From Virginia is for lovers to an obsession with Brunswick stew, here are eight Virginia stereotypes that are actually pretty accurate.
Virginia is a diverse state with all sorts of unique and surprising attributes. However, there are certain stereotypes about the commonwealth that are actually pretty accurate. From an embrace of history to a taste for Brunswick stew, here are eight Virginia stereotypes that continue to ring true.
1. Virginia is for lovers
Virginia is for Lovers is a stereotype that certainly rings true. But what kind of lovers? The answer is all kinds!
The iconic slogan dates back to 1969, when Virginia Tourism was trying to attract young tourists, as the commonwealth was favored by older travelers at the time. Given that Virginia isn’t known for just one thing, the idea was to appeal to those who might be interested in all that Virginia has to offer, ranging from beaches to mountains, and of course, history.
Despite the concept seeming edgy at the time, a single ad in a bridal magazine touting Virginia as being for lovers with references to John Rolfe and Pocahontas, George and Martha Washington, and Thomas and Martha Jefferson started the campaign.
From there, the slogan was embraced by Virginians so much so that there are more than 300 “LOVEworks” signs, each representing a piece of Virginia culture, throughout the commonwealth today. The signs are meant to be fun backdrops for tourists to take photos with, showing where they’ve been.
2. Virginians fully embrace their historical heritage
With sites like Historic Jamestowne and Colonial Williamsburg in the commonwealth’s backyard, it isn’t surprising that Virginians fully embrace their historical heritage.
For example, Historic Jamestowne serves as the site where James Fort was established in 1607 as part of the English effort to establish a North American colony. Famously, it’s the site where Captain John Smith and Pocahontas crossed paths.
Likewise, Williamsburg holds a significant place in the history of the commonwealth and the nation. One of the first American planned cities, Williamsburg became the colonial capital after it was moved from Jamestown. Later, it served as the site where George Washington brought the Continental Army together ahead of the siege of Yorktown, which won American independence.
3. Hiking is a favorite pastime
Surprisingly, Virginia is home to 544 miles of the Appalachian Trail—more than any other state. With this in mind, it’s clear why hiking is a favorite pastime for Virginians.
The picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains serve as the perfect backdrop for both day hiking and backpacking. One of the most iconic hikes along the Appalachian Trail in Virginia is McAfee Knob. Located in the Roanoke Valley, which has more than 700 miles of hiking trails, the 8.2-mile moderate hike leads to a tilted rocky mountain platform offering views of the Catawba Valley.
4. It’s easy to forget that there’s more to Virginia than just NOVA
There’s no denying that Northern Virginia, commonly known as NOVA, has a massive impact on the commonwealth’s identity. With more than 2.6 million residents, some of the wealthiest counties in the country, and proximity to Washington, D.C., NOVA certainly earns its place as a powerhouse region.
Because of NOVA’s attributes, it’s quite easy to forget that there’s a lot more to Virginia than just the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William, and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, and Manassas Park. For example, Lee County, where the commonwealth intersects Kentucky and Tennessee, is the westernmost jurisdiction in Virginia.
5. The Cavalier-Hokie rivalry is real
With two top-notch universities and their associated sports programs, Virginians take pride in rooting for their hometown teams. However, the rivalry between the University of Virginia Cavaliers and Virginia Tech Hokies is real.
The Collegiate Times notes that the rivalry dates to 1895. Although it waned during the mid-20th century and early years of the 21st century due to different conference associations, it heated up once they both joined the same conference. The rivalry has since been dubbed the “Commonwealth Clash.”
6. Brunswick stew is the soup of choice
Chicken noodle soup and clam chowder don’t fly in Virginia, where Brunswick stew is the soup of choice. Virginia is the birthplace of the stew after all.
The stew was created in 1828 by a cook in Brunswick County who concocted it during a hunting expedition on the banks of the Nottoway River. The eclectic combination of squirrel, butter, onion, stale bread, and seasonings quickly caught on.
Although modern versions substitute squirrel with chicken, the stew is still as popular as ever in the commonwealth. Brunswick County even has a tour dedicated to different varieties of the stew.
7. Virginians love slurping oysters
Virginians love slurping oysters so much that an entire trail was dedicated to the scrumptious seafood staple. The Virginia Oyster Trail is a celebration of Virginia’s title as the oyster capital of the East Coast. In fact, the commonwealth sells more than 40 million oysters each year.
The trail highlights the eight distinct oyster regions in the commonwealth and farming and dining locations where oysters can be purchased. York River Oysters in Hayes is one of the many oyster producers that call the commonwealth home.
The love Virginians have for oysters should come as no surprise. Indigenous peoples fished oysters from the Chesapeake Bay for thousands of years. When European settlers arrived in Virginia, they also found that the bay served as a perfect breeding ground for oysters due to the mixing of freshwater from rivers and saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean.
8. Virginia Peanuts are the go-to snack
Virginians love snacking on peanuts so much that there’s even a variety called the “Virginia Peanut.” The Virginia Peanut is larger, more flavorful, and crunchier than other varieties.
Perhaps not surprisingly, Virginia was the first known North American site where peanuts were planted. Today, the commonwealth produces 26,000 acres of peanuts annually.
Whitley’s Peanut Factory in Gloucester knows how to roast Virginia Peanuts the right way, using old-fashioned methods so their distinct flavor comes through and their crunchiness is preserved.
