From where I begin, there are nothing but back roads that take me to my next destination. In spite of winter’s chill, I see pines still standing proudly showing off their green needles as I pass. I let my mind wander and listen to the radio play while my thumb taps the steering wheel to the beat. And it hits me, this is the perfect route for a Sunday drive. So I let the turns guide me and look forward to the days where I can roll my windows down to feel the breeze as I go.
Appomattox is a town located about 1.5 hours south-west of Richmond. They have one official LOVE sign located in town. It was in Appomattox where Generals Lee and Grant came together to end the Civil War. Or as the quote on their LOVE sign states “Where our nation reunited.”
Something else that makes the sign unique is that the “O” is in the shape of a banjo. Appomattox local Joel Sweeney is known for crafting and popularizing the traditional African instrument by adding a 5th string. Which is typically how the banjo continues to be played today.
My first stop in Appomattox was a visit to the American Civil War Museum. While the location may feel remote, I was impressed with the quality of how they captured and represented many aspects of the war. There is a ‘horseshoe walk’ that starts off with a brief video sharing significant quotes from various historical figures that is informative.
As you continue your walk, there are multiple Civil War artifacts to view and wall texts that share important stages of the multi-year conflict. One exhibit includes the uniform and sword worn by General Robert E. Lee during the surrender. It was a great way for me to learn more about this significant time in our country and remember why we fought.
On my way to the main town, I find myself pulling over at this cute white house with a sign saying Nina Bell’s Cottage. This may be the most pleasantly surprised boutique store I have ventured into since starting these adventures. I fell in love with the place instantly. They offered a wonderful selection of Natural Life clothing and accessories (my favorite bohemian online store). They also had a lovely assortment of locally made soaps, oils, jewelry and cute closets full of pet swag and children’s items
I had to walk through the quaint rooms at least three times to make sure I didn’t miss anything fun. I ended up purchasing a boho wallet, a tie dye bandeau and a t-shirt with “Happy to Be Here” on the back. When I learned they also have an online presence, I knew that I was going to add that link to my favorites for future purchases.
Some of my favorite things (cue Julie Andrews) include books and music. So when I saw Baines Books and Coffee in the heart of downtown, I knew I had to check it out. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by comfy leather couches, the smell of fresh coffee, and shelves upon shelves of used and new books. They also have wooden crates filled with vinyl records and locally made pottery for purchase. I could easily see myself getting cozy with a cup of jo and a bite to eat from the cafe. It looked to be a wonderful spot to escape too and relax.
A short walk away is Railyard Restaurant and Sports Lounge, where home cooked goodness is brought right to your table. When an area is built around the railroad, I always love it when establishments incorporate it into their name and decor. Similar to other small town restaurants, it felt like a gathering place where locals enjoy both great food and the casual atmosphere. While there, I enjoyed one of the best grilled cheeses and bowls of Brunswick stew I’ve ever had. It was the perfect meal for the chilly day.
Another quick stroll will bring you to Sweet Sarah’s Bakery, where the smell of freshly baked cookies may have you thinking you’re in a grandma’s kitchen. The aroma was so good that I wanted to buy everything they had. To save on my waistline, I only left with two sprinkled sugar cookies (for my boys) and two strawberry cookies (for myself lol) – and they were amazing. I always love a local bakery and this place was no exception.
Appomattox is a place to love…
Some might say once you’ve seen a small town, you’ve seen them all. Yet Appomattox sets itself apart, with its unique histories and shops that make you happy you stopped by. It seemed to be something interesting to see or do around every little corner. If you ever find yourself south-west of Richmond, consider visiting Appomattox for a fun and easy stop.
Want to know more about Appomattox? You’ve got it.
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| Official ♥️ Signs Visited = 40 | Official VA Signs = 336 |
| Unofficial ♥️ Signs Visited = 24 | Unofficial VA Signs = 400+ |
| TOTAL VISITED = 64 | TOTAL VA Signs = 700+ |
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 everything I include in my blogs are 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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