In 1969 Virginia Tourism introduced the iconic “Virginia is for Lovers” campaign. Born during the era of Woodstock, free love, and justice, this slogan has stood the test of time, and 50 years later become a symbol for inclusion and welcome. Virginia, as a tourist destination, has become the place for LOVE; and lovers of all manner of people, places, and passions. Drive by any welcome center (or other public space) and you will see LOVE signs, decorated to represent what there is to love about a particular region in Virginia, like this nod to pollinators at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

LOVE sign at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens

At Basket & Bike we are BIG lovers of Virginia, of leisurely bike rides along her pastoral paths and down her artful avenues. We love nature, picnics, and Virginia wine. So when my 50th Birthday rolled around on July 28, I knew summer was the perfect time for Basket & Bike to align with Virginia Tourism to celebrate 50 Years of LOVE and announce a pretty spectacular promotion! Keep reading to find out more.

These photos below are from my 50th Birthday “Palate Picnic” this past Sunday at Upper Shirley Vineyards. Good friends Beth Norfleet and Mary Yvonne Faulkner, owners of Palate Picnics with whom we craft our custom Picnic Rides, along with dear friend Mary Kathryn Woodward and my friends at Upper Shirley, treated me to a 50th Birthday Picnic along the banks of the James River. It was beautiful, peaceful, and relaxing. What a special day and one I will always treasure. Look at those fun favors and decorations, including the African Black Soap from Afram Stone, friend Mavis Asare's local business, for all our guests.

Upon hearing the Virginia is for Lovers slogan would be 50 years old in 2019 I wanted to do something big to keep the party going. I’ve always liked that I was born the summer of 1969. It felt cool to be born eight days after the lunar landing; to be the youngest of five with two much older “hippie brothers” strumming their guitars and my sister, eighteen years my senior, wearing bell bottoms and platform shoes. Their music was my music, and they were my icons.

So with a big thank you to them and to my mom for all the wonderful birthday parties she threw for me, I’m celebrating my 50th birthday and the Virginia is for Lovers 50th Anniversary by offering 50 days of specials with Basket & Bike excursions. From August 1 through the first day of fall, September 20, book our Signature Ride at Upper Shirley Vineyards or our Discover Downtown Richmond Tour for just $50pp. Use code “50love” to experience a leisurely day on a “bike with a basket” and rekindle your love for Virginia and the lessons she shares. Learn about the cultures, from our indigenous ancestors to the countless other people who have found love on these shores, and hear about a river that continues to echo with promise and renewal. Join us and Ride • Savor • Connect along the Virginia Capital Trail, with a snack in your basket, the freedom of the bike in your legs, the promise of Upper Shirley wine at the finish, and sing a big old HAPPY BIRTHDAY to LOVE.

“I have decided to stick to love...Hate is too great a burden to bear.” ...Martin Luther King, Jr

To celebrate 50 Years of LOVE, Virginia Tourism is offering specials and events all year long. You can tap into any of them by checking out the calendar of events here. We live in a social media culture where its easy to share a heart icon but the essence of true LOVE for all mankind, for kindness, decency and a devotion to doing our part for a better world requires us to take up our own little corner of the tapestry and weave a bit of connection.

Use ‘50love’ for $50 Excursions this weekend, and through September 20, when you book our signature ride, discover downtown RVA, or full day bike rentals on www.basketandbike.com

With love from Virginia,

Anne

PS For $50 off a custom Picnic Ride like my 50th Birthday Picnic at Upper Shirley contact us and say 50Love before September 20!

Birthday Cookie on James River Map napkin from the Palate Picnics