RICHMOND, Va. — Make a thoughtful, romantic impression and support local agriculture this Valentine’s Day with gifts that are uniquely Virginia. Whether it’s fresh flowers, chocolates, a gourmet meal or something more unique for your Valentine, you can’t go wrong with gifts from Virginia.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) recommends locally produced Virginia foods, beverages and agricultural products to delight your sweetheart this February 14. VDACS offers the following gift suggestions to impress your Valentine and support Virginia’s farmers, food and beverage entrepreneurs and the local economy.
- Fresh Flowers and Gourmet Chocolates: Fresh cut flowers and gourmet chocolates are always a Valentine’s Day favorite. Visit www.VirginiaGrown.com to search for florist, candies and other sweets near you.
- Assemble a Virginia’s Finest® gift basket: Include top-quality, Virginia-produced and processed products from the Virginia’s Finest program. The extensive selection includes delectable desserts, tasty snacks, fine beverages, flavorful meats and more. Visit www.VAfinest.com for a directory of these delicious products.
- Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant: Virginia has a growing selection of restaurants committed to supporting the Commonwealth’s farmers and agricultural products. Search www.Virginia.org/FarmtoTable for an establishment that offers regionally sourced menus.
- Explore Virginia’s wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries: Virginia continues to have a booming craft beverage scene with many locations offering tasting rooms, tours and a variety of events. Make a day of it and enjoy Virginia’s beautiful countryside. Search for local wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries at https://www.virginia.org/eatdrinklove.
- Visit a working farm: Enjoy some country air with an on-the-farm experience. Many Virginia farms offer farm tours, pick-your-own activities, historical programs and even bed and breakfast-type accommodations. Search for agritourism farms at www.VirginiaGrown.com.
- Give a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription: Enjoy an entire season of farm-fresh food and support your local farmers with a CSA subscription. Visit www.VirginiaGrown.com to search for one near you.
— Va. Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services
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