped or overwhelming. It’s like someone opened a secret door in a crowded room, and you can’t help but stick your head in and see what’s inside.
Salem is a city located about 3 hours west of Richmond, and they have an official LOVE sign that travels around their community (make sure you confirm where it’s located before visiting). I was taking my youngest to wrestling camp at Roanoke College with some of his buddies, so I ‘convinced’ their moms to travel with me on this LOVE adventure ;). While we were there, the Salem LOVE sign was located at the Salem Civic Center, so plans were made to explore the area.
First we made sure the boys got to camp on time at Roanoke College, a private liberal arts college with “about 2,000 students from approximately 40 states and 30 countries.” One of the things I love about Virginia are the amazing colleges and universities we have. And while I’ve not attended Roanoke College personally, it certainly felt like a safe and comfortable place for the boys to stay overnight for camp, and for a student to come and learn.
Given the drive and camp check-in, us moms were ready to eat and relax a bit. Mac and Bob’s caught my eye during my research before the trip and I’m glad it did. It was the right mix of college town restaurant meets family casual dining. The menu provided a wide-variety of eats that would satisfy anyone’s hunger needs. I got the Thai Chicken bowl which was so good, that I ate it all in one sitting lol!
From there, we walked down Main Street for a bit of shopping and found some wonderful places:
Bluemoon Vintage Mercantile, a shop that hosts multiple vendors selling local goods varying from clothing, pottery, jewelry, and farmhouse style items. They also had a nice selection of paints that would support anyone’s DIY projects. Whether it’s the smell of the hand poured soaps and candles, or the look of some of the vintage trinkets, you are bound to find something you’ll love
2nd on Main, another quaint shop selling unique style home goods and gifts will have you smiling while browsing. Their website says it best…”Whether you’re searching for a charming gift, a statement piece for your home, or a nostalgic keepsake” you’ll be sure to find it there. One of the mom’s purchased gifts for her co-workers she couldn’t wait to get home with.
Charlotte’s Web Antique Mall has a little mix of everything and will have you wanting to take your time and visit every booth. Collector of vintage items? You will likely find it here – From ornaments, salt/pepper shakers, road signs, kitchen items, records, furniture and more, you will love walking through this store for all its finds. I purchased two vintage Led Zeppelin albums that I can’t wait to get on the turntable.
Before we left to make the drive back that day, we made our way to Salem’s LOVE sign at the Salem Civic Center. Did you know that Salem is known as Virginia’s Championship City? The area has hosted at least “100 championship games over the last 30 years”, some of which have been held in the Salem Civic Center. The center also hosts concerts, events and fairs, one of which is the Salem Fair which was taking place while we were there. While we didn’t stay for the event, the smell of funnel cake had me reminiscing of going to our local carnival as a little girl – a wonderful memory to be sure.
A few days later it was time for me to pick up my youngest from camp. Before checking him out, I visited the Salem Museum and Historical Society, a multi-level building set to preserve over 300 years of the area’s history. Each section provided a little something different to explore. My favorite was a room dedicated to documenting significant events and people over the multiple decades of the community – I learned so much about the area just on that floor alone. When you arrive, make sure you pull into the Oakley Field Complex parking lot, this is how I was able to find a parking spot and enter the museum.
Once I picked up my sweaty and tired son from wrestling camp, I persuaded him to join me on a tour of Dixie Caverns, a limestone show cave on the outskirts of Salem. Did you know how the caverns got its name? Two young boys in the 1920’s went looking for their missing dog and found that it had fallen in the cavern – And their dog’s name was…Dixie (how cool right?!). Tours are offered every 30-minutes year-round during the day and take about 45 minutes. You will love the names of some of the cave and limestone creations to include the piano organ, the toilet bowl, Mike Tyson and the wedding bell. It was also a great way to get out of the July heat (the cave keeps an average temperature of 55 degrees year-round).
Salem is a place to love…
Salem is an area that provides its locals and visitors with a wide array of experiences that anyone could enjoy. Where history meets modern, city meets small town, and eccentric meets conventional all in one place. It’s a community where when you think you’re done exploring, you turn a corner and there is more to be found. And the people you encounter are kind and ready to help you experience the place they love. If you’re ever out in this area of Virginia, Salem and its LOVE sign are definitely worth a visit.
A special thank you to Julie and Kaitlyn for joining me on this LOVE sign adventure. I so appreciate our mom village ♥️.
| VA ♥️ Signs Now Visited | Official VA ♥️ Signs |
| 20 | 336 |
Other points of interest in Salem
- All Sports Cafe
- Customer Originals in Stained Glass
- Grandma’s Attic
- Famous Anthony’s Restaurant
- Greenways Trails
- Salem Historic Walking Tour
- Old Salem Brewing Company
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.
Leave a Reply