Author: Leah
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Salem: A championship of LOVE
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…
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Bowling Green: An unwavering and historic LOVE
As I travel to my next LOVE sign, I fall into a sense of calm as I’m reminded of the quiet country roads of my youth. Where a Sunday drive could happen any day of the week, and no one would seem to mind. When entering the small-downtown, I realize that no amount of research…
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Mechanicsville: Look into your heart & you’ll find LOVE
Title is from a lyric to the song “I’m Yours” by musician and actor Jason Mraz, who was born in Mechanicsville. As I take the exit off of I-295, I am surrounded by neighborhoods both new and old, and retail businesses that most travelers would be familiar with. But under the surface, I sense something…
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VA Beach (prt 1): Sky above, sand below, LOVE within
As we drive down I-264, the road quickly turns from busy interstate, to local streets surrounded by seaside cottages and multi-story hotels in the distance. There is a buzz in the air with families walking down sidewalks with wagon’s full of beach gear and couples bicycling to a nearby destination. When I look straight ahead,…
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Amelia: Remembering LOVE and the ultimate sacrifice
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…
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Crozet: LOVing the day away
As I drive along Garth Rd, I am surrounded by beautiful rolling farmland and huge trees that are heavy with leaves, signaling the warm days of May have arrived. Their long branches create a luscious tunnel over the road which brings me a sense of peace and wonder. Like the foothills in the distance, it…
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Blackstone: Finding LOVE in a small town
As I turn onto US-460 N Main St going 25 MPH, I can’t help but look to either side of me at the historic Victorian style homes. I’m reminded of an American sitcom series based on a small southern community where everyone knows…well, everyone. I see neighbors talking in their front yards, one of which…
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Richmond – Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10k: RVA LOVES races
This is a special edition of Leah LOVES Virginia, highlighting a LOVE sign that is only displayed during the annual Ukrop’s Monument Ave 10k in Richmond. As I stand in a crowd of thousands, I can feel the excitement rolling off of everyone as we wait our turn to start. The people around me are…
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Ruther Glen: The secret ingredient is LOVE
Title is inspired by a quote from Michael Sorrentino, “The secret ingredient to every meal is love.” As I drive along I-95, I am surrounded by the hustle and bustle of other travelers headed to their next destination. There is a sense of urgency to the way everyone moves around me. But as I pull-off…
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Barboursville: LOVE near the ruins and the vineyards
As I get closer to my next LOVE sign stop, the roads I find myself on reminds me of a Robert Frost poem, with the specific line “and I – I took the one less traveled”. They wind through fields and trees with some houses scattered throughout. And when I look to the left of…